tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71167097237577970842024-03-12T22:15:26.699-07:00Cold War Hot Hot HotA wargaming blog primarily focused on the 1980's Cold War turned hot...RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.comBlogger481125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-45695242974382112592024-02-09T18:09:00.000-08:002024-02-09T18:09:43.472-08:00Brand New Dutch AFV Cards<p> In honour of completing my first Dutch unit, I contacted Greg in the UK who originally did the BAOR, West German and Soviet cards to see if I could get non-pdf copies of those cards, so I could create some more for the other nations covered in the game - starting of course with the Dutch.</p><p>Unfortunately he has lost all the files with the old cards, but was able to steer me in the right direction with another template - which I was able to use to generate this new set of cards - the first in what I hope will be a whole series of new cards to cover all the nations that don't currently have them.</p><p>I may even redo the original cards, as I have found some info missing - and I've made a few updates since Greg so kindly did them for me.</p><p>Anyway - here is the link to the new Dutch cards:</p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/15ypKEoQ82OtfFvQtmuOZ_o6KKL0n4pAK/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Dutch AFV Data Cards</a></p><p>You can also find them in the "Data Cards" Tab at the top of the page.</p><p>Any feedback or errors found and pointed out, will be greatly appreciated. I'm about half way through the Belgians and will probably do Norwegians after them. Any votes to do another nation first <b>won't</b> be summarily ignored!</p><p>Thanks and I hope you find these useful</p><p>Richard</p>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-21862117700937577322024-01-30T18:39:00.000-08:002024-01-30T18:39:55.241-08:00Dutch 103rd Reconnaissance Battalion<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Hello 2024 - a year I've decided that I will attempt to have a focus, and that focus will be Americans! I have 3 US WW2 armies that need to be completed (and started!) and various USAEUR forces and a USMC force for the Cold War that need to be completed.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">At the same time, I'm also trying to complete some Cold War Recce units for my (completely in my head at the moment) new Cold War game.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">So what better way to start 2024, than with a Dutch force! It all makes perfect sense to me!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">So this is both a new project and more importantly, a completed project. It's a full strength a platoon from the Dutch 103rd Reconnaissance Battalion based at Seedorf in West Germany circa 1985. I think it has a great mix of vehicles - including a couple (the standard M113 and the M106) that you don't really find much in the Royal Dutch Army.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br />Here's all the vehicles that make up the unit.</span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9686.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The unit consists of the Platoon Commander in his M113 C&V command and reconnaissance vehicle, armed with a 25mm autocannon (centre front), a reconnaissance group (centre back), a tank group (obvious), a rifle group (in the M113) and a mortar group (in the M109).<br /><br />Here's a close-up of the Commander in his M113 C&V</span><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9667.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The reconnaissance group is made up of 4 x M113 C&V split into 2 teams, each with 2 M113 C&V.</span></span><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9683_16Ue7ofYAuq6UiqmGwZ7xf.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Here's some close-ups of the various M113 C&V's that make up the two reconnaissance teams. Team leaders are shown in the the turret hatch.</span></span><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9668.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9670.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9673.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9677.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">All the M113 C&Vs are 3D prints. The Platoon Commanders vehicle has been further modified by drilling out the drivers hatch and making a new open hatch. The commanders are all AB figures and the driver of the Platoon Commander's vehicle is an Airfix figure from their Dakota Skytrain kit, with a green-stuff dodgy headset added.<br /><br />The tank group is made up of 2 Leopard 2NL</span></span><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9657.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9656.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9658.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9659.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br />Both Leopards are old Matchbox models, and I've added 3D printed Dutch style smoke launchers and wire reel, plus Elhiem FN MAGs which they used rather than the German MG-3s. The Tank Commander is an Elhiem figure.<br /><br />The rifle group is mounted in a standard M113</span><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9660.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9681.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9678.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9679.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Again the M113 is a 3D print, the M113 commander is an Elhiem NATO driving figure, while all the infantry are also Elhiem NATO </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">figures</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br />The mortar group is mounted in a standard M106</span><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9663.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><img alt="Image" class="postimage" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9665.JPG" style="background-color: #e1ebf2; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><br style="background-color: #e1ebf2; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The M106 is a 3D print and the mortar crew are again Elhiem figures<br /><br />So that's my first completed non-American project for 2024.<br /><br />Thanks for looking and have a great New Year!<br /><br />Richard</span></p>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-10327329150370567852023-11-27T15:16:00.000-08:002023-11-27T15:16:10.297-08:00Norwegian Home Guard<p> Very quick post today as I'm trying to get ready for another Cold War game (well 2 more actually) but I just finished this figure and had to post it up straight away.</p><p>This all started when I asked what I thought was a simple theoretical question to Matthew Hingley of Elhiem Miniature fame. I wondered how hard it would be to change a weapon on a figure stl file. The figure I was thinking of was one of his WW2 German Gebirgjager figures, which he has already converted into stl files. What I was thinking of was converting one to look something like this:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Home_Guard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="800" height="262" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Home_Guard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Rather than simply answer the question, Matt had a crack at it and then sent me the file!<div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately I've recently been having serious, head banging against the wall kind of issues with my 3d printer. But last week I finally managed to get a print of this figure off it, so I had to paint it straight away.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's how it turned out:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="693" height="400" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9652.JPG" width="347" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="581" height="400" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9653.JPG" width="291" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="563" height="400" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9654.JPG" width="282" /></a></div><div><br /></div>OK - my basing is pretty crap, but I just love the figure. Now I have to work out how to convert at least a squad more! At least the MG34 gunner is already taken care of, and the MP40 armed NCO is also easily done (as in they already exist in the Gebirgsjager range), I just need the rest of the AG3 armed Home Guard.<div><br /></div><div>Another problem for another day...</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard<br /><div><br /></div></div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-53960223855050960162023-11-11T19:34:00.000-08:002023-11-11T19:34:19.266-08:00Matchbox M24 Chaffee & Matador Models NM116 Conversion Set Review<p>Jumping to the next random topic - today I want to take a look at the Matchbox M24 Chaffee and the Matador Models NM116 Conversion Set.</p><p>I managed to get a hold of 2 of the Matador Models NM116 conversion sets 3 or 4 years ago, but only snagged a couple of Matchbox M24 Chaffee a couple of years back - so of course it wasn't until this year that I was able to have a crack at these. Then once I started I was so put off by the whole thing that it probably took me all year to finish the two kits.</p><p>First off I love the NM116. It's the epitome of a teeny weeny tank trying to take on the Soviet war machine - my kind of against all odds weapon system. Here's a few pics of what it's meant to look like:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/NM116_side_shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="800" height="272" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/NM116_side_shot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a lovely side shot. Some great stowage ideas as well that I will be stealing!</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/NM116b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/NM116b.png" width="400" /></a></div>This is a more widely seen photo of the NM116. A good view of the muzzle brake.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/NM116c.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/NM116c.png" width="400" /></a></div>Not really an "in action" - more of a static display shot - but it does show in some detail the interesting Norwegian hard-edge cam pattern used on their vehicles. Something I'm looking forward (ha!) to replicating. <br /><div><br /></div><div>Now onto the models. These are obviously not painted, and not even a "finished" build. However I thought this was a good point to stop to show the original Matchbox Chaffee, the Matador Models conversion bits, and my dodgy add-ons. Here's a couple of photos:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="800" height="296" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4524.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>So looking at the 2 photos above, obviously the grey and green tanks are all Matchbox. The 90mm new main gun barrel, raised engine decks, smoke dischargers and spades (which you can't see) are Matador Models. The white plastic card on the track guards cover the hole created when I cut of the large boxes that come with the Chaffee kit. I also had to remove the sand guards (?) from these as I've not seen an NM116 photo showing a tank with these. I added a couple of boxes from my PSC bits box on each side of the track guard - as also seen in lots of photos.<div><br /></div><div>Significantly I also had to add, from plastic card, rod etc, the Simrad LV3 laser rangefinder and what I believe is the passive night vision sight for the gunner. Before I can call it finished - in terms of converting - I also need to add a small rod in front of the commander's hatch which was an additional attachment for the turret roof mounted .50 cal.</div><div><br /></div><div>This shot shows the Matador Models engine deck a little better:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="800" height="309" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4526.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>You need to clean off any detail on the models engine deck before you can fit these. I also need to severely trim one of them to get the turret to fit correctly.<div><br /></div><div>This next photo was an attempt to get a closer shot of detail on the turret & main gun:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="800" height="269" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4528.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>So I'm happy with the smoke dischargers - which are really pretty basic, but the main gun barrel is a little disappointing and I think the muzzle brake is completely wrong. They were also very annoying to try and bend the resin barrel back into straight lines and I feel I was only partly successful. Also I felt a bit let down that I had to make the laser range finder - something I consider to be fairly fundamental in changing the tank from the Chaffee to the NM116.</div><div><br /></div><div>You do get a bunch of other bits and pieces - mainly WW2 stowage - from Matador Models, but these are really just to spice up the M24 Chaffee - they're not really for the NM116 - and I didn't use them at all. I did use a big bit of stowage I made on the grey tanks glacis plate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Final thing to say. Even though I am a little disappointed overall with the conversion set, I am pretty happy with the overall look of the NM116. Needless to say, I'll be liberally coving both tanks in cam netting and foliage so they'll end up more like the next photo anyway - so you won't be able to see much of the tank at all!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/NM116d.png_oJ9aG5P5beiwoPuMJEboTV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="800" height="401" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/NM116d.png_oJ9aG5P5beiwoPuMJEboTV.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>What tank?</div><div><br /></div><div>So - that's it for now</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div></div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-71924724426451082982023-11-07T16:27:00.005-08:002023-11-07T16:27:56.425-08:00New Project - The HMMWV Horde<p> So time for another new project. This one has been brewing for years but now I'm in a position to actually transition from the plan to reality. I mean who wouldn't want to field a horde of dinky little HMMWV's up against a swarm of much more heavily armed huge Soviet tanks and other AFVs! </p><p>First up, I needed some kind of plan. Luckily you get a lot of info in <a href="https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/17-98/index.html" target="_blank">FM 17-98</a>, <a href="https://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/FM17-95%2896%29.pdf" target="_blank">FM 17-95</a> and <a href="https://www.bits.de/NRANEU/others/amd-us-archive/FM17-97%2895%29.pdf" target="_blank">FM 17-97</a> - which provide some great information on the use of HMMWVs in Cavalry and Scouting operations. It also led me to be able to draw up this basic plan of what was needed: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Light_Cav_Troop.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="781" height="479" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Light_Cav_Troop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Obviously I won't be getting everything on this TO&E plan - as each Scout Platoon would have operated independent of the other one, and the HQ and Maintenance Sections wouldn't have wanted to spend that much time up in the enemy's face - I think...