Aldramelechs Early War Soviets

[Aldramelech]

My regular gaming oppo has been doing early war for a while now and has most of the forces for it. He does not have early Soviets however so I decided to complete what the club could do for the period.

Ive decided to do a Tank Battalion based on the early war PDF list available on the Battlefront forums.

Battalion Commander 1x T28

Medium Tank COY 10x T28

Hvy Tank COY 5x T35

Motor Rifle COY with attached MGs and Commissar team

Anti Tank Platoon 2x 45mm ATG with attached Commissar team

Anti Air Platoon 2x 37mm AA guns with attached Commissar team

This comes to 1500pts which is the size of game we would normally play.

Now there might be some of you who are quite new to historical games who have been introduced to FOW recently who would be forgiven for thinking Battle Front invented WW2 gaming! lol Sometimes I think BF think they invented it! They most certainly did not.

So with this in mind the above forces will include lots of non BF stuff. This is not because I'm down on BF, its purely down to cost vs best model available which is not always BF.

The above list is also just a starting point. Once it is complete (and I start playing with it) I will add other units so I can play a variety of different lists. The lists themselves are also just rough guidelines to us so we get an idea of balance. Most games played will be scenario driven and involve historical real world forces rather then lists people come up with to win tournaments.

I'm concentrating on finishing my WFB Dwarfs at the moment but I have made a start. I wanted my Battalion commanders T28 to stand out so I decided it should have the "horseshoe" frame Ariel. No one makes this so I used a standard BF T28 as the base. Ive constructed the frame from plastic coated paperclips and greenstuff.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0548.jpg

Now I am aware it looks a little thick and out of scale but bare with me. If I had made it thinner and to scale it would get broken PDQ. It has to look OK and survive a normal gaming environment! lol
So here it is complete:

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0565.jpg

[Aldramelech]

Next I went looking for the rest of the T28s needed. BF ones are not cheap so I went to Ebay and found these:

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/BYCbYRgWkKGrHgoOKkUEjlLmVksBKfdzNu-.jpg

I thought they were 2nd hand BF and I would strip them, They weren't! They are in fact one piece resin castings from a small one man band who sells exclusively on Ebay. The models are good but the paintjob is awful, I very nearly binned them. I decided to rescue them though and this is the result.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0542.jpg

I then contacted the guy and inquired about getting the models unpainted, he was more then happy to do this so I ordered the rest of the Company. They took a long time to arrive but cost a fraction of BF prices.

[Aldramelech]

The next problem was a big one. T35's.

BF used to make a nice one but it is long OOP and impossible to find. The only option I knew about, and after a search of the net confirmed was the only option, is QRF. Now QRF have been going for donkeys years and are not my favorite figure makers. They are nice people, Ive met them many times at local shows, they give great service and some of their stuff is really very good. Unfortunately alot of their stuff is very average and some is downright awful and their T35 falls into that category. It is made completely out of metal, is badly cast and does not fit together well. Being all metal it weighs half a ton and is very expensive. I ordered one to see what could be done with it.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0552.jpg

I despaired!

Then salvation appeared. Someone on the net suggested I contact a guy in the States called Gaming Models. Never heard of them. He has no website at the moment and was a nightmare to track down but eventually someone dug up a email address for him. I didn't hold out much hope, even if the models were OK Id never be able to afford the postage from the states. It turned out the models are all resin and very cheap ($4 each), they come painted (not very well) but you can ask for unpainted. The postage was $12 making the total order $28! Thats half what 4 QRF T35's would cost. Its a better model too, heres a picture he sent me of his painted example:

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/T35_4_XX.jpg

Ive picked up a Soviet Infantry COY boxset on Ebay for £10 less then retail and also got some BF 45mm ATGs cheap as well.
Ive still to acquire the 37mm AA guns and need to get some trucks.

Ive also started to collect my Eastern European Battlefield, more on that later.

[Bigred]

That is some great looking stuff there man. It sounded like a ton of work to track everything down, but in the end, they turned out great.

Very distinctive army. Now to add some of these (http://crudmudgeon.tumblr.com/post/222985021/polikarpov-i-16-the-polikarpov-i-16-was-a-soviet)as air support for the coolness points!

[Aldramelech]

Cheers Red. They are on the shopping list, QRF do three for a tenner in 1/100th.

[Aldramelech]

The Dwarfs are done! I have now moved my painting station east of the Urals and will now crack on with this project, it has my full attention, Uncle Joe expects no less:D

I have kicked of with painting the truely awful QRF T35.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0710.jpg

Ive done what I can with it, Im not happy with it at all tbh. The battle damage is over the top and I dont understand why they decided to do the model with it, the mold lines are bigger then the San Adreas Fault and the fit is appaling. Im just glad I only got the one from them.

T28s (lots!) next..........

[Eusebius Rex]

I've never bought any Gaming Models products, so I only know anything about them from an online review of thier products. It is a very fair review - Gaming Models sells thier products and "gaming quality" not show pieces.

http://jeremy.nandgate.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=68&Itemid=65

From the review, some of those pieces would be a little embarrassing to use, while others would be ok with a little sanding and some work. The pic you posted of the GM models above does make them look good at distance, but the one in the foreground is a little fuzzy and might be making bubbles unviewable.

BTW - @ the T35 from QRF having batle damage that is over the top - not sure, but I think the holes in the sideskirt (if that is what you are referring to) might be access whole for wrenches/drivers/ tools to roadwheels for the tracks.

