Finished: Two 1:144 scale Spitfire IX

Hi folks,

Playing catchup on completed work again - figured I should get these done before my 2023 roundup post in a few weeks. 

These models are some long time lead pile lurkers - mainly as I was lacking in confidence in how to do them justice. The models are 1:144 scale Battlefront resin and metal kits (ACO13 for those interested) representing Spitfire IX fighter-bombers (commonly referred to as Spitbombers). Battlefront originally released these as part of the v3 'Road to Rome' allied book - possibly back in 2016?

Anyway, I'd picked up a pair of them over time - with the intention of doing some Spits for my Normandy games. 

I'll say here and now that I don't consider myself to be a modeller per say - I build stuff to play games with - so these are no perfect replicas. However, as much as I hand painted the stripes and undoubtedly bodged the markings and the likes, I'm pretty happy with these. 

The two models are armed with bombs, machine guns and cannon. They seemed to have been used in a divebombing role, which they were apparently unsuited for. The Spitfire IX (mk.9) was initially a re-engined Spitfire Vc - rushed into service due to huge RAF losses caused by the German introduction of the FW190. When development of the Spitfire moved on, the Spitfire IX's were relegated to other roles, such as divebombing and ground support. 

I nicked the flight stands for my Team Yankee SU25s, as I like to use the taller flight stands. 

Finished: 15mm LAD diorama, Snipers and Radio Truck

Hi folks,

Another week, another catch up post on my own blog. After shifting some BFG models off the painting shelf, I moved on to some WW2 bits that had been hanging around there for far too long. Specifically, some 15mm Battlefront metal figures I was going to use to fill out my missing sniper teams, a radio track and some other 3d printed vehicles I'd picked up with some vague idea about doing another little diorama esq large base. 

With a little work, I got everything done and cleared. The LAD base was done, which also served as my last entry for the AHPC13 Studio Challenge. 

The LAD set uses a 3d printed 'Gantry Lorry' and an Austin Tilly van, as well as a spare CDSW truck that was languishing with some damage in my bits box. The 3d printed models came from Battlefield3d. 

I also used three Battlefront British infantry figures to represent men working around an axle and manning the Gantry Lorry. As the setup looked a little bare, I also added some scatter - in the form of supplies, tyres, barrels, crates and a make shift workbench with tools and a toolkit. I also added some stowage to the vehicle being repaired. 

The LAD vehicles are marked up with decals for 154 Brigade Workshop, 51st Highland Division. The Morris CDSW is marked up as belonging to 40th Royal Artillery Light AA Regiment (another 51st Highland Division unit). 

The REME decals came from Skytrex - although the resolution is such that I couldn't make out the number on them. I also used Skytrex decals for my Highland Division markings, as my Doms Decals sheet has finally given up the ghost. The AA unit decal was a Doms Decal offering, as were some of the bridging weights. Vehicle registration numbers are a mix of Doms and I-94. Allied stars are a mix of Battlefront and Doms Decals. 

All three vehicles have unit markings front and back, registration numbers and recognition stars. 

I'm afraid I did make a conscious artistic decision not to paint the 'mikey mouse' type black camo that these vehicles might have had - both for sanity and aesthetic reasons. My usual over highlighting is done using Mig Dio Paint - Medium Green. 

I used a similar paint and decal scheme for the radio truck, a Fordson WOT2D. This model has been marked up as a signals truck from 51st HD signals regiment, again using a mix of decals. No specific plans for this model, I just liked the idea of having some radio trucks!

And then a few sniper teams to give each of my infantry companies three bases - not that they are used in v4. 

When I last had the opportunity to parade my four infantry companies, I realised I was missing some sniper teams (an option from 3rd Ed of Flames of War). I was aware that the infantry battalions of 51st Highland Division had a sniper/scout platoon as part of the Support Company. These bases now give me enough to have three sniper teams per company, or a platoon of 13 bases plus an HQ. 

Finished: 15mm battalion HQ teams and Command Post

Hi folks,

Playing catch up on stuff I've finished and posted on the AHPC blog in the last two weeks. 

As I've enough British infantry for Flames of War to make a whole infantry battalion, I decided I needed some models to act as a higher level commander and 2ic. I also had a vague idea about some sort of command post diorama. 

While priming the various officer figures I had selected, one broke at the ankles. When I went looking for an alternative, I came across an old Battlefront resin command post model I had been gifted some time ago. I decided to make it look a big busier, add some clutter and make this into the CP model. I also completed a Battlefield3d Bedford MWR Radio Truck. 

The battalion commander is on a medium sized FoW base, just to make him stand out. 

While the CP didn't need basing due to the nature of the model. 

The CP model features a radio operator which was sculpted into the model, a peter pig table which came pre-detailed (I added a BF radio), a spare MMG ammo feed kneeling chap, a radio operator on a stool, an officer figure pointing and a runner 'arguing' (I think the runner figure is a rifleman from BF's old Commonwealth infantry set), as well as a 'guard' figure. I added bits of stowage from various sources, some radio aerials and a signpost (with decals for the unit and for a casualty clearing post). 

