An absolute must see book for ET mappers...

(bsimser) #1

I was in the bookstore today looking for some research material (yes, I’m THAT dedicated to ET mapping) and found the absolute perfect resource for any mapper.

Fortress Third Reich: German Fortifications and Defense Systems in World War II is an incredible book that talks mainly about the German Fortifications of WW2 (bunkers, etc.) but it contains over 200 technical drawings (floorplans, 3d cutaway views, etc.), 20 or so maps and dozens of photos of the buildings.

If you’re building anything for ET this is the absolute best resource.

I can’t justify purchasing it for $60 CDN right now (even though it is a cool book) but it might appear in WW2 book clubs or even libraries. If you can find it, check it out as the drawings are an absolute must for doing great bunkers and fortifications for ET mapping.

You can find the Amazon link here:

The artist for the drawings is Robert M. Jurga who apparently is very popular in European books. Being on this side of the Atlantic I haven’t seen anything with his work in it, but if it’s the quality and content that this book is then he’s another great resource for mapping drawings.

EDIT: There’s also another book called “Fortress Europe: European Fortifications of World War II” which you can find here:

Enjoy and keep on mapping!

(niko) #2

i’m canadian too…

was it at coles?

i am obsessive compulsive and might spend that much on it…

(bsimser) #3

The first book, Fortress Third Reich is new and should be at Coles (I’m in Calgary so it’s available at Indigo/Chapters out here, but they’re all the same chain). I’m going out to hunt for the second book as it was released last November and should be available in paperback. If you’re in T.O. then Worlds Biggest Bookstore would definately have it (I’m assuming they still have that store there but it’s been a few years since I lived there). There’s always Amazon.com if you want to wait a few days for shipping.

(redfella) #4

Bookstores and libraries are obviously a great resource for inspiration, reference and idea-finding. I often go out to the local borders to look at various books that may help me w/ mapping.

:chef:

The book that u mentioned sounds nice… I’ll definately check it out next time I’m out.

(hummer) #5

Sweet ass.

I’m buying this today. I have a $40 gift certificate at Powells which I’ve been waiting for something like this to use on.

(Fluffy_gIMp) #6

Great stuff, it’s always good to see the collection of quality reference.
We’ve got tonnes of WW2 books here in the office (as you might imagine) some good some bad.

We have “Fortress Europe” which is not bad, there some nice bunker plans and schematics. There’s a fair wack of text in there, which is all very interesting but what you really want is pictures right?

We also have “Hitler’s Atlantic Wall” which was one of the main references for SeaWall, it’s got quite a lot of bunker pictures if that’s what you are after.

There’s also a collection of “Schiffer Military History” books which are great but quite hard to find, they have tonnes of pictures on a wide range of topics so it might be worth looking for them in specialized shops.

-Fluffy_gIMp

(BXpress) #7

one question:
are there technical drawings of the Remagen bridge? :smiley:

(Fluffy_gIMp) #8


here’s a plaque drawing :slight_smile: But tbh it wouldn’t surprise me if there was a book devoted to it somewhere.

-Fluffy_gIMp

(BXpress) #9

thx, fluffy, this plate is on the front of the towers in Remagen:D
there are 3 other plaquets :cool:

(bsimser) #10

Well I broke down and picked up this (IMHO) gem of a book. 60$ CDN is a lot of payola to lay down for a hobby but hey, it’s only money right?

Here’s a sample diagram of a bunker. There’s plenty more so if you’re really interested check it out in the bookstore or your local library. Click on the image for a full sized pic (150dpi scan). Like I said, I think this is an invaluable resource for mappers who want to maintain accuracy with real-world fortifications.

No pics of the bridge as it wasn’t really a fortification which the book is focused on. There are however plenty of books I found on the Market Garden offensive with plenty of info. There’s also a plethora of sites with detailed drawings and photos on it. Google is your friend.

(hummer) #11

Yeah… I almost bought it but I didnt think there was enugh tehre for $40… I think I’ll go to the library and get it though :slight_smile:

(Stektr33) #12

thx bsimser, I think I’ll probably get it since I lack imagination and my creativity isn’t well-honed. Oh and plus, I want realistic structures :banana:

w00t