M2 M3 American Half Tracks of the Second World War 1st Edition by Robert Jackson 9781526746566 1526746565

A history of these versatile vehicles, with photos and useful information for modelers.   Among the most successful armored vehicles produced by American industry—known as the Arsenal of Democracy—during the Second World War were the M2 and M3 half-tracks. They served on every battlefront and were as recognizable as other famous American wartime vehicles like the Sherman and the Jeep, and around 40,000 were produced between 1941 and 1945.   They were easy to assemble, operate and maintain, and their versatility allowed them to fulfill a variety of purposes. This volume traces the design, development, and manufacturing history of the M2/M3 and describes its operational role within the Allied armies. A selection of archive photographs showing the M2/M3 in action gives a graphic impression of how adaptable these vehicles were and records the range of equipment they could carry. The book is also an excellent source for the modeler, providing details of available kits, together with specially commissioned color profiles demonstrating how the M2/M3 used by different units and armies appeared.