Finished?!: 15mm M5 Halftracks - again

Hi folks,

Another outcome from my recent reshuffle of transport vehicles for the 17-pdrs was a re-working of the previous halftracks into a new unit. 

I have two planned units which would use M5 halftracks as transport vehicles. After a bit of a think I decided to re-do the 5 halftracks as part of The Lake Superior Regiment (of 4th Canadian Armoured Division). 

These 5 vehicles include four plastic PSC models and one resin and metal BF kit. In the images, you can tell which is which by the crew members - the Battlefront kit has pairs of soldiers. 

Previously, they looked like this:

The Battlefront model, in it's initial scheme of a Pioneer vehicle

The PSC models, in their initial A/T regiment markings

So these have now been re-based and given some weathering to decals and hull. I've added some tactical markings in green, and the appropriate divisional and AoS markings. A full company of these would have 12 halftracks and some command vehicles (possible M3 scout cars). 

It shouldn't take much to finish off the unit... but a project for another day. 

Finished: 15mm Sd.Kfz. 251/2 Ausf. D (Mortar) platoon

Hi folks,

With a final thump, and distant bang, the last* half-tracks for my  III/26. SS Panzergrenadier Regiment force have been completed. 

As per the title this is a unit of six 15mm scale Sd.Kfz. 251/2 Ausf. D 8cm mortar carriers. 

The models are mainly Battlefront plastic kits, upgraded with mortars from the PSC half-track upgrade sprue. Two of the models (on the left of the picture above) are 'proper' Battlefront metal and resin models, with 'correct' internal layouts for mortar halftracks. 

I've still crew to add - and possible some ammo crates and the likes for the more basic plastic kits. However the unit can be fielded on the table in it's current state. I may also add radio aerials, I'm just not 100% on the availability of those in the German forces. 

This unit is actually made up of half-tracks from three kompanies of the battalion. While FoW give the option to have the vehicles in more 'useful' larger units, from what I can find (and I have no huge in depth sources on this subject) these vehicles were attached two to a Panzergrenadier Kompanie as part of the integral heavy support. While the v3 FoW Atlantic Wall book states that the division received more of these vehicles, allowing them to field a battery of them, I've found no evidence of this. 

As such, I've marked these models up using the hull numbers associated with each kompanie's vehicles. 144 - 145 for first, 244 - 245 for second and 344 - 345 for third kompanie. 

Each pair has a slightly different camo scheme, and different placement and quantity of foliage. I've stuck to my standard basing of these, so they will match in with the other vehicles in the collection. 

As per the other units, I used some Skytrex decals for the hull numbers, and some old Doms Decals for the hull numbers on the rear. Doms also provided the registration plates and the division signs (bought a long time ago). 

Weathering was applied in the form of the usual dust and dirt effects, and the same foliage attached to seafoam sprigs was used as per the other models. 

As for the progress tracking sheet, it now has a lot more green, with just the infantry and some 'optional' units outstanding (in blue):

Work has begun on the last two units - the self propelled artillery - which isn't part of the unit, but more a support option for the army. I've also realised I have some SS 120cm heavy mortars, so may add an 'optional' entry for those to the sheet, as they would require half-tracks. I'm sure someone must do models of the mortars being towed...

Anyway, with my existing painted German infantry I can field this force - hence my focus on the vehicles for now. I do have some of the old metal SS infantry figures, so will paint these at some point. For my own purposes though, I think I can count this project as 99% done! Group shot to follow at some point!

*Last other than a kompanie of 250 scout half-tracks, British/Canadian/Polish half-tracks and various additions to the Panzergrenadiers vehicles I may add in the future - like a Panzerpioneer kompanie. 

Finished: 15mm PSC Sd.Kfz. 251/9 Ausf. D (Stummel) platoon

Hi folks,

Catching up on my completed AHPC entries for last week - more progress on my Panzergrenadier project. This time with six Sd.Kfz. 251/9 Ausf. D vehicles from the 12th 'Heavy' kompanie of III/26. SS Panzergrenadier Regiment, 12SS Panzer Division.

The 'mittlerer Schützenpanzerwagen (7,5 cm)' (Sd. Kfz. 251/9) was created as a supporting vehicle for the mechanised infantry units of the German army and SS in mid 1942. Armed with an 7.5 cm K. 37 L/24 gun (the same 'short' 75mm gun that had been mounted on the early StuG and Panzer IVs, but later designated as 7.5 cm K. 51 (Sf.)), this vehicle lends some heavy direct firepower. In FoW terms, these vehicles are still dangerous to most allied tanks in the Normandy theatre. 

Still, they have negligible armour themselves - and being open topped are particular vulnerable to artillery and mortar fire.  

I've painted the six vehicles which (according to a full order of battle) would be assigned to the heavy support company of the battalion. For this, the hull numbers 443-448 have been used. 