The radio truck is marked up in the 51st Highland Division's signals regiment markings. 

I think I've scratched my itch for tabletop representations of the command elements of the unit at this stage. I had thought it would be cool to have figures for the chaplain and medical officer, however I've nothing in the stash that would work for these, and it's tricky finding suitable 'non-combat' 15mm figures. Plus the medical officer is probably represented on the first aid post I painted years ago. 

    

Finished: 15mm logistics vehicles from Battlefield3d

Hi folks,

With this years Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge now well and truly rolling, my first entry this year was not - as I had planned - half-tracks. 

Instead, I painted up three of the recently acquired 3d printed models that were sitting on the painting shelf. These models have been decaled up as supply vehicles from 'A' echelon, 144RAC. 

These are (from left to right) a CMP F60 Lorry, a CMP 60L Water Tanker, and a CMP 60L Petrol Tanker. Vallejo bottle for some scale. 

When I saw that these models were available in resin print form, I knew I had to get some in order to represent the 'A' Echelon' troops of 144th battalion, Royal Armoured Corps. Each tank battalion was divided into three echelons, F, A and B. 

'F' echelon represented the fighting element and vehicles of the unit, which would go into battle. 'A' echelon represented vehicles and men which were needed to look after the immediate needs of the battalion - providing rations, fuel, ammunition, cooking facilities, etc. 'B' echelon represented vehicles and men normally deployed further from the fighting and looking after long term stores, admin and repairs. 

Often overlooked, the 'A' echelon troops often had an extremely dangerous and hard job, keeping the tanks supplied and traversing perilous roads, often at night in black out conditions which carrying dangerous cargos. The tanks may have been leaguered for the night at the forefront of the advance, miles beyond the previous front lines with very little in the way road security or protection offered to those brining forward supplies - possibly under fire. 

I added 'mickey mouse' style camo to the ammo lorry, just for some visual interest. It's a real bugger to paint, but I'm happy with how it came out. The models have the usual selection of decals, and are based in my standard fashion. I did place them a little back on the bases, however, in an effort to protect the front bumpers - these 3d prints are very brittle. 

These models will see service on the games table as set dressing, objectives or some other specific mission. They have the markings of 33 Armoured Brigade and 144RAC. For the challenge, this entry netted me 24 points (towards my 250 point target...). 

Finished: 15mm AVRE Fascine (PSC and S&S Models)

Hi folks,

Completing my years roundup earlier this month made me realise I had finished at least one model I hadn't posted - so for completeness sake, I'm doing that now. 

This was another PSC plastic Churchill kit with a Fascine conversion kit purchased from S&S Models. I'd previously completed one such vehicle back in November 2016 (see here). However with the large D-day game we had planned in August 2021 I decided I should have another, so that I could land two breaching groups.

Of course, the painting technique used doesn't match the older painted version. 

2016 version on the left, 2021 version on the right

Looking at the pictures of them side by side, I prefer the look of the 2016 model! But on a 17' by 6' table, the newer technique stands out a lot more and looks fine. That's the problem with looking at our hobby via a camera lens! To eye, the 2016 just looks dull and bland - a green blob!

At the same time I painted the new fascine layer, I also painted up two more standard AVREs - one shown here alongside its cousin. 

I did go a lot lighter on the stowage of the fascine carrier. Having dug these models out, I also realised that I had details to finish. The radio aerial was missing from the fascine tank, a tank commander is missing from the gun tank, etc. I'll spend a little time this week getting these minor things sorted before they get packed away again. 

Currently the collection included two armoured D7 dozers, a Churchill SBG layer, two fascine layers and 4 plain AVREs. Plus five Sherman Crabs. I may add some other bits in the future, as there are more options available via 3d printing. Perhaps a Churchill Ark or something!

Finished: 15mm Skytrex Sherman ARV

Hi folks,

This is another lead mountain lurker that made it's way to the front of the queue as I tried to finish off my Polish 24th Lancers squadron. I've still the Stuarts to do, but they will be up next I think. 

I picked this up from Skytrex a while back (years ago) and it's a decent enough model. Reasonably detailed and not fiddly to put together. As I was painting other Shermans at the time, I got it knocked out fairly quickly. Pretty redundant in game terms now, but a cool model and part of the historic OOB. 

Finished: 15mm Battlefront Churchill AVRE (plus extras)

Hi folks,

On Sunday we had our long awaited WW2 mega game, our first since January 2020. Using our using mix of modified v4 Flames of War. More to follow soon, once I can get some sort of battle report done. 

In the run up to this game, I've been feverishly painting extra bits and bobs. This included a couple of Churchill AVRE, using the Battlefront plastic kit. I did add some extra bits, in the form of S&S Models AVRE side fittings along with stowage from a number of different sources. 

