Tiger Tank (Icon)

Tiger Tank (Icon) delves deep into the history and operation of the German Tiger I, the most feared battle tank of the Second World War. Renowned for its formidable 8.8cm gun and impenetrable defensive armour, the Tiger I was a technological marvel and a behemoth on the battlefield. This meticulously researched book offers readers an unprecedented look at the experience of acquiring, owning, and operating one of these iconic fighting machines, through the unique lens of the UK's Tank Museum's Tiger 131 – the only Tiger I in the world restored to full running order.

Through detailed descriptions and vivid historical context, the book provides an insightful exploration into the maintenance and driving of the Tiger I. Readers are transported back to wartime Germany, with personal recollections from German tank crewmen who operated this 57-ton giant in combat. These firsthand accounts bring the harsh realities of tank warfare to life, making the book a compelling read for history enthusiasts and military aficionados alike.

Authored by a team of experts directly involved in the strip-down and rebuild of the Tiger I at the Tank Museum, the book combines academic rigour with practical insights. David Fletcher, a historian, prolific author, and world expert on tanks, joins forces with David Willey, a curator with extensive knowledge of military vehicles, and Mike Hayton, the workshop manager responsible for the restoration project. Other contributors include volunteers Darren Hayton and Stevan Case, Mike Gibb of the SdKfz Military Vehicle Foundation, and David Schofield, a specialist in forensic science.

The collaboration of these experts results in an authoritative resource that not only covers the mechanical aspects of the Tiger I but also delves into the strategic and historical significance of its use during the war. Each section of the book is rich with diagrams, photographs, and detailed descriptions that offer a comprehensive understanding of what made the Tiger I such a formidable presence on the battlefield.

Originally published in a larger manual format, the Icon titles have now been reproduced in a smaller, more accessible size while retaining all the valuable information. Tiger Tank (Icon) is an essential addition to the collection of any military history enthusiast, model builder, or anyone fascinated by the engineering feats of the Second World War.