LGW's 2013 Project

PART I:

Well my new years project arrived today just before I headed off to my last night shift of 2012.

5x StuG III Gs
5x Panthers
5x Panzer IV
10x T-34/76-85's

and for my bro-inlaw
10x Sherman/fireflies

I'll be adding more to these minis over the coming months as funds are made available [please check out my selling threads]

We will be doing Tank Aces for startes but looking at doing Total War but using only AMOUR!!!!! so no organic units.
sort of a Mega-Tank Aces. We both prefer armour over infantry...

Though I'd love to build a Total War Support Company made up of Flak 36 [8.8cm AA] guns and then add on more armour to protect them... just love those guns..

so I'll post up some pics of me de-boxing the tanks, gluing together, undercoating and painting them...
Will try and get my bro-inlaw to join the forum and post his tanks up to.

Well until the new year you will just have to wait and see how this turns out.

LGW

PART II:

The tanks arrived:



T-34/76 or 85's


StuG IIIG/F8/StuH42


My thoughts:

T-34/85:
I loved the T-34 box set it was really easy and simple with the least amount of parts to glue together and the tracks actually fit. Instruction manual really sucks it is hard to what parts are used as they only show one type of tank out of the 2-4 types that each box could make. REALLY frustrating.. <---- no Instruction manual but a picture on the backside of the box was it.

Panzer IV's:
Not to bad to put together tracks were a bit tricker then the T-34's, and it took awhile to get to grips with the Shurzen on the turret and hull. Instruction manual really sucks it is hard to what parts are used as they only show one type of tank out of the 2-4 types that each box could make. REALLY frustrating..

Panthers:
Arrggghh the tracks on the first two I built didn't meet and it was a nightmare to glue. The other one I have made so far actually fitted well and wasn't to hard. Instruction manual really sucks it is hard to what parts are used as they only show one type of tank out of the 2-4 types that each box could make. REALLY frustrating..

StuH 42 & StuG III G:
well my big issue was the actual gun barrel as I placed the gun barrel into the hull I pressed it in firmly but when I let go the barrel was elevated as it now sat snuggly in its slot. But after gluing three together in the instruction page I finally saw a small gap that I didn't notice before and the barrel would end up being Horizontal rather then elevated. But I couldn't change the barrels now and to me its not a visual issue as It reminds me that these tanks can do smoke and bombardments. Now on to the StuG III G and it was going well until I noticed one track side was longer then the otherone which pissed me off as the StuG now has a lean on it. The side shurzen picture did not clearly show which way the struts went and I wasted a set of them gluing the struts the wrong way up. Instruction manual really sucks it is hard to what parts are used as they only show one type of tank out of the 2-4 types that each box could make. REALLY frustrating..

Conclusion:
Overall I am really happy with the minis and they are as others have mentioned very affordable. I am going to buy another box of T-34's so I can increase the two squads I have to 9 each and make an officer one for my second squad. I am hoping that PSC will roll out the IS-2 and other big gunned tank hunters, ISU-152/122, etc. I may also grab a box of StuG to add to my lone StuG III G but its not on my "Must have list"

would I reccomend these to anyone hell yes but make sure you get the parts in the correct position I am certain I have glued in some of the hatch rings up the wrong way, and placed some parts in the wrong place. Just becareful these kits have some really tiny bits and you will loose them. Good luck.

This won't be an issue for the Germans as I intend to add some camouflage to them in the form of tree branches,

BF Tiger I E vs PSC T-34/85
Only BF tank I have.


LGW

PART III:

Finally got all of my tanks glued up going over to my brother inlaws place to start under coating them and working out how best to paint them, [eg colour schemes etc]

Germans:
Stuh 42 Platoon:


Panzer IV H's Platoon:


Panther G Platoon:


Soviets:
Decoy Company:


T-34/85s:


T-34/85 Command Tank: [possible Tank Ace]


I may eventually buy some of the PSC German/Russian Infantry as well as more armour namely:

5x T-34/76-85's
2x Panzer IV H's
3x Panzer II's

1x T-34/85 [will get another PSC box and keep the extra 4 tanks for latter on]
3x IS-2
4x SU-122

Will update as I paint them up and then do a battle report.

Was wondering if anyone has played the Battlegroup Kursk from The Plastic Soldier Company:


Cheers
LGW

You sure know how to keep yourself busy

mudboy wrote:

You sure know how to keep yourself busy

yeah I know...

But considering I have had to sell or in the process of selling most of my collections off [Warmaster, epic40k, netrunner card game, etc] I won't have that many projects on the go.

And the Battlegroup Kursk can be played using FoW based tanks/troops.

Just trying to find some one who has played the game.

Cheers
LGW

Wow!!!
You're not a man, you're machine!!!
The speed at which you construct and paint things! Damn! I envy thee!
Wish I had some of that speed, I'm still pondering if I should buy Super Dungeon Explore or not because I'm afraid I will never paint it all...

