Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => The Conflicts that came in from the Cold => Topic started by: Paul @ Empress Miniatures on September 24, 2020, 08:54:01 AM
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We are today releasing a new 28mm moderns range which is Cold War figures and vehicles for the late 1970's and early 1980's.
First releases are five packs of British Army Of the Rhine - BAOR- figures which include 12 armed with SLR and an L16 81mm mortar crew and a GPMG fixed mount crew.
These packs will be added to and more are currently being sculpted.
Moving on the range will cover more troops for this particular 'conflict' armed with more SLR, GPMG, BRENs, Karl Gustav, Command, 2" mortar, as lots more.
It will also include vehicle crews to go with our large range of British vehicles for the period and we have a 1/50 scale Chieftain just about to go into moulds.
The range will move onto include other areas of conflict at the time such as the Falklands War.
It will also include a range of Soviet Paratroops in a few months and we have a great many vehicles for that as well.
Worth checking out is Underfire Miniatures who also have Soviet and other troops from the same sculptor that work.
Enough chatter here are the first figures to be released.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/cold-war-baor---early-1980s-131-c.asp
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They do look good, perfect for Cold Wars that have gone hot and Winter of 79 as well as Twilight 2000 :)
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They do look good, perfect for Cold Wars that have gone hot and Winter of 79 as well as Twilight 2000 :)
Yes to all of that. :D
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very nice work..
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Ooh shiny! I do like those!
Any chance of some plain scrimless tin hats for IS and not quite war scenrios? Really looking forward to seeing the rest of this range.
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Do you mean the para helmet?
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Nope MkV helmet but without hessian scrim as per NI and elsewhere. Para helmets and berets would be nice as well but I just assumed you would be adding those for the South Atlantic.
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Got you.
Probably the odd figure depending on his job. ie gate guard.
As a major range release ie Northern Ireland, its not planned. We could do a head sprue.
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Head sprue would be ace!
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Your wish is our command.
Also check the beret head sprues in the Ultra Modern Brits room as they will work. I plan to try a few ASAP.
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nice indeed. Remind me of my childhood days in the late 70s.
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These are great, more expense to hide from the wife lol
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Head sprue would be ace!
What he said.
Do the figures have separate or integrated heads?
Nice set of figures, I will get an order off.
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Good question.
All heads come attached. ;)
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All heads come attached. ;)
Thanks.
For the less knowledgeable (like me), can we have a brief description of the kit they are wearing?
Thanks.
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Thanks.
For the less knowledgeable (like me), can we have a brief description of the kit they are wearing?
Thanks.
DMS boots and puttees, 68 pattern Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM camouflage)suit, 58 pattern webbing, steel helmet with netting and Hessian strips.
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DMS boots and puttees, 68 pattern Disruptive Pattern Material (DPM camouflage)suit, 58 pattern webbing, steel helmet with netting and Hessian strips.
Excellent, thanks.
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Bit of minor surgery, filing off sleeve pocket and the right thigh pocket and with a solid green paint job you could probably get away with a fair proxy of the 1960 pattern combat suit, allowing you to do the 1960s as well.
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Helmet with out cover etc being done .
Also doing a sprue in the respirator. ;) Just for people who do not like painting faces. lol
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I reckon you’ll sell quite a few of those bare helmets. If they fit Paul’s WW2 Brits in windproofs they’ll be useful for Korea. In fact they’ll allow for a lot of conversions.
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I reckon you’ll sell quite a few of those bare helmets. If they fit Paul’s WW2 Brits in windproofs they’ll be useful for Korea. In fact they’ll allow for a lot of conversions.
Oh good idea, it totally slipped my mind. :o
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Helmet with out cover etc being done .
Also doing a sprue in the respirator. ;) Just for people who do not like painting faces. lol
Excellent, especially the respirators.
Actually respirator heads for a number of your existing heads would be nice for those venturing into Zona Alfa etc.
Still waiting for Crooked Dice to restock their SAS respirator heads...
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And ordered.
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Fantastic!
Got a good tutorial for that cool looking DPM?
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I had a play with some of our modern heads sets for Fusiliers and Scots troops.
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Are Para/RM helmets on the way?
And one more request;
Cold War Gurkhas please!
In fact if you wanted to do a whole Konfrontasi / Operation Claret range of tropical pattern troops I wouldn’t complain. The VN RAR could be repurposed but would need L7 to replace the M60s (not sure how different the uniforms would look).
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Para uniforms are different to infantry so we will do Paras as complete figures at some point.
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In fact if you wanted to do a whole Konfrontasi / Operation Claret range of tropical pattern troops I wouldn’t complain. The VN RAR could be repurposed but would need L7 to replace the M60s (not sure how different the uniforms would look).
Why reinvent the wheel when there’s already a suitable range in existence? Oh and the webbing is quite different too.
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Why reinvent the wheel when there’s already a suitable range in existence? Oh and the webbing is quite different too.
Don't worry we are not going in that direction we have a enough to be getting on with lol
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Oh not worried, I thought as much all along just wanted to give the chap a clue that what he wants already exists. :)
Now you said Soviet Paras but for nostalgia’s sake and memories of warm afternoons spent in stuffy huts watching training films, trying to stay awake then surely you want something more like the ‘enemy’ in this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciFnTiacaDU
Maybe Polish paras? ;)
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Oh not worried, I thought as much all along just wanted to give the chap a clue that what he wants already exists. :)
Now you said Soviet Paras but for nostalgia’s sake and memories of warm afternoons spent in stuffy huts watching training films, trying to stay awake then surely you want something more like the ‘enemy’ in this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciFnTiacaDU
Maybe Polish paras? ;)
Oooh that brings back so many memories, we don't get training videos like that any more, a pity. Also, that film just shows that there was no need to adopt MTP, just go back to what DPM was like in the early years, not that dark 95 crap it turned into.
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Now you said Soviet Paras but for nostalgia’s sake and memories of warm afternoons spent in stuffy huts watching training films, trying to stay awake then surely you want something more like the ‘enemy’ in this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciFnTiacaDU
Maybe Polish paras? ;)
Thats brilliant. So good I am pinching it lol
I think Underfire are going to do Polish. Empress are going for Soviets.
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Also looks like we are going to have to do prone figures.
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We want a Corporal Rooney figure. The world needs a character figure who explains his concept for the assault as getting into ‘grenade chucking range’.
Tis a pity his fame was over shadowed by his distant relative, Shrek, the fat, mildly talented footballing twat. The boy had a natural on screen presence.
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I bet that film provided lots of laughs for you Aussies when you saw it?
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Well, the odd giggle maybe but it was better than nothing. We used quite a few British Army films. Minor weapons and section organisation differences aside, the same principles applied and the film is pretty much how section attacks in Initial Employment Training were taught. Commonwealth Armies had/have a lot in common and certainly had more so than with our Trans-Pacific/ Trans-Atlantic cousins. I think in general terms the British Army was and probably still is highly regarded as a professional army with a lot of experience to draw on.
Come to think of it, I’m struggling to recall any Australian Army training films that were locally made. Sure there must have been something but I don’t recall seeing them. Probably little need, the British ones were good enough and well pitched at soldier level. They don’t insult the audience’s intelligence and convey the information in good bite sized chunks. There’s a bloody good one I can recall on conducting a recce patrol. Well worth taking a gander.
By the by, when you bought the HLBSC vehicles, didn’t you acquire their FV432? I just had a look at the vehicles section and couldn’t find it.
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Re the FV432 yes we did and we are moving through the entire garage making new moulds. As they become available we put them back in the shop.
Sadly ( well kinda of) we sold the last of the 'old' stock a couple of weeks back.
The FV432 and similar vehicles are ready to start this process as they all arrived here yesterday.
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Cool, I can wait, I have a few more of your vehicles to build yet anyway. Are you going to do a Peak turret or some sort of conversion to slot in the Scimitar turret for those who gancy doing the Berlin Brigade? I must admit I don’t fancy the idea of painting the Berlin cam scheme. Looks good but would be a bugger to execute well.
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At the moment we are just ploughing through the range as it exists as we have such a lot going on in resin with this range and everything else.
However when the dust settle we will revisit everything and see what we can do to 'add' to the vehicles across the range. TBH we could probably spend a year simply going through all our ranges and seeing what we could do but that's not going to happen unless the change is relevant.
Got the next 12 figures from this range due to land today.
Onwards and upwards.
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I always wondered why the Brits seem to be the only ones with cloth strips and/or foliage on their helmets. It's a good idea, just why only them?
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I always wondered why the Brits seem to be the only ones with cloth strips and/or foliage on their helmets. It's a good idea, just why only them?
The US went through a phase at the end of the 80's. Lots of pics from Operation Just Cause in Panama of scrimmed up helmets.
(https://i.ibb.co/3z6Lf3f/628a243fa10e9160fb2766605159314f.jpg)
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I think that was largely a fashion with their so-called Light Infantry Divisions, they called it the cabbage patch hat or some such thing.
Pre the current century and post WW2 tin hats were rarely worn outside of grenade and anti-armour ranges in the Australian Army but they did get the scrim and hessian treatment at times.