<div><br /></div><div>So - I decided one Scout Platoon would be the core component of my force. So 5 of these:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/15-us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="800" height="282" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/15-us.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>and 5 of these<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/17-us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="800" height="284" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/17-us.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><div>I'd attach one Antitank Platoon with 4 or these:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/HMMWV_TOW_Firing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="686" height="225" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/HMMWV_TOW_Firing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>And also have the Mortar Platoon available - they use something like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/HMMWV_M998.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="194" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/HMMWV_M998.jpeg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><div>The FIST also needs to be available.</div><div><br /></div><div>I want to add some other HMMWV mounted units to make the force more interesting. Firstly I think the unit needs some Air Defence, so an Avenger is necessary</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/avenger1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="500" height="338" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/avenger1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'd also like to have a small squad of engineers attached and I think they would look good if I could make their ride look like this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/HMMWV_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="700" height="274" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/HMMWV_1.png" width="400" /></a></div>As I have the model I'd also like to have an Ambulance:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/HMMWV_Ambulance.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="194" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/HMMWV_Ambulance.jpeg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><div>Finally - I think an imaginary WW3 is the perfect opportunity to introduce some weapons systems that never made it into production, but that have a certain coolness factor and would certainly fit into this unit for a little fire support. So I need to add a couple of these:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/HMMWV20FSV.jpg.c6889ac13da68fe1b9f73b1576b104ad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="267" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/HMMWV20FSV.jpg.c6889ac13da68fe1b9f73b1576b104ad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This of course also opens the door - and takes care of some of the vehicles for another project - a Motorised Infantry Company from the 9th Infantry Division (Motorized) - the High Technology demonstration division for the US Army in the 1980s. So at least a couple more odd HMMWVs are required for that as well, plus loads of other goodness.<div><br /></div><div>As part of this project I'm also working on a very small army list for a Light Cav Company for my old unofficial Battlegroup: Cold War variant and I'm also hoping to use this force as a starting point for my own unique game.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully I'll have some progress on all fronts to show off in the next little while.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks all</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard<br /><div><br /></div><div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-52816404417557030612023-10-26T20:52:00.000-07:002023-10-26T20:52:08.340-07:00The Grumble Hunt - Part 2 - The Game<p>Well it took a little longer than I expected to be able to finally write up how the game went. As an added bonus though, I can now also let you know what happened when I ran this at NATCON last weekend. Both games feel like a long time ago though...</p><p>Anyway - the players could set up anywhere on the board, at least 6" back from any Soviet troops or vehicles. This was their approximate set-up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Table_set-up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="331" height="464" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Table_set-up.jpg" width="331" /></a></div>As you can see they kept to their original teams and weapons load-outs. They generally started just over 4" from the paddock edge, well hidden in the scrubland. They players waited about 3 or 4 turns waiting for the patrolling sentries to get to just the right point.<div><br /></div><div>Here's a few shots of the sentries and motor rifle patrols and MPs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image25.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image25.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>This shot mainly shows the MP "road block".<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image24.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image24.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>An overhead shot showing various sentries and patrolling motor rifle troops. You can see here how difficult it is to take out a sentry or patrol without someone else seeing what just happened.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image21.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image21.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>More of the same</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image23.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>Close up of one of the SAM technicians who drew the lucky straw to guard a TEL this evening/morning.<div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_112010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_112010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>A lone sentry near the site survey vehicle and back door to the main house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_111506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_111506.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>A long range shot of the sentry at the front of the house and the MP unit on the E6 highway.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_105610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="800" height="140" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_105610.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>2 Motor Rifle troops on patrol near a ZSU-23-4. These chaps would provide the first real headache for the Special Forces.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_112710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_112710.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Another long range shot, with SAS chaps lurking in the foreground while off in the distance near the barn you can see 2 Motor Rifle troops and you can just see a sentry near one of the dumb TELs.</span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_110135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_110135.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Final "Sentry Shot" is of a sentry, just before he gets shot!</div><div><br /></div><div>It all kicked off on the Royal Marine M&AWC side of the paddock, when "Tazzer" attempted to silently take out the 2 Motor Rifle troops (Yuri & Ivan obviously) walking towards him from the ZSU-23-4 pictured above. Despite complete surprise with his MP5SD, he only managed to take down Yuri, so Ivan immediately fired back - in the general direction of the scrubland, as he couldn't really see where the shots had come from. The alarm was raised on the first real turn of the SF attempting to do anything. Not a great start...</div><div><br /></div><div>Tazzer's squad went into action and started laying down fire, taking down Ivan and killing the sentry who had been guarding the Smart TEL. As other sentries and patrolling Motor Rifle troops started to react, "Stinky" the sniper also began to fire. He took down 2 more patrolling troops without breaking a sweat. Silent but deadly!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sven grabbed a grenade and started to stalk towards the northernmost ZSU-23-4. It kicked into life and it's turret started to swing towards where all the shooting was taking place. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_114337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="800" height="191" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_114337.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>You can see the sentry and motor rifle patrol taken out in the distance<br /><br /></div><div>Discretion proved the better part of valour, and Sven stepped back into the scrubland, waiting for a better moment. "Baz" however, decided it was time to intervene, and picking up his one 66, fired the rocket into the side of the ZSU - knocking it out spectacularly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_114406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="800" height="196" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_114406.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_124935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_124935.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Stinky and Baz looking on at what they have just done.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image10.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image10.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Sven - "I could've done that if they gave me a rocket!"<br /><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile on the SAS side of the table, the lads carefully and quietly went about their business of taking out the sentries near their dumb TEL targets and began to lay charges on them. It was quite helpful for every Soviet in the vicinity to be looking at the other side of the field where all hell had broken loose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image11.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Nothing to see here. Move along...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image13.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Me? Just checking your tyres to make sure you've got no flats!<br /><div><br /></div><div><div>Trying to emulate the sniper team's success the Marines fired a LAW at the other ZSU-23-4. Another hit, but after the explosion they could see they had not knocked it out, but its 4 23mm cannons were all pointing in odd directions. It was basically out of the game too!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>We marked it with a special dice to show it's main guns were out of action.</div><div><br /></div><div>By now the Soviets who had been in the houses working or resting, started to react and those at their duty stations in the vehicles started to pile out to fight off the intruders. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_115630_4YXx7tFfqDQ44YTukUesNZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="800" height="192" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_115630_4YXx7tFfqDQ44YTukUesNZ.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>A couple of grunts leave the barn, with the Battery Commander in the front, trying to see what is going on!<br /><div><br /></div><div>Jumping out of their vehicles didn't always go down so well...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_130616_9gvH4mwNYz4JZxfgHCQpN2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_130616_9gvH4mwNYz4JZxfgHCQpN2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Nor did forming into small isolated teams to take on the Special Forces...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image14.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image14.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>Here some Soviets stumble across the SAS team. Guess who this ended badly for!<br /><div><br /></div><div>The BTR-70 crew started up their AFV and manoeuvred to enter the fight. This earnt them a LAW in the turret which also knocked out their main gun. The MP's jumped into their UAZ-469, leaving their radio man to contact the QRF and headed into action.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div>The MPs managed to spot the SAS near the first dumb TEL, but the SAS were quicker to react and "Boss" started popping grenade rounds into them, taking out several.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_132250_1ntYypv2SzEhyUy2faZ4Pe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_132250_1ntYypv2SzEhyUy2faZ4Pe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>More Soviets started to hear towards the gunfire</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_132611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="800" height="139" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_132611.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>and more</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/rotate.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/rotate.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>and more<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image9.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The gunfight between "Boss" and the MPs plus more and more Soviet techs and drivers continues with Sven joining in from long range. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image6.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some Soviets started to close in on the Marines, who had maintained a steady stream of fire up until this point. Here NATO forces suffered their first casualty. "Lobster" took a round from somewhere and went down in a heap. It was time to relocate, so a couple of smoke grenades got lobbed directly in front of their position and "Florry" checked out "Lobster". He was dead. Must have been a round from the QRF BTR's 14.5mm heavy machinegun. A quick morale check showed that no-one on the team had really liked "Lobster" all that much, so they were happy to carry on and leave his body to the Soviets! Along with the demo charges set on the Smart TEL that is.</div><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>What had been a little bit of a British (and Sven) Turkey Shoot for a while there (although they did get a bit stressed from time to time), had now taken a rather negative turn in the Soviet's favour. It was time to get serious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_141343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="800" height="134" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_141343.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>You can see the 2 smoke grenades have gone off just in front of the Marine's position near the smart TEL. Soviet troops heading off in a flanking manoeuvre are in the foreground. <br /><div><br /></div><div>And they were now serious, the Special Forces first put a LAW into their primary target - the radar vehicle. The rocket hit the compartment that housed the crew stations and all the really quite important electronics. They followed that up by catastrophically destroying the Air Defence Command Post, taking out a couple of the soldiers hiding behind it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_141939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="800" height="165" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_141939.