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Miniatures Adventure => The Second World War => Topic started by: zirrian on November 22, 2017, 07:41:42 PM

Title: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on November 22, 2017, 07:41:42 PM
Well, as most of us, I have a tendency to jump around with projects...but for December, I want to do something from start to finish - a 1/72nd scale US Rifle Platoon plus support weapons. The aim is a 1000 points Bolt Action army, solely consisting of infantry with vehicles added later or taken from my shelf as I have a few painted stuff already. I want to use PSC figures for the most part, with conversions where necessary - and oh boy, it's necessary with these...why 9 of the figures needed to have a BAR? Why both of the SMG poses use a Thompson instead of a Grease Gun, and why are they almost useless? Why no M1 Carbine? The other kits have some really nice options for interchangeable weapons like in German set you can arm some with MP40s or rifles...or the Soviet kit has practically perfect distribution of weapons and maybe one useless pose. And what's more important, the other boxes have enough stuff for a platoon. Okay, maybe the Brits don't, as the 2" mortar and the PIAT was integral, but still...from this kit, you don't get enough riflemen to have 3 squads of 12. Swap out 2 BARs per sprue for Garands and you're set. But if converting it not up your alley, then you have to get at least another sprue. But I digress.

As for the current state of the project:
(https://i.imgur.com/bZhJlUq.jpg)

I got an army's worth of figures if not more from a friend. I de-based them this afternoon and my thumb really hurts. They'll be remounted on 25mm rounds, or bigger where needed. At the moment I want three 10-men squads (as I have 2 2-men bazooka units and a 2-men sniper unit, one can argue that this keeps it a full platoon), 3 .30cal MMGs, the aforementioned 2 Bazooka teams and a Sniper team, a medium mortar, a medic, an air/arty observer, platoon HQ (2 men) and that's about it. I need to assemble the .30cals and the mortar. As the weapons themselves are rather bad in the PSC sets (shame on them), I'll borrow them from the "oversized" Valiant kit that are still smaller than the ones supported here...I want to get everything ready by the 1st of December, so I only need to paint them. Also I'll add various bits like backpacks from Valiant, and add GS bandoliers and such as they are really lightly equipped.

And for my other in-progress WW2 US stuff, three AFVs:
(https://i.imgur.com/l2KrmrP.jpg)

The Priest needs crew, all of them need weathering and basing plus a healthy dose of matte varnish. The Stuart is from PSC, the M4A1 from Revell (a secondhand model - no idea how or why the barrel is not straight) and an Italeri Priest.

Also, an older finished vehicle - as it turns out the only WW2 US vehicle I've done is another Revell M4A1.
(https://i.imgur.com/4AI06VL.jpg)

For the vehicles part, I have a whole lot of Shermans, including some Easy Eights for the later parts, but for the moment, I want to make a third Revell M4A1, and after that, not sure. Maybe I'll make a poll.

Hope you'll enjoy this venture and I'll have the stamina to finish, and ACTUALLY play a game with them in January!
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on November 22, 2017, 08:01:29 PM
Interesting project. I look forward to seeing how it goes.

Are you basing them individually on 25mm bases?
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: vodkafan on November 22, 2017, 08:11:31 PM
This photo is the first time I have seen PSC figures....must say not too impressed, although I really like their vehicles.
I would have gone all the way with the Valiant ....but good luck, I am interested to see how they turn out.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on November 22, 2017, 08:19:37 PM
Interesting project. I look forward to seeing how it goes.

Are you basing them individually on 25mm bases?

Yep, one dude per base, with the exception of weapon teams like the sniper, the bazookas, and I'll put the observer with his radioman on a bigger base together as well.

This photo is the first time I have seen PSC figures....must say not too impressed, although I really like their vehicles.
I would have gone all the way with the Valiant ....but good luck, I am interested to see how they turn out.

It's nothing to get your heart racing, but they'll be pimped enough to make them look nice. My aim is to make them look like Pegasus' D-Day Rangers (a set I need to get...well, after this project, I'll grab at least two I think), figures that look like soldiers burdened with gear, and not chaps on a Saturday afternoon stroll with a rifle.

I have a lot of Valiant minis...I like painting them, but their scale bothers me immensely. There are rumours around that they'll re-do them in actual 1/72, which is something I'd really like, and would pick them up again. The US figures were really close in scale to be excellent, and the bits from that set can be used for a lot of things. I'll probably paint up a platoon of those as well (have half a dozen figures ready anyways), but I might base them for Rapid Fire/Ostfront.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on November 22, 2017, 08:27:29 PM
Thanks.

I have not seen the 20mm figures, I have some 15mm on 20mm radius Renedra bases and the 28mm Russians. I look forward to seeing what they look like painted and en masse.

Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: MartinR on November 23, 2017, 07:05:25 AM
I agree that the weapon mix in the PSC set is a little.... odd.

I found it pretty simple to just cut down the excess BARs into Garands though.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: vodkafan on November 23, 2017, 05:25:39 PM
AARGH this thread and another Valiant thread on here has made me drag out all my 1/72 stuff out again to look over.  It was safely all boxed up for the last 5 years...
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on November 23, 2017, 05:28:14 PM
AARGH this thread and another Valiant thread on here has made me drag out all my 1/72 stuff out again to look over.  It was safely all boxed up for the last 5 years...

 :D Glad to be of service
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: vodkafan on November 23, 2017, 11:12:10 PM
:D Glad to be of service

Oh man this is not to be taken lightly. I am having one of those huge rumbling shifting upheavals of total scale shift. I thought I had finished with 1/72 for ever now the madness has started again. I thought I was back on the virtuous straight and narrow of 28mm, now it's like where will it end? Is reality really real? Am I gay? Can I travel through time? Stuff like that.  :(
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on November 24, 2017, 08:28:29 PM
Oh man this is not to be taken lightly. I am having one of those huge rumbling shifting upheavals of total scale shift. I thought I had finished with 1/72 for ever now the madness has started again. I thought I was back on the virtuous straight and narrow of 28mm, now it's like where will it end? Is reality really real? Am I gay? Can I travel through time? Stuff like that.  :(

The big advantage of 1/72 is that it's not THAT big of an investment not in time, nor in money. That's why it's my favourite scale.

And now for an update - on the road to December I've dug out some Valiant spares, replaced the three .30cals (man, the Valiant MGs look a lot better - the water cooled version is really nice from PSC tho), gave most of the figures backpacks from that set (which already improved their looks a lot), now I only need to find 8-10 more backpacks and break out the putty. Then bases to be made, then undercoat, and hope it'll be done before the 1st of December.

