‘Sherman Tank – Haynes Owners’ Workshop Manual’ by Pat Ware – reviewed by Sympathetic_Reaction

So my second Haynes Owners’ Workshop Manual to review has arrived, I’m actually quite nervous as the last one was impressive, and I’m not disappointed. This is a great historical look at one of the most influential tanks ever produced. The technical aspects of its production, operation and use are in wonderful detail. Luckily for the author, and us readers, there seems to be a huge source of photos of many of the variants, in both historical and modern use, this means lots of aspects of the text can be backed up with a relevant image.

The amount of information is staggering, details of every model number, the weapons mounted, the changes in design through the years and the many in-service ‘bodges’ are all there for the enthusiast to peruse. I have to say I am not a specialist on this vehicle so I can’t vouch for the accuracy of the information but its quantity is enough to provide hours of interesting reading.
In addition to all the historical information this Owner’s Manual includes the one thing the last one I reviewed didn’t – information on owning, restoring and maintaining your own Sherman Tank. Okay so we aren’t diving into the details of lightbulb changing, but the key components are there, what to keep in mind before buying, daily checks and long term maintenance, the major restoration issues you will come across. It even has a list of parts suppliers in the back!!

I’ve been trying to find a negative, but to be honest I can’t, if tanks are your thing – and lets be honest it’s not a book you pick up if they aren’t – then this is a great source and a brilliant read. I’m too cruel to give it full marks but it gets a very impressive 4.5 Mr. Mushroomheads from me and inline with its American roots probably read with a bourbon and a Cuban cigar.