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_143140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="146" data-original-width="800" height="117" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_143140.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Somehow by this point they also managed to knockout the original BTR-70 they had damaged earlier in the action</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_143255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="185" data-original-width="800" height="148" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_143255.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>You can see it burning centre stage.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_144607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="235" data-original-width="800" height="189" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_144607.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>And here they have also knocked out a second BTR-70. So much for the Soviet comeback.<div><br /></div><div>Hang on - what was I saying????</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_143537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="145" data-original-width="800" height="116" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_143537.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_143834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="800" height="112" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_143834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Best random event ever - 2 Mi-24 Hind-D helicopters turn up. As a random event the helo's were just meant to over-fly the SAM site on their way to somewhere else way more important. It was meant to be a distraction, so all the guards would look up at them, while the Special Forces snuck about a wee bit more actively for one turn. However, this had the helo's turn up during the more kinetic part of the mission - in time to see lots of Soviet kit leaping into the air - so I thought it best to give the pilots the opportunity to become involved.<div><br /></div><div>They ended up making 2 passes before the game ended. On their first attempt neither Hind managed to spot the Special Forces, much to their relief. They were already on their way off the board and decided that shooting at the helo's would just annoy them more, so why bother. Keep running and press the remote detonators!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_145907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="800" height="110" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_145907.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>As the two dumb TELs go up, one of the Hinds manages to get a bead on the SAS Team, who are right on the table edge. A burst of fire and "Boss" goes down. A quick check and alas he too is dead. Two casualties in the whole mission and both of them dead.<div><br /></div><div>The NATO forces withdraw from the battlefield. It will be difficult for them to get back to their helicopter with a couple of Hinds hunting them - but that's another story for another day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's a look at the battlefield from above at the end of the game</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/image0.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And from the sniper team's point-of-view</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_145907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="138" data-original-width="800" height="110" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/20230930_145907.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Although the Smart TEL looks intact, it does have a timed charge on it set to go off just as the air raid comes in.<div><br /></div><div>By my calculations NATO gets 55 victory points and the Soviets get about 32 vps. So that's a pretty clear victory to NATO.</div><div><br /></div><div>Interestingly we played the exact same mission at NATCON and although at one point I was thinking NATO has this in the bag, by the end of the game I had captured/killed every one of the Special Forces bar 2 Royal Marines who escaped. The Soviets got no helo assistance, but managed to overwhelm the spread out Brits one unit at a time. Each time a Spec Ops trooper went down no-one could get to him to do a First Aid Check, so their firepower just kept getting lower and lower. When there is a lot of fire coming at you, even if you are using a D12, one bad roll and its all over. </div><div><br /></div><div>So that's it for my trip down memory lane playing Force on Force.</div><div><br /></div><div>I actually have a game of BG: Cold War coming up soon, so I'll be doing another AAR for that when the time comes. And more besides I hope in between.</div><div><br /></div><div>Chat to you all soon</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /></div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-41639642453725217562023-10-02T21:25:00.006-07:002023-10-02T21:35:39.440-07:00The Grumble Hunt - Part 1 - Background<p>Well it's been some time since I last posted an After Action Report here. To scared to look it up to see just how long ago! Anyway - last weekend I got to play the scenario I had published in Wargames, Soldiers & Strategy Magazine Issue 107. I played the Soviets guarding an S-300PS (known to NATO as the SA-10 Grumble) battery site in Northern Norway. I had 5 players - Andrew and his son Alex, Ben, Gareth and Liam - taking on the roles of an SAS patrol, a SAS sniper team, a Royal Marine Mountain & Arctic Warfare Cadre patrol and a Norwegian Home Guard scout. I would play the Soviets.</p><p><b>BACKGROUND</b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">It’s
been 11 days since World War 3 began, and in a series of well-coordinated amphibious
and airborne assaults, Soviet forces have side stepped or smashed all serious
Norwegian resistance in the north of the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Lakselv, and the strategically important Banak Air Station fell
quickly. Now
the Soviets are using the air base, which greatly increases their own fighter’s range into Norway and allows Soviet Naval Aviation aircraft to cut across northern Norway as they seek
out NATO convoys and the Atlantic Strike Fleet. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Four
days ago a NATO air group attempted to stop air operations out of Banak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those that broke through the CAP were
quickly engaged by the Soviet long-range air defences. With no significant SEAD systems currently in the Arctic area</span>, CINCNORTH has decided
to use his only available strategic assets to take out the SAM sites immediately
prior to another, even larger raid on Banak.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/s-300ps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="800" height="198" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/s-300ps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">Lucky for Norway, elements of the </span>22<sup>nd</sup> SAS’ A Squadron (Mountain Troop) were already in Norway before hostilities broke out, conducting a joint security exercise in Trondheim. When 3 Commando Brigade deployed, it included elements of the Royal Marine’s Mountain & Arctic Warfare Cadre. Normally they play a critical reconnaissance role for the Brigade, but now, along with the SAS squadron they are the only in-theatre NATO assets capable of undertaking this mission.</div><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US">The mission takes place in the area at the tip of the red arrow. This map also shows the limit of the Soviet advance through Norway at this date:</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Norway_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="800" height="218" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Norway_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US">The
Soviets have deployed two SA-10 battalions, split into four batteries within
20km of Banak, with the primary air search radar and command components within
the perimeter of the airfield. </span>The Marines and SAS operators have been split into four assault teams each lead by a local guide from the Norwegian Home Guard. They are to raid each site simultaneously.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Battery_positions.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="620" height="363" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Battery_positions.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN-US">We'll be focussing on the northernmost battery shown here, along with its proximity to the primary radar and command components at the airfield.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/closer.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="511" height="400" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/closer.jpg" width="390" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US">All the SA-10 (S-300) batteries are mobile, however NATO EW and INTEL assets have been constantly tracking
their movement and now have a developed an accurate picture of where each battery will spend
the “night”. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Sea_King_1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="800" height="165" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Sea_King_1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><span lang="EN-US">Our team was dropped by a </span>helicopter within 10km of the SAM site, and has moved quietly
to the target area on foot. After
crossing the river, they are now lying in the scrubland overlooking the large
field which contains the battery. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Table_satellite_view.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="652" height="348" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Table_satellite_view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This is a satellite view of the battery, annotated to show all the battery elements and surrounding scrubland. Here is the key to the map:<div>A - <span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5N63S
Flap Lid B Engagement Radar</span></span></div><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><div>B - <span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5P85S
Transporter-Erector-Launcher (smart TEL)</span></span></div><div>C - <span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5P85D
(dumb TEL)</span></span></div><span face=""Calibri",sans-serif" lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><div>D - 5P85D (dumb TEL)</div><div>E - Air Defence Command Post (a Ural-375A Office Body Truck)</div><div>F - 2 x ZSU-23-4</div><div>G - Military Police Checkpoint</div><div>1-3 - Various civilian structures - farm buildings</div><div>4 - Camouflage netted area</div><div><p class="MsoNoSpacing">It's mid-summer in Norway. Here in the Arctic Circle, this means the sun doesn't set, so although the mission begins at 3am it's not that dark. Just for context here is a more modern photo of a couple of guys sitting at the river, probably about 500m from where the battery was situated, at 3am.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/3am.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="800" height="184" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/3am.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Lucky for the NATO troopers, it's lightly raining - so visual ranges are somewhat limited.<br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>THE TABLE </b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US">Here's how my table compares to the satellite image</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Table_Pano_V3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="800" height="216" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Table_Pano_V3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>It's obviously not exactly the same, but good enough for me! You can see the boundary between the paddock the battery is situated in, and the scrubland surrounding it. In reality the scrubland looks more like this google earth image I snapped of the E6 at the battery location. It's autumn in the picture but I think you get the gist:<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/View_of_paddock.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="800" height="227" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/View_of_paddock.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>THE NATO MISSION</b><br /><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Ideally
the assaulting teams must now sneak up to each TEL and the Radar Acquisition
Vehicle and attach timed demolition charges between the missile tubes or under
the radar section. The figures have enough C4 to
deal with any other vehicles the team chooses to target. All the vehicles on site play a role in
making the SAM battery function so anything destroyed is useful, however the
TELs and Radar vehicle are the primary targets and must be destroyed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Dumb_TEL_4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="800" height="364" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Dumb_TEL_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The assault team must then exfiltrate the site
and move to the extraction point for pick up.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">If all goes well the emplaced explosives will explode at 3.50am, 15
minutes before the NATO aircraft raiding Banak begin their attack run on the
airfield. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
The aim is to achieve all this without firing a shot, however the sites are
known to be guarded by Soviet Motor Rifle Infantry and Military Police. It should be possible to slip past them and
execute the mission. If considered
necessary the team may engage the Soviet’s and the British troops have been
kitted out with a number of suppressed weapons in addition to their more
standard small arms. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>NATO FORCES</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="postbody1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Royal Marine Mountain & Arctic Warfare
Cadre</u> - T</span></span><span class="postbody1" style="font-family: inherit;">he Royal Marine M&AWC troop has Normal Supply levels, High Confidence, TQ - D10 and Morale - D10.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Each M&AWC member is also
armed with HE grenades, smoke grenades, fighting knife and demolition material.
The patrol is made up as follows:</span><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Robert "Tazzer" Thopson - Mountain Leader (MP5SD3 & M16A1) </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Arthur "Lobster" Neumann - Signaller (M16 & LAW AT Rocket) </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Eric "Florry" Higgens - Medic (M16/M203 & LAW AT Rocket) </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Armand "Cloggy" Hendriks - Weapons
Specialist (L4 LMG) </span></span></li></ul></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1"><u>Special Air Service (SAS) – A Squadron (Mountain
Troop) </u>- </span></span><span class="postbody1" style="font-family: inherit;">The SAS Patrol has
Normal Supply levels, High Confidence, TQ - D12 and Morale - D12.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">SAS operators are Stealthy.