(https://i.imgur.com/quEuacq.jpg)

Also included a .50cal MG that was already assembled, so I'll slap it on the project's bottom and do it too. I'll need to borrow a mortar from the Italeri Elite Troops (they did not differ that much from US mortars...), plus find my Renedra 30mm round bases for the bazooka teams, forward observer and casualties. Also, I'm considering doing rifle slungs for the figures...if anyone has a good tutorial, or tips for it, please share them!

Till next time!
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: vodkafan on November 24, 2017, 10:48:30 PM
Good start. The packs do improve the looks of the PSC figures no end. Talking of mortars, am I correct in thinking that the mortar in the Valiant US set is the 60mm company level mortar, not the 81mm?  It is very small compared to the 81mm mortar in the German set.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on November 25, 2017, 09:30:08 AM
Good progress.

So how are you going to clean up those coins?
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: Arlequín on November 25, 2017, 10:54:11 AM
Well done and I salute your commitment to making silk purses out of sow's ears!  ;)

One small criticism; the .50 cal looks the size of a 20mm auto-cannon, I'm guessing that was borrowed too?
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: Orctrader on November 25, 2017, 01:02:41 PM
Interesting.   :)

...the Valiant MGs look a lot better - the water cooled version is really nice from PSC...

Do the Valiant and PSC figures mix well together?  Could you just buy a box of each? 

(I've never seen either in the flesh...er...plastic.   ::) )
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: vodkafan on November 25, 2017, 01:14:30 PM
Interesting.   :)

Do the Valiant and PSC figures mix well together?  Could you just buy a box of each? 

(I've never seen either in the flesh...er...plastic.   ::) )

Here is a pic of Valiant compared with Esci And Revell....the PSC (vehicle crew) figures I have had in my hand were same height as the latter two but less thin, so kind of in between  those and Valiant

http://www.miniatures.de/britain/esci-valiant-miniatures-revell-scale-comparison.jpg
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on November 25, 2017, 08:36:27 PM
Sorry folks, I didn't get notifications for replies for some reason...

Good start. The packs do improve the looks of the PSC figures no end. Talking of mortars, am I correct in thinking that the mortar in the Valiant US set is the 60mm company level mortar, not the 81mm?  It is very small compared to the 81mm mortar in the German set.

Thanks. The Valiant mortar is the 60mm, correct. And the so-called medium mortar in the PSC set is like...a weird 60mm mortar injected with growth hormons to give birth to a godless abomination.

Good progress.

So how are you going to clean up those coins?

Coins will be tossed, they are not used in my country for some years now, and I have tons of them stacked away to sell 50 years from now...tho they won't worth more than their current value then I think.

Well done and I salute your commitment to making silk purses out of sow's ears!  ;)

One small criticism; the .50 cal looks the size of a 20mm auto-cannon, I'm guessing that was borrowed too?

Criticism for PSC :P It came already assembled, and I'm not feeling replacing it, although I have tons of the Revell .50cals from their Ardennes set (a really lovely kit by the way, the next US platoon I'll do will probably be for the Bulge).

Here is a pic of Valiant compared with Esci And Revell....the PSC (vehicle crew) figures I have had in my hand were same height as the latter two but less thin, so kind of in between  those and Valiant

http://www.miniatures.de/britain/esci-valiant-miniatures-revell-scale-comparison.jpg

Sadly the two don't mix at all. I was considering giving some carbines and Thompsons from the Valiant set, but nah...

Weirdly enough the Bazookas are the exact same size from both kits. I'll dig out my Hasegawa US Infantry Combat Teams to get some Tommyguns and Garand, plus I have some more from an unknown sprue...that was really helpful for doing Airfix Paras as it had small-ish 60mm mortars and BARs, something both Airfix and Matchbox really hates.

I couldn't make much progress besides cutting the bases and mounting the casualties and remaining teams on them, except for the mortar...we had a game of Warhammer Quest with some friends, and got a bit tired.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: vodkafan on November 25, 2017, 11:15:37 PM
Thanks. The Valiant mortar is the 60mm, correct. And the so-called medium mortar in the PSC set is like...a weird 60mm mortar injected with growth hormons to give birth to a godless abomination.

 

I am thinking about using the Westwind US medium mortars....
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zippyfusenet on November 26, 2017, 12:26:39 AM
...an unknown sprue...that was really helpful for doing Airfix Paras as it had small-ish 60mm mortars and BAR...

I'll bet that was the old Nitto US Infantry sprue. It's so old that it's not even listed on Plastic Soldier Review. The figures are mostly hard-plastic copies of Airfix USMC and British Paras, with extra infantry weapons and a couple of 37mm AT guns. Fujimi took over the Nitto product line and re-issued the kits:

http://henk.fox3000.com/Fujimi/76070/04.jpg
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on November 26, 2017, 08:35:06 AM
...an unknown sprue...that was really helpful for doing Airfix Paras as it had small-ish 60mm mortars and BAR...

I'll bet that was the old Nitto US Infantry sprue. It's so old that it's not even listed on Plastic Soldier Review. The figures are mostly hard-plastic copies of Airfix USMC and British Paras, with extra infantry weapons and a couple of 37mm AT guns. Fujimi took over the Nitto product line and re-issued the kits:

http://henk.fox3000.com/Fujimi/76070/04.jpg


That's it! I've been looking at the Fujimi sprues, but somehow missed this. A really useful sprue if I might say - I might pick up some from my favourite Tokyo-based shop from eBay...I wanted to grab a few kits from Fujimi anyways :)
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on November 27, 2017, 04:14:30 PM
Sorry for the subpar quality, sadly it's getting dark really early.

(https://i.imgur.com/yI7JSAn.jpg)

Everything's based, and I've decided not to add anything with Greenstuff for now. 57 figures if I counted correctly incl. the 3 casualties.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on November 28, 2017, 05:04:33 PM
Well, as I don't feel like priming today, I finished the three vehicles shown on the tray...

