Bolt Action Gingerbread Stalingrad Battle

Had our first Bolt Action Tank Battle on the Gingerbread Stalingrad board! It was Jonathan and Kevin on the German side with two Panzers each.

Nathan had a Soviet Medium tank and a Sherman on lend lease from the USA. I ran with two T-34s.

Nathan started the moves by advancing his Sherman into the ruins for some cover. The Soviets moved two more tanks on before the Germans emerged to open fire on the Red armor!

There were plenty of misses due to the cover provided by the ruins. Quite a few hits were also scored which caused pins, but first blood went to Nathan as his Sherman hit and destroyed one of the Panzers.

After a few exchanges, one of Kevin's Panzers returned the favor by destroying a Soviet tank with a long shot.

The two T-34's commanded the center of the board from the Tractor Factory. One of Jon's Panzers took a hit and caught fire. However the crew was able to get the flames out and retreat from the building they were hidden in.

The Germans had the last three moves in turn six. Kevin's Panzer moved out  for a clean shot into the factory,  but failed to hit. So the game ended in a draw with one kill each.

It was a quick fun game with new players!

Stalingrad Gingerbread Tank War Edition!

In honor of this festive time of year we decided to indulge a little. So, we're thinking Stalingrad, Bolt Action, World of Tanks and Gnigerbread all go well together. Here is what we came up with.

Using Graham Crackers and traditional "royal icing" made from powdered sugar and egg whites we set to work. The crackers are pretty brittle so we used a set of dental tools and hobby knife to cut the window and door openings.

Here was the first test structure

and the next with it.

What would Stalingrad be without the tractor factory. Here it is in the early stages.

Here it is with the rest of the Gingerbread buildings. It even has a hammer and cycle sign posted above the entrance. For World of Tanks fans, this looks like a tier six match.

Russian, British, German and US tanks clash among the ruins!!

It was a great afternoon of fun.

Now to get the armies together and let the Bolt Action games begin.

About three years ago we built a Gingerbread Fortress which we posted here on the blog.

Have a Great Battle!
The Old Crow

New Release WW2 Soviet Infantry From Eureka Miniatures

Invade Finland or defend the Motherland with Eureka's new World War 2 Soviet 28mm infantry.

New from Eureka Miniatures, these are their first releases for the Second World War. Heavy weapons teams are to follow soon. These guys can be fantastic to add character and bolster your Bolt Action army.

The backbone of the Red Army was the basic rifleman and their 2 new rifle squads consist of 11 figures each, wearing a mixture of the gymnastiorka tunic and the telogroika padded jacket.

Eight riflemen with Mosin Nagant rifles are supported by a 2-man Degtyaryov LMG team

Plus an NCO waving them forward with his PPSh 41 sub machine-gun.

Rifle squads are available wearing helmet or Pilotka side cap.

Two 8-man assault squads of sub machine-gunners for close quarter fighting are also available, once again wearing helmets or Pilotka side caps. All are equipped with the rugged and fast-firing PPSh 41 SMG.

As the war progressed more and more Soviet units were entirely equipped with this weapon, perfect for storming buildings and trenches and launching crushing assaults while yelling the Red Army battlecry "Oorah!".

Not only are they releasing infantry but also the Stalingrad Childrens Fountain. This was featured in the movie Enemy At The Gates and Alan Marsh has sculpted the children, crocodile and frogs, while Battlefield Accessories have designed and cut the fountain base for Eureka.

The whole Soviet range, which can be ordered from Eureka's Online Store, was inspired by Mike Parker of Battlefield Accessories and his enormous game held in Canberra in January this year. Their other Stalingrad terrain can be found on the Battlefield Accessories web site.

Eureka's Soviet Infantry, including these casualties, were sculpted by Kosta Heristanidis. Kosta has also added some images of these new Soviets on his own Flying Gorilla Blog.

We'll leave you with these great markers, Russian and German rifles and helmets.

Have A Great Battle

The Old Crow