Each operator is also armed with a suppressed Browning pistol, a LAW AT Rocket, HE grenades,
smoke grenades, a fighting knife and demolition material. The patrol is made up
as follows:</span><br /></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Harry "Boss" Catterall - Patrol Leader (MP5SD3 & CAR-15) </span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Johnny "Scaley" Anderson - Signaller (M16A1) </span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Adrian "593" Jones - Medic (M16/M203) </span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Jimmy "4 Fingers" Robertson - Demolitions
Specialist (M16 & M79)</span></span></span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">SAS Sniper Team is made up as follows</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Joel "Stinky" Crownley - Sniper (AW Covert Sniper Rifle & CAR-15)</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Brian "Baz" Smith - Spotter (M16/M203)</span></span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span lang="EN-US"><u>Norwegian
Heimevernet (Home Guard) Guide</u> - <o:p></o:p></span></span>The Home Guard guide has Normal Supply levels, High Confidence, TQ - D8 and Morale - D10.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">"Sven" - Guide (Designated Marksman AG3)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">All NATO troops must start the game </span><span class="postbody1">in the scrubland, but not within 6” of any Soviet equipment or troops.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1"></span><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4197.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="800" height="278" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4197.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b style="font-family: inherit;">INITIATIVE</b><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">NATO
troops have the initiative for the stealth component of the game and for the
first 2 turns if the game turns into a firefight. From the 3<sup>rd</sup> turn onward, roll
initiative for each side.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>NATO VICTORY CONDITIONS</b></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each Soviet soldier/specialist KIA: +0 points<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each Soviet Primary Target with a charge
laid/destroyed: +8 points<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Each Soviet Secondary Target with a charge
laid/destroyed: +5 points<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Each Soviet Other Target with a charge laid/destroyed: +2
points<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Not a shot fired during entire mission: +10 points<br /></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Every
Primary Target has a charge laid/destroyed: +10 additional points </span></span></span></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>THE SOVIET MISSION</b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's pretty simple for the Soviets. Patrol, guard and defend the battery. Immediately call for reinforcements if attacked. Defeat any enemy action aggressively allowing the SAM </span>technicians<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to carry out their primary Air Defence function.</span></p><p><b>SOVIET FORCES</b></p><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>Patrolling Guards</u> - </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">A
Motorised Rifle Squad has been assigned to provide a roving patrol for the SAM
unit.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> The squad has </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Normal Supply levels, High Confidence TQ - D8 and Morale - D8. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The squad is made up as follows:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">8 man
Motorised Rifle Squad </span><span class="postbody1">(7 x AK-74, 1 x RPK-74).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have left the RPG-7V in their
BTR-70.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These guards can be deployed in pairs, anywhere on the table that is not scrubland.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Their BTR-70 is parked within the Batteries confines. Its 2 crew (gunner and driver) are on board. They will have to start the BTR-70 to get into any fight.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Military
Police</span></u><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> - </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">A small
Military Police detachment is attached to the S-300 unit for road control.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">They have a UAZ-469 MP Jeep and have set up a
checkpoint on the E-6 highway. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The MP's have </span>Normal Supply levels, High Confidence TQ - D8 and Morale - D8.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="postbody1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The MP detachment is made up as follows – MP Leader (Makerov
& AKS-74U) 3 x MPs (AK-74). The MPs
and the UAZ-469 must be placed on or within 6” of the E-6 Highway.</span><span face="Verdana, sans-serif" style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span class="postbody1"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/MP_Check_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="800" height="305" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/MP_Check_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US"><u>Air
Defence Specialists – Shift 1 </u>- </span>There are 12 specialists on duty in the various AD vehicles. They are currently unarmed by can arm themselves
in one turn with AKS-74Us held in each vehicle. They are working as follows:</p>
<div><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 21.4px;">5N63S Flap Lid B Engagement Radar - 6 Specialists</span></div><div>5P85S Smart TEL - 2 Specialists</div><div>Air Defence Command Post - 4 Specialists</div><p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US"><u>Air
Defence Specialists – Shifts 2 and 3 </u>- Three shifts of specialists are required t</span>o
properly man the site for 24 hours. Typically that means there is another 24 men
off-shift at any one time. At least 12
of them will be sleeping, whilst the other 12 will be repairing and testing
equipment, on guard duty, getting some political training, eating or playing
cards. The off-duty specialists can be
situated in any of the structures on the table or in the back of any of the
trucks.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Four of the specialists have been given an AK-74 and put on guard duty to support the Motorised
Infantry. All the other men are
currently unarmed but can arm themselves in one turn with an AK-74. The
specialist guards must each be placed next to one of the four primary assets.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Command_Post_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="800" height="171" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Command_Post_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US"><u>Drivers
and other crew </u>- </span>Each
unmanned vehicle on site, except any UAZ-469 Jeeps has two drivers/crew
dedicated to it. These must be added to
the Soviet’s personnel pool. 1/3 of the
drivers and other crew have been given an AK-74 and put on guard duty. </p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">All the
other drivers and crew are currently asleep in any of the structures on the
table or in the back of any of the trucks.
They are unarmed. They can arm themselves in one turn with an AK-74.
The driver/crew guards must each be placed next to one of the secondary
assets.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The specialists, drivers and other crew have </span>Normal Supply levels, High Confidence TQ - D6 and Morale - D8.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>REINFORCEMENTS</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Battery
Quick Reaction Force is based at Banak Air Station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can reach the northernmost SAM site within
10 minutes of receiving a distress call.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The QRF has the same stats as the Motorised Rifle Squad patrolling the site. </span>The QRF is made up as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">2 x BTR-70
APCs – each with an 8 man Motorised Rifle Squad (6 x AK-74, 1 x RPK-74 and 1 x RPG-7V).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One squad can replace one AK-74 with a SVD
Sniper Rifle if you choose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The QRF will
arrive from the south on the E-6 highway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Once the shooting begins, start
counting turns. At the beginning of Turn
4 roll a D6. On a roll of 5 or more the
QRF has arrived. If the roll is failed,
at the beginning of Turn 5 roll a D6. On
a roll of 4 or more the QRF has arrived.
Turn 6 the QRF arrives of a 3+. Continue
rolling each turn until the QRF has arrived or the Assault team has left the
table.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>SOVIET VICTORY CONDITIONS</b></span></p>
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each NATO soldier WIA: +1 point<br /></span><span class="postbody1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each NATO soldier KIA: +3 points<br /></span></span><span class="postbody1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each NATO soldier captured: +5 points<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Each Soviet Primary Target to survive attack:
+10 points<br /> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Each Soviet Secondary Target to survive attack: +5 points</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Each Soviet Other Target to survive attack: +2 points<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1"><br />
</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Guard successfully raises alarm: +5 points<br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="postbody1">Every Primary Target survives attack: +10
additional points </span></span></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>GENERAL RULES</b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">At the beginning of each turn and anytime a unit fails a reaction test by rolling a 1, draw a random event card. I'll include these in a later post.</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That's it for the preamble - next up will be the actual game itself.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Thanks</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">Richard</p><br /><p></p></div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-27465620390730237262023-08-01T15:55:00.002-07:002023-08-01T15:55:35.699-07:00Bit of Scratch Building - S-300 Reloads<p> First up an apology for not posting anything for a while. I've actually been doing plenty of painting and gaming, including running demo games at Southcon in Dunedin, but all of this has been heavily WWII focussed so I've not posted any of it here. Cold wargaming doesn't seem to be a thing here, but it's still my go to No. 1 interest - so I'll keep plugging away when I get the chance.</p><p>Back in January - here - I posted a review of the 4D Models KrAZ-260B Tractor and the MAZ/ChMZAP-5247G semi-trailer. I bought it with the intention of using it for some as yet unknown scenario as a tank transporter, but more particularly to create this:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ausairpower.net/PVO-S/S-300PMU-Transloader-1S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="768" height="134" src="https://www.ausairpower.net/PVO-S/S-300PMU-Transloader-1S.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So my first post-WWII for quite a while was to have a crack at it from scratch - just using Evergreen Plastic rod. I'll warn you, this is the biggest and most complicated thing I've ever tried to scratch build - pretty basic I imagine by many other peoples standards - and I don't have much patience for this kind of thing - but here it is anyway.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="764" height="400" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4141.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="800" height="381" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4140.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><p>That's the basic structure. Now add some missile Containers:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="800" height="372" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="800" height="317" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4135.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="692" height="400" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4133.jpg" width="346" /></a></div><p>Now add the set to the semi-trailer:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="378" data-original-width="800" height="189" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Now add the truck/tractor:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="800" height="284" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="800" height="250" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_4138.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>All lovingly displayed on our kitchen table!<br /><p>Once the weather here clears up a little, all of this will be getting a basic paintjob and will be ready for the table. Setting up for a solo game right now!</p><p>Thanks all.</p><p>See you sooner than this last effort!</p><p>Richard</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-19934252534336540582023-03-20T17:53:00.006-07:002023-03-20T17:53:52.877-07:00Sticking to the Dutch 3D Print theme...<p> Just as the title says, today I'm sticking to the Dutch 3D printing theme. </p><p>As part of an ongoing, soon (I hope) to be revealed project, I needed a couple of Dutch Leopard 2A4s. Fortunately I had a couple of very old Matchbox Leo 2 kits, which I was able to "quickly" make. As if I do anything quickly!</p><p>One of these kits came with West German smoke dischargers, which would look like these:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Leopard_2A4_Lippujuhlan_p_iv_2014_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Leopard_2A4_Lippujuhlan_p_iv_2014_6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Originally I thought I could convert these to look like the Dutch smoke discharger layout, which I knew to be different, but couldn't quite remember how. So I looked it up:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/12_13_982270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="800" height="214" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/12_13_982270.