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The review copy was provided by
WarWheels sponsor
Casemate Publishers.
Background
This
review is of the new book released by Pen & Sword Books
Ltd entitled “Building a WWII Jeep, Finding, Restoring
and Rebuilding a Wartime Legend” and authored by Sean
Dunnage. The book is in English.
It's a "labor of love" volume telling the story of the
restoration of a WW2 Jeep from start to end. The book is
divided into the following chapters:
1. Before Starting Your Restoration
2. Identifying Your Jeep
3.
Rebuilding the Chassis & Drive Train
4.
Engine sub-sections
5. Drivers
Controls
6. Engine Start Up
7. The Body
8.
Wiring: The Electrical System
9.
The Fuel System
10. The Jeep Console &
Firewall
11. The Final Details
Photograph/Illustration Quality and Selection
The many color
photographs (exact count in the 'Basic Item Information'
section of this review) are of the highest quality and
perfectly printed. This is the best photo quality I have
seen in a book to date, truly remarkable. The Technical
Manual drawings are OK. Some, but not all, are slightly
blurry/fuzzy. But overall, they do the job. The
photos and illustrations are perfectly integrated within
the story and one can see much care was taken in the
selection process.
Book Quality
This edition is in hardback
format of 9.5” x 6.5”.
Contents
It's not an
easy book to review, because it is so many things at the
same time. One might initially assume it's only a "how
to" reconstruction manual directed toward military
vehicles restorers. However, it is so much more
than that.
In a way, it reminds me of
the documentary series you watch on TV or cable, showing
the restoration of a vehicle from being a total wreck to
a perfect show-worthy, award winning state. Those series
are fascinating viewing even if you're not a restorer,
MV collector or even mechanically inclined. This volume
has that kind of appeal.
It reads like
the captivating narrative of a 4-year real life
adventure. I immediately related to the author, a bit
like you would identify with the main character of a
novel. I think this works because the story is told so
well. Sean Dunnage is being very candid about his
experiences and choices; for example trying to build
what he calls a “motor pool Jeep” (e.g. A vehicle
serviced and repaired with what was at hand in an army
maintenance unit in the field ; as opposed to a Jeep
that would be 100% factory fresh). You live with him.
You experience all the hurdles, the problems and their
eventual resolution. The small victories and
ultimately the satisfaction of the completed project
almost seem personal to the reader.
At
the same time, you get a complete education: an intimate
knowledge of all the components that make up a wartime
Jeep. As a modeler, I found that especially interesting
and useful. This aspect of the book will
definitely help me better understand the construction of
my future 1/35th modeling hobby Jeep projects and enable
me to add many unique and authentic details.
As for
vintage military vehicle restorers, they will love the
inspiration but also the practical aspects: they will
learn a number of techniques and get many useful tips.
These include, how to source parts, getting the perfect
tools for the job and where to look for help, reference
and advice when the need arises.
Conclusion
This book is
a well-written, engaging opus which is on the level of a
documentary series. It is a manual and a reference
handbook rolled up into one. Kudos to publisher Pen &
Sword Military for making this title happen, because it
is a bold unconventional editorial decision that pays
off massively in the end. This book will be a welcome
addition to the library of modelers, Jeep fanatics,
military vehicles enthusiasts, restorers and collectors.
Recommendation: “A Must Have"
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