(https://i.imgur.com/idyPpRq.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/MGUyIts.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/lOpr17R.jpg)

Hope you like 'em.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on November 28, 2017, 05:28:54 PM
Very good.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on December 01, 2017, 04:36:48 PM
Well, it's December, so - Week 0, Day 1, status report:

(https://i.imgur.com/TeLOsUW.jpg)

The whole affair is primed. I call this week zero because there are exactly four more weeks of December after this to paint it all up, so these three days will be kind of a warm up. I'll do the bases (without the static grass), and probably minor colors like Olive Drab or dark grays for guns. The .50cal, a single rifleman and the casualties are kinda like bonus figures that are not part of the plan, but hopefully can do them. As for the rest, the exact list with color coding because I love color coding:
Platoon HQ - 1st Lt. +1 rifleman
Forward Observer - 2 men with a radio
Medic - one man with a pistol
Bazooka Team 1 - 2 men with a Bazooka
Bazooka Team 2 - 2 men with a Bazooka
Sniper Team - 2 men, one sniper rifle, one SMG
MMG Team 1 - 3 men with a .30cal
MMG Team 2 - 3 men with a .30cal
MMG Team 3 - 3 men with a .30cal
Mortar Team - 3 men with a 81mm mortar
Rifle Squad 1 - 10 men, 1 SMG, 1 BAR, 8 riflemen
Rifle Squad 2 - 10 men, 1 SMG, 1 BAR, 8 riflemen
Rifle Squad 3 - 10 men, 1 SMG, 1 BAR, 8 riflemen

Also, made a list for vehicles as well. For a 2k list, I need:
3 M4A1 (76) - two done
2 M5A1 Stuarts - all done
1 M4 Mortar Halftrack - needs to be assembled, Science Treasury kit, original from Hasegawa I think
3 M4A3 tanks - Armourfast, assembled, needs to be painted
1 M7 Priest - done, need to make crew from PSC heavy weapons set

Also, I'll need to get a bunch of stowage for them - even for the painted ones, as I did them when I had no stowage. And I hope superglue will be strong enough and I won't need to rub the paint off from the vehicle. As for sources, I'm aware of Early War Miniatures and Steel72, possibly Value Gear Detail and SgtsMess, if anyone knows any other good sources for allied stowage, don't hesitate to tell me.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: vodkafan on December 01, 2017, 05:13:56 PM
I do like to see a Man With A Plan....
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on December 02, 2017, 07:25:46 PM
Week 0, Day 1

(https://i.imgur.com/8D6NqCM.jpg)

Because my social life is generally nonexistant because I enjoy sitting at home on a Saturday night, I did some painting. Made all the bases (static grass and tufts added when the figures are varnished), applied basecoats to roughly the third of the platoon, plus painted every Olive Drab part like helmets, mortar, MG tripods and so forth. What's missing for the first third is the basecoat for the webbing, but I might do that today...

Also, after December I might transform this thread into a general "zirrian paints 1/72" thread.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: vodkafan on December 02, 2017, 10:03:49 PM
Good start. Going out on Saturday night is over rated, anyway.. lol
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on December 03, 2017, 07:44:36 AM
I wanted to try out the colors I planned to use, so painted up the Platoon Commander's assistant.

(https://i.imgur.com/8AaQ4py.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on December 03, 2017, 09:12:17 AM
Good start, and I like your plan.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on December 06, 2017, 06:44:38 PM
Sorry for the long delay, thankfully managed to make some progress.

(https://i.imgur.com/sOn19rS.jpg)

This week, I wanted to paint one squad, HQ and three MGs - well, they are all done! Only varnish and basing left, plus some touch ups that I can do once I get better lighting...a disadvantage of winter is how early it becomes dark. Once they are deemed finished, I'll take better photos of the completed lads :)

And since I finished early, I might treat myself with the assembly of a kit purchased this week, namely this:

(https://www.michtoy.com/michtoy2010/products/Picture_ACE-72298-01.jpg)

For me it feels like a vehicle belonging to the PTO, but as far as I'm concerned it was used in Europe as well.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on December 08, 2017, 08:11:07 PM
Despite the dying interest...

The ACE model is not exactly the greatest, but it will do. Don't think I'll finish it this week, maybe at the end of this project...

(https://i.imgur.com/MlO8sXd.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: vodkafan on December 09, 2017, 01:08:23 PM
Haha no dying of interest here! In fact you have started me off but my project will be using Valiant figures as I already have some.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on December 13, 2017, 07:19:23 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/4QSLW9B.jpg)

2nd week's planned figures are done. Also, finished basing up some Italeri winter germans, sorry for the quality.

(https://i.imgur.com/CPkRqOw.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: vodkafan on December 13, 2017, 08:05:15 PM
Looking good. I just noticed your pinned/casualty markers. Is the square recess to hold a die? Great idea
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on December 13, 2017, 08:06:10 PM
Looking good. I just noticed your pinned/casualty markers. Is the square recess to hold a die? Great idea

Yes, that's correct. Thank you.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on December 14, 2017, 08:37:43 AM
Very good.

Is that an astronaut off to the left of the laptop?
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on December 14, 2017, 08:45:50 AM
Yup, an old Soviet toy I picked up at the flea market. I'll fix him up a bit as some point as there are some fuzzy details, then paint him - also I'll need to find a suitable visor for his helmet.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on December 18, 2017, 11:14:47 PM
Well, for my two followers of this painting log/blog/whatever...I finished the painting part for the core of the platoon.

(https://i.imgur.com/3GPCAWJ.jpg)

Now five bonus figures remain - the 3-men .50cal team, a rifleman and a casualty. I'll paint them tomorrow, and this December project will be wrapped up in 19-days.

Also, finished assembly of the command M4A1(76):
(https://i.imgur.com/bT1dqhS.jpg)

I had a Revell kit with some missing parts, and used up an Italeri Sherman purchased mostly to be used as a spares vehicle, as it had its turret and other parts missing. Also, had to borrow the hatches from a Matchbox Firefly and a (possibly) Fujimi Easy Eight. Added a commander from the PSC Stuart, a .50cal from the Italeri Sherman kit, and stowage from a Black Dog set, I can call it done - maybe I'll put some tarps on the front of the hull, but it'd mean I'll paint it only in Jan/Feb as I need to order those.

Now that the painting is done, I'll need to varnish and base them, probably a day's work all in all. And then I'll spend the rest of december cleaning out my backlog, most probably - lots of half-finished figures on my desk, among them some NVA leaders, Revell's 8th Army, Chechens, converted Chindits, and can't remember the others.

Thanks for looking.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zippyfusenet on December 19, 2017, 03:18:16 AM
Well done, very productive and good looking output. Great job on the Sherman, I love to go scrapping. "...maybe I'll put some tarps on the front of the hull, but it'd mean I'll paint it only in Jan/Feb as I need to order those." A scrap of toiler paper rolled up, tied with sewing thread and painted makes a dandy tarp, in my experience, and you can size and position it just as you like on the model.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: vodkafan on December 19, 2017, 12:41:40 PM
While you have used your time productively these last couple of weeks, I have done absolutely nothing  :(
This is a good little mini-project, very well done!
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on December 19, 2017, 11:09:15 PM
While you have used your time productively these last couple of weeks, I have done absolutely nothing  :(
This is a good little mini-project, very well done!

Thank you. What I can help you with is to advise you to make a timeplan with realistic goals, and then stick with it. Even if you overachieve, don't start the next phase that earlier as you'll burn out quickly.

