6MMRPC Update: Moar Moar Shermans (Finished!)

Just following up on my update from last week, I managed to finish off these 4 Shermans yesterday and get a quick video update done.

But had no time to do the actual Blog entry before bed!

To be honest, it's much the same and much the same as the previous batch. These 2 x M4 (Sherman I's) and 2 x M4A4 Firefly's means that two troops of Shermans are finished and I've made some inroads into the others. I've 3 Sherman I's still to build along with a IC Firefly and 2 Sherman I's built but needing stowage and details.

I also need to go back over the 4 I had already done (a Sherman I and 3 converted Sherman I Hybrids) and sort the turret decals and upgrade the paint scheme a little.

These are some quick shots of the most recent batch, now with some slight weathering.

Turret numbers are all accurate for the positions within the squadron, hence these 4 jump around a bit. I'm much happier with these number decals, they are a decent size and nice and clear.

One thing I'm not sure about are the barrels for the Fireflys - I've left them just with the pattern underneath and not black on top. I had done the first one with the black:

And I'd appreciate feedback on what looks better! Historically I think I could get away with doing either. I also may need to trim the aerials on the current batch, as I cut them a bit long (easier to trim them down).

6MMRPC: Moar Shermans WiP & Battlegroup Overlord Game

Guess what I've been working on this weekend! Well, you could guess, read on or watch my new video blog.

On Saturday Amy was off to see her sister and mum for a days shopping so I was left to entertain myself. I ended up taking my figures down to the Carluke and Law Wargames club for a game of Battlegroup Overlord. I had a nice time, but was left feeling a bit flat by our use of the game - specifically what was being left out. The lack of proper army lists, morale and morale counters, tank ammo, etc, which are what defines this game and makes it different from the likes of Rapid Fire.
We talked about it after the game and I think everyone agreed the game would be better with a bit more organisation and proper army lists. YD has suggested we try some of the scenarios in the books, so we may do that.

I've included some pics of the table and of some of YD's models

After the game on Saturday I didn't get much done. I think the fact I hadn't enjoyed myself put me on a downer. I'd hasten to add that I didn't have a bad time, the atmosphere at the club was great and we had a laugh. I think the fact that I had it in the back of my mind that it might be my last game at the club - and slightly worried about being able to find games after I move (which is growing increasingly likely) - made the fact the game wasn't what I had hoped for a much bigger deal. It effectively made me doubt the wisdom of continuing to collect and paint my mini's when my future in the hobby is a little in doubt - and when even the local club is running so fast and loose with what aspects of a rules set they use it doesn't bode well.

Anyway, Sunday afternoon I got my mojo back and made a start on my next 4 Shermans. 2 x Sherman I's and 2 x Sherman Fireflys. These 4 models are the last of those prepped prior to the painting challenge. My work on them consisted of an edge highlight using a 50/50 mix of Vallejo Model Colour Khaki and Russian Uniform - with a small drop of Ivory. I just use this on prominent surfaces like hatch handles, panel edges, around hatches, along the top of the gun barrel and around any section I deem to be an edge.

I did the same with the wooden items (only using beige brown), rubber and metal (using black grey) and other bits and bobs. Once I had done the edge highlight I also did a quick dry brush on Russian Uniform again, just to tone down the highlights and blend them slightly.

Still to do are the decals, aerials, weathering and matt coat. Hopefully I'll make good progress on those next weekend.

In other news, my transfer at work is almost authorised so a move to Middlesbrough looks likely by October. And my total weight loss as of today is 2 stone 9 pounds - a long way to go but I'm pretty pleased with my progress over the last 16 or so weeks. That includes 3 separate weeks (holiday week, birthday week and Edinburgh show/visitors/visiting Son week) where I put weight on.

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6MMRPC: Finished! Sherman I's and Firefly

This week at home has allowed me to get the Sherman Tank's I was working on last weekend finished. I'm getting to the point that there isn't much left on my shelf ready to get finished off.

This batch consists of 3 Sherman I's and a Firefly - the troop leaders of 1st, 2nd and 3rd troop. The Firefly is that of the 1st troop.

The 3 Sherman I's are Battlefront resin and metal kits, while the Firefly is a plastic kit (from the Open Fire box). I'm not too sure about the Firefly as the barrel seems to be overly thick and chunky looking.

Stowage comes from Battlefront plastic kits, Skytrex and Peter Pig. Decals are from Doms Decals and I-94. Crew figures are Battlefront and Skytrex.

Next up... another 4 Shermans! Another 2 weeks working away from home, so I will be back to just what I can do at the weekend - and it looks like I have a game next Saturday (hopefully).

Painting Chart so far this challenge:

15mm Churchill Croc prep and Sherman Firefly Barrel Camoflage

Hi folks,

I've not managed to do any painting for the last few weeks, not having gotten a chance to spray or varnish anything due to the weather or not being home when the weather is nice.

I've started trying to clean up and prep some of the other vehicles on the painting chart, spending hours last night working on the two Churchill Crocs and about 10 minutes this morning cleaning up the two Crusader AA tanks. Yes, the Crocs really are that bad. I'm considering a email to BF customer services due to the pitting on the fuel trailer's:

Trailer 1

Trailer 1

Trailer2

I'm not sure how these are going to look painted, and if there is anything I can do to fix it. It's possible the spray will even the surface out. Otherwise I may have to try and get replacements as these really are not ok - especially Trailer 1.

The other small thing I managed to work on was the barrel camo for my Firefly's. I had used some camo netting on my first Firefly model, but for these ones I went for the more common 'painted' option.

Instead of using white and black I just went for khaki with some ivory mixed in to lighten it. I left the top of the barrel the Russian Uniform Green that they had been, but I am tempted to paint it black as some pictures seem to show that.