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>or a bit closer:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/12_13_982270_v9UpxSkVoySPUWy11uYWaZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="363" data-original-width="485" height="363" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/12_13_982270_v9UpxSkVoySPUWy11uYWaZ.jpg" width="485" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So not much chance of converting what I had to look like that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fortunately I stumbled across a designer in Cults3D who had already designed a set for 3D printing. It can be found <a href="https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/various/smoke-grenade-launchers-for-leopard-2-nl" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now what follows are not the 2 greatest photos I've ever taken, but you should get the idea of my new Dutch Leo 2NL turrets, with proper smoke dischargers, an FN MAG (just blu-tacked in place for now), cam nets and a wire reel like in the photo above.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9540.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9539.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will take better photos once the model is complete, but the 3D printed smoke dischargers are exquisite and came out beautifully. Once again I'm very chuffed with the result.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Richard</div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-91958437337058044272023-03-15T17:53:00.001-07:002023-03-15T17:53:21.165-07:00The Shape of (Dutch) Things to Come<p> I've always wanted to do a Cold War Dutch force in 20mm but with no plastic kits available for their primary IFV, the YPR-765, I'd always put if off. I'd found some resin kits out there, but these were way to expensive, and I didn't like the quality of the 3D prints I'd seen available for sale. None of the STL files I've found looked particularly great either. I'd even talked to a couple of 3D print designers about doing a YPR-765. But that never went anywhere so I was happy to simply hold off.</p><p>However, after some email chatting with Mr M. Bergman of Thingiverse and Wargaming3D fame, all this is about to change.</p><p>Here's my first print of his soon to be released line of YPR variants:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="800" height="288" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3771.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="800" height="268" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3773.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="800" height="204" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3774.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="800" height="201" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3772.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is an early version of the YPR-765 PRI 25mm. A later variant will also be available, along with the PRAT, the PRGWT and you can easily make the PRI with the .50 cal cupola instead of the turret, the various command vehicles etc.</div><div><br /></div>The print is not 100% perfect, but that's down to me (and my total lack of expertise) and the issues I'm having with my printer. I'm going to reprint the turret to hopefully fix the rear of it, and I'll be cleaning up the lines on the side as best I can - but beyond that I'm totally chuffed with this model.<div><br /></div><div>Just for comparison purposes here's the Bergman YPR beside a Bergman M113:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="800" height="282" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3775.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So if you've been holding back from running Dutch, or Belgians or any of the other nations that fielded (or min the case of Ukraine, are now fielding) these terrific little vehicles - think again and keep a look out for the STL files.<div><br /></div><div>Happy hunting!</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard<br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-4172071115324527162023-03-03T21:43:00.000-08:002023-03-03T21:43:08.015-08:00The Berlin Project - Infantry and Urban Bases - Part 3<p> OK... This is a little embarrassing. <a href="https://coldwarhot.blogspot.com/2017/09/the-berlin-project-infantry-and-urban.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> and <a href="https://coldwarhot.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-berlin-project-infantry-and-urban.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a> of "The Berlin Project - Infantry and Urban Bases" happened back in October 2017. Those of you paying attention to things like, time, will quickly realise that its been almost six years between parts 2 and 3!</p><p>To start off with back then I painted 3 figures (loosely forming a Machine-gun Group) and here's the photo to prove it:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/v222/RichardC/Completed%20NATO%20figures/.highres/028_zpsxldekzrl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="800" height="237" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/v222/RichardC/Completed%20NATO%20figures/.highres/028_zpsxldekzrl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Today those figures look like this:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="800" height="227" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Not much has changed. However, I've finally managed to finish the other members of their section - the Rifle Group, lead by their NCO.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="800" height="176" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Put them together and you have a whole section:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="800" height="149" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9526.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here's a couple of contextual shots:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="800" height="272" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9534.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="800" height="293" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9533.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="800" height="199" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9535.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I also completed the Machine-gun Group of the next section. It's kind of a little vignette.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="800" height="207" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="800" height="219" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="800" height="205" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="556" data-original-width="800" height="222" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9531.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="800" height="202" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>That's it for now. I have a big WW2 painting project coming up, but will still add some more Cold War models shortly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard</div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-7636774408005806342023-01-27T22:23:00.001-08:002023-01-27T22:23:05.836-08:004DModels KrAZ-260B Tractor and MAZ/ChMZAP-5247G semi-trailer Review<p> Once again it's been a while. Preparations for Christmas, visitors and then my wife managing to severely break her ankle just before New Year has meant a pretty busy couple of months for me, and not much time for anything too gamey.</p><p>I did have a couple of moments of purchase based stress relief which brings me to today's topic. For a while now I've wanted to get some kind of Soviet tank transporter/trailer. I've been looking at the TAKOM offering, which seems quite nice:</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/MDLTAK5004.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="760" height="320" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/MDLTAK5004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>and also I say Trumpeter were coming out with this:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/49852_rd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/49852_rd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>which also looked pretty nice. The thing is, I wanted it for a very specific purpose. To create this:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.ausairpower.net/PVO-S/S-300PMU-Transloader-1S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="768" height="135" src="https://www.ausairpower.net/PVO-S/S-300PMU-Transloader-1S.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I wasn't sure that the S-300 missile tubes would fit on the back of either of the Takom or Trumpeter trailers and I wasn't really willing to pay top dollar for something that may or might not work.<div><br /></div><div>To cut a long story short, one day when randomly having a look around, I stumbled across this kit by 4D Models:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_0471.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_0471.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>I was a little wary as some of the kits made but this company are basically crap, but when I saw I could get this for less than $22NZD, I thought why not give it a go. The pics of the completed model looked OK and reviews were generally positive, so I thought the risk of the S-300 tubes not fitting was a risk worth taking.<div><br /></div><div>The box arrived remarkedly quickly from China, a little battered but nothing inside was any worse off. Here's a look at the back of the box:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_0472.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_0472.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>Inside were 3 sealed plastic bags of parts and the instructions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3616_gjoHf1oj3ZUXEVxabgLuwL.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3616_gjoHf1oj3ZUXEVxabgLuwL.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>Everything was there and nothing was damaged or warped. In the first bag you got loads of tires.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/(edited)_IMG_3619.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="800" height="223" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/(edited)_IMG_3619.png" width="400" /></a></div>As you can see they are glossy black with green hubs. They fit together nicely and are easy to clean up.<div><br /></div><div>The other parts are as below:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/(edited)_IMG_3620.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="800" height="213" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/(edited)_IMG_3620.png" width="400" /></a></div>and<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/(edited)_IMG_3621.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="800" height="291" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/(edited)_IMG_3621.png" width="400" /></a></div>Interestingly you can see in the second photo that it comes with a transparent piece for the cab's windows and 7 metal rods for the tires.<div><br /></div><div>The tractor goes together very simply and gives a nice simple wargaming standard model.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3622_77ZdknHGnpQZdYUxNnKodX.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3622_77ZdknHGnpQZdYUxNnKodX.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div>I couldn't be bothered painting inside the cab - I was in a bit of a therapeutic rush - so I'll be spraying the whole model, only after removing the wheels. You can see the holder for the spare wheel on the back of the cab. You end up with 3 spare wheels I think. You have to make up 17 in all.<div><br /></div><div>The trailer was actually even easier and together, I think they look pretty damn good.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3638_eKHDHEYAutPtAPP8ma3uHT.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3638_eKHDHEYAutPtAPP8ma3uHT.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3637_8dKrhXwLrJrjk5suP6o8Nk.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3637_8dKrhXwLrJrjk5suP6o8Nk.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3636_2TFpwM4aaVco7ttx3AYEJd.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3636_2TFpwM4aaVco7ttx3AYEJd.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div></div><div>Now of course I checked to see if the S-300 missiles fit on the trailer as they should - and yes indeed they do! Just for the hell of it I also took out a T-72 to see how it looked on the trailer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3639_b8MUk4iCQsFgQrNg9dRvio.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3639_b8MUk4iCQsFgQrNg9dRvio.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3641_ki8d5dGDVgCdQbG8KsWC6L.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3641_ki8d5dGDVgCdQbG8KsWC6L.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3642_ikqK59RowpFbGqenAq5Qoc.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3642_ikqK59RowpFbGqenAq5Qoc.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3643_vQWK7SKXCMwC6munDmWD6e.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3643_vQWK7SKXCMwC6munDmWD6e.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div>Sorry about the generally crappy photos!</div><div><br /></div><div>So review time. First the positives:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Super cheap</li><li>Ridiculously easy to put together</li><li>Solid wargamers kit</li><li>Scales well</li><li>Basically does what it says on the tin</li><li>If you were really really lazy you could almost get away with out painting it! Oh the horror!!</li></ul><div>Negatives</div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It's pretty chunky and there is of course a lack of fine detail, but personally I think the positive of being a solid (rather than fragile) kit outweigh that</li><li>Sink marks. There are quite a few sink marks on this kit. Some I'm happy to ignore, but some are in quite prominent positions. I guess all up I can live with them and hopefully hide most of them!</li><li>The metal rods - while perfectly useful and much better than plastic, unless I'm doing it wrong, they are to long for the wheels on the trailer. A relatively easy fix, but until that is done it makes the trailer look a bit toy like.</li></ul><div>So all in all, for what I want it for I am very happy with my purchase. Really its a bit of unnecessary frippery but I do have a very minor role in a game planned for it and I just think it's cool to have it. I'm not sure it would have any real use as a tank transporter in a standard wargame - but will be useful scenery if some "behind Soviet lines" type games.