Finishing the Open Fire! StuGs

I posted images my first model over on the HeresyBrush forum, and had some good feedback on improving on my first attempt, which suggested I reduce the size of the chipping and lessen the chipping on the main part of the tank's body.

I have tried to follow this advice on the remaining StuGs, but perhaps needed to take it further.

The second StuGs were painted as the first, and all three are now matt varnished too.

I think they are an improvement, let me know what you think.

(The first StuG is on the right, or # 412)

Open Fire! Painting the Stug III Gs.

A quick update to show some pictures of my first attempt at painting 15mm WW2 vehicles.

I owe much to HeresyBrush and Ruben for inspiration here. I have unashamedly followed his formula (more or less) for this model. I really should have started with some infantry, but couldn't resist. I am very pleased with the results - please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Base colours are Vallejo MC Middlestone, with Reflective Green and German Camo Med Brown for the disruptive camouflage. No modulation attempted! AK NATO Filter used. Weathering is WMC Dark Oxide and 50/50 Ivory/Sand Yellow for highlights. Sponge and brush techniques used for scratches and rust spots. AK washes for outlining, and streaking. AK Light Rust Wash over WMC Dark Oxide for track applique armor. Tracks are VPA Track Base, with mixture of AK Dark and Rust washes applied generously. Enough details - go visit HeresyBrush for a step by step!

Oh - and it needs a coat of Matt Varnish still. Waiting for his friends to be finished!

Starting the 15mm WW2 Wargaming Journey

Just starting out on the long road of 15mm WW2 wargaming.

I Ain't Been Shot Mum is the rule set of choice. Figures will be based to be compatible with FoW (you never know).

I have been gathering some links for modelling and painting which are on the left!

Raab Mapboard Completed!

Further progress on preparations for the Raab refight.

Here are a few pics of the completed mapboard. This is a result of quite a bit of work from my good gaming buddy Vincenzo and I.

The creek in the centre of the board is the Pándzsa bordered by marshy and steep banks, with the fortress farm of Kis-Megyer in the centre and the town of Szabadhegy in an 'L' shape. The Austrians defended the Pándzsa taking the high ground, Kis-Megyer and Szabadhegy Town as their positions, with cavalry covering their left flank and the ford where cavalry could cross.

Unfortunately, I forgot to put the 2 bridges (on crossings on the Austrian right), on the board for most of these photos.

View from the Franco-Italian side
(another 30cm of plain board will be added to that side to 
accommodate their deployment).

View up the Pándzsa from the
direction of Raab (off map)

Looking down the creek from the other direction

Szabadhegy Town

The ford used by French Cavalry
on the Austrian right flank

One of the bridges

Heights behind the farm and town ... complete with vineyard

View back from Austrian far left flank

Let me know what you think and if you have any questions about the construction just ask. Hope you enjoyed it! More Raab progress as it comes to hand.

More Raab Preparation ... rounding up the horses

Momentum is building on the preparations for our re-fight of Raab.

This time I am posting an update on progress with completion of the rest of the Insurrection Hussar Brigades that need painting. Well I've done the horseflesh - here they are. All 56 figures.

They are a bit shiny right now, having had a coat of gloss varnish to keep them protected - final matt coat will be applied when the bases and riders are completed and assembled.

Now onto the cavalrymen!

Ressurrecting Raab

Well, its been some huge break since my last post and just as long since any real progress has been made on preparations for refighting Raab.

I'm happy to report the board and scenery is nearly complete.

As a teaser, I will post a picture of the model for the Kigs-Meyer farm (see below) - it was the dominant (fortified) built up area on the battlefield. According to my research, it was fortified by the Austrians and a platform built around its perimeter so that the garrison could fire over the high walls that surrounded the farm buildings. Apparently the main building was akin to the famous granary of Essling, famous from the battle of Aspern-Essling.

More to come soon.

Finished Reading - Albuera 1811 (Guy Dempsey)

Having just completed Guy Dempsey's "Albuera 1811" I can thoroughly recommend it.

Aside from the description of the historical context, the battle itself and the aftermath, its has some great material which personalises the battle, by providing a plethora of first hand material written by veterans of the battle.

There are great maps, OOB, and uniform guide.

The other appendices have some interesting anecdotes about the battles veterans and their families and lots of other good stuff.

Recommend it!

... now for Vol III of Thunder on the Danube!