Painting wise, I went with the same recipe as my other half-tracks. I used the Skytrex decals for the side and rear hull numbers, as the smaller ones I had used for this previously from Doms Decals didn't cover the number range I required. License plates and division symbol were also added. 

Foliage was added using seafoam 'branches' and leaf flock. I focussed this on the front of the vehicles, where foliage might have been added to camouflage the vehicle in a hedge or treeline. Basing has been done to the same style as the rest of my 15mm Normandy collection. 

For camo on these, I kept similar colours to those used before, but in a different camo pattern. I'm afraid I don't have the skills currently to airbrush, so the camo pattern is a little heavier and harder edged that I would have liked. However, at tabletop distances it will work. 

These models are 15mm Plastic Soldier Company kits (PSC) with the PSC upgrade sprue used to convert them into the 251/9 versions. Crew will be painted and added at a later date. 

This units completion leaves 12 more vehicles to finish on my planned Order of Battle (with 34 half-tracks or associated vehicles painted since November). 

Now on the painting table are the mortar half-tracks and towed (limbered) Pak40 guns. I am starting to flag with regards to half-track/German vehicle painting... Thankfully not much more to do. 

Finished: 15mm PSC Sd.kfz. 251/16D Armoured Flame-Thrower platoon

Hi folks,

Another catch up blog post - this time back to my German half-track project. These are Plastic Soldier Company (PSC) 15mm Sd.kfz. 251D half tracks, with the PSC upgrade kit applied to turn them into the 251/16D models. This involves an upgrade to the internals to include fuel tanks and fuel pump, as well as crew figures dressed in flame proof clothing and armed with flame-throwers. 

I've applied the usual decals, with hull numbers in the range 621-626 (making these part of the III/26 SS Panzergrenadiers 6th company - the pioneer company). I used Skytrex decals for the hull sides, Doms Decals for the crosses. Given the placement of other items on the hull, I didn't have room for my other usual markings.

I've again gone for a different camo scheme, using the same colours. Scorch/soot marks were added to the hull sides where the weapons would likely have been firing (flaming?). 

Another set of boxes completed on my project planning sheet! 

Since completing these, I moved on to painting the half-track tow vehicles for the 4th (heavy support) company's 75mm A/T guns, as well as the SP artillery from the 5th company. These are approaching completion, and I've begun working on the 251/9 (stummel) half-tracks. 

So only 18 out of 46 planned vehicles still to go, and six of those 18 are started...!

In other news, a new project has turned up - Team Yankee Dutch:

Finished: 15mm Battlefront Sdkfz 251/1D Panzergrenadier Company Transport

Hi folks,

Happy holidays!

As is traditional at this time of year, I have started the first week of the new Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge painting something which isn't for the challenge... but finishing off models I was already working on. 

I lost my mojo for painting German half-tracks for a few weeks, mainly while I prepped models for the next phase of the project - to be painted over the challenge. That was particularly unfortunate, as I didn't have much to do to finish them off. 

Still, with a need to move on to challenge task, progress has been forced and the last four half-tracks have been completed. 

These models are again all 15mm Battlefront metal and resin kits. The hull numbers for this platoon are 231-234. I've gone with a lighter camo pattern for this group, meaning that the models look lighter than those completed previously, who had more hull space taken up by camo areas. I also went light on the foliage. 

Crew figures will be painted and added at a later date. The unit paint planner currently looks like this:

With the accumulated vehicles for the HQ, 3 platoons and HMG platoon:

Given how insurmountable this project had seemed (one of the reasons I had been putting it off for so long), I am pleased to have gotten at least the transport done. These can be used with my existing painted German infantry to act as Panzer grenadiers for any games we manage to put on. It's also given me a bit of an insight into what painting my German Armoured Recon force will involve, and made that a little less daunting. 

I'm fairly happy with my formula for painting these now. For my own future reference:

1. 50/50 Dark Yellow (70.978) and Dark Sand (70.847) base (could/should be switched for Middlestone, given later steps post wash)

2. 50/50 mix of black and brown wash

3. Drybrush MIG light sand drybrush paint

4. Tidied with dark yellow/dark sand mix to leave just edge highlights from drybrush

5. Tracks saddle brown, wheels, tools and MGs German grey, seats + exhaust beige brown/mahogany, tool handles/MG stock and grip mahogany. Soft tone wash to these items when painted. 

6. Camo: reflective green/german camo medium brown diluted about 60/20/20 with dark yellow and dark sand. 

7. Stipple standard hull colour over camo to dull down/blend in camo if needed. 

8. Highlight tracks, tools and MGs with dark rubber, tool handles/MG wood/seats beige brown. 

9. Internal 'wall' painted black around drivers seat. 

10. Add 'tree' branches for foliage, paint mahogany brown (late in process as it was a late addition to the models - DO NOT add foliage before varnishing). 