Also:
(https://i.imgur.com/Fvnbh59.jpg)

We'll see when I can take pictures of the individual squads, but till then - I finished this project earlier than anticipiated, and I'm proud of myself. This year I've painted a lot of figures, and so far this is the second finishes "army" I think (maybe third, not sure). Hopefully my next year will be even more fruitious, and I can make all the armies I wanted to play in Normandy.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: randycarter on December 26, 2017, 11:33:20 AM
Very interesting, I will start (hopefully) a new 1-72 project soon: I will follow your progress and this will be of great motivation for me! Great job so far!
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: von Lucky on December 27, 2017, 05:26:33 AM
Nice work! Only saw this thread now, but definitely something to be happy with.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 blog
Post by: zirrian on March 04, 2018, 11:38:53 AM
Well chaps, sorry for the long radio silence - admittedly I can be a bit lazy when it comes to logs and blogs.

Now with the infantry portion of the army ready, I turned to AFVs, and finally finished my M4A1(76) that's been on my shelf unloved for some time. It's the command tank with some Blackdog and GS stowage, PSC commander, and Revell base kit. Maybe I'll get one more, but since Sherman troops were a mixed bag (I've read an account of a platoon that had 5 different Shermans in it, some 75, some 76mm), I might just add an M4A3(76) and be done with it - I have around 10 of the Italeri Easy Assembly ones anyway...

And now the picture!
(https://i.imgur.com/JMkUg3S.jpg)

Appears to be a bit fuzzy - sorry for that.

Also, some other projects I've worked on:
SdKfz 251s for the Ardennes:
(https://i.imgur.com/1Ye8Zto.jpg)

Airfix Bedford QLD from the D-Day set:
(https://i.imgur.com/qdpjmuq.jpg)

Next platoon project is a British rifle platoon with some halftracks in case I want to make a motor rifle platoon. I have two halftracks done already, only basing left, need to do the third, and grab an S&S conversion kit for a command halftrack, or make use of the Esci M3A1 White Scout Car I managed to get from Poland.

As for the infantry, PSC troops and HaT heavy weapons. Sadly one of my PSC sprues has some missing figs, so in case someone has a spare sprue or some riflemen and an NCO from there, please drop me a PM.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: Magos Kasen on March 05, 2018, 12:11:34 AM
These all look really good. I especially like the winter germans!
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: Erestor90 on March 05, 2018, 07:02:59 PM
Very nice!

Keep up the good work. I especially like the winter camouflage on the Sd.Kfz.

Cheers!
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: zirrian on March 08, 2018, 02:45:07 PM
Thanks folks! Hopefully they'll soon be on the table too, we plan to play a Normandy campaign soon-ish. I have a platoon of Airfix US paras for the airborne actions, they weren't used on the tabletop yet either...
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: Morgan on March 09, 2018, 12:06:15 PM
This has been good to read - I'm doing 1/72 as well so it's useful to compare against what you're doing.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: Shahbahraz on March 09, 2018, 08:50:53 PM
I loved the truck with the Mickey Mouse camouflage. Excellent work. Nice contrast between the body and the tarp. Tempting me to look into 1/72 again. But for some bizarre reason, when I moved, I decided to start to all over again in 28mm...    :-[   but 1/72 the range and options in kits are just exceptional, and encourages 'kitbashing'. Up until now, I was put off by the limited range of 1/72 infantry, but now that's being remedied and it makes 1/72 an even better choice.
Title: Re: 1/72 US Rifle Platoon project blog
Post by: Golgotha on March 09, 2018, 09:40:30 PM
Very inspirational and proving yet again that 1/72 is the best scale for WWII.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on March 15, 2018, 10:35:30 AM
Well, if you remember some months ago I've got an ACE US staff car to go with the project - managed to finish it now. Slow progress, but still.

(https://i.imgur.com/EE9IQLI.jpg)

And my plan with it - to make a command base for a higher HQ. 80mm round base, officer and MP from the Airfix USAAF set, will probably add a chap with a walkie-talkie wit the Matchbox set, or the casually standing rifleman from the Airfix US marines.

(https://i.imgur.com/NADmdJa.jpg)

And for some shameless self-promotion: I have a Facebook page where I post my stuff, feel free to follow me.
https://www.facebook.com/zirrianfest/
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on March 18, 2018, 08:32:34 PM
Well, just a planning update...pulled out some lovely Valiant German Paras from the stash, assembled the ones that weren't, and painted 11 of them. Plan is to make a 1000 points army for Bolt Action with 2-men HQ, 3x5 paras with an SMG and an LMG, a 75mm recoilless rifle, an AT rifle, a medium mortar and a spotter, a flamethrower and a sniper, all for Crete. Then a 1000pts army for the Brits, from the Valiant sets again, using the coverless Mk II helmets. They promised Commonwealth figures for Crete, but that was years ago...

Will convert and kitbash a bit, as some weapons are not covered by the FJ boxes. Also, once it's done, and I can play Trench Hammer and Winter Hammer enough from Nordic Weasel, I might try to make a supplement for Crete...but we'll open that door once we arrive to it.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on March 19, 2018, 06:23:48 AM
A somewhat awful pic of the Valiant Fallschirmjager:

(https://i.imgur.com/ieQME8j.jpg)

They are really nice figures. I hope Valiant will break the silence and release some new figures soon. In 2016, they mentioned a metal Commonwealth range for Crete, that I'd really like to get.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: boywundyrx on March 22, 2018, 04:38:06 PM
Coming to this somewhat late, but just wanted to say I love the weathering on the vehicles, and it's very inspiring for my 1/72 project (for Chain of Command). mostly plastics with some SHQ coming to fill in the gaps for the platoons.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on March 22, 2018, 04:55:57 PM
Coming to this somewhat late, but just wanted to say I love the weathering on the vehicles, and it's very inspiring for my 1/72 project (for Chain of Command). mostly plastics with some SHQ coming to fill in the gaps for the platoons.

Thanks! Be advised tho that SHQ is small, even compared to MAtchbox and Airfix figures.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: boywundyrx on March 22, 2018, 07:52:08 PM
Thanks! Be advised tho that SHQ is small, even compared to MAtchbox and Airfix figures.

Thanks for the heads-up, any recommendations for metal matches for the usual plastic makers (Revell, Italeri, Pegasus, etc.)?

Chris
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on March 22, 2018, 07:55:07 PM
Thanks for the heads-up, any recommendations for metal matches for the usual plastic makers (Revell, Italeri, Pegasus, etc.)?