Funnily enough during WW2 there was a widespread belief amongst the diggers in New Guinea and the islands that adding hessian was undesirable as it could be carried into any wound if the helmet was penetrated.
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Why reinvent the wheel when there’s already a suitable range in existence? Oh and the webbing is quite different too.
I know about the commando miniatures range, but more choice is always better.
The Op Claret was an aside really, I want Paras and Gurkhas for late 70s & early 80s in temperate gear if I’m wishlisting. And another M60 team for the VN ANZAC range, so I can make a full platoon.
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Nope. Try the Eureka Aden range. OK, they aren’t wearing jungle boots but a file and some paint fixes that. Apart from that they are perfect for Borneo, right webbing, right kit, including the GPMG. If you want AR15s you will need to catch and kill your own.
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Thanks @carlos
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If you do prone troops firing, observing, and crawling, I'll happily buy some.
Kneeling and firing would be nice too, and we'll need a Carl Gustav, and/or LAW gunner firing as well.
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Nope. Try the Eureka Aden range. OK, they aren’t wearing jungle boots but a file and some paint fixes that. Apart from that they are perfect for Borneo, right webbing, right kit, including the GPMG. If you want AR15s you will need to catch and kill your own.
Yes I have to say I do like the look of the Eureka Aden figures. ;)
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If you do prone troops firing, observing, and crawling, I'll happily buy some.
Kneeling and firing would be nice too, and we'll need a Carl Gustav, and/or LAW gunner firing as well.
Yes we will do prone as its a must. Many players hate prone figures and I can understand why but as most soldiers spend their time in action prone its only logical, especially with this range.
As said AT support weapons will feature significantly. ;)
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Carl Gustavs and Milans are a given, any chance of a WOMBAT, ConBAT or MoBAT RCL?
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Yes to the WOMBAT as it a must at this period.
Were they deployed by ANZACS in Vietnam?
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Nup. They only took the M40 106mm and the C. Gustav 84mm RCLs to Vietnam. The latter got sent back to Oz as the Swedes wouldn’t supply ammo so for a while it was replaced by US M67 90mm RCLs. They didn’t see a great deal of service being very occasionally humped out for bunker busting.
The M40s saw even less service, they were mostly kept in store at Nui Dat, with a couple serving as display cannon outside 5RAR’s BHQ. 5RAR converted the AT platoon into a recce platoon and I think the only time they fired the 106s was in a semi- indirect fire test from the top of Nui Dat hill. Most of the other battalions dual-roled the AT platoon as tracker platoons.
The Landies that carried them were armed with M60s and became known as ‘sports cars’.
Interestingly enough the US M40 saw service with the British Army in the 1950s and early 1960s. Weight ruled out use of the early BAT series in an airborne role so the Parachute regiment was kitted out with US M40s. They used them at Suez. Carried on Austin Champs ,sometimes towed in a trailer behind a Champ and then for a while carried on Landies. Arguably the weapon saw more active service with the British Army than the Australian Army but a great bit of kit for what-ifs.
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There is some footage of 8RAR firing the Wombat on the range in Terendak in Malaysia in the mid/late 1960s. I think the weapons were borrowed for the occasion.
Here’s the footage: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/F04287/
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This is a good 'fun' film as well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QJYdIJM5E
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Paul , are you thinking about doing Bundeswehr figures for the same timeframe? Would be nice.
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No but I think Underfire Miniatures may do them. They certainly do East German.
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A preview of the civilian and military Landrovers for the range.
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Landrovers :-*
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Paul , are you thinking about doing Bundeswehr figures for the same timeframe? Would be nice.
No but I think Underfire Miniatures may do them. They certainly do East German.
Yup.
http://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.com/2018/11/under-fire-miniatures-cold-war.html (http://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.com/2018/11/under-fire-miniatures-cold-war.html)
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We have just released our Chieftain MBT.
Its 1/50 SCALE VEHICLE - 28mm made in high quality resin and pewter parts.
Currently my favourite Empress Miniatures model and looks the part. My love is possibly tainted as its the only MBT I have driven. 😆
This fits into our BAOR Cold War range alongside our figures and existing vehicles.
More figures and vehicles soon.
https://youraccount.44.ekm.net/ekmps/shops/shop.asp...
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sexy beast. :-*
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nice
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Nice.
Which mark of Chieftain?
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Its a version around in the late 70's and early 80's. No Still Brew armour which was later.
The Mark does not matter at this period as the changes were internal and mainly linked to the engines.
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The Mark does not matter at this period as the changes were internal and mainly linked to the engines.
I just wondered (I had assumed 5-8).
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I just wondered (I had assumed 5-8).
Yes and probably also 9.
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I just wondered (I had assumed 5-8).
Yes and probably also 9.
Cool.
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Also just researching the crew for dismounted and dismounted. Brit Tankies are always bloody difficult to do because what they are wearing in pictures is rarely what they would wear in battle as the real expensive fireproof kit is too expensive to come out in peacetime. However got some excellent information that answered a lot of questions from a customer so we are ready to put them on the list.
Just sending a lot more infantry sculpts off to the moulder as well.
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GPMGs and Carl Gustavs?
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At the moulders ;)
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Excellent! :)
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At the moulders ;)
And now I'm going to be scraping pennies together to order a full platoon :D
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I will put some pictures of the sculpts going through the moulding process up in a few days.
My favourite is the Bren gun pack. ;)
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At the moulders ;)
Yay!
I will put some pictures of the sculpts going through the moulding process up in a few days.
My favourite is the Bren gun pack. ;)
Excellent.
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Piccies?
Wanted:
Sniper pair.
Milan team.
Blowpipe / Javelin Team.
Riflemen carrying 66mm rocket launchers.
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Well lets welcome in 2021 in a way that is how we plan to beat the doom and despondency that the world insists on throwing at us all.
WITH SOME NEW RELEASES.
We have seven new packs of British Army Of the Rhine just released in the shop.
These guys are three packs of infantry variation with respirator bags, a few iconic taches, some more helmet cammo and a spread of LAWS.
Plus a Carl Gustaf , GPMG and L4A4 (BREN) packs.
Plus a head sprue with the standard helmet without cammo or netting.
Have a great New Year everyone!!!
https://www.empressminiatures.com/cold-war-baor---early...
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MORE!!!
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EVEN MORE!!!!
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Excellent, an order will be on its way next year ^__^.
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Marvellous stuff! :-* :-* Order going in this week.
Platoon command, sig, 2” mortar numbers etc in the near future?
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Great to hear and great to see! Happy new year! :D
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Thanks guys.
Marvellous stuff! :-* :-* Order going in this week.
Platoon command, sig, 2” mortar numbers etc in the near future?
All of those just being sculpted plus more such as snipers and M79's.
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This has actually worked out pretty well for me. I haven’t got around to painting most of the last lot I bought, so the old ones will get a little retro work to make them suitable for the 1960s and the new batch will be my ‘80s platoon. The Brens will prove handy. My Berlin ‘61 platoon will now proceed. Found my Ferrets and old FoA Centurions. :)
Your late war GIs are suitable (with a bit of work) for 1961. There’s even a chap in Canada who makes suitable Checkpoint Charlie type signs, the ‘You are now Leaving the American Sector’ ones.
I just wish there were some suitable French out there, for both the 1960s and for the 80s. I enjoyed traipsing around Wedding and would love to stage a game there.
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And ordered (even though I have not started on the previous batch).
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Could I make a special request? Hopefully it’s in keeping with the theme.
What I would really like would be some unarmed chap or chaps to use as exercise umpires/ directing staff. Combats, beret, a brassard or bit of coloured cloth tied to the arm, maybe a map case. Pointing at squaddies, lobbing smoke grenades orcthunder flashes, handing out chits for the ‘dead’ and ‘wounded’. I’ve searched high and low for such a figure or figures.
I’ve started building up a platoon of Bundeswehr panzer grenadiers as ‘Orange Force’ and I’m looking to ‘refight’ bits of various exercises like Crusader/Spearpoint ‘80 and Lionheart ‘84. Somehow playing a game with little soldiers about a big game with big soldiers seems about right for the era. It’s also a bit of nostalgia for the 1970s 1/32 Airfix figures where the available options were British Army and Bundeswehr with maybe the odd Britains figure thrown in.
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This type of thing;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-QJYdIJM5E
Possibly. We will be getting into support types such as Military Police, medics, etc so some of those would no doubt fit the bill.
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This sort of thing:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuIw8Q5G1kc&list=PLXfy-6JidhovxfrS3F4wY7-5f0KhoSbOb&index=5
Circa 3.30 and onwards.
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ANZACS Landrover crews AND other packs. However difficult to do a time line as the plague etc is messing everything up so its difficult to do a time line.
Cool, what about BAOR crew?
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Cool, what about BAOR crew?
Yes to the Landrovers being crewed by relevant BAOR types. Also some civilian crews.
We are getting the WOMBAT made so that we can put it in the back or be towed with the crew for both.
Re armoured vehicle crew yes they are being done, infact may now be at the top of the list.