Lol it certainly felt like it was ages to build those tanks. Currently giving the Soviet tanks some spray paint if i get time will do the Germans.

Will post pics once done.

LGW

Are you going to use Flames of War for rules? The Open Fire box set is really good value and would give you some nice extra platoons to support your Germans and the allies would fit nicely into your brother in laws forces.

Looking forward to seeing these painted. I can't believe you started with so many models!

Narcissus wrote:

Are you going to use Flames of War for rules? The Open Fire box set is really good value and would give you some nice extra platoons to support your Germans and the allies would fit nicely into your brother in laws forces.

Looking forward to seeing these painted. I can't believe you started with so many models!

Lol I was lucky sold some old minis and went in big with PSC tanks.
Thinking I'll be buying some of the PSC infantry to base up as FoW stands and some on individual bases for Battlegroup Kursk.

Just finished undercoating the lot of them will post pics once I get home.

LGW

I got my horde of Tanks undercoated yesterday

StuH42


Panzer IV H's


Panther G's


T-34/85's


Soviet Decoy Tank Platoon [Panther G's and Tiger I E]


Command T-34/85


Also had some time to spray up some extra stuff not sure if or when I'll use this lot:

Tiger I E and StuG III G


Sd Kfz 251/1C Half Tracks


Will do some work on the German armour latter today or tomorrow depending on how motivated I am to mow the lawns.

LGW

Looking good. Did you airbrush it?

Narcissus wrote:

Looking good. Did you airbrush it?

unfortunately not this time.

As I couldn't get the colours I wanted in Air brush paints.

My brother in law had German armour Battlefront spray paint and I bought the Soviet armour colour.

Will highlight the Soviet tanks and Germans today, planning on sponging on some camo scheme for the Germans as well.

Then add in some ink for that "dirty" look.

Organising some bases for them. heading down the MDF board cut bases. getting 60 bases for $12GBP. which is cheap.
Also getting some FoW tokens and Battlegroup Kursk tokens as well.

Will post more pics as they are done.

LGW

Here is my first Test piece a StuG III G

Will be using this for my Battlegroup Kursk game. I still need to fix up the Tank Commander, the MG, Tracks, inside of the Shurzen, add in a radio antenna, and I may try and lighten up the green and brown camo. I was going for a real dusty look.





Cheers
LGW

well I finally found some time to slap some more paint on to my tanks so here is the result:

Sd Kfz 251/1C Half Tracks


Panzer IV H


Panthers


Tiger I E


Still doing 2x StuH42's

My brother Inlaw as the rest of the Germans. Will start painting the 10x T-34/76's over the next week or so.

Cheers
LGW

Very nice. What are you using to apply the camo? I especially like the halftracks.

Are you planning to varnish the models? I have found that the hard edged plastic makes the paint rub off very easily if the models are not sealed.

Any plans to add decals?

You are a painting machine!

I used a brush to stipple the camo on [eg dabbed with the brush]
I will use a matt varnish once the decals I have ordered arrive.
As these tanks are for mid war kursk I want to add flags to the command tanks.
And aerials to each tank.

Almost finished 5 of the T-34's will post pics once done.
Also I want to base my tanks as well still alot to do.

LGW

Narcissus wrote:

You are a painting machine!

That's what I said!
Must be a very good feeling looking at that bunch of models and realising that you've painted them all!
Impressive!

thx Gatlag.

I will hopefully have more to paint up soon:

73x German Infantry
2x Pak 40 AT Guns
3x StuG III G
1x 88mm Flak36 Gun
4x 120mm Mortars
5x Opel blitz Trucks


1x T-34
1x KV-1s
2x stalins organs [rocket trucks]
130x Soviet infantry
4x Zis 3 Guns
1x Dshk AA Gun truck
4x 120mm Mortars
4x 82mm Mortars
4x Maxim HMG
8x LRPG

I think there is more but I'd need to find my list again

Will post more pics as I get them painted.

LGW

here are the T-34/76's



got some Soviet Guard Decals and slogans coming soon will add them to the tanks and then give the tanks a Matt varnish

Will add pics of the two StuH 42's just waiting for the wash to dry on them.

Cheers
LGW

Looking good. Have you managed to get in any games yet? How have the PSC models been to assemble?

Narcissus wrote:

Looking good. Have you managed to get in any games yet? How have the PSC models been to assemble?

No games yet still awaiting the arrival of my Rule book. The PSC tanks are nice but the TRACKS are a pain in the butt to get lined up but in saying that at least they sit flat on the table compared to FoW BF tanks.

got some more goodies coming next week so I'll have some German infantry and guns to add to my armour.

Hoping by the end of Feb be ready for a game or three.

LGW

LGW Project #1

Battlegroup Kursk Germans:

here is an update to how my German army is coming along. After recently getting the BGK rule book I have had to make some moifications, but nothing to major.