Chris

AB, Elhiem, possibly CP.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on March 30, 2018, 05:51:39 PM
(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/29572990_157528361583677_8391299140081971924_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=d4ea3449f7a7ffc350e9ea392e3fa77f&oe=5B377F6D)

My US troops went to war for the fist time...and got their asses handed to them deservedly. I played really badly. Had 2 10-men troops, an Lt, a medic (who saved like 10 men), 2 Bazooka teams and a 76mm Sherman. It was all played out in Bolt Action. My enemies were some SS chaps, some guys with Assault rifles, some others with ARs and an MG, a mortar team, an Lt and a Tiger. After I lost most of my anti tank capacity, it was just a matter of time till I lost...because I was too cocky with my Sherman, I lost it on turn three - should have brought more infantry and a 75mm Sherman (or an 57mm gun and more support), but oh well. My opponent was still learning the game, and I wasn't playing that much effort into tactical thinking, as my terrain department was lacking too...but overall a good time, my medic got a Medal of Honor, looking forward doing some terrain!
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: von Lucky on March 31, 2018, 10:11:53 PM
Always fun when you get to play with the miniatures you've spent some effort painting. And don't worry about putting effort into the Tiger - you can ignore it and go for the other stuff.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on April 01, 2018, 12:04:33 PM
(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/29662693_157931901543323_6674983173970284540_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=v1%3AAeGF4Omz7WbBGF6W6SEpuz1vjVUtVXv_slN4_4Q13zXUX_GNY_mLotnOHVVerKTpXlSd8NImT3NFlJLPHOsUxniZkCqQKsZKBUfNSzQa0YgS4A&oh=560c0ffa32f418a8b06fc9b0669bdc80&oe=5B712217)

Some finished stuff - a Dragon and a UM Firefly, with Blackdog and S&S stowage, plus a DAK Pak 36, courtesy of HaT.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on April 30, 2018, 01:42:18 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/Nf0b6qa.jpg)

Esci/Italeri Marder III Ausf. H. Built and painted yesterday, added some weathering today.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on June 17, 2018, 08:39:42 AM
Little bit of something else - Zvezda's WW1 Russians.

(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/35405035_176890182980828_9069501045314420736_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=265fbc903615188af7ccae184792867a&oe=5BAE74B6)

WW2-wise, I've painted a lot of things that needs to be documented. A British platoon with SHQ and Frontline figures, plus some Britannia heavy weapons (that will be sold off, due to the rather noticable difference), a Cromwell CS, 48 Winter War Russians, a T-28, almost done two BT-7s, and a full platoon of German Panzergrenadiers from SHQ - a bunch of figures that have been lying around for around a year, I almost sold them off twice, but kept them, and with the arrival of a lot of similarly sized Brits, I kept them, and I'm really happy that I did, as they are really nice figures.

So stay tuned, maybe I'll manage to photograph them soon enough...

Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on June 27, 2018, 04:11:00 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/Z3m8wQk.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/7rxLZlH.jpg)

Two BT-7s from Pegasus to my Winter War Russians.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on June 28, 2018, 06:51:39 AM
Nice.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on July 01, 2018, 08:19:16 AM
(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36530572_186525595350620_4205100933601820672_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=61a22a501d009b02830f68c8024e0ca6&oe=5BE577C0)

A humble Humber Scout car. I don't know who made the base model, I got it assembled and undercoated (bit too thickly), and I added a Bren mount from SgtsMess. I only noticed now that I fucked up the wash a bit, but eh, it happens. Maybe I'll remedy it on another model in case someone does it in plastic.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on July 01, 2018, 02:15:16 PM
And now some Revell US Marines

(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36464034_186705325332647_8622358842010763264_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=f52764678ad6a0a5ea517c42647c798d&oe=5BA793EE)

(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36427060_186705321999314_4106369123049537536_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=5fb74094f3d53cda091ac664120e88ef&oe=5BE97CBA)

(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/36525282_186705341999312_6221817318658277376_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=7b57bbf281c05d5f58ef76f5f4fe3ff5&oe=5BE1428B)
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: ARKOUDAKI on July 02, 2018, 04:16:22 PM
Love your 1-72 Zvezda's WW1 Russians!!!!! I am also working on some of these so can you please share your paint references on these. Also, I am having a hard time getting primer to stick to the Zvezda plastic....any good recommends for primer coat that won't flake off???
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on July 02, 2018, 05:36:02 PM
Love your 1-72 Zvezda's WW1 Russians!!!!! I am also working on some of these so can you please share your paint references on these. Also, I am having a hard time getting primer to stick to the Zvezda plastic....any good recommends for primer coat that won't flake off???

Thanks! :)  Let's start with the primer - I'm not sure if I airbrushed some watered down Vallejo Black Primer, or used Evolution Pinty Plus black spray, but both works really nicely. The uniform is Middlestone, the belts, ammo pouches, satchel is Vallejo Flat Earth, greatcoat is Cold Grey+some white, the end of if on the side is hull red, puttees are again Flat Earth, and I think that's it. Possibly not 100% correct, but Russia is a big country with lots of different suppliers...also, originally I wanted a simple paintjob, so only did base color+wash on most parts except the face, but decided to go the extra mile, and added some extra highlights. To be honest, I'm not a fan of these minis, the faces are a bit weird (somewhat bloated), but en masse they'll look good.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: ARKOUDAKI on July 02, 2018, 10:59:59 PM
Thanks!
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on July 20, 2018, 08:45:04 PM
And some more Ivans, this time from '39-'40.

(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37601723_200422550627591_2412364971317919744_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=d6c4f5c74a2f8905c05dfacc153e65c7&oe=5C127DC3)

Lovely chaps from Strelets, their Winter War sets are really great, and a single box gave me more than enough figures for Winter Hammer, using 5 figures/unit.  Got some RCW winter Russians too as reinforcements in outdated coats and some not too warm peaked caps, but a sprue of them was around an Euro...so I had to grab them :)

What's left to buy for these are some T-26s from Minairons, a KV-1, some artillery, mortars, command, extra metal miniatures, another MMG from Combat Miniatures. Will obtain those probably in September...
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on July 21, 2018, 10:05:35 AM
Also, some work on the Finns, started converting some infantry to wear a snowsuit, and some PSC heavy weapons into Finnish weapon teams.

(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37421689_200823367254176_8700880821390671872_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=6445088cf5f1f5266f529f4e91b2e831&oe=5BC77482)

(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37419249_200823380587508_1373985060469866496_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=76b703c943c2df57a9dda652b6b4712f&oe=5BDEF336)

(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37500443_200823373920842_1824021998716583936_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=2c57ca489d9cd104a0bab25b64c76636&oe=5BD1CF8D)
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on August 19, 2018, 09:14:46 PM
(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/39558051_224986141504565_1564254684368076800_o.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=974f130976e209f27f0920290a2a7580&oe=5BF466FE)

Got another game in yesterday, Brits vs. Krauts in Bolt action, in 1000 points.