One of the interesting things about the 1978 - 85 period is that it was a period of great change where a lot of the WW2 type weapons and equipment changed. So we got hung up on the what the crew wore on their heads. berets or bone dome helmet. The pictures are difficult to get answers from as they are difficult to date specifically and in a way do not really answer the question as they are taken on exercise so not really a war footing. For example the expensive fire resistant tankie overalls were kept in store as they were too expensive to wear and from what we were told only to be issued in time of war. As for the helmet one was issued per crew. Logically the tank commander wore it. However it was described as bloody uncomfortable and as the commander had the rank he wore what he wanted so chose the beret. Thus the helmet is not shown in pictures as often as it would perhaps appear in time of war. Thus an element of confusion.
Obviously a great many veterans of this period exist and we have been sent lots of opinions on what they wore or were armed with which has been both helpful and confusing. Again military exercises have created confusion. eg many have mentioned they had a Stirling. However a lot said they used in on exercise as it was light but if they were going to war they would have grabbed their SLR. Stirlings were pretty rare with infantry units and senior battalion officers were not officially issued with them. However the soldier will always find a way and many were got from trading or pulling rank. So we will be doing a pack of Stirling types which gamers will want but were probably not that common really. ;) My favourite story was a unit that discovered that the newly issued strobe torch actually fitted in the chamber of a Stirling and so Star Wars was regularly played lol
In all its been a really interesting exercise. :o
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I think I’ll form part of that minority that doesn’t want much in the way of SMGs, save for the RMP types and should you do Paras for the Falklands, one to arm a notable Lt Colonel.
That said, they do pop up a lot more in photos from the 1960s, so I will probably want at least one packet for my RGJ 1961 platoon.
Wombat and crew is excellent news Need one for the Berlin ‘85 force. Looking forward, albeit with a certain amount of trepidation, to painting the Berlin Brigade camo scheme.
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Obviously a great many veterans of this period exist and we have been sent lots of opinions on what they wore or were armed with which has been both helpful and confusing. Again military exercises have created confusion. eg many have mentioned they had a Stirling. However a lot said they used in on exercise as it was light but if they were going to war they would have grabbed their SLR. Stirlings were pretty rare with infantry units and senior battalion officers were not officially issued with them. However the soldier will always find a way and many were got from trading or pulling rank. So we will be doing a pack of Stirling types which gamers will want but were probably not that common really. ;) My favourite story was a unit that discovered that the newly issued strobe torch actually fitted in the chamber of a Stirling and so Star Wars was regularly played lol
I've had to be very quiet lol I think the old "you can please some of the people" saying is very appropriate here. I think we have to remember that they're gaming pieces, it's all too easy to pick them apart. 100,000 soldiers will have 100,000 opinions on what's realistic, Gamers "ooh they're nice" :)
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I've had to be very quiet lol I think the old "you can please some of the people" saying is very appropriate here. I think we have to remember that they're gaming pieces, it's all too easy to pick them apart. 100,000 soldiers will have 100,000 opinions on what's realistic, Gamers "ooh they're nice" :)
TBH we have not had any negative comments just Oh I carried this or that.
Some of the stories have been very funny such as the one mentioned or the description of the Stirling being made out of fish hooks as it caught on every possible thing especially cammo net. lol
Just got the next load of sculpts so I will put a picture up on Monday. Mind you got a lot of new releases in the Nam section next week so will probably sit on them a bit.
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Looking forward to all of them Paul :)
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Yes to the Landrovers being crewed by relevant BAOR types. Also some civilian crews.
Civilian crews as in Winter of 79 type civilian crews?
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Excellent.
Civilian crews as in Winter of 79 type civilian crews?
That would be useful, but then there is the question of what are they wearing?
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Shell suits and Reeboks? Milwall shirts or worse, Chelsea shirts and Doc Martens?
Maybe they could do a ‘my other car is a Range Rover’ set in Barbour jackets, flat caps and wellies.
:D
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Well its all possible.
Christine wants to design this section of the range so I suspect short skirts and big shoulder suits will feature.........and that's just the :)men.
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Not sure that Eddy Izzard had much of a profile in 1985 but the diehard Boy George fans will be thrilled.
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Not sure that Eddy Izzard had much of a profile in 1985 but the diehard Boy George fans will be thrilled.
Boy George is tempting.
I wondered about The Queen and Prince Phillip in the Landrover and perhaps also standing figures. Perhaps out on a shooting fishing trip. They would actually pass for country types in general.
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Excellent.
That would be useful, but then there is the question of what are they wearing?
Donkey jackets and anaroks
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Boy George is tempting.
I wondered about The Queen and Prince Phillip in the Landrover and perhaps also standing figures. Perhaps out on a shooting fishing trip. They would actually pass for country types in general.
Liz and Phil would be OK but if you are going to do the Royals in the ‘80s it really has to be Princess Ditz, the Queen o’ Hearts AKA our English Rose etc, etc cough, splutter, upchuck. Fortunately or otherwise, according to taste, she was Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Hampshires (The Tigers) and there’s a reasonably well known photo of her driving an FV 432 in Berlin, one of the version sporting a Fox turret with the 30mm Rarden. If only she’d stuck to that as her mode of transport......
Despite the military connection Andy is out for obvious reasons and if you do the Kents, people will just colour them in wearing German uniforms. I s'pose Anne is an option if you are looking for another tank commander figure.
I’d stick with Mr O’Dowd if I was you..
How’s this for an amusing diorama piece?
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Think I will give that a miss lol
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Fair enough. I think I will too :D
Now some inspiration and a ready made scenario for those wanting to play with your new toys. You should enjoy this, even if it does lead to calls for a 1/50 Volkswagen and two suspicious looking German figures. It’s almost the perfect gaming scenario.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kspwZdqqCjg
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The next crop of BAOR sculpts off to the moulders. So a sneak preview.
Figures include;
Officer and RTO x 2
Two snipers.
2" mortar firing and moving.
LAWS firing.
m79 firing and loading.
Next to be sculped.
4 x prone riflemen.
4 Stirling SMG types.
4 x Tank crew mounted.
4 x Tank crew dismounted.
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Luverly! :-* :-*
Bit surprised the snipers aren’t in ghillies but happy to have them regardless.
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BTW any chance of Rich making an AVRE version of the Centurion? Mostly just a new gun, dozer blade and fittings.
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Luverly! :-* :-*
Bit surprised the snipers aren’t in ghillies but happy to have them regardless.
Most of the picture references we had for the 10 year period had them as shown. Also the smock is a specially issued sniper smock which I think is the only time that a special bit of kit was issued to them. Therefore we thought it worth showing it as its a one off ;)
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Fairy nuff.
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Cool.
BTW any chance of Rich making an AVRE version of the Centurion? Mostly just a new gun, dozer blade and fittings.
I second that request.
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Quite happy to get the Antiques Roadshow Centurion AVRE on the road but Richard is very busy at the moment. :'(
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Quite happy to get the Antiques Roadshow Centurion AVRE on the road but Richard is very busy at the moment. :'(
This is the 21st Century can we not clone Richard lol
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This is the 21st Century can we not clone Richard lol
Just finished the second series of West World and that's a scary prospect ;D
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Just finished the second series of West World and that's a scary prospect ;D
So you might understand my comments on your Old West thread...
Now I wonder about Ed Harris, Evan Rachel Harris and James Marsden (and some ultramoderns with P90s)...
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Tempted by the Ed Harris character if only for the Le Matt, which was completely inaccurate as it was cap and ball not cartridge, but I suppose that he could have got one engineered considering what else they created lol. However does that make him a western figure or a modern figure?
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Any chance of a pack with SUIT/Trilux sights or even some loose sights to retrofit onto the existing packs?
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Possibly. We are concentrating of the Cold War period first, then moving onto The Falklands and some other linked areas so we can look at these as a retro fit. Will give it some thought. ;)
http://www.deactivated-guns.co.uk/militaria/pre-falklands-war-british-army-slr-l1a1-suit-trilux-l2a2-scope-mount/prod_6837.html
At the moment still working through an ever growing list lol
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Well, they were certainly in service during the Cold War, ‘70s and ‘80s and they were most certainly used in the Falklands. It’s the L2A2 Trilux sight I’m talking about, the one fitted to the SLR not the SUSAT for the L85.
M79s on the other hand were, I believe, a real bit of exotica in the British Army. Apart from the Paras usage in the Falklands I understood they were mostly used in NI as point defence weapons for VCPs and base defence.
Any rough time frame for the FV432s being back in production? The OPFOR all have rides and my squaddies are feeling a bit left out.
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Oh and will there be Argentines for the Falklands? I do hope so. The old MoFo ones are a bit on the wee side when compared to the Boustead sculpts.
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Well, they were certainly in service during the Cold War, ‘70s and ‘80s and they were most certainly used in the Falklands. It’s the L2A2 Trilux sight I’m talking about, the one fitted to the SLR not the SUSAT for the L85.
M79s on the other hand were, I believe, a real bit of exotica in the British Army. Apart from the Paras usage in the Falklands I understood they were mostly used in NI as point defence weapons for VCPs and base defence.