I had planned for one of these to mount an S&S Models fascine conversion kit, however I realised I had a spare PSC Churchill hull from a 2nd hand bulk buy a while back. More on that later. I had wanted another pair of AVREs in order to be able to put two 'breaching teams' on the table for the D-Day game, which worked out rather well. 

The Battlefront models go together fairly easily. I felt detail was a bit lacking on the Petard, as it's just smooth. I felt drilling it out myself would have been risky. When putting the kits together I also had issued getting the top hull to sit snugly without adding some pressure till the glue dried. Something to look out for if you do any of these yourself. 

The paint job, while rushed, stuck to my most recent method of base coating, washing, dry brush highlight, tidy up with the base colour and then do details. Two aerials for the command tank, which is also awaiting a crew figure to make it easy to pick out on the table. 

I may do a post in the future showing all my engineering tanks off, and some size comparisons between BF metal and resin, Plastic and PSC Plastic tanks. 

Finished: 15mm Sherman DD's

Hi folks,

Another bit of a delay from my last blog post, but work has been continuing on a series of beach landing based projects. This has kept me busy, but working on multiple things at once has meant that I've not actually finished anything yet. 

First to the finish line, after my AVRE's were delayed due to some last minute stowage additions, are the five Sherman DD tanks. 

I've six of these painted already, so these chaps take me to eleven total for the squadron. I've used some birthday money to buy another four, but two are on back order currently. When they all arrive, I should have a full squadron of these. 

They are 15mm Battlefront models, and are M4A1 based Duplex Drive Shermans. Unfortunately, this is the wrong version of Sherman DD's for the Brits/Canadians, who used the M4A4 hull for theirs. However, I'm not keen on the Peter Pig or Skytrex representations of these tanks, so I stuck with the incorrect but nicer sculpted Battlefront model. 

Sticking with the same these as the previous batch, I've gone with a sandy 'beach' base rather than my usual basing technique. I have been tempted to add some grass tufts, but tried this previously and was unhappy with the look. As these are, they match in with Dave's DD tanks. 

Highlighting was done to my current method, which made me go back and update the previously painted tanks to have the same garish style. These look odd close up, but much better at tabletop distances. Decal wise, I've only gone with a star on the turret top. The floatation skirts hide where the markings would normally be on the hulls, and while I have read mention of the Canadian units having unit markings on the gun mantlet, I've not found any pictures supporting this. Plus, leaving those markings off lets the unit represent tanks from different units. 

I do have a couple of tank commanders to paint to fully finish two of the tanks, but the models can be used without for now. 

With the models on order, the current painting plan for this project is looking like this:

And on completion, this will be my fourth painted allied tank squadron... (the others being 24th Polish Lancers, 144RAC and 10th Mounted Rifles). 

 

15mm 3d Printed models - Battlefield3D

Hi folks,

Slow progress - relatively - on the hobby front. I've finished another troop of Cromwells and started on the last three vehicles. More on them in a bit.  

In the last few weeks I've picked up a couple of unusual models, initially from an Ebay seller but more recently from his shop Battlefield3D. A few other hobby blogs and sites have shown off some of the prints, but I'd asked for a few specifics from his catalogue which I don't think will have been seen elsewhere. I had a chance today to get out with the spray can, so the models have had a base coat applied. 

First up, I've had a bit of a plan to do some of the softskin vehicles which might have supported my 144RAC tank squadron. Namely, a small replenishment convoy in the form of a truck for munitions, a petrol tanker and a water tanker. 

CMP 60L Petrol Tanker

CMP 60L Water Tanker

CMP F60 GS Lorry

All three of the 'A' Echelon vehicles. 

Next up, some vehicles I had wanted for a little REME diorama to go with my earlier Light Breakdown Truck. 

Austin K6 Gantry Lorry (tow position)

 To go along with this, I picked up a little Austin Tilly utility van, and a staff car. 

As I also have plans to do some sort of infantry battalion HQ diorama (probably along with the staff car above, maybe with a jeep), I also picked up a couple of radio trucks. I've cut off the radio aerial base in order to drill out the hole for my usual fishing line aerial. 

Fordson WOT2D Radio Truck

Bedford MWR Radio Truck

I also picked up a cool little model to go with one of my Sexton batteries:

Hopefully you can see from the pictures that the details on these models are superb. The resin is nice and clean with the print lines barely visible. Details such as grab rails are lovely and sharp. The resin is very brittle, however, so care should be taken if you are trimming or cutting. In fact, I would avoid cutting where you can, my attempts at putting the winch on the gantry lorry were frustrating and upsetting as the section I was trying to cut shattered several times. 

Scale wise, the models fit in well with the rest of my Battlefront resin vehicles:

These models did cost a little more than you would expect for 3D prints, but the quality really is amazing and the customer service has been great. There is also a good range of options to pick from, as can be seen in the catalogue. My models all came from the Marco Bergman collection, which Battlefield3d have a commercial license for. 

These vehicles have all been added to the paint queue - hopefully it won't be too long before I can get them done.