The Strabokran gantry cranes were an indispensable tool for maintaining the new Tiger and Panther tanks and Elefant tank hunter near the front line. Another use of the gantry crane was, from 1944, with the Division z.V. for loading and unloading of delivered A4 (V2) rockets onto the ‘Vidalwagen’ or ‘Meillerwagen’ launching trailers.

For the first time, this fascinating gantry crane’s development history is documented, with patent applications, as well as its use in action with the Panzer-Werkstattkompanien, engineering units, and Division z.V., based on original documents and many pictures. Seen for the first time is a complete series showing the removal and replacement of a Panzer turret and other uses.

By drawings and close-up photos, a comparison of 15t and 16t Strabokran shows the differences between both gantry crane types. Also included for modellers is a detailed set of drawings of all Strabokran variants in 1/35 scale. Two hundred fifty-six pages, more than 240 images, contemporary and close-up pictures of survivors, mostly printed in large format, tables, patents, K.St.N., and scale drawings.

Chapters

• Acknowledgement

• Introduction

• Company History J.S.Fries

• Strabokran and variants

• ‘Operation Backfire’ report

• Strabokran in action

• Rarities

• K.St.N. – Listed a Strabokran

• Patent applications and patents

• Survivors

• 16t Strabokran walkaround

• Appendix

Authors:Volker Ruff
Language:English/German
Pages: 256
Photos: 240+. 1/35th scale plans
Physical: Hardcover, 300x245mm, landscape