Any rough time frame for the FV432s being back in production? The OPFOR all have rides and my squaddies are feeling a bit left out.
You have to take into account that the range is for a war that did not happen therefore a lot of kit would have come into use that was not issued during exercises in Europe. The issue of the M79's in the Falklands is an example of the unusual popping up when the shooting starts.
If you want to think exotic how about crossbows? Have found concrete evidence to their issue in the late 1970's and not to special forces. ;)
FV432's will be out soon as just sorting an issue with the track and then stocking up for proper release. Got the SAMSON out very soon as well. Stay tuned. I am behind with my photography so trying to catch up so I can release. ;)
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Oh and will there be Argentines for the Falklands? I do hope so. The old MoFo ones are a bit on the wee side when compared to the Boustead sculpts.
Would be a bit weird not to. However I suspect The Falklands figures may be next year as we have a lot of European theatre to do first. TA, Paras, SAS, Soviets, specials etc.
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That’s fine, 40th anniversary of the war next year.
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If the Falklands range has even a couple of the variations of standard uniform as in this picture I’ll be happy
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That’s fine, 40th anniversary of the war next year.
That makes me feel old. ::)
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FV106 SAMSON ARV.
Re released from the HLBSC stable. 28mm scale 1/48, ( just a few mm between that and our usual 1/50. )
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NIce!
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Todays Cold War vehicle is FV102 STRIKER.
Firing the Swingfire wire-guided anti-tank missiles. It had five loaded and five in reserve.
28mm scale 1/48 scale.
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Todays release. Well re release. lol
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Very nice. I will have to pick some of those up some day.
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FV105 SULTAN British army command and control armoured vehicle is in the shop.🤪
https://www.empressminiatures.com/vehicles-41-c.asp
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They look a lot better than the original HLBSCo version.
https://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.com/2019/07/hlbsco-spartan-apc.html (https://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.com/2019/07/hlbsco-spartan-apc.html)
Is there any indication on the lower hull where the loose road wheels (two and four) go?
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They fit exactly i9n the middle of the gap tbh. ;)
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Todays releases are some more packs of 28mm British Army of the Rhine.
Packs include two officer and signaller teams. M79 Grenade Launchers, Laws, 2" mortar moving and firing, and sniper moving and firing.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/cold-war-baor---early...
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Lovely, sets really comeing together. How many more are coming out for this range?
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Next out and currently being sculpted are;
4 x STIRLING gunners.
4 x Prone riflemen.
4 x Armoured crew mounted.
4 x Armoured dismounted.
Then more for the range ;)
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Excellent! :) I can finish off my platoon(s) now!
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Looking good.
Are they all going to have that strap going across the torso?
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Looking good.
Are they all going to have that strap going across the torso?
The diagonal one?
Figures with respirators yes, without no. First three packs codes without and a few figures in other packs no.
Why?
Out. o_o
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The diagonal one?
Figures with respirators yes, without no. First three packs codes without and a few figures in other packs no.
Why?
Out. o_o
Respirator pouch has a large belt loop on the rear, so just gets added to webbing by sliding onto the belt, usually behind the left side ammo pouch.
There is a strap (with a QR clip that can be stored in the little pouch on the side of the haversack ), but probably only of use if carrying the haversack without webbing.
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Respirator pouch has a large belt loop on the rear, so just gets added to webbing by sliding onto the belt, usually behind the left side ammo pouch.
There is a strap (with a QR clip that can be stored in the little pouch on the side of the haversack ), but probably only of use if carrying the haversack without webbing.
I wanted to say this as well, but didn't want to be "that guy" lol All the infantry units that I can remember had the respirator permanently fixed to the webbing, mechs etc who didn't have to wear webbing all the time would have it on a strap. I can live with buying the first packs and green stuffing them on.
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Nice figures.
They fit exactly i9n the middle of the gap tbh. ;)
I wil have to give it a go.
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The strap can be conveniently used for other things. If you have spare 66mm rockets you can use it as a strap for them, it can be also used as an SLR sling for the Carl Gustav gunner or with a little bit more work you can use it or hide it under a little green stuff as GPMG belt. To be honest once painted up it's not that noticeable anyway.
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Ash and Rick you are partly correct....... but not completely. ???
In the 70's and 80's there are original images of troops wearing the pouch with the shoulder belt. As previously stated this range unique. Its based on a war that never happened and so its difficult to research. Looking at troops on exercise or training or standing around barracks is not the same as when on campaign. Soldiers do things differently at the sharp end. The main source for actual photographs has therefore been the Falklands War. If you look at those and compare them with other pictures the troops look very different. Obviously taking into account the weather conditions.
Also chatting to friends and vet in general about what they did. A mate of mine said he preferred the shoulder belt as he felt it was easier to get to when he needed to use it. From the mid 80's a lot of things seem to change and when into the 90's they have actually changed a lot even though a lot of the kit is the same. Have found NO evidence of the strap being worn then. Perhaps the First Gulf War had a huge effect gained from experience. Not sure as not looked into that.......yet.....possibly.
However you guys have the simple power. If you do not like them don't buy them ;) Thats not a sulk lol However I have been told so much crap about what people wore and what they carried and importantly what they did and could not do and most of the time found overwhelming evidence that proves them wrong in that they may not have done but obviously others did. I recently got told by a retired senior officer that it was virtually impossible to fire an M60 without being prone and using the bipod. There are so many original images confirming this statement to be incorrect that its not worth the discussion. ;)
I am reminded of a manufacturer who sold his company a few years back and explained to us that he got bored with customers telling him his SAS figures were incorrect for the 1990's as they should not wear such and such or use such and such weapon. He was ex SAS from the period with an amazing record of operations. :o
Onwards and upwards ;)
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Ash and Rick you are partly correct....... but not completely. ???
In the 70's and 80's there are original images of troops wearing the pouch with the shoulder belt. As previously stated this range unique. Its based on a war that never happened and so its difficult to research. Looking at troops on exercise or training or standing around barracks is not the same as when on campaign. Soldiers do things differently at the sharp end. The main source for actual photographs has therefore been the Falklands War. If you look at those and compare them with other pictures the troops look very different. Obviously taking into account the weather conditions.
Also chatting to friends and vet in general about what they did. A mate of mine said he preferred the shoulder belt as he felt it was easier to get to when he needed to use it. From the mid 80's a lot of things seem to change and when into the 90's they have actually changed a lot even though a lot of the kit is the same. Have found NO evidence of the strap being worn then. Perhaps the First Gulf War had a huge effect gained from experience. Not sure as not looked into that.......yet.....possibly.
However you guys have the simple power. If you do not like them don't buy them ;) Thats not a sulk lol However I have been told so much crap about what people wore and what they carried and importantly what they did and could not do and most of the time found overwhelming evidence that proves them wrong in that they may not have done but obviously others did. I recently got told by a retired senior officer that it was virtually impossible to fire an M60 without being prone and using the bipod. There are so many original images confirming this statement to be incorrect that its not worth the discussion. ;)
I am reminded of a manufacturer who sold his company a few years back and explained to us that he got bored with customers telling him his SAS figures were incorrect for the 1990's as they should not wear such and such or use such and such weapon. He was ex SAS from the period with an amazing record of operations. :o
Onwards and upwards ;)
It wasn't a whinge Paul, I keep having to remind people that these are figures for gaming and represent a fairly long period of time, it would be impossible to be absolutely historically correct for every small kit change in the 70s and 80s. My period of service for the S6 was 85 onwards, I'm perfectly happy changing them as I need to for whatever week I'm representing lol
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But you are suggesting the figures are wrong and we are saying they are not. ;)
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“ I recently got told by a retired senior officer that it was virtually impossible to fire an M60 without being prone and using the bipod.”
lol lol lol. Nobody told us that. Participated in my fair share of range shoots where yippee shoots were conducted at the end to use up left over ammo indented for but unused. It’s the time and place where instructors and safety officers get to let their hair down a little and try all the cool stuff, like firing from the hip, the shoulder etc. The thing is heavy and its a beast to keep on target but of course its perfectly doable.
For my part I’m quite happy with the figures. Just patiently waiting for their rides.
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Ash and Rick you are partly correct....... but not completely. ???
In the 70's and 80's there are original images of troops wearing the pouch with the shoulder belt. As previously stated this range unique. Its based on a war that never happened and so its difficult to research. Looking at troops on exercise or training or standing around barracks is not the same as when on campaign. Soldiers do things differently at the sharp end. The main source for actual photographs has therefore been the Falklands War. If you look at those and compare them with other pictures the troops look very different. Obviously taking into account the weather conditions.
Also chatting to friends and vet in general about what they did. A mate of mine said he preferred the shoulder belt as he felt it was easier to get to when he needed to use it. From the mid 80's a lot of things seem to change and when into the 90's they have actually changed a lot even though a lot of the kit is the same. Have found NO evidence of the strap being worn then. Perhaps the First Gulf War had a huge effect gained from experience. Not sure as not looked into that.......yet.....possibly.