FHQ:
Luftwaffe Air Control Officer and his 250/3, & Forward Headquarters [still need 251/3]


Infantry:
Panzer Grenadiers [3 squads] Pzer Gren MG teams [3 Teams], Transport 3 Sd Kfz 251/1C, Command squad with Sd Kfz 251/10C, and a Combat Medic.


Infantry Support:
Pak40 AT Gun, HMG MG34 team.


Engineer Support and Tank Unit:
Converted Bergpanther and Panther G [masquerading as a D] The Bergpanther started off as the Panther on the right. but With some stuff from my bitz box and a rough idea I changed it into a decent recovery vehicle. I think it came out quite well [well in my opinion]


Tank Units:
StuG III G's one of my Fav SPG in the German force. These are from the Open Fire! box set.


Panzer IV H's


Artillery Support Units:
120cm Heavy Mortars.


Specialist Support Units:
88mm Flak36 AT/AA gun.


Tiger I


Panzer T-34(r) [Captured Soviet Tanks]


Reconnaissance Support Units:
Sniper & Spotters x3


Additional Fire Support:
Stuka Ju-87D


Still got alot to paint up but the above mentioned minis come to around 1,250pts in BGK.
And I still have the following left over to either use for Battlegroup Overlord or trade for some Soviet/German stuff.

I still need to buy:
1x Stuka Ju-87G
1x Fw-190
1x HS-129B
2x Sd Kfz 251/1c [FHQ vehicle, Pak40 Team transport]
3x Opel Blitz Trucks [Mortar teams, Transport for Comms Relay team]
1x Armoured ammo carrier [Ammo resupply vehicle for StuGs]
1x Sd Kfz 7 [tractor for 88mm Flak36]
1x Opel Blitz Radio Truck [Forward Signals Unit]
1x Motorcycle [Dispatch Rider]

Will update as more units are painted

Cheers
LGW

Very nice. Lots of nice models. I'm impressed with how much you have painted and assembled already!

Narcissus wrote:

Very nice. Lots of nice models. I'm impressed with how much you have painted and assembled already!

Really? I still think its taken me ages to get this far. heading back to work tomorrow so won't get much done over the next 4 days. But hoping to go across to my brother inlaws on Tuesday to do a BIG painting day. I want my infantry painted up by the end of next week.

Should get the new armour done by the end of the weekend.

This particaluar army has alot of old units still in the German Grey all new versions are in the dirty yellow camo scheme and some of the Transports are still in the Dirty-yellow.

The main command half track will be grey, the rest of the transport will be dirty yellow.

So its going to have a hodge podge look to them. as units were rushed into service and some had been in the thick of battle for some time.
I went with One Tiger and Panther to show how thinly they were spread around. I took some Panzer T-34(r) as my force will be either Das Riech or Totenkopf SS Panzer Division.

will update more pics as I get the painting done.

Cheers
LGW

thought I'd up date with some of the Germans I've been able to work on:

Converted Medium Radio Truck for my Forward Signals Unit. [FSU]
This was a Opel Blitz Canvas topped Truck but with some bitz here and there I was able to turn it into a Radio Truck. The Truck is from Zvezda and is one of their click together models. The sides are left over skirting from the Panthers. the windows on the side are spare hatches turned over to the back was flat and didn't have the separation line. The back aerial housing section was the spare part off the StuG III sprue. The netting is gauze which I then brushed superglue over to harden it.



Converted Bergpanther Recovery Vehicle Engineer Unit:
Due to the Panther being Unreliable in BGK I needed some way to fix my lone Panther up on the battle field and thus this bad boy was born. I used the Plastic Soldier Company Panther as the main hull, The storage compartment was made from a spare canvas cover off my Zvezda Zis5 Soviet truck but shortened and some Panther skirting then glued to the back to in close the square. Added in some spare equipment and using some of the spare StuG gun barrels I made the crane set up on the back. I chose Grey for this unit as I wanted it to be different from the rest of the army and it could represent an older model Panther that had some kind of Malfunction and was converted into a Bergpanther but due to time restraints did not get a new paint job.




The only other recent change in my Germans was the illegal nature of my list. I forgot at Company level [Battlegroup Kursk can be played at Squad, Platoon, Company or Battalion levels] I needed a minimum of 2 Infantry Platoons so I had to add in a platoon of Panzer Grenadiers that will use the Stugs and T-34's as transport.

The colour scheme for my Army is broken up into German Grey and Dirty-yellow+camo. The Grey units are the veterans from the invasion of Russia the ones in camo represent new recruits and add ons to the Company. Hence why the StuGs, Panzer T-34(r), Bergpanther, Panzer IV munitions carrier, Pak40's are all grey and the Panther, Tiger, Panzer IV, 251/1 half tracks are all camo'd.

Will post more pics as I get them done.

LGW