My Firefly and my 17pdr practically did nothing, which was great, since they were approx. half my army's worth in points. Like really, they fired each like 2-3 shots, and 0 hits. Though they both survived, so it was nice, and eventually I could keep all 3 objectives, and thus won the game.

Other lowlights include approx. 7 morale rolls over 10, and my arty observer calling the guns on my army AGAIN (last time this pinned my army into oblivion on turn 2...so I won't take it again, even if it's free), but better luck next time, I guess.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on September 03, 2018, 06:26:49 PM
(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/40572514_232007474135765_7836297530974404608_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=6ad2e4a177a1ca8b0c3de73c97108c93&oe=5BF1A44D)

Thread resurrect!

An Italeri Sherman III. I was organizing my stuff the weekend, and found this tank. Got it in a lot with a dozen others for a tenner. It was nicely assembled, so I thought why not...sprayed it, painted it Saturday night, then did the weathering on Sunday.

I have another one on sprue in my stash, as well as 3 assembled Esci M4A1s for the Brits, and with that, most of my El Alamein armor is sorted out, maybe I'll get some Churchills and Stuarts from PSC later.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: Helen on September 03, 2018, 07:14:06 PM
Lovely looking collection. Love the Sherman.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on September 09, 2018, 04:32:20 PM
(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/40883822_233724143964098_3400573204517879808_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=4deaafa0b789cd48fe8743ed2b694a5e&oe=5C3B50EB)

IBG Universal Carrier with PSC tracks and driver.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on September 11, 2018, 01:09:26 PM
Nice carrier.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on September 25, 2018, 06:08:02 AM
(https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/42309722_237257636944082_2719323384860114944_o.jpg?_nc_cat=109&oh=715f7c2441354b49f667844dee2be993&oe=5C2952DD)
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on October 14, 2018, 02:40:34 PM
Some freshly completed/photographed stuff. First, a Zvezda Pz IV H., great model, however commander's hatch is moulded shut. Replaced it with a Revell cupola, and added an SHQ commander.

(https://i.imgur.com/hjyw0VT.jpg)

Next, a First to Fight Pz 35(t).

(https://i.imgur.com/J1XpZKz.jpg)

And finally, a German sniper team, minis from Caesar.

(https://i.imgur.com/KPIWbBl.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on December 26, 2018, 01:07:53 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/uIEZRKe.jpg)

I forgot to post in this blog for a while now, but here's a completed Trumpeter Easy Eight with S&S stowage, and a crappy Hasegawa commander that'll be probably replaced in the future.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: von Lucky on December 26, 2018, 08:48:00 PM
Nicely done. Will you also base this tank?
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on December 26, 2018, 08:53:16 PM
Nicely done. Will you also base this tank?

Thanks! Yes, I will, but I need to cut a base for it.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on January 26, 2019, 11:56:16 AM
Grand, so most of the pics disappeared...fantastic.

Freshly added, ACE M5 AT gun with crew from Milicast.

(https://i.imgur.com/dyfg5vh.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/YdyPEGo.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on January 29, 2019, 08:09:32 PM
I'll eventually replace the lost pics...or idk, delete the whole thread, upload them to somewhere that doesn't change their bloody URLs like it was underwear.

But anyway...

A bit of an off-topic like the WW1 Russkies, but I've dabbled into 15mm too, and finished these PSC Shermans recently.

(https://i.imgur.com/ssRPfuA.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on February 10, 2019, 04:56:55 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/kiLdVoF.png)

A tiny Matchbox Pz II F, without the basing. Got it as part of a lot, I had to fill some parts, and the tracks were extremely brittle (they broke on 2-3 points), but in the end, it looks nice I think. Or at least I'm happy with it, and it's my first DAK vehicle.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on February 10, 2019, 08:20:50 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/sXMkG3J.jpg)

Right! I managed to figure out how to take good pictures with my phone, the only thing I needed was a big ass lamp :D Finished Matchbox Pz II Ausf. F, a cute little vehicle.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on February 11, 2019, 08:11:49 AM
Very nice.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: Gunbird on February 11, 2019, 05:33:24 PM
Great salvage job (y)
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on February 11, 2019, 07:58:30 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/3QP9mMJ.jpg)

Well, now you'll enjoy a lot of reposts with better pictures of my works...I'll re-photograph my entire display cabinet!

This setup works nicely I'd say.

(https://i.imgur.com/55vEC9N.png)
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on February 13, 2019, 08:41:59 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/VyPC2Vu.jpg)

I gave in to the hype and tried AK's Real Colors...first try, Faded Olive Drab, so far I'm enjoying it - tho the thinner smells quite badly  :?
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on February 16, 2019, 07:30:07 PM
And now for something completely different - I've built IBG's Type 89, a really excellent kit with the best link and length tracks I've built so far.

(https://i.imgur.com/lNjZj5E.png)
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on February 17, 2019, 07:39:18 AM


nice work, and that photo booth looks good.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on March 10, 2019, 02:54:57 PM
Despite the declining interest in my log, I'll continue :P

First, an Airfix Crusader

(https://i.imgur.com/idDyNkA.jpg)

Fujimi Sherman

(https://i.imgur.com/QIV417d.jpg)

And an Italeri IS-2

(https://i.imgur.com/5YjZ3RV.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: von Lucky on March 10, 2019, 10:23:51 PM
Lovely additions (for every comment there's probably another 10+ people who are shy/lazy/lost for words ;) - remember you're doing this for you mainly :P).
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: streetkern on March 10, 2019, 10:30:15 PM
Yes keep going. Lovely work!
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on March 11, 2019, 08:16:16 AM
Nice work.

That Crusader looks great.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: RichBliss on March 11, 2019, 09:11:19 PM
Well done.  How was the Fujimi Sherman to assemble?  I’ve had very mixed experiences with Fujimi kits.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on March 11, 2019, 09:15:34 PM
Well done.  How was the Fujimi Sherman to assemble?  I’ve had very mixed experiences with Fujimi kits.

No idea - I got it assembled. Slapped on some stowage, and painted it, that's why you see the gaps and the missing towing hook on the left side of the tank.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: sundayhero on March 11, 2019, 09:31:46 PM
I especially like the crusader !
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on March 15, 2019, 06:22:52 PM
Managed to get another game in yesterday, Bolt Action in 1/72, and I could score a 9-6 victory.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: von Lucky on March 15, 2019, 09:52:28 PM
Good to hear, which toys did you get to field?
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on March 15, 2019, 10:47:18 PM
Good to hear, which toys did you get to field?