And bad moldlines and improper fit aside - I think it looks great with your paintscheme ;)

BTW, Gaming Models seem to have an Armored Train out!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XJ4M39a8Lek/TF-enG3Y8ZI/AAAAAAAABdY/4S3pwoJsjMU/s1600/Rail%2520Cruiser%2520MBV%25207.jpg

[Aldramelech]

I've never bought any Gaming Models products, so I only know anything about them from an online review of thier products. It is a very fair review - Gaming Models sells thier products and "gaming quality" not show pieces.

http://jeremy.nandgate.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=68&Itemid=65

From the review, some of those pieces would be a little embarrassing to use, while others would be ok with a little sanding and some work. The pic you posted of the GM models above does make them look good at distance, but the one in the foreground is a little fuzzy and might be making bubbles unviewable.

BTW - @ the T35 from QRF having Battle damage that is over the top - not sure, but I think the holes in the side skirt (if that is what you are referring to) might be access whole for wrenches/drivers/ tools to roadwheels for the tracks.

And bad moldlines and improper fit aside - I think it looks great with your paintscheme ;)

BTW, Gaming Models seem to have an Armored Train out!



http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XJ4M39a8Lek/TF-enG3Y8ZI/AAAAAAAABdY/4S3pwoJsjMU/s1600/Rail%2520Cruiser%2520MBV%25207.jpg

That's battle damage alright. The T35's skirts have no holes in them. They do have prominent raised bolts that are missing on the QRF model but no holes.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/t35_006.gif

I have four gaming models T35's here, I'm painting one right now and they are indeed a bit on the rough and ready side. The resin is very porous on the turrets in particular but at $4 a pop compared to QRF's £8 they'll do until Battle Front re-release or better still do a new one.

I would (and have) warned anyone reading the thread to be very careful with gaming models. Some of his stuff is great, some fine and some downright bloody awful. He will send you a picture of anything before you buy and is an honest and straight up guy.

Do I need a train? Mmmmm maybe, maybe:D

[Eusebius Rex]

I have four gaming models T35's here, I'm painting one right now and they are indeed a bit on the rough and ready side. The resin is very porous on the turrets in particular but at $4 a pop compared to QRF's £8 they'll do until Battle Front re-release or better still do a new one.

I would (and have) warned anyone reading the thread to be very careful with gaming models. Some of his stuff is great, some fine and some downright bloody awful. He will send you a picture of anything before you buy and is an honest and straight up guy.

Do I need a train? Mmmmm maybe, maybe:D

Yeah, I've looked at the GM price list and I must admit it is very tempting to grab a bunch of EW little tanks to through a rough and ready force together.

How are you coping with the porous molds? Does sanding and then priming make them better? Some of thier truck models look clunky and cartoonish, but the more I look at thier KV-1, I think it might do really well with a good battle worn paiint job.

I'd love to see your final pics of the T35.

[Aldramelech]

So here is a Gaming Models T35:

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0720.jpg

Perfect model? Nope, but it is better then the QRF offering and a damn sight cheaper. It'll do for now.....

Got a couple more T28s done as well:

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0723.jpg

I'm quite happy with the rhythm Ive got going now and hope to have all the Armour done by months end.

[Porty1119]

Good to see FoW getting some love, but that Armored Train is pretty awful looking!

[Aldramelech]

So Ive been Busy :)

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0724.jpg

I got into a really good rythem with these guys and they just flew off the paint table. I got them done so fast Im considering doing a light Tank COY as well.

Next Im block painting the trucks.

[Aldramelech]

I got slightly side tracked over the last couple of weeks getting terrain peices done for My clubs Poland game on 1st Sept. Now Im back on it again and Im determined to get this army done before November.
I have been putting off a decision on whether to use after market bases whilst doing the tanks and trucks but in the end Ive decided that the Kerr and King range were far too pretty to not use. So here are the Anti Tank Guns done:

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0743.jpg

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0744.jpg

Next up will be 37mm AA guns.

[Aldramelech]

Here is my 37mm AA COY.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0746.jpg

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0747.jpg

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0749.jpg

Im starting on the Motor Rifle COY next, 21 stands of infantry!

[Aldramelech]

Infanrty done:

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0754.jpg

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0751.jpg

And Ive done some destroyed Tank markers:

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0756.jpg

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0758.jpg

Mortars up next.

[Porty1119]

Tank has burny top hat? :D

[Aldramelech]

Here are the Mortars:

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0771.jpg

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0772.jpg

BM-13's next

[Brother Hespithe]

I'd be proud to have such a force. Well done, mate.

[Aldramelech]

So here are the BM-13's.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0775.jpg

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0774.jpg

[Aldramelech]

And thats about all folks (for now anyway). Im so sick of painting Soviets! lol So heres the whole force:

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0779.jpg

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/100_0778.jpg

[Porty1119]

KATYUSHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

/launchrocketartillery

[Aldramelech]

KATYUSHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

/launchrocketartillery

Errr OK ?????????:confused:

[Aldramelech]

Added two light Tank COY's and some ATR's

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/016.jpg

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/020.jpg

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/021.jpg

All tanks are the new Zvezda Plastic. At £2.50 each they are fantastic!

[Aldramelech]

I'm looking at fleshing this out now so that I can play any period between 1938 to the end of 1941. With that in mind I've done some tube arty to use instead of the rocket battery for early battles, to keep costs down they will use the trucks and command stands from the rockets.

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/001.jpg

I've ordered some of the Zvevda early T34's and KV-1's to give me Tanks for later 1941, have those up soon.

[Aldramelech]

More Zvevda goodness

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/002-2.jpg

[Aldramelech]

And the T34's:

http://i749.photobucket.com/albums/xx135/andyblackmore/001-1.jpg

Thats it now, I'm not doing any more Russians................ Promise

[Battle Ready Studios]

I really, really dig these. Exquisitely well done.

[Michalino]

rely nice paint job

[Aldramelech]

Thanks gents:)