Sturmgesshutz-Abteilung 200 (Part 2)

Blimey I can't believe it was back in February 2010 when I posted the first blog on this little unit. A snail could paint quicker than I do...

Another two companies of Hotchkiss 75mm AT and Hotchkiss 105mm completed. My only disappointment is they are not the same as the previous four. There was a considerable time lapse between purchasing the first four and then the four below during which time Battlefront changed the moulds...

2 x Hotchkiss 75mm AT and 2 x Hotchkiss 105mm,

I know they are only gaming pieces but side by side they do look different. The previous models have a narrower superstructure than the new models. My painting style has also changed slightly over the years so, for the moment, the jury is out whether I'll keep the older models. I suppose it will depend on whether, in the near future, I seriously think I'll need all eight to be on the gaming table at the same time.

I've also been working on the command for Sturmgesshutz-Abteilung 200 (Major Becker)

4.7cm PAK(t) auf PzKanpfwagan 35R)f) ohne Turm & LeSPW u304(f)

Not sure if Becker use a u304(f) as a command vehicle but has I'd a spare already undercoated I though I'd put it to good use. For the moment I think the above two vehicles will have to suffice.

Even though I still have a number of models either undercoated or part painted, I think that will be it for the moment. I've started to sort through all by lead again with a view to reduce the lead mountain. More about this later...

R-Vielfachwerfer.

At last... I think I have finished this little beauty. It will be interesting to see how it performs during a game...

R-Vielfachwerfer.

I don't know why some of these models have been tucked away for so long, but it is a good feeling finally finding a little time to get them based and ready for the gaming table. I'm not holding my breath but, at this rate, I might get my planned 21st Panzer Division finished in the next couple of years...

88mm Flak 36

This is another little unit that was started early in 2014 and put on one side as I was not happy with the way it was turning out... Still not completely happy but after all it's a unit for gaming with, not for the display cabinet.

I've based the figures with the ammunition boxes on a separated base that can be placed either side or behind the gun depending on space available on the table.

What's next to be completed? Not sure, I'll have to see what takes my fancy...

Luftwaffe Felddivision - First battalion finshed

Happy New Year to any readers.

Well...thought it was about time I created a post about a little project I'd started during 2014.

During the Christmas holiday period I thought it best if I complete some of the projects I have tucked away in boxes before releasing more lead from its wrappers. These Luftwaffe figures had been painted to the point of being ready for basing back in September. There is a rumour of a WW2 game coming up where I might be able to field these new troops so they became my first project to complete. My intention is to build a small force to represent the elements of the 16th Luftwaffe Felddivision to field along side units of my 21st Panzer Division.

1st Battalion HQ

1st Company

2nd Company

3rd Company

4th (Heavy) Company

All figures for the 2nd Battalion and Regiment HQ are undercoated but I understand the above battalion is enough for the up and coming game. Next to be finished off is an 88mm Flak 36, and I'm looking forward to getting that little baby on the table...

My first Wargaming Magazine purchase

Strangely enough, in all my wargaming years, I've never purchased a wargaming magazine. I've read articles in magazines that have been lent to me but having browsed through most offerings on the newsagent shelves, the impression they given is there has not been enough content to warrant me parting with my money. That is until now...

The magazine that broke my duck appeared on the shelf in my local newsagent a couple of months ago. After quickly thumbing through the copy of Wargames Soldiers & Strategy, my first reaction was... "Hmm..Nice mag, but is there enough content as I'm always disappointed"... so it ended up back on the shelf. A couple of weeks later, while visiting the same newsagent to collect my copy of the Model Railway Journal,  it was still there staring at me invitingly. This time, after a quick thumb through temptation got the better of me and it was purchased. Not sure what tempted me after all this time, was it the clean looking cover, the refreshing layout, the quantity of articles, the lack of adverts... I cannot tell?

Over the next couple of days I picked up the magazine and read an article or two. Not all are game reports and it was these other articles that I seemed to warm to first. Well written with a slight humorous edge they kept my attention and offered good insight into a different aspect of our hobby.  It would seem each magazine has a theme as a centre spread. Edition 75s is "Great Leaders of the 17th Century" with 6 features covering 24 centre pages devoted to the topic. With a total of 82 pages and only 10 of those given to adverts there are plenty of other articles to enjoy. I also thought the reviews were nicely laid out with quality shots of the models being reviewed.

I enjoyed the magazine so much I purchased a back edition. One that has as its theme the Arnhem campaign. Next edition (76) will be published 1st January and I'll be eagerly looking out for it on my newsagent's shelf...

Apparently this magazine has been around for many years having a refresh when taken over by the current Dutch publishers at edition 54. So no doubt many that read this post will already know of its existence but for those that haven't come across it before more information can be found on the publishers web site.

Why I Started a Small School

Not me but my wife...

This book has been a big distraction and has taken up a lot of my wife's time over the last year. It is about her struggle with the schooling system 20 years ago and the circumstances that led her down the path to start a small school. The book is being published tomorrow (27th March) as an ebook. For one day only on the publication date it is being offered at the give-away price of £1.99, thereafter it will be £5.99. If it sells well a printed version will be available later this year.
 
More information can be found on the following links.

http://www.troubador.co.uk/book_info.asp?bookid=2191

https://www.facebook.com/rosalyn.spencer.5

http://www.amazon.co.uk

http://rosalynspencer.co.uk/

Her next book will be 'The Small School Years'. Hopefully there will be more days of distraction when I can concentrate on my hobbies....

Panzer Reconnaisance battalion 22

As mentioned in the previous posting, over Christmas I'd started the Reconnaissance Battalion for my 21st Panzer Kamfgruppe and it's nearly finished...

1st company

2nd company

3rd company

4th company

5th company

I still need to paint crew for the Sdkfz 250/7 mortar half track of the 4th company and the Sdkfz 250/9 of the 5th company. Then after a little finishing off on the infantry bases, this unit will be completed.

I now need to concentrate on my other interest as I've an exhibition to prepare for, but further progress will be made on this battalion and other units of my 21st Panzer Kampfgruppe. Hopefully a few more postings will be added during this year. Mark and I have already had two games since Christmas and planned a further game during March. So this year should be a more productive...