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Now I just need to sort out my many painting issues and get on and paint it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks and belated Happy New Year</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard</div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-34678686613054814752022-11-17T17:24:00.000-08:002022-11-17T17:24:22.096-08:00Blue Stuff??<p>Hi all. I've not been that well lately, so have not been as active as I would have liked, especially with regard to doing stuff worthy of being posted here.</p><p>I have however, recently come across "Blue Stuff".</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/156382261.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="628" height="320" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/156382261.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Now I'm aware that Blue Stuff has been around for a while, and many of you are like "Come on Richard - get with the times!". I'd never really put 2 and 2 together before regarding it, nor thought of much of a use for it, until I realised I did need it and so I decided to jump in, get a small amount (the 4 pack shown above) and give it a go.<div><br /></div><div>For those of you who have not seen it before, Blue Stuff is a thermo plastic moulding material. Basically this means that when its heated (by being put into a mug of boiling water) it can be bent and moulded. Primarily the way to do this is by pressing it onto something you want a copy of, leaving it until it has cooled down. Once cool, it retains the shape of the thing you have pressed it into. Then you simply peel off the Blue Stuff and you are left with a mould. Here's some examples I made in my first attempt:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="800" height="232" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3135.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>It doesn't look like much, but it can work really, really well. You then fill the mould with the material you want to create your copy with. I used Green Stuff, but I'm sure other options are available. I'm about to start stowing some USMC vehicles and you need loads of back packs etc, to give them the right look. I've bought quite a lot of this kind of stowage, but it can get very expensive if you want it to look authentic. I decided this was a better option for my stuff. Here's some of what I've made with Blue Stuff:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="800" height="170" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Some of it came out great - like the 5 backpacks in the top row - and some not so great, like the big roll on the bottom far right. Still it's useable I think.<div><br /></div><div>Another trial was to help create some open hatches on some of my 3D prints. Here's my Canadian Lynx's and some Dutch M113 C&V recon vehicles. The drivers hatches on both the command vehicles has been fairly carefully drilled open by me, and then a Blue Stuff moulded hatch has been added.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="800" height="205" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3287.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I've also mounted .30 Cal MMGs to these Lynxes.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="800" height="185" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3286.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The hatches on these M113 C&V's is quite oddly shaped. I'm really not sure how well it would have looked if I had tried to carve these out of plasticard. I'm pretty happy with both of those particular vehicles.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've no pics of this, but a while back I bought a Yak-38 Forger to support my Soviet Naval Infantry. After having mostly built it I found I was missing a fairly critical bit of the model. The whole project came to a grinding halt while I was trying to work out how to resolve this. Just recently I found someone selling the exact same model, quite cheaply as it had no canopy. I bought the model and have fitted the missing piece to existing kit. Not before I cast that part in Blue Stuff and made a copy. I also took my existing canopy a cast a copy of that as well. Now I can make 2 Forgers!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope this shows some of the versatility of Blue Stuff and how you might be able to use it to assist you in your Cold War modelling.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard <br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-37620793288397039372022-10-23T16:05:00.002-07:002022-10-23T16:05:55.415-07:00A couple of things I've been working on...<p>So things are starting to settle down and weather is slowly warming up. This has meant I've finally been able to set up my 3D Printer for the first time in almost 2 years. Turns out the hardest thing was deciding what to make to test out the printer. I was wondering whether it was still working after all that time, inaction, storage and a sea voyage. I choose to reprint a couple of Canadian Lynx's, as I need 4 for my new recon project. Here they are:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="800" height="211" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3133.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Very happy with how these turned out. I just need to replace the barrel of the .50 Cal to something a little more in scale and they will be ready for stowage. I might also drill out the rear hatch on the one with the open cupola, so I can show it crewed there as well. I also have to find some .30 Cals I bought for this purpose ages ago, so they are properly armed.<div><br /></div><div>Next up is this Faller farm/house set I built back in Australia. I'm pretty sure it has appeared in some of my AARs as well:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="800" height="288" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3127.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="431" data-original-width="800" height="216" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3129.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I really love this set, but I always felt like it was incomplete. So I decided to build a walled garden for the back of the house:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="800" height="290" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3132.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="800" height="294" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_3130.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>It's not painted yet, and I had originally planned on using pantiles to match the walls at the front. Unfortunately, my Wills pantiles were massive compared to those used in the model, so I decided the farm owners had chosen a cheaper option for the walls at the rear of the house. Primarily made of foam board, some thin plastic sheeting of bricks, spakfilla and breakfast cereal box cardboard of the tiles on the top of the wall. Even unpainted, I'm pretty happy with how this has all worked out.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's it for now</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard</div><div><br /></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-64126609226242200102022-09-26T14:54:00.001-07:002022-09-26T14:54:51.736-07:00Armies on Parade<p> Sorry it's been a while, but you wouldn't know it - I've actually played a couple of games for the first time in over 2 years! Both were "introductory" Battlegroup WWII games so I won't be posting up any pics, but it was great to do a bit of painting, put the new table to the test, roll some dice and meet some new guys here in NZ. New to me that is.</p><p>Before the games, and as I was sorting out stuff to put away into the display cabinet a lined up a few things to take some group photos. First up was my Soviets:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="800" height="269" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9495.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Still a few things to do here, and this doesn't include any unmade kits in the "stash".</p><p>Next up were the Brits:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="800" height="362" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9496.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Then the Americans:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="800" height="314" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9502.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Getting smaller and smaller. Lastly the West Germans:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="800" height="357" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9504.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>This really didn't seem like much in the West German department and I was scratching my head for a while as I put these in the cabinet - and went searching until I found all the missing vehicles. No photo of them I'm afraid.</p><p>So that's the majority of my larger Cold War armies. All in 20mm of course. Still loads of work to do to finish them off. Any questions, just let me know</p><p>Thanks</p><p>Richard</p>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-56134807836944901312022-09-04T20:20:00.011-07:002022-09-04T20:21:30.953-07:00Games Room Update Part 3 & a Step Closer to Ticking Off an Item on My Wargaming Bucket List<p> So - lots of good news on the Games Room front. Firstly, and somewhat most importantly from the whole "Games Room" point-of-view, I now have a 10 ft x 6 ft table top. Beautifully crafted by my Games Room go-to-guy, Lawrence, it fits perfectly on top of all my smaller storage cupboards. Here it is in possibly not the greatest angle:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9477.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This angle better shows the cupboards underneath the table:<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9481.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>And finally, this shot sort-of shows the batten under the table that allows it to sit solidly on the cupboards:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9478.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Unfortunately this exercise proves I am not an engineer... I drew a picture, with measurements for Lawrence to show him what I wanted, and I showed the battens being 6" from the table edge - allowing me to open the top drawer easily and access it contents. Of course I failed to take into account the size of the batten, which probably added another 3 or 4 inches. You can still pull open the drawers - it's just a bugger getting stuff out of them!</div><div><br /></div><div>The tabletop is not moving an inch as along with the battens, the whole thing weighs a ton!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway - still extremely chuffed with the tabletop. And of course I had to try it out with the ultimate test, and an item on my wargaming bucket list. Playing out all four maps from GDW's Third World War series. I certainly had not planned for this... but it fits on the table top!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="800" height="332" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9471.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>With plenty for all the other bits and bobs that are essential for the game. Super satisfied with that I had to try out the maps from a couple of other recent purchases.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="800" height="229" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9479.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The map for "Red Storm: The Air War over Central Germany, 1987" fits easily. The next one might be more of a challenge.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="800" height="332" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9475.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Here's all the maps for the latest version of Thin Red Line Games "1985: Deadly Northern Lights". Its a monster, but fits very nicely on the table. Again with plenty of room for the heaps of stuff that goes with this game.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of my plans - not really a bucket list item, but a solid plan nonetheless, is to play Deadly Northern Lights, along with GDW's "Arctic Front" - seen here alone</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="769" height="400" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9472.JPG" width="385" /></a></div><br /><div>and Strategy & Tactics Magazine's "Nordkapp"</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="800" height="226" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9476.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Now I have the tabletop to do it, I just need an opponent!</div><div><br /></div><div>Then, with the maps put back into their respective boxes/magazines, I whiled away an hour or two setting up the table for a "proper" wargame - just to see what it looked like:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="800" height="195" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9484.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="515" data-original-width="800" height="258" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9485.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Finally, the next bit of good news I had, was the arrival of my built to order Glass Display Cabinet. Again made by Lawrence - it is a wonder to behold (in my eyes).</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="710" height="400" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9490.JPG" width="355" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And did I mention he added LEDs for me!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="659" height="400" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9492.JPG" width="330" /></a></div><br /><div>I'm so in love with this cabinet. Due to putting our house on the market a few years back, taking it off again, then putting it on again, selling, moving out, moving countries etc, its been about 5 years since I've been able to display my models and figures.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I finally have a place to do that - along with the embarrassing incentive of displaying unpainted models, will certainly push my painting along. </div><div><br /></div><div>Most of my "hobbytime" has to date been spent trying to put the garage in order. Now I'm finally getting to the pointy end where all that is behind me and I'll have not excuses to keep putting off actually painting something and hopefully getting in an actual game.