Right, the only thing I forgot to add was the picture :D

(https://i.imgur.com/ctibUfE.jpg)

I've put an infantry platoon of platoon HQ, 3 10-men sections of 2 SMGs and an LMG, a Vickers, an arty observer, a 2" mortar, a medic, a Cromwell and a Daimler AC on the table, and as usual, the arty fell on my men...next time, even tho they are free, I won't take them.
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: Hang Tuah on March 16, 2019, 11:57:04 AM
Awesome thread. You should seriously start a blog though!

Really like the look of those WWI Russians. Great colour choice. Also, how difficult was the IBG kit to assemble? I recall reading a review somewhere describing it as very fiddly?
Title: Re: 1/72 WW2 various blog
Post by: zirrian on March 16, 2019, 12:49:49 PM
Awesome thread. You should seriously start a blog though!

Really like the look of those WWI Russians. Great colour choice. Also, how difficult was the IBG kit to assemble? I recall reading a review somewhere describing it as very fiddly?

Thank you! I have a blog in Hungarian, but I'm not exactly good at keeping up writing blogposts. I run this army log, a Facebook page as Zirrian Paints, and a Gallery at Benno's....enough for me.

IBG kits are generally fiddly, but the Type 89 went together pretty nicely. Lots of small parts, but the fit was really good, overall it was excellently engineered. I managed to break off the opener of the engine compartment when I was removing the masking putty, so that'll not be part of the vehicle sadly.

Overall - not recommended for beginners, and some practice is needed on simpler models before tackling any IBG models.
Title: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on April 24, 2019, 08:32:19 PM
Well, time to rebrand/name this blog, as I'm expanding into other scales as well...I've been working on my 15mm Americans recently, plus painted up a Dragon US paratrooper in last month, and also got a box of Perry Americans from a friend who went to Salute...so yeah, lot more than just 20mm!

So, as I just added 5 Shermans to my Americans, I'd like to present you a quick group shot.

(https://i.imgur.com/oZdGbbt.png)

2 M4A1 platoons, 2 Armored Rifle Platoons (with one platoons halftracks missing their crews), a para platoon for Arnhem (should have painted them in khaki for Normandy), an engineer platoon (without HMGs), and the armored rifle company HQ. Lot more to do, including a platoon of M4A3s, some stray halftracks and Jeeps, recon platoon, an infantry platoon, artillery battery, mortar platoon, 3 M3 and 5 M5 Stuarts, 2-2 M10s and M36Bs...I want to finish them by the end of August. Also, as I got an Anycubic Photon 3d printer recently, I will add some misc. vehicles here and there like a dozer Sherman and trucks for the engineers, M16 MGMC, etc. etc.

And for the 1:35 part, I've picked up some kits recently as I like to do some models for the sake of modeling, and I can try out new techniques on them. First infantryman I've spent more time on than usual is this Dragon American paratrooper with a bazooka. Enjoyed doing it, but not sure what I should do with him, maybe a diorama, or give him his own base...not sure.

(https://i.imgur.com/dwmTNk4.jpg)

Thanks for looking, and I hope you don't mind the upcoming mishmash of scales.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on May 18, 2019, 10:39:58 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/rfU2TWA.jpg)

Armourfast Firefly WIP - dust, aerials and base to be added.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on May 19, 2019, 08:56:13 AM
And for the 1:35 part, I've picked up some kits recently as I like to do some models for the sake of modeling, and I can try out new techniques on them. First infantryman I've spent more time on than usual is this Dragon American paratrooper with a bazooka. Enjoyed doing it, but not sure what I should do with him, maybe a diorama, or give him his own base...not sure.

(https://i.imgur.com/dwmTNk4.jpg)
Nice work.
Have you thought about using Firefight Normandy by Warwick Kinrade?
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on May 19, 2019, 03:13:19 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/2rIjr5y.jpg)

Sherman Firefly practically done :) I got this model in 2013, as my first newly purchased kit in 1:72, painted it to a meh standard, then gave it away. Earlier this year I bought a huge ass collection (approx. 60 vehicles and a couple hundred infantry), and it was included there. I've decided to refurbish it - added a PSC commander, some stowage, fired up my airbrush and AK Real Color paints, and ta-da - I think it turned out really nicely.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: von Lucky on May 24, 2019, 10:24:11 PM
It has.

Wait - you didn't get the same model pack in that massive haul?!
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on May 25, 2019, 06:06:18 AM
It has.

Wait - you didn't get the same model pack in that massive haul?!

I did :) But it was only sprayed with olive drab, and then drybrushed with a lighter shade. It also had the hull MG, so I had to hide that too somehow, that's why the stowage is put on.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on June 16, 2019, 09:43:16 AM
Time for an update!

I've painted mostly 15mm recently (I'll take a lot of photos once I don't feel like my balls are playing water polo in my pants), but yesterday I've come across an Armourfast model from the February lot, and I thought "what the hell", so slapped some paint on it.

(https://i.imgur.com/mgNjKvK.png)

Also, I know that black muzzle break is wrong, but eh.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on June 19, 2019, 05:10:04 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/ODDqrnu.jpg)
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on June 20, 2019, 07:19:36 AM
Very nice work.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on June 25, 2019, 07:26:41 PM
I'm on a roll.

(https://i.imgur.com/oRh0adV.jpg)

Esci JagdPz IV, a secondhand model.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on June 26, 2019, 08:08:22 AM
Those are really nice work.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: von Lucky on June 28, 2019, 11:53:09 PM
Agree - I'm liking the dust weathering.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on June 29, 2019, 05:45:15 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/XlVXIiD.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/u9ZUcIk.jpg)

Another 1:35 figure, this time it's an Academy SS infantryman with a Panzerfaust. The kit is a year younger than me, and this is the figure I like the least from the kit tbh.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on July 14, 2019, 10:53:28 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/xmNGKtD.jpg)

IBG Models' lovely Type 89 model. Went together like a dream, even the tracks.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on July 22, 2019, 06:13:39 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/XjtAd53.jpg)

SHQ T60, a quick paintjob.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on July 22, 2019, 07:43:49 AM
Nice work.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on July 28, 2019, 10:18:59 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/93rLDvD.jpg)

Armourfast T-34/76 for a friend.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on August 03, 2019, 02:56:47 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/0w7EIwz.jpg)

And the second T-34 for my good friend Conrad.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on August 31, 2019, 05:37:29 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/KjOTbOK.png)

A Trumpeter 1:35 KV-1. My father started to convert it to a 40k tank for me, but I've decided to make a proper tank out of it. This is my first fully completed 1:35 vehicle, and I like it.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on August 31, 2019, 06:27:01 PM
Nice.