11. Gloss for decals. Decals - side hull Skytrex numbers and Doms cross, rear - PSC numbers, front and rear number plates, front 12th SS symbol. Further washes if required. 

11. Decal treatements then matt varnish, then ultra matt. Decals weathered using hull colour post varnishes (varnish application will wash weathering off). 

12. Weather vehicle with weathering powders, add foliage to tree branches. 

Painting efforts now turn to this years Analogue Hobbies Painting Challenge, and meeting my personal target of 250 points (equivalent of painting thirty one 15mm vehicles between now and mid March...). I've a few things lined up, as usual, but I hope to make progress with the rest of the Panzer Grenadier project:

Enjoy the rest of the holiday season!

Initial 15mm Sdkfz 251/1D platoon

Hi folks,

A bit of time has been spent over the last two weeks trying to get my first unit of German half-tracks to a state I was happy with. Unfortunately, this turned out to be more of a chore than I was expecting. I'm still not 100% happy, but seeing them based up tonight they actually look ok. Painting British stuff is a lot easier!

These are older Battlefront 15mm resin kits, with plastic tracks and wheels. 

I've still to add crew to them, which will come much later. Two will have machine gunners and passengers, while the other two will have passengers. 

I've based in my standard style, and added some foliage to the vehicles in the form of seafoam sprigs and leaf scatter. Not hugely keen on how this looks, but it helps break up the camo pattern a little. It also fits in with by SS tank units.  

Decals have been applies as usual, a mix of Skytrex, Doms Decals and PSC. 

Looking at them now, I've forgotten to add my usual dust weathering powder on the wheels and tracks, so will have to sort that. 

I really struggled with these, mainly I think because I went too bold with the camo colours, used the wrong brown, had to work to bring up the yellow more and to make the camo more subtle. My earlier attempts looked much more like the very late war hard edged stripes, rather than the more subtle Normandy camo. Still, the images I used as reference showed that this unit used a lot of brown and green on their vehicles, with only small amounts of base yellow showing. This is very different from the common schemes people use with a yellow base and small splotches of green and brown. I eventually tried multiple times, before resorting to using thinned down yellow and a stippling effect to tone down the camo pattern.

They look much better on bases, and I will use these as templates for the next lot. Thankfully, there isn't a lot of painting on them, if you know what you're doing!

 

Holidays 2018 - Dorset and Wales

Hi folks,

Sorry for the lack of posting recently, I've been off gallivanting around the south of England and the middle of Wales!

Hobby wise, I had the chance to pick up the new Team Yankee book 'Free Nations' as well as a few FoW bits and bobs which have been sequestered away by the lady wife for my birthday. I also managed to pick up a few interesting books - 'Fighting the Invasion', which is full of translated German reports relating to D-Day and 'Assault Crossing', which covers the 49th Wessex Divisions crossing of the Seine. '6 Armies in Normandy' is also interesting, covering the perspective of various forces fighting in Normandy. From the Tank Museum, I also picked up some copies of documents regarding my grandfathers regiment and a book about modelling Sherman tanks.

Hobby wise, as usual I took along some stuff to build - having first asked permission! I find that taking some stuff with me to assemble in an evening means I then don't have to spent as much time building models at home when I could be painting them...

German halftracks from PSC and Battlefront (the Battlefront ones were by far the easier to assemble). 4 of the PSC ones are built as 'Stummels' using the PSC upgrade kit, while one is built as a 'standard' 251/1D transport. Two of the PSC ones will be HMG carriers while the other two have been upgraded to Mortar carriers, again using the PSC upgrade sprues.

Another 5 German Panzer IV's, from PSC, And a single Tiger, also from PSC. All now filed away awaiting their turn in the painting queue. Having just painted 12 Panzer IV's I do feel like I should start on those I've just built, but at the same time I'm a pit sick of painting Panzer IV's and I've still got German armour in the painting queue currently!

Locations wise, I got to spend a day in the archives at the Tank Museum and Bovington as well as a visit to the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovil.

I also stumbled across a 'vintage vehicle rally' which had a load of WW2 stuff:

And a couple of random plinths in some of the seaside villages we visited:

As well as the obligatory Welsh castle - which also included an ECW battlefield:

View of the Battlefield site from the castle grounds

All that remains of the castle...

 And with views like this:

It's easy to see why someone would build a Castle up there in the first place! It offered views into both England and Wales, I understand.

I also saw a load of these both on the ground and in the air:

As well as F-15's, V-22 Ospreys, Chinooks and Hawks in flight over Wales and Dorset.

Other than the hobby and military stuff (which is, as usual, my main focus when it's about), we had a lovely time in both countries, with the weather being amazing in the second week and the only failing of the Welsh holiday home being the internet - but it had a pool and a hottub, which made up for that slightly. It was also set in a very rural location up on a hillside with some stunning views. We travelled a lot to the seaside, ate bucket loads of ice cream and tried to keep cool! Great couple of weeks!