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard<br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><p><br /></p></div></div></div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-88215776718640572342022-08-24T22:25:00.002-07:002022-08-24T22:25:46.922-07:00Luchs & Fuchs WIP<p> No - not a rude phrase in German (at least not this time), this is a basic descriptor of how I have been keeping myself busy on some of the colder days we've had recently. Consigned to one half of the house - the bit with the fire - I decided it was time to start my next project - some more German recon units.</p><p>Just as an opener, I've got to say the 1/72 Revell Luchs Spahpanzer 2 is a beauty of a kit. At the same time, it's pretty easy to do your head in with the whole suspension. Looky here:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="800" height="377" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9457.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>While it was enough to drive me crazy - there is a real beauty to it at the same time. Admittedly, I did leave a few bits off the suspension - but for me, this is meant to be a wargaming model, not something to make and look pretty on a shelf - so there is a limit.<div><br /></div><div>I decided I needed something to differentiate the 4 different Luchs (I've already completed one years ago). I designated 1 to be the Platoon Leader, and 1 to be a section leader. The only negative I have with this model is that there are <b><u>NO</u></b> open hatches. So I had to open a few:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="800" height="385" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9462.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>... and add hatches, and some insides for the crew to stand on. Honestly, I'm more than mildly chuffed with how these turned out.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="800" height="253" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9467.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>After building 3 Luchs, I decided to build a 1/72 Revell Tpz Fuchs. I had two previously built, so thought this would be a doddle. And it only had 3 sets of wheels instead of four. What could be easier.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I can only say I must have been more than half out of it when I started the kit, and somehow managed to continue in that vein for the remainder of the build. For whatever reason I had serious issues building this kit. I even had to use a wad of green stuff when I realised that parts I had ready to add <u>after</u> the top of the hull had been added to the chassis, actually needed to be added <u>before </u>you had glued the top to the bottom. Never quite done something that stupid before, but it fit the general theme so there you go.</div><div><br /></div><div>Again I decided it needed to look different to the other 2 Fuchs I have, so after looking through the Tankograd book, I decided to add a Milan, from a Revell Marder kit. It appears quite elevated in the pictures so I need to add some plastic tubing, which I jazzed up a little. Here's how it turned out:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="491" data-original-width="800" height="245" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9463.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>If you look closely you can see the green stuff near the front of the model. Needless to say most of the front is going to get a cam net thrown over it! I'm not going to say I'm chuffed with how this one turned out, but hopefully once cammed to within an inch of it's life, and painted, I should look quite good. I hope.</div><div><br /></div><div>So that's largely it for my model building. Now it's starting to warm up a little, I hope to get onto the painting sooner rather than later.</div><div><br /></div><div>There has also been some progress in the garage/games room. More on that soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard<br /><p><br /></p></div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-86086853702249038812022-07-30T21:45:00.003-07:002022-07-30T21:45:32.412-07:00Rapier SAM System<p> It's been very cold lately, so any desire to go into my freezing garage and take pics has been easily squashed. Today wasn't so bad, and I had found all the bits for this little Rapier SAM Troop, so I decided to give it a go.</p><p>Here is the Rapier in action:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="800" height="167" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9443.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p>This is an <a href="https://sandsmodels.com/" target="_blank">S&S Models</a> Rapier SAM. S&S can provide you with an entire troop, emplaced or in the open (like this one), including all the vehicles etc. Here I have used the launcher (with 4 missiles as per the 1980s) which comes with a small generator and the Blindfire Radar - which also comes with its own generator. I have both of mine in the deployed position, but you could easily have them made up to look like they are being towed.</p><p>Here's a couple of close-ups, along with the vehicle that would have towed them:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="800" height="256" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9449.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="800" height="270" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9450.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>The crewed optical tracker and the chaps saying look over there! both come from <a href="https://army-bits.co.uk/" target="_blank">Armybits</a> and were provided to me, very kindly, by Keith Armstrong, the designer. I fiddled with them to convert them from 15mm to 20mm, which was a bit of fun. Here's a couple of close-ups of them:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="605" data-original-width="800" height="303" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9451.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="800" height="329" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9452.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Finally, I found a Rapier resupply trailer (<a href="https://www.wargaming3d.com/product/rapier-resupply-trailer/" target="_blank">here</a>) on the Wargaming3D website designed by VJM787 - who I'll just let you know is also a lovely chap - and printed it and a couple of piles of missiles - to go in the trailer and in a neat stack on the ground covered in a cam net. Here you go:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="800" height="332" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="800" height="268" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9454.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div>Here's the trailer being towed by a Land Rover FFR.</div><div><br /></div><div>Finally the "squeeze together" group shot.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="800" height="286" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/IMG_9456.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>So finally I have a Towed Rapier system and a Tracked Rapier system. My British battlefield SAM systems are complete!</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for looking</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard</div><div><br /></div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-82182632873414274502022-06-27T20:33:00.000-07:002022-06-27T20:33:09.075-07:00Games Room Update Part 2<p> So I misspoke. No new army list or miniature photos today - although I have been busy working in the garage/games room.</p><p>Now I have carpeted an area in the middle of the room.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Garage_2(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Garage_2(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>And then moved the smaller cabinets which will form the foundation for the table top and handy storage areas, to the spot where they will sit.</p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Garage_3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Garage_3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This should give me a decent 10 ft x 6 ft table, and leave enough space in the room for a 6' x 4' table should the need arise. There is also plenty of room under the bigger table to store all sorts of crap between the cabinets - as I already have!<div><br /></div><div>So that's my progress. Probably will give this topic a rest until the tabletop is sorted out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard<br /><p><br /></p></div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-1974668892452355732022-06-15T22:50:00.000-07:002022-06-15T22:50:01.140-07:00F.A.Q. Part 2<p> Hi everyone. In FAQ Part 2, rather than providing all the questions and responses, like I did in Part 1, I've decided to simply list the topics and then provide the like to the pdf. This is also available on the FAQ Tab at the top of the page.</p><p>The topics discussed are:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Main Gun Ammunition</li><li>Timed Strikes with Attack Helicopters</li><li>Repeat Attacks and Attack Helicopter Another Attack Run</li><li>WARPAC Attack Helicopters</li><li>Dual Purpose SAMs?</li><li>Special Forces in Lists</li><li>Terminology and Lists</li><li>How to add Support Units - Focused on Recon Units - it's a conversation...</li><li>Battle Drill - A series of questions</li></ul><div>The is the link to the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1llLqCq6QuO13f4c-atQuEajjmxAo3xdN/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Complete FAQ</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Next time - either some miniature photos or an updated Army List</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard</div><p></p>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-42793893896237368472022-06-07T22:14:00.001-07:002022-06-07T22:14:15.777-07:00Games Room Update Part 1<p> So just a quick update today - to show I've finally made some progress in the creation of my games room. From this</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Garage_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Garage_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>To this:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Garage_1(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Garage_1(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">These are my new cabinets along one wall of the garage – our old TV will go in the centre – only about 4 days work off and on
putting them together. They each weigh about 45 kilos! 2 are for
“The Stash” – the rest is bits and pieces – no terrain – that’ll go in smaller
cabinets to fit under the table.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Second half of the FAQ coming soon</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Richard</span></p><br /><p></p>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-40296525706987269952022-06-04T20:31:00.001-07:002022-06-04T20:31:13.072-07:00F.A.Q. Part 1<p> Here is Part 1 of my current F.A.Q. document. It deals specifically with rules questions in no particular order. Part 2 will deal with more philosophical style - what were you thinking - type questions. My answers are in red.</p><p>I'll add these as a .pdf document into the FAQ tab at the top of the page once it is combined.</p><p>Thanks</p><p>Richard</p><p><b><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="background: white;">AIRCRAFT</span></b></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: Roboto;">We pulled an aircraft chit for the Russians and
rolled up a Su-25 Frogfoot with 2 AAMs with a Gatling Heavy Autocannon (Tankbuster)
– No.6 on the chart. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could not find
any penetration values for that weapon or even any for NATO. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do we use the weapons off the AFV list? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We got the part about upping the penetration
table by 4 lines!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: Roboto;">Yes, use the weapons off the AFV charts - in this
case the 30mm 2A42. Most NATO planes should have the equivalent of the 20mm
Vulcan Gatling Gun. The A-10 should use the 30mm RARDEN stats.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p> </o:p><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Roboto;">Aircraft always hits top armour.</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Roboto;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Roboto;">When your chose to introduce top armour in your
Cold War variant, it meant that air support could destroy tanks too
effectively. Bombs and Air-to-Surface Missiles have too high value of Armour Penetration
while max value of top armour is 3. So practically any bombs and Air-to-Surface
Missiles will destroy any tank (even the most armoured) on 4+.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: Roboto;">I’m really not sure I have such an issue with this to be honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If an AFV manages to get hit by pretty much anything
delivered by an aircraft, I can’t see much of a chance of it surviving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, jet aircraft appearing on the table
should be relatively rare and not be game killers, as they typically attack one
thing before flying off again.</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>ATGM</b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">We have
allowed ATGM's to fire using the Ambush Fire order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that correct?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so, can they attempt to fire again on
Ambush fire if they failed to spot the first time? </span><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: Roboto;">I have no issue with a ATGM using the Ambush Fire
order. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, they only get one chance
to spot as the "Shoot & Track" order takes up two activations. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you don't observe the target – sadly you Ambush
Fire order is wasted. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Roboto;">Reloading ATGM vehicles.</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Roboto;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Roboto;">A non-specialist vehicle like the BMP is a
1/1. Having fired an ATGM on turn 1, we assumed it has to spend turn 2
reloading, before it can fire again in turn 3.</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Roboto;">
<span style="background: white;">A specialist vehicle like the FV438 is a 2/5.