Going to need a bigger board ^___^.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on October 12, 2019, 09:10:39 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/9vx87U9.jpg)

It's been a while since my last post...I've painted an Italeri M4A3 with an Armourfast turret as I needed the Italeri 76mm turret for my UM Easy Eights.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on October 12, 2019, 02:24:58 PM
Nice.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on December 30, 2019, 11:07:53 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/Xm7FScs.jpg)

A nice little kit from First to Fight, the SdKfz 247. I have painted a Pz III and Pz IV for early war too that I need to take proper pictures of.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on December 31, 2019, 09:16:24 AM
Nice.

An interesting looking vehicle.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: FreakyFenton on January 26, 2020, 12:25:31 PM
Cool collection!  :D
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on February 21, 2020, 02:24:31 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/aU572BS.jpg)

UM M36 Jackson with S&S stowage, need to get some crew for it. Most probably from S&S.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on July 25, 2020, 06:12:52 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/i1YeMdz.jpg)

No new posts for more than 120 days...sorry for the lack of updates, guys. Finished the base T-34 yesterday, need to add crew, a wooden log and base. I'm really happy with how it turned out.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: Captain Blood on July 25, 2020, 08:18:10 AM
Great job on that  8)
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on August 19, 2020, 07:40:17 AM
Thank you, Captain.

And now for something different

(https://i.imgur.com/K1B1UPo.jpg)

An Academy P-40B. Nice and simple kit, with absolutely useless decals.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: FreakyFenton on August 19, 2020, 12:15:36 PM
Quite good! You've made it look quite excellent!  :)
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: Golgotha on August 20, 2020, 11:20:06 PM
Love the new editions especially the Flying Tigers P40.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: Swordisdrawn on August 21, 2020, 01:07:40 AM
Lovely work.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on August 21, 2020, 12:01:42 PM
Thanks everyone.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on January 30, 2021, 09:53:53 PM
Well, hope the admins will forgive me for this "threadomancy", I just work really slowly on my WW2 stuff...but here's something new, in the sense that I finished it today. Crew was painted at least 4-5 months ago.

(https://i.imgur.com/Z7Ml27e.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/q8U560Z.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/hkevmrt.jpg)

An Italeri ZiS-3 for my Stalingrad/Winter Soviet force. More or less happy with it, turned out suitably winter-y
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on March 27, 2021, 10:35:36 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/8NYVvd3.jpg)

Painting dreadfully nothing lately...but I took out to finish this HobbyBoss 1:48 Easy Eight with some Tamiya crew. Tracks are left to do I think.

Also, two IBG Zrínyis.

(https://i.imgur.com/ujSRzzu.jpg)
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on April 05, 2021, 10:49:11 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/3eiIKRE.jpg)

Larger scale stuff continues...this time a Tamiya Pz II that turns 50 this year. A vignette with soldiers preparing to attack will be made for it once I get around buying the relevant figures, but otherwise I'm pretty happy with this. Decided to make it relatively quickly, I did not spend days with the weathering only, painted it over the Easter weekend.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: FreakyFenton on April 06, 2021, 09:37:30 AM
That Panzer 2 looks great!
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: Ultravanillasmurf on April 08, 2021, 09:22:30 PM
Very nice.

I like the Panzer II especially.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on April 08, 2021, 09:45:33 PM
Thank you very much guys. Next topic most probably will be 1:72 again, as I know myself and that I would burn out with big models quickly :)  I have a small diorama/vignette to be finished in 1:35 tho, I will put up some pics once fully done.

Might do another "one month platoon" American project as I sold away the PSC guys and bought much better AB Figures instead. They are based and waiting in a metal box to be painted.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on April 25, 2021, 11:21:27 AM
Another airplane, this time an ICM I-16

(https://i.imgur.com/vAiDLx3.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/89A4XTW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/bYvsGGK.jpg)
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: moiterei_1984 on April 25, 2021, 07:01:07 PM
Very nice! The chipping is very convincing!
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on April 26, 2021, 07:54:01 PM
Thanks molterei!

And now something for tha AFV guys, an almost finished PSC T-34 with the 76mm turret.

(https://i.imgur.com/z2L3mls.png)

I got him in 2017 as part of a bigger lot, set him aside, built sometime last year, and sprayed the 4BO on it around the same time. After that, back to the box, and yesterday I thought I could finish him up with the two others from the same box. Some dust, fuel leak from the fuel tank and exhaust stains remain for tomorrow. Sadly they were all built except for the tracks when they got here, so cannot add a commander.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on October 27, 2021, 09:18:58 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/WPhkuW0.png)

And welcome back, no new stuff for a long time...finally finished up the UM 1:72 T-34/76 with Xan crew and wooden log, varnished, ready to defend Mother Russia!
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on January 29, 2022, 06:57:26 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/85vzX5p.png)

After a long while, another vehicle - this time an Armourfast StuG. Somewhere on the Eastern Front or Italy, done to try out the AK Dunkelgelb modulation set I grabbed on a clearance sale. I really like how it turned out.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: CapnJim on January 29, 2022, 07:12:03 PM
The StuG looks good. So does that Sherman earlier in the thread.  Didja ever finish its tracks?
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on January 29, 2022, 07:16:32 PM
The StuG looks good. So does that Sherman earlier in the thread.  Didja ever finish its tracks?

Thanks. Yes, I did, just did not get around taking a pic yet.
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: Grumpy Gnome on January 30, 2022, 06:08:58 AM
Wow! So much to love in this thread. Your vehicle weathering is amazing!
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: Tom Dulski on January 30, 2022, 12:32:40 PM
That Panzer looks great
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on January 30, 2022, 09:34:34 PM
Thanks for the compliments.

Finished up this 3D printed US 57mm M1 cannon. It will be for the Ardennes, but as far as I know, they were not whitewashed for the winter, so will remain in this lovely olive drab.

(https://i.imgur.com/nxlvJpe.png)

Also, a small conversion...the Italeri DAK set has three mortars with crew and 9 men with SMGs in total - for North Africa I would need approx. one or maybe two mortars, plus I have at least two of this kit, and 3 SMGs per platoon, so converting the rest into riflemen. First conversion is the mortar operator who got turned into a leisure rifleman - you might ask why he's hugging his rifle if he's dropping bombs into a tube with his other hand, but I could not answer. Makes for a great riflemen, tho.

(https://i.imgur.com/sGNLK79.png)
Title: Re: Zirrian's WW2 blog of various scales (15-20-28-54mm)
Post by: zirrian on February 17, 2022, 04:35:34 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/IMMtiBW.jpg)

One more 3D printed item, this time a Tetrarch tank. Designed by my father and printed by me, some stuff is missing (like the lamps), but will be available on release along with the three barrel types (2pdr, 2pdr with Littlejohn, CS). Currently printed at 1:72, but it's detailed enough to be printed in 28mm or 1:48 too. We'll probably make an openable hatch version too, tho no interior details as it's still more or less aimed at wargamers.