Tanks at the Iron Curtain 1946–60: Early Cold War armor in Central Europe

A good solid basic introduction to the tanks of the earlier phases of the Cold War. Nothing particularly spectacular or revelatory but certainly worth having in your collection.

Rehashed stuff, nothing new, a bit of a let down.

At the conclusion of the Second World War in Europe, the military situation rapidly transitioned to a new face-off between former allies. The utility of tanks had been firmly established, and both sides sought to adapt existing models to a potential new conflict. The result was an arms race in tank technology that would last for decades (and is expected to be covered in this and two follow-on Osprey publications).The author provides a concise account of the competition, supported by lots of period photographs and modern illustrations. Stocks of World War II tanks were the initial basis for both sides. As the author relates, technologic innovation tended to be incremental rather than dynamic, and prompted by concerns the other side was ahead. The account includes adaptations for a possible nuclear battlefield. Well recommended to students of tank warfare as a brief but interesting introduction to the particular time period.

Another of Zaloga's excellent books. This one covers a period that many have ignored and has tanks that many will not be familiar with (M103, ARL44 and T44 for instance). Good reference for modelers as well.

Not a heck of a lot of writing on this particular time period.Some good background and "what if" scenarios. Also some good references for models building of that time period as well.