Finished: 15mm Grille H and K platoons

Hi folks,

Continuing on with my German Gepanzerte SS-Panzergrenadierkompanie project for 12SS in Normandy, I finished a couple of self-propelled infantry gun platoons. 

A long time ago, I was given a singe '15cm Schweres Infanteriegeschütz 33/1 auf Selbstfahrlafette 38(t) (Sf) Ausf. M' (Grille Ausf. K) self propelled infantry gun. I later added to this single vehicle with another, giving me a unit of two. I also ignored the v3 requirements to have command and spotter vehicles in the unit. 

A little later, I discovered that the v3 Atlantik Wall book seemed to indicate that 12th SS actually had '15cm Schweres Infanteriegeschütz 33 (Sf) auf Panzerkampfwagen 38(t) Ausf. H' (Grille Ausf. H) self propelled infantry guns. Different looking versions of the same vehicle, effectively. At that time, Battlefront had released a new kit for this, so I picked up a couple. 

Being unclear as to which version the unit would have been equipped with, I did both. For the record, I have found mention of Grille Ks being issued to the unit during the fighting in Normandy, and they may have been equipped with the older Grille Hs before the invasion. So both might be correct!

First up, the two Grille H vehicles. 

Then the two Grille K vehicles. 

All four were painted in a similar style to my other half-tracks, with different camo patterns. Decals came from Skytrex and Doms Decals (old ones I still had). Light foliage camo has been added, as has some dust weathering. Crews still to be added at a later date. 

Hull numbers are in the 514-515 and 524-525 ranges for these.  

Finished: 15mm PSC Sd.kfz. 251/16D Armoured Flame-Thrower platoon

Hi folks,

Another catch up blog post - this time back to my German half-track project. These are Plastic Soldier Company (PSC) 15mm Sd.kfz. 251D half tracks, with the PSC upgrade kit applied to turn them into the 251/16D models. This involves an upgrade to the internals to include fuel tanks and fuel pump, as well as crew figures dressed in flame proof clothing and armed with flame-throwers. 

I've applied the usual decals, with hull numbers in the range 621-626 (making these part of the III/26 SS Panzergrenadiers 6th company - the pioneer company). I used Skytrex decals for the hull sides, Doms Decals for the crosses. Given the placement of other items on the hull, I didn't have room for my other usual markings.

I've again gone for a different camo scheme, using the same colours. Scorch/soot marks were added to the hull sides where the weapons would likely have been firing (flaming?). 

Another set of boxes completed on my project planning sheet! 

Since completing these, I moved on to painting the half-track tow vehicles for the 4th (heavy support) company's 75mm A/T guns, as well as the SP artillery from the 5th company. These are approaching completion, and I've begun working on the 251/9 (stummel) half-tracks. 

So only 18 out of 46 planned vehicles still to go, and six of those 18 are started...!

In other news, a new project has turned up - Team Yankee Dutch:

Finished: Battlefleet Gothic - retro style

Hi folks,

Attempting to catch up on my entries posted to to the AHPC blog. I've recently finished some more half-tracks, but prior to those I spent some time painting some models I've had for a long time!

I was a massive fan of both Epic 40,000 and Battlefleet Gothic when they came out - to me, that was the heyday of GW and my favourite time to pick up White Dwarf each month hoping for more cool battle reports and group shots of fleets/armies. 

I had a decent collection of BFG minis, which were sold around 15 years ago as I hadn't done anything with them. Fairly quickly I had sellers regret, and slowly started to pick up miniatures in order to regain my lost fleet. I've ended up with quite a haul of models, mainly 2nd hand at bring and buys or from eBay. However, these models have been left unattended - mainly as indecision and concern over how to paint them stopped any progress. 

Something I have to fight on a regular basis, if I'm honest. 

Anyway, as part of the challenge this year, one of the bonus rounds covered 'Space Opera', so I decided it was time to do something about some of these models. 

Now, two of the 'light' cruisers pictured above are actually reconditions Ork hulks:

These were rebuilt with the loving care and attention only the cold metal appendages of the Adeptus Mechanicus can show, using resin prows obtained from eBay and a bit of elbow grease. 

In true Battlefleet Calixis fashion these four vessels were immediately assigned to Passage Watch 27-Est. Mainly due to the very traditionally minded admirals of Battlefleet Calixis having no idea what to do with these unusual ships.

A light carrier and long range patrol vessel, the Retribution (below) comes equipped with a fighter and bomber wing. It carries extensive stores to allow for long deployments, and following its long service as an Ork pirate vessel has a reputation for being able to sniff out other ships at long ranges and accelerate into action with uncommon zeal. It's wings of strike craft are the bane of many pirate groups, who's raider ships have no easy counter to them. Meanwhile, the other two hulls provided the Imperial Navy 'Scout' Cruisers, one of which is named 'His Vengeance' (shown above). 'His Vengeance' is seen escorted by Cobra Destroyers from the 'Wrath of Saint Drusus' squadron (also shown above). 

Some of the vessels are non-GW ships (the large transport vessel shown below), bought from eBay. However the smaller transport ships are GW originals - these provide logistical support (and scenario objectives):

Also in this fleet is the Dauntless light Cruiser 'Aegis'. This vessel is based on one featured within one of the RPG adventure books 'The Frozen Reaches' which sees the players coming to the aid of a forgotten Imperial colony under attack from Orks, supported by a single Imperial Navy ship.  The Aegis is shown alongside alongside four Sword class frigates detached from 'Triumph Squadron':

I painted these ships up in as close an approximation to 'Battlefleet Calixis' from the old Rogue Trader RPG game. Technically forming part of 'Passage Watch 27-Est'. This standing force patrols the unexplored reaches of the Koronus expanse and guards the narrow safe route back to 'civilised' space. The force also has a secret role in guarding a warp gate to another distant part of the galaxy where an Imperial Crusade is being fought. 

This long standing detachment was often nicknamed 'Battlefleet Koronus', and attracted many of the ships not suited to 'traditional' Battlefleet tactics. I decided to paint up at least some of my imperial ships using the scant information available about this fleets paint scheme, and to add bits and bobs fitting their long range patrol and protection theme. 

These were painted with the red prow and yellow/gold trim, in true 1990's style. Most of the artwork available seems to show a blueish hull colour, which I duplicated using 'French Mirage Blue'. 

I do have a lot more to do with this collection, but now I've started I intend to chip away at it. I really enjoyed painting these - they were simple but look just how I wanted them to. A brief flashback to my teenage years staring with envy at the ships pictured on glossy pages!