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!