Having fired in turns 1 and 2, we assumed it has to spend turn 3 reloading,
before it can fire again in turns 4 and 5.</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">The questions are;</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">1) were we right it takes a turn to reload?</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">2) does it take a reload order or is it assumed
the vehicle will reload using their own initiative?</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">3) we didn't use man packed ATGMs, but we assume
once they have fired their ready ammo (3 shots) they can be reloaded from their
transport vehicle - does this need a resupply order?</span><br />
<br />
</span><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: Roboto;">1) Under the new rule “Vehicle mounted ATGMs – Missile Ammunition” all vehicles
mounting ATGMs take one turn, where they must remain stationary, to
reload.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This does not apply to tabks
that are capable of firing ATGMs or vehicles that have the “Fast Re-loader”
vehicle trait. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: Roboto;">2) In this case there is no “Reload” order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the stationary vehicle cannot be
given orders or activated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is just
assumed that the crew knows what it's doing and is concentrating on reloading
as quickly as it can.<br />
3) Regarding man-packed ATGM you'll note the restricted ammo rule currently is
an optional rule. The rule states that the team can be re-supplied from their
attached (or parent) vehicle or if they don't have one - from a standard
re-supply vehicle. Both these options use the standard resupply rules.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">The BRDM-2/Sagger have an ammo rating of 6/1, this means it
has 6 missiles ready to fire and when it has fired all of them, it can then reload
all 6 missiles once in the game?</span><br />
<span style="background: white; color: red;">Yes that is correct</span><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white;">Still referring to the BRDM-2/Sagger, how many missiles can it
fire per "Shoot & Track" order? All 6 missiles or one per order?</span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background: white; color: red;">Just one missile per Shoot & Track
order - so one missile per turn. Assuming your BRDM-2/AT-3 doesn't want to move
and has a target every turn it could sit there had shoot every turn for 6
turns.</span><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Roboto;">Question about ATGMs with tandem warheads. The
rules state that it ignores composite armour and ERA. I thought tandem charges
were designed do defeat ERA only? The addition of a small initial explosive
charge shouldn’t really affect the main HEAT charge's penetration vs composite
armour should it?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: Roboto;">Under Tandem Warheads in the ATGM section it states
laminate and/or ERA.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, in the
next sentence I state “AFVs with the Advanced Armour trait do not get to add
1D6 to their armour value against hits by missiles with tandem warheads”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is incorrect – it should read “AFVs with
the <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Reactive</span> Armour
trait do not get to add 1D6 to their armour value against hits by missiles with
tandem warheads”.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;">Can passengers in an IFV, disembark at
the same time as the IFV is using the “Shoot & Track - ATGM”</span><span style="background: rgb(248, 248, 248); color: #444444; font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;">order?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;">No it cannot. An IFV could fire its main gun
and disembark, or move and disembark, but Shoot & Track ATGM is a double
activation order and it's pretty clear that whatever is firing and tracking the
ATGM, be it vehicle or an infantry ATGM team, can do nothing else that turn.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: Roboto;">LIGHT ANTI-TANK WEAPONS</span></b><b><span style="background: white; font-family: Roboto;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: Roboto;">Are LAWs one use only? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know in real life they are and there is a
brief descriptive mention that they are in the rules but we didn't notice a
concrete ruling on it and we had a few thoughts - either they're unlimited use,
representing the extras that may have been carried in transports or lugged
around by other members of the section - or that they are realistic and single
use, in which case we thought that they may be quite expensive in comparison to
other NATO/Pact options such as PzF's/RPGs, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the actual rule on this? Cause we
could see it going either way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;">LAWs are like Panzerfausts in standard
Battlegroup. Definitely one use only.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;">Options: May take a M72A2 LAW + 5 pts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Does this mean I can take only one LAW or
their number in a squad is not limited?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;">May take one only for +5 points<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;">Not found in the Rules description,
where can I find the mechanics of fire for a M72A2 LAW, AT 4 LAW, RPG or
grenade launcher etc)?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;">Use "Area Fire - with small arms,
machine guns & High Explosive Shells" from the Battlegroup main rule
book or "Aimed Fire - with small arms and machineguns" from the Cold
War variant rule book. The small arms and other weapons 'To Hit' table on page
8 and the LAW, RPG, MAW, Recoilless Rifle and Automatic Grenade Launcher Table
on Page 9, along with the commentary below it should help. There is also
information on Page 21 about all of those weapons, but in the next update I need
to change some of the information in the little call out boxes which is no
longer correct.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">TANKS</span><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">I have a M60A1 RISE/PASSIVE.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has the following weapons: 105mm L68A1 – Turret, MG - Co-axial, HMG –
Turret.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; text-indent: -18pt;">How many shots to
infantry can be made from HMG – Turret? </span><span style="background: white; color: red; text-indent: -18pt;">RoF 6</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;">I want to fire on enemy infantry. Do I understand correctly
that I can only fire from 105mm L68A1 or from MG. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Roboto;">That's the way I've always
played it</span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;">The tank has a MG and HMG. Can I fire them at the same time,
i.e. throw 3 dice per MG and plus 6 for the HMG? </span><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-family: Roboto;">I've always played it that
you can't. You must choose one or the other. However, I could swear I’ve seen
some commentary on Facebook commentary where it indicated it was possible to
fire two MGs at a target. I’ll keep looking and come back with a more
definitive yes/no.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">ARTILLERY</span><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Can I ask what the reasoning is for not including the BM-21
as on table artillery? Simply because their engagement range would put them as
far away from the front at possible? I have seen them included in some other
lists.</span><span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: Roboto;">If you look at the Soviet lists all of them (except
Soviet Naval Infantry) have had the BM-21s and a number of other high level
artillery assets removed from the artillery section of the list and can now be
found only in the additional fire support section. This means they are all now
off-table.<br />
<br />
I've left the BM-21 in the SNI list as it was found Regimental rather than
divisional level. The SNI had no 2S1 batteries. Still, I'm sure it could be
easily argued that even here they should really just be off table assets.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="background: white;">HELICOPTERS</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">A small mistake (?) in the capacity of NATO helicopters. Two Rifle
Squads U.S. Marines 26 men, helicopters capacity of 24. Two man left at the
base?<br />
</span><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: Roboto;">The two CH-46E are purchased for the Platoon. The Platoon has 42 men in
it. Together the helicopters can carry 48 men. One squad can be split using the
fireteam rule. The helo carrying the Platoon Command Squad and 1 Rifle Squad
has space for up to 8 men.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;">Can I put the Forward
Headquarters on the helicopter?<br />
</span><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: Roboto; line-height: 107%;">Can't see any reason why not. Using the USMC as an
example - there is space in the CH-46Es for the Forward HQ. However, if you buy
a bunch of Platoon Support options and you want to also helo-transport them,
I'd just add another helicopter for 25 pts +2-r BR. That should work. Just work
on what you and your opponent are happy with.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-27751070865523056422022-05-19T17:28:00.002-07:002022-05-19T17:28:17.075-07:00FAQ<p> Recently a reader asked if I had a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Of course I don't! However I aim to change that as of today. I have created a new page (at the top of the blog) where anyone can come in and ask questions about my very unofficial Battlegroup Cold War variant. Please feel free to use it.</p><p>I also have access to the old forum where my variant was openly discussed before PSC released NORTHAG. I'll scroll through those threads and pull out any useful questions and put them into a pdf document and post it under the FAQ page.</p><p>Hope that is considered helpful.</p><p>Richard</p>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-90391701582960953172022-05-17T20:14:00.005-07:002022-07-30T21:49:09.143-07:00Ashburton Aviation Museum<p>I'm pretty sure this is a first for me - a blog post about a museum visit. I'll be sticking to cold war aircraft only though.</p><p>Soon after we arrived in New Zealand we had to go to Christchurch to pick up our dog, who had travelled over separately a week or so after we had left. A long story as to why that was the case. Anyhow, we decided to stay in Ashburton, a small town to the South of Christchurch, and I ended up having a couple of hours to kill so I headed off to the <a href="https://www.aviationmuseum.co.nz/cms/index.php" target="_blank">Ashburton Aviation Museum</a>. I knew this existed from a previous stay, and looking at the brochure, it looked like they had managed to acquire a Harrier GR.3, so my incentive to go immediately tripled.</p><p>RNZAF Station Ashburton was a pilot basic training base during WW2. Today it is still used as a civilian aerodrome and its a great spot for a small NZ aviation museum.</p><p>I had a very pleasant visit, chatted to a couple of lovely elderly chaps who knew way more about planes in general and aviation in NZ then I could learn in several lifetimes and took loads of photos. So here are a few of the said RAF Harrier GR.3:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Harrier_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Harrier_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Harrier_5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Harrier_5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Harrier_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Harrier_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I of course walked up the stairs and had a close inspection of the rather cramped cockpit. There was a lot of stuff in this hangar - so it was difficult to get a "distant" shot of the Harrier, hence these rather tight views. The first and second photo show how closely it is packed next to a Korean War era MiG-15. The Museum thinks this is the only Harrier in the Southern Hemisphere which they somehow managed to pick up for just over 5000 quid!<div><br /></div><div>My next favourite was a fantastic RNZAF Skyhawk:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Skyhawk_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Skyhawk_2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Skyhawk_4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Skyhawk_4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Skyhawk_5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Skyhawk_5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Skyhawk_7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Skyhawk_7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Years and years ago, one of the best flying displays I've ever seen was a group of RNZAF Skyhawks beating up HMAS Albatross, a Royal Australian Naval Base in Nowra, NSW.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hidden behind the Skyhawk was a RAAF Meteor F8. Just the one photo:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Meteor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Meteor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And just the one of an equally lovely FB5 Vampire:<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Vampire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Vampire.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Obviously there are loads more planes, including a very impressive and grunty looking Aermacchi MB-339CB, which fell just outside my Cold War timeframe so I didn't include it above. There was also a Canberra front section and cockpit which was extremely interesting to have a look at. I was at the museum for well over an hour, just wandering about. Apart from the 2 volunteers, I had the entire establishment to myself - indeed they had to open the second hangar and turn the lights on just for me!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you ever find yourself in the South Island of New Zealand, around the Christchurch area, this little museum is well worth the visit. Actually in Christchurch is the official <a href="https://www.airforcemuseum.co.nz/" target="_blank">Air Force Museum of New Zealand</a> and further north you can visit the <a href="https://www.omaka.org.nz/index.html" target="_blank">Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre</a> which just happens to hold Peter Jackson's WW1 aircraft collection amongst other things. Very excited to see they have just gotten hold of a complete de Havilland Mosquito and a P-51 Mustang had had been sitting in a farmer's shed for decades. See <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/121990112/treasure-trove-of-hidden-historic-planes-including-rare-wwii-mosquito-to-see-the-light" target="_blank">here</a> if you are interesting in reading more.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway - I'm waffling now. Onwards and upwards - now Cold Wary stuff will resume in the next post.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard</div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7116709723757797084.post-24323610521173960672022-04-30T19:28:00.002-07:002022-04-30T19:28:53.675-07:00I'M BACK!!!<p> Well, well, well. Finally I've made it back online. The last 6+ months have been very interesting, a wee bit stressful from time to time, and a bit of an adventure too. We have finally been able to move from Australia to New Zealand, fly the dog over, buy a house, eventually have all of our goods and chattels arrive, and start to get on with our lives for the first time really in a few years now.</p><p>I'm very excited to have the energy and headspace again to commit to the blog, and I hope it will become regularly updated again from now on. On of the great things about our new home is that not only will I have my own office again (read, Modelling & Painting Room), and we'll have a room dedicated as a library - but I'll also get a "proper" gaming room (read, the garage!).</p><p>One thing I wanted to do before we left Sydney was to take a photo of all my gaming "junk" boxed up. Of course that never happened, but I was able to take a couple of pics today. Here it all is:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Garage_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="600" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Garage_2.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Garage_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="600" src="https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/v222/RichardC/Garage_1.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So this is not quite everything. None of the boxes of books or rulebooks are in the shot, some boxed games are missing, all my paints are kind of inaccessible at the moment, my one battalion sized army bag full of my best painted minis are in another room. My 3D printer is also out of reach right now. Still it's interesting to see 30+ years of collecting bits and pieces all broken down and put into storage.<div><br /></div><div>Right now I'm relatively sure nothing too important has been broken, beyond what I broke packing stuff. Which was a bit!</div><div><br /></div><div>So I'm now officially semi-retired, and once the house is straightened out completely, the library shelving built, a new office desk bought, my office sorted - I'll then be able to start to put together my Games Room. A real project to look forward to.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I hope you're all doing well and ready for some Cold War gamey goodness, plus some other wargames room related updates over the next few months.</div><div><br /></div><div>Onwards and upwards</div><div><br /></div><div>Richard<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>RichardChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09715518001361703533noreply@blogger.com13