While researching Panzer Tracts No.16-1, the Panzer Tracts team made important discoveries.
The history of the Bergepanther was challenging to unravel: first, there was a lack of clarity in the original German documentation; second, the Allies were only interested in the vehicle equipped with the 40t winch and associated spade. Now, Panzer Tracts can reveal a much more complete story of the Bergepanther, which was essential to the functioning of Panther and Tiger units.
Besides the Ausf.A & G, they found three different versions converted from the turretless Pz.Kpfw.Panther chassis! Two were new vehicles, while the final one was rebuilt from large numbers of Panther Ausf.D in a previously undocumented factory. Between 25% and 30% of all Bergepanthers were turretless Panther chassis.
Hundreds of hours were spent measuring surviving vehicles and drawing at full-scale to create accurate as-built drawings. This 78 page Panzer Tracts book is the ultimate primary source reference on the Bergepanther, with 21 pages of 1:35 scale drawings and 80 clear, large-format photos, many of which are seen for the first time.
Furthermore, this book can be considered the best reference for 1:35 scale Bergepanther model kits.