However you guys have the simple power. If you do not like them don't buy them ;) Thats not a sulk lol However I have been told so much crap about what people wore and what they carried and importantly what they did and could not do and most of the time found overwhelming evidence that proves them wrong in that they may not have done but obviously others did. I recently got told by a retired senior officer that it was virtually impossible to fire an M60 without being prone and using the bipod. There are so many original images confirming this statement to be incorrect that its not worth the discussion. ;)
I am reminded of a manufacturer who sold his company a few years back and explained to us that he got bored with customers telling him his SAS figures were incorrect for the 1990's as they should not wear such and such or use such and such weapon. He was ex SAS from the period with an amazing record of operations. :o
Onwards and upwards ;)
It wasn't my intension to tell you they were wrong, I asked if they were all going to have the strap.
Looking good.
Are they all going to have that strap going across the torso?
When asked why I just pointed out that when the haversack is worn on your webbing the shoulder strap is not needed, in fact if the haversack is attached to the belt then using the shoulder strap aswell as the yoke would make it rather a palaver to be able to drop your kit. If however the haversack is being worn as a separate ancillary item (not attached to the belt) then the use of the provided shoulder strap makes perfect sense ( the Mk 1 version of the S6 pouch had no belt attachment, so using the strap was the only option).
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I've see it done both ways in film. I can't add any more to the conversation because I only used my NBC gear 3 times In training and never in the field. ::)
But my promask made for a nice honist to God rats nest in Afghanistan. Hosed it out and cleaned it up to done it once in training state side to just keep it in the bottom of my B bag in Iraq, out of site and mind. When I turned it back in at the end of rotation it had dry rotted and flaked apart in my hands. :o
Happy I never had to use it in anger because I really don't trust that my one was up to the test. ;D
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Scorpion / Scimitar is in the shop.
This is 28mm - 1/48 scale and come with the option of three weapons;
30mm Rarden gun.
76mm Scorpion gun.
90mm Cockerill gun.
The FV432 plus Soviet ACVR and MTLB are arriving soon.
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Hmm now I’m torn. Do I get the 1/50 ex Imprint Scimitar or this one?
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Hmm now I’m torn. Do I get the 1/50 ex Imprint Scimitar or this one?
Best to get both lol
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Hmm now I’m torn. Do I get the 1/50 ex Imprint Scimitar or this one?
If you want to fight giant robots, I would choose this one (as a Scorpion).
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Giant robots? Not so much. Rather tall Germans and Russians? Yes and I suppose I can always keep the giant robots as a reserve option. :)
You’re right though, I should go with this one as eventually I’ll want a Scorpion too and it will be nice for them to match. Probably fit better with my 1/48 Chieftains too, not that they are likely to appear together.
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Having put the 1/50 and 1/48 versions together there is not much in it TBH.
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The HLBSC ACRV has now been re released ready for the Soviet troops to play with.
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Going through the sausage machine, along with 21 other projects so not sure when they will be released. o_o
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Plus.
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Nice! :-*
Hopefully by the time those are released Nathan will have sorted out his website.
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By the by are those DILAC caps and para helmets I espy?
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Crap hats and Para helmets yes.
Some of the recce infantry were issued with Para helmets as it was easier to wear in vehicles.
Nathan has a new order just left with the update stock on BAOR etc. Not these of course. ;)
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The pack of blokes with the Sterling SMGs look very nicely done.
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The pack of blokes with the Sterling SMGs look very nicely done.
Thanks. I suspect the purists will whinge as there were very few Sterlings within an infantry unit but we felt the need. The figures do work for specials such as RSM, CO etc. Although they were not issued them either.
The pack we expect some comments about are the prone figures but having looked at training films of the period it brings it home how much time soldiers spend prone.
Credit Carlos with this film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciFnTiacaDU&t=29s
Now onto Paras.
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Sterlings are useful and appreciated for.
a) Sappers, RAME, RMP (with head swaps) and all sorts of odds and sods and hangers on that can still be incorporated into a platoon plus sized game.
b) 1960s infantry where use of the Sterling by JNCOs seems to have been much more of a thing, at least period photos seem to suggest as much. Shave off the right trouser pocket, remove the sleeve pocket on the jacket, paint green and there you have it. Chaps to defend Berlin in 1961 or repelling Jack Lynch’s mooted invasion by the Irish Army of Norn Irn in 1968.* I have a second platoon’s worth so converted.
* The aptly named Exercise/ Operation Armageddon. Look it up. Utterly bizarre and suicidal for the Irish Army, had it taken place but good gaming fodder, the Irish even get Comet tanks.
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Another beautiful looking range Paul ... and you’ve tipped me over the edge on this one.
Going to put an order in today, starting with some minis, while I drool over the vehicle pictures for a little longer - thinking of using them for a Twilight 2K sort of game
8)
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Thanks muchly ;)
You will not regret it :D
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Akula is this the truck you were after?
http://www.military-today.com/trucks/bedford_m_series.htm
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Corgi did a Bedford TM in 1/50. Truck bed is way too long but a bit of surgery to the chassis and some plastic card should fix that.
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Corgi did a Bedford TM in 1/50. Truck bed is way too long but a bit of surgery to the chassis and some plastic card should fix that.
I think that' s why Akula was aski9ng if we were going to make one lol
We will have the Stolly - Stalwart.
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Akula is this the truck you were after?
http://www.military-today.com/trucks/bedford_m_series.htm
It is indeed :)
Corgi did a Bedford TM in 1/50. Truck bed is way too long but a bit of surgery to the chassis and some plastic card should fix that.
Yeah, I’ve got a couple...long since OOP...not sure if I can face hacking them about...especially if I could persuade someone to release a resin one.
I think that' s why Akula was aski9ng if we were going to make one lol
We will have the Stolly - Stalwart.
You know me too well lol
I could find a use for the Stalwart, but I’d still be hankering after a Bedford MK....or half a dozen
(https://i.imgur.com/rweFoin.jpg)
Is anyone else’s interested in the Bedford MK....? Perhaps, with sufficient interest we could persuade Paul....
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Obviously not o_o
Clocks ticking lol
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Well normally I would but I have the Corgi one and a hacksaw and I doubt I will ever need more than one.
There are some trucks that I would like. Zil-151 or Zil-157s or even a Gaz-63 to use with your Vietnam range. Useful targets for your MACV SOG and even the marines.
Cold War vehicles my top priority would be a T-64 but that probably doesn’t fit with your plans.
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Just working on the crews for the Landrovers with the WOMBAT.
Plan to do both an infantry and Para crew for them.
Paras certainly had them, even took some to the Falklands but did not use them.
Infantry is a slightly different matter as they had pretty much been replaced with MILAN's but, and here is the BUT!!!!
TA units were issued with anything available and so would have turned up in Europe with them. Plus there were some kept in store in Berlin as a just incase measure. ( also heard that that there were MOBATS)
Therefore will do the infantry crew first then the Paras.
Any comments from the Hive mind??????
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You need at least one figure with a highly polished steel para helmet, doubling with a WOMBAT shell above his head. A tradition carried on well into the 90s lol
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Obviously not o_o
Clocks ticking lol
Yeah, looks like it’s just me that wants a Bedford MK....oh well, I’d better find that hacksaw and chop up my corgi diecast ;)
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Happy with infantry crew for the Wombat being first. They were also on issue in Berlin, as Milan was a trickier proposition to use in an urban environment. Would be even happier if there was a Mobat as well. :D
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The TA infantry who reinforced BOAR in early 1980s were part of 7 Field Force which was a mixed TA and Regular Formation
My battalion when I joined in 75 had a home Defence role so it had a HQ and 4 rifle companies no support company and LMGs rather than GPMGs.
As soon as we were allocated to BOaR in Late 1978 we were reorganised on the same TOE as as regular 650 light infantry battalion and we formed a support company taking over a mortar platoon from 5 Royal Anglian and setting up a AT platoon initially equipped with WOMBAT, however by the time we deployed on Exercise Crusader/spearpoint 80 the WOMBATs had been replaced by Milan, and my god did the AT platoon moan when they lost their WOMBATs.
Yes make the wombat because pre 1980 they would have been used but be careful of the myth the TA or at least those slated to deploy to Germany were not well equipped
Talking to Friends in other battalions they followed the same path as us.
For completeness by the time I left in 1983 we had exchanged Larkspur for Clansman.
On the subject of sterlings, we had enough in the armoury to issue them to all signallers drivers HQ odds and sods etc, however in practice there were enough SLRs so those who could draw Sterling could choose their personal weapon.
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That ACRV looks good.
Nice sculpts on those British.
A Bedford would be nice (and some Soviet softs especially UAZ 469).
Looking forward to the Landrovers (even if my bank account is not).
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The TA infantry who reinforced BOAR in early 1980s were part of 7 Field Force which was a mixed TA and Regular Formation
My battalion when I joined in 75 had a home Defence role so it had a HQ and 4 rifle companies no support company and LMGs rather than GPMGs.
As soon as we were allocated to BOaR in Late 1978 we were reorganised on the same TOE as as regular 650 light infantry battalion and we formed a support company taking over a mortar platoon from 5 Royal Anglian and setting up a AT platoon initially equipped with WOMBAT, however by the time we deployed on Exercise Crusader/spearpoint 80 the WOMBATs had been replaced by Milan, and my god did the AT platoon moan when they lost their WOMBATs.
Yes make the wombat because pre 1980 they would have been used but be careful of the myth the TA or at least those slated to deploy to Germany were not well equipped
Talking to Friends in other battalions they followed the same path as us.
For completeness by the time I left in 1983 we had exchanged Larkspur for Clansman.
On the subject of sterlings, we had enough in the armoury to issue them to all signallers drivers HQ odds and sods etc, however in practice there were enough SLRs so those who could draw Sterling could choose their personal weapon.
Thanks for that. As the range also works for late 1970's and its based on a war situation it would seem rude not to have a Landy with WOMBAT with Brit infantry crew. If only for home/ Berlin defence.
In reference to the TA don't worry I do not see the TA as bare foot and weaponless and you are not the first to confirm that some were equipped to regular standards. However from research there were very different standards depending on the nature of the TA unit. Some of them were pretty badly supplied, although I am beginning to suspect that they may have used some of this as an excuse to do their own thing. As one veteran of the TA described them to me, some units were very much 'Saturday Night Soldiers' whilst others were the equal of the regular units.
The UK was financially in a bad way late 1970's and cabinet papers released a few years ago did show an interesting pencilled note written by then PM Jim Gallaghan regarding defence budgets. or the lack of one, as something like "We are F***ed" Which does tend to sum up the situation, although the militaries fighting fitness was shown very well in the Falklands although in no small part to the professionalism and courage of the military.
Therefore the well equipped TA units are covered by the existing regular units but there will be some figures that specifically link to detailed information on TA units that is somewhat less than standard issue.
Cheers, Paul ;)
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I recall reading somewhere that at least into the ‘70s some TA units were still issued with ‘37 pattern webbing. I’d happily add a platoon’s worth of chaps so equipped.
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Hi
Just to confirm albeit only for a short period as a BAOR reserve Bn we did have wombats, it’s just they were gone by 1980, so no problem justifying them for the 70’s and as has been said in a war I’m sure all sorts of stuff would have been dug out if we’d lasted.
Yes when I in joined in 75 we still had 38 pattern webbing, however many of us myself included bought our own 58 pattern webbing so the battalion wore a mix overall.
The 38 webbing was blacked but we had an attached yeomanry squadron serving as one of our infantry companies and they insisted on using brown polish on their webbing.
The comment about Saturday night soldiers is interesting there is no doubt in my mind the whole ethos changed after we re-rolled, the less competent disappeared, training days were stepped up, and there was strict insistence on having completed the right courses before promotion and passing the fitness tests. I’d estimate including annual camp I did about about 60 days a year.
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My first order of BAOR arrived today...lovely minis Paul...beautifully sculpted/cast and perfect sizewise for my “little” project.
Just a scouting party...proper order to follow in due course...looking forward to seeing the land rovers :)
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My first order of BAOR arrived today...lovely minis Paul...beautifully sculpted/cast and perfect sizewise for my “little” project.
Just a scouting party...proper order to follow in due course...looking forward to seeing the land rovers :)
Glad they all arrived safely ;)
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We have just re released the MTLB Soviet armoured vehicle.
28MM 1/48 scale. Fantastic for our impending Soviet Cold War range, or its sister range at Underfire Miniatures or to compliment our existing ultra moderns range.
Used by a large number of countries and still in service with many.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/vehicles-41-c.asp
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We have re released the FV432, 1/48 scale and perfect for our BAOR range of figures.
The FV432 is the armoured personnel carrier variant in the British Army's FV430 series of armoured fighting vehicles. Since its introduction in the 1960s, it has been the most common variant, being used for transporting infantry on the battlefield. In the 1980s, almost 2,500 vehicles were in use, with around 500 now remaining in operation - mostly in supporting arms rather than front-line infantry service.
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Good man, that’s what I wanted! Now kindly get cracking on a Peak Turret. Otherwise I’ll only buy two instead of four. :D
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Damn it! I just remembered I’ll want one with a Fox turret for my Berlin Brigade. Make that five. >:(
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Excellent. I will plan my retirement lol
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Hmm, must have misread the price tag. £260,000 each?
Will there be crew and GPMGs coming? I assume there will. Might be worth looking at the Wombat conversion, if the rear hatch is openable and has a void of sufficient volume.
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Yeah there will be one in the crew pack being moulded.
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Are the hatches etc going to be resin or metal (my HLBSCo Spartan has resin hatches but your release photograph of the Spartan had metal hatches)?
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All the smaller parts such as hatches are now in metal.
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Yeah there will be one in the crew pack being moulded.
I take it that’s another crew pack not the ones previewed earlier? After gunners in tin hats.
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With the crew going into moulds now.
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All the smaller parts such as hatches are now in metal.
Excellent.
Might add one if there is room between the Land Rovers...
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Excellent. I will plan my retirement lol
Sorry, could only come up with a hundred quid order this time around but hopefully that tides you over until the weekend. :D Some more FV432 variants could easily see that double or more.
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With these re-releases I take it there's no plan to sort out inaccuracies with those old HLBS models? I've mentioned it here before, but some of them are pretty major - from certain angles being completely wrong, to major details that are missing entirely. Which to an extent is par for the course with wargaming models, however the faults with that former HLBS stuff are more what you'd expect with a model at 15mm scale rather than 1/48th.
There's likely no market for some sort of "upgrade" kit to resolve these faults - nor would most modellers be willing to take a saw to some of the worse areas which need replacing entirely - so its a shame to not see these faults resolved, rather than being carried over to any potential new moulds. But I guess cost and whether there's actually enough customers who'd care are a major factor here. :/
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With these re-releases I take it there's no plan to sort out inaccuracies with those old HLBS models? I've mentioned it here before, but some of them are pretty major - from certain angles being completely wrong, to major details that are missing entirely.
Not sure what inaccuracies you mean...personally it’s clear what the models represent, so I’d hope Empress spend any spare cash on releasing new figures/vehicles rather than “fixing” something that most of us probably don’t realise needs “fixing” in the first place.
Please don’t take offense, as my response isn’t meant as a dig, I appreciate there are LAF’ers with an encyclopaedic knowledge of arms/armour/kit etc...I’m just in it for the laughs.
:)
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From a distance the models look like the vehicle's they're based on. However as I mentioned, its in the details and shape of components which is wrong. Off the top of my head the MT-Lb's missing the aforementioned water sluices at the front (or whatever they're called), the roof access hatch is too short (which leads to roof components being in the incorrect places), all of the large tie down points are missing, all of the large rivets/ bolts on the hull sides are missing - with instead the hull sides being devoid of any detail. Oh and you need to drill and pin the turrets on these HLBS kits, as for some reason all of the ones I've encountered have turrets which are completely flush with the hull (i.e. there's nothing holding them on)...
Details which would be excusable on a smaller scale model - but 1/50th is so massive that such large details being wrong or missing is just plain weird. So my view isn't really that of someone who knows all the ins and outs of particular vehicles. Rather that with what's available out there, asking for some major details to be done right in these larger scales shouldn't be a big ask. Understanding that the model's designed for wargaming I'm not looking for etched brass upgrades and what not, but the amount of problems with the HLBS Soviet range at least kind of puts some of the more notorious 1/72nd scale kits to shame in terms of their lack of detail. :/
So not to dig at the range. Certainly there's a lack of options in the scale, so modellers take what they can get. Its just a shame that if you want the models to be accurate to a minimum degree - without going into the depths of tiny details and etched brass - it takes hours of work and a deal of experience on the modeller's end.
Edit: Just to visually illustrate what I'm talking about. Here's a BMD-2's rear (first image nicked from ultravanillasmurf btw, with the third being a 1/144th scale resin cast for comparison - ah, because I couldn't find a clear image of the 1/56th Sloppy Jalopy one, or a 1/72nd Red Tank Miniature's one). On the real vehicle the back is angled with a pair of raised pieces in the middle - along with a pair of exhausts on either side. On the HLBS model this area is instead at a right angle with the raised areas being indented. The exhausts are completely missing, as are other large details either missing or simplified (which carries through to the rest of the model). When compared to available 1/48th kits from larger manufacturers, or more modern 1/50th stuff coming out of a few wargaming companies, these extent of these problems are more something I'm used to seeing on tiny models, rather than stuff in this larger category (even 1/56th manages fairly well these days). Which is to say that without these old former HLBS kits really having any competition in 1/48 - 1/50th currently, they're the best that's available, but I'd have to say that begrudgingly after all the time I sunk into trying to fix their problems (before, well, personally abandoning the range entirely and selling off what I had).
(https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UWZYRdG8nz4/XEzjYE1wzyI/AAAAAAAAEsg/kySg7sEYc2AzyEWGiKunJljctRc0RUOgwCLcBGAs/s1600/bmd2-1-18.png)
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUiKenUcE0U/VhhXEot7w0I/AAAAAAAAD60/q1Z-39N61N0/s1600/bmd-2%2Brear.jpg)
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/BxEAAOSwa~JbOS8O/s-l1600.jpg)
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To be fair, in the time that you took to write that post you could probably have built one from scratch lol ;)
As I don’t wake up in the night bathed in sweat (from a lack of water sluices) and the square bit on the BMD would take about 5 seconds to fix with a craft knife, I’d consider buying a number, but it’s a free world
:)
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Some more 28mm figures added to our BAOR Cold War range for the late 1970's and 80's.
4 prone riflemen, because thats what soldiers tend to do a lot.
4 Stirling SMG armed chaps.
Both packs in the shop here;
https://www.empressminiatures.com/
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They would work perfectly as UNIT soldiers, I'm aware that empress stuff can be a little big though, I have 2 UNIT guys from Black Tree Design. Does anyone know how they scale up?
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Do all Empress miniatures come with separate heads or is it just the universal-soldier range?
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They would work perfectly as UNIT soldiers, I'm aware that empress stuff can be a little big though, I have 2 UNIT guys from Black Tree Design. Does anyone know how they scale up?
(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_yw5d2a9xjY/WC3s_NHSk5I/AAAAAAAABmE/FRC2te6lHqQtiyL52mRFogPIdF2a8vQpwCLcB/s1600/williamandothers.png)
It is worth looking at this thread:
https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=130930.msg1660872#msg1660872 (https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=130930.msg1660872#msg1660872)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MAOQezeu44/YISMeW8QvII/AAAAAAAAH0U/BWZDVaI62wAPDfiC5pSJOW0T_LDL_CUjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/comparison-empress-1.png)
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPTvZraQfXU/YISMfGjk9qI/AAAAAAAAH0Y/7aBVQSKvpHE9V-s6eWdVvzqWrgRhfgDhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/comparison-empress-4.png)
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Do all Empress miniatures come with separate heads or is it just the universal-soldier range?
A number of their ranges have separate heads, but all the BAOR ones have integrated heads (assuming this bunch also have integrated heads).
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Nice, now Land Rovers and crew?
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Nice, now Land Rovers and crew?
Brilliantly answered questions ;)
Landrovers just being crewed. Both civilian and military. Plus other stuff. More releases later. ;)
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Brilliantly answered questions ;)
Landrovers just being crewed. Both civilian and military. Plus other stuff. More releases later. ;)
When you say civilian crews do you mean western civilians and armed or unarmed ;D
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in the landrover and dismounted versions.
We will be doing civilians for the range.
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Some German civvies would be nice*, everyone needs refugees or rubberneckers/bystanders for exercises. But I really, really do want a Milan team.
* Preferably not in dirndls and lederhosen. :D
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Some German civvies would be nice*, everyone needs refugees or rubberneckers/bystanders for exercises. But I really, really do want a Milan team.
* Preferably not in dirndls and lederhosen. :D
100% this (no lederhosen).
I’d go as far to humbly suggest two types - refugees (ie walking, coats, belongings), and bystanders/protestor types (stationary, no additional belongings).
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Tempted to just copy the civilians from the Soldier Soldier series, although they are late 80's early 90's so more shoulder pads needed.
Yes to a Milan team.
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German civilians with porn ‘taches and at least one with a mullet.
Of course that might lead to three Geordies, at least one of whom looks remarkably like Jimmy Nail.
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Fuck it, the cast of AWP would make a brilliant character set or sets. :D
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Fuck it, the cast of AWP would make a brilliant character set or sets. :D
Now thats a good idea :)
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German civilians with porn ‘taches and at least one with a mullet.
I suggest Deutschland '83 for some period inspiration (okay, possibly a bit late but...).
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Fuck it, the cast of AWP would make a brilliant character set or sets. :D
Trapped behind Enemy lines....
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Now thats a good idea :)
Red Army takes on Oz and the boys :-*
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Todays release for our 28mm BAOR range are some mounted and dismounted BAOR armoured vehicle crews.
These are designed to fit into the Empress range of 1/50 scale armoured vehicles also available.
We also have two head sets.
The M76 parachute helmet heads which was issued from 1979 replacing the old WW2 type. Also worn by Israeli and Indian paratroopers.
The famous 'Crap' Hat.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/cold-war-baor---early...
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::)
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Ordered a few. mk6 helmets would be nice as well, apart from a few units in N Ireland most people still had SLRs, 58 webbing and mk6 helmets in the mid to late 80s, TA etc even into the 90s.
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Useful additions to the range.
8)
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Neat.
Those caps look weird.
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Which I believe was the general view of the actual item. Unkindly described by some as the DILAC hat (Don't I Look like A C**t in this cap).
That tanky with the Sterling has, with a bit of surgery, become my number one candidate for an exercise umpire.
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Which I believe was the general view of the actual item. Unkindly described by some as the DILAC hat (Don't I Look like A C**t in this cap).
That tanky with the Sterling has, with a bit of surgery, become my number one candidate for an exercise umpire.
We used to call them "Tw#t hats" They've been reissued in MTP, but in the 10 years we've been wearing it I've only seen one person wearing one, he was soundly mocked for it lol
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Don’t worry, the Australian Army came up with something even more dire, a daft looking kepi complete with havelock. Public appearance provoked questions as to whether mummy had dressed the wearer that day. It was supposedly only for issue to armoured crews and regional surveillance units. I think that was based on the logic of out of sight, out of mind.
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can anyone help
I'm looking at the empress miniatures nva range - i've read somewhere they are scaled smaller
anyone have any Eureka minis they can compare the EM minatures to?
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The Vietnam range, note there is a Vietnam thread that may have been better to post on to save confusion :), is 28mm.
Its true 28mm size so not small. The figures are sculpted accuratly so that western figures such as US forces are taller than the Vietnamese figures as was, is, accurate.
The Eureka range tends to be smaller and I have heard its more 25mm but I do not own any so I will stop there. I am sure that someone will be along to give exact comparison between Empress and Eureka.
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sorry didn't realise there was a seperate thread, I'll go ask there
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Depends which Eureka figures you are talking about. The Mike Broadbent sculpted Vietnam range are smaller but not by huge amount. In fact, with the addition of strip of plasticard under the base, the Vietnam Australians can be made to match height wise.
The Eureka ZANLA and the more recent modern ranges match the Empress Marines and Australians very well in terms of height and proportions.
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Thanks
I'm mainly thinking where they might fit in with the soviet range
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Empress Miniatures has just released both the Ferret and Saladin Armoured Cars.
These 28mm - 1/48 scale models link into our moderns range and especially our developing Cold War range.
Both iconic vehicles that saw very long service with the British Army as well as many other forces around the world.
The figures shown are for scale only and not included with the vehicles. They are from our BAOR19 pack.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/vehicles-41-c.asp
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Hmm. I have a Solido Saladin (say that 3 times fast!) I wonder how they'd compare, size wise...I might have to do some math....
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Probably my two favourite wheeled AFVs of all time. I think I can probably justify at least one more Ferret.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7HnKmT2WgM
Capn Jim, to the best of my knowledge there never was a Solido Saladin. Corgi produced a very nice one in something around 1/56 and there was a Crescent Root Saladin that scales in as ‘huge’, somewhere around 1/40 or more.
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Capn Jim, to the best of my knowledge there never was a Solido Saladin. Corgi produced a very nice one in something around 1/56 and there was a Crescent Root Saladin that scales in as ‘huge’, somewhere around 1/40 or more.
Upon further review, the call on the field is reversed. The Saladin in question is indeed a Corgi. carlos marighela will not be charged a time-out :)
Oops...I was confused. My Panhard is a Solido, not my Saladin. Thanks for the correction, carlos. 8)
In any event, I may have to get one of these Saladins. My African forces could always use another armored car...
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Sweet, love them. :-*
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Upon further review, the call on the field is reversed. The Saladin in question is indeed a Corgi. carlos marighela will not be charged a time-out :)
I think I get the gist of all that, though ‘tis in a foreign tongue. Something about VAR?
One day our American cousins will discover actual football and after a rather bleak period of introspection that makes them question why they have wasted their lives watching insipid games like rounders or that even dafter fucking game where they all wear crash helmets and fart about to know appreciable purpose, they will come to to realise the joys of an actual sport like football. What’s not to like about watching Argentina only mange a draw aginst Chile or watching that twat Jogi Löw sink into depression as France best his side? Brightened my morning at any rate. ;)
An added side benefit maybe that we might even speak the same language or at least have mutually understandable sports idioms. :D
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Upon further review, the call on the field is reversed. The Saladin in question is indeed a Corgi. carlos marighela will not be charged a time-out :)
Oops...I was confused. My Panhard is a Solido, not my Saladin. Thanks for the correction, carlos. 8)
In any event, I may have to get one of these Saladins. My African forces could always use another armored car...
The Panhard is just going into moulds so you can sell you other one lol
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The Panhard is just going into moulds so you can sell you other one lol
Nah. I think I'll keep her. My wargame vehicles don't get jealous when I get new ones... :)
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An added side benefit maybe that we might even speak the same language or at least have mutually understandable sports idioms. :D
While that old adage regarding 2 great nations being separated by a common language was about the US and the UK, I think it also applies to nations like Australia and Canada, etc. (those spawned by the mother ship that is the UK). Hell, even just here in the US, there are some regional dialects that required sub-titles on TV... ;)
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Not sure if you can get it on Prime in the USA or Australia but Jeremy Clarkson has a new series out which is about his year on his farm trying to manage things on his own with the help of some locals. Its set not far from where Empress is in the Cotswolds and there is a character with a VERY strong regional accent that is impossible to understand. Its had me crying with laughter every episode. If you can get it its worth a watch ;)
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Not sure if you can get it on Prime in the USA or Australia but Jeremy Clarkson has a new series out which is about his year on his farm trying to manage things on his own with the help of some locals. Its set not far from where Empress is in the Cotswolds and there is a character with a VERY strong regional accent that is impossible to understand. Its had me crying with laughter every episode. If you can get it its worth a watch ;)
Gerald, security consultant, dry waller and combine driver. Didn't understand a word he said, but I knew he meant "Clarkson, you're a fool" lol
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Yep, I have traveled all across the US, Australia, Canada and to London. And the worst accents I ran into so far in the US were from backwords Louisiana, and Massachusetts/Boston.
No problem with the Canucks or Auzzes I have met. But I know for a fact lots of the kids I met in London were not speaking any version of English I have ever heard before. lol
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Youse right bruv. Innit? ;)
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The accents on Teeside is pretty impenetrable, it is like they phased in from a separate continuum.
That Saladin looks great.
How do the wheels attach on the Saladin. I have dry assembled the HLBSCo Ferret (bought from you rather an embarrassingly long time ago) and the axle system is great.
https://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.com/search?q=ferret (https://ultravanillasmurf.blogspot.com/search?q=ferret)
The HLBSCo BRDM wheel attachments were less good - hopefully when you reintroduce them they will be improved.
So now the Saladin is in play, will there be some Aussie hardware (FSV, APC etc.) for Vietnam?
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Like the new additions...particularly the Ferret.
Any more news on the eta for the landies...thinking of both military and civvie uses :)
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Getting there ;)
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Any more news on the eta for the landies...thinking of both military and civvie uses :)
Getting there ;)
Oooh...
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Yep, I have traveled all across the US, Australia, Canada and to London. And the worst accents I ran into so far in the US were from backwords Louisiana, and Massachusetts/Boston.
No problem with the Canucks or Auzzes I have met. But I know for a fact lots of the kids I met in London were not speaking any version of English I have ever heard before. lol
I work for an American company and used to spend a lot of time in Morgan city. The Louisiana accent is a hard one too follow. But after a while you tune into it and appreciate it.
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Hmm. Land Rovers. Hmm. I have a couple Defenders, but my African forces could use something with a little firepower. Waiting to see what you guys come up with, Paul...
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One of my personal favourites as they were every where when I was young.
We have just released a 28mm - 1/48 scale Saracen Armoured Car.
The SARACEN was in service from 1952 until the present day.
Used by many countries and was a very common sight in Northern Ireland during the troubles.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/vehicles-41-c.asp
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Best looking APC ever and oh so tempting. Is the Fox anywhere close on the update list?
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Best looking APC ever and oh so tempting. Is the Fox anywhere close on the update list?
Yep. Coming in a few weeks.
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Nice and ...
oh so tempting.
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And another;
Just released the Panhard AML-90 AC - 1/48 scale.
One of those cute military vehicles that was used virtually everywhere.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/vehicles-41-c.asp
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Very nice, added to my 'wish list'.
Anyone know of a source for .30 cal Brownings in 28mm?
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Hauler do them in resin in 1/48 as well as brass etched ammo belts and ammo boxes.
There’s also an aftermarket company called GasPatch who do insanely detailed resin .30 cals.
https://www.bnamodelworld.com/parts-decals-for-aircraft-1:48-gaspatch-models-gas16-48101?zenid=70c3c40aad3909271675fa183ae12185
If you feel up to making your own receiver (basically an oblong) then Aber make .30 barrels and barrel shrouds in 1/48.
I’ve been fortunate enough to have had Nic at Eureka let me rummage through the weapons boxes so I have picked up a few 1/56 versions in the past. If you want 1/56 ask around for anyone with Rubicon Allied kits, many have an abundance of .30 cals, the LVTs in particular. Hell, you could even justify one to go with your late war Scots.
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I can heartily recommend the Gaspatch MGs and belts,however they are true 1/48 :)
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...Rubicon Allied kits, many have an abundance of .30 cals, the LVTs in particular.
Hell, you could even justify one to go with your late war Scots.
Now you've done it... (should that be with or without a Polsten?)
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With (natch).
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Awww, that's so cute, I want to hang it on my wall :-*
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Very nice, added to my 'wish list'.
Anyone know of a source for .30 cal Brownings in 28mm?
Just putting the 30 cal, both vehicle and ground mount, and the GPMG with vehicle mount into moulds so will be released as a pack in the not to distant future.
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They actually had a gun that size?! It looks like a WH40K model! It can't have been pleasant inside the turret when that thing went off.
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They actually had a gun that size?! It looks like a WH40K model! It can't have been pleasant inside the turret when that thing went off.
The French have always had some interesting ideas when it comes to armoured vehicle design!
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Just putting the 30 cal, both vehicle and ground mount, and the GPMG with vehicle mount into moulds so will be released as a pack in the not to distant future.
Brilliant, all of those will be very useful.
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Well, there's another couple for the "to buy" list.... :)
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Just putting the 30 cal, both vehicle and ground mount, and the GPMG with vehicle mount into moulds so will be released as a pack in the not to distant future.
Any chance of an MG3 (or MG42) on a vehicle mount suitable M113Gs?
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That AML looks great - it is now a question of justification...
Will you have a matching French wheeled APC of the period in the future?
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Will you have a matching French wheeled APC of the period in the future?
No plans to.
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Some better pictures of the Panhard.
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Yup - def on the list now...
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We have just released the 28mm BAOR crewed WOMBAT Recoilless Rifle for the Cold War range.
120 mm BAT recoilless rifle replaced the 17pdr and in its WOMBAT form was a new build weapon with a lightweight carriage, which meant that it was usable by all air Mobile (Infantry Battalions) plus mobile troops, such as the Parachute Regiment and Royal Marines. It was also fitted to vehicles, such as the FV432 or a 3/4 ton portee Land Rover.
When fitted with an M8C .50 cal spotting rifle which fired a zirconium-tipped spotter tracer round visible past 2,000 yards, it could engage targets out to 2,000 m (2,200 yd). The strike was observed by the No. 1, who called the fall of shot. The No. 2 maintained the spotting rifle and observed the back blast area. The WOMBAT entered service in 1964, rapidly replacing earlier versions in service with the regular army.
It was phased out of the Regular Army in the early 1980's being replaced by the Milan ATG although continued in service with many being kept in stores for use in time of war.
The Parachute Regiment took three to the Falklands but they were never deployed.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/baor21-wombat-with-crew...
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Keep them coming Paul, this range just gets better and better :)
The Saracen is definitely going to find its way onto my shopping list, along with the FV432 and a bunch of land rovers when they are ready, and I’m sure I can find a use for the wombat.
Quick question on TA units at the time...are the current minis perfect for them, or would there have been differences in terms of kit? While stationed in the UK, before deployment, would helmets have been uncovered etc?
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Yup. Want one of those.
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Keep them coming Paul, this range just gets better and better :)
The Saracen is definitely going to find its way onto my shopping list, along with the FV432 and a bunch of land rovers when they are ready, and I’m sure I can find a use for the wombat.
Quick question on TA units at the time...are the current minis perfect for them, or would there have been differences in terms of kit? While stationed in the UK, before deployment, would helmets have been uncovered etc?
Cheers mate.
In theory the TA were equipped and armed exactly the same by 82 and so yes they work for both.
However some TA units were not as well equipped as the regulars but this was the simple process of them needing to catch up on issue. So the WOMBAT probably lingered longer in TA and with your scenario they would have been rolled out of stores along with all sorts of kit.
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Would still love to see some TA with ‘37 pattern webbing.
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Would still love to see some TA with ‘37 pattern webbing.
Yep ;)
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You'd need to make them fatter for sTAbs ;)
Lovely job on the Wombat 8)
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You'd need to make them fatter for sTAbs ;)
lol lol lol lol
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That WOMBAT looks great.
It is going on the "Not Colours 21" list.
landrover, landrover, landrover.........
Oh, and another wishlist item: a BAOR rider for your Quadbike. They were in use during Key Flight '89 (Tankograd page 61). Slightly late for the current SLR armed range, but....
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Just released and in the shop a 28mm - 1/50 scale Land Rover with WOMBAT and crew.
Landrover with a WOMBAT for both 'shoot and scoot' AT firing and also to transport the WOMBAT which can then be dismounted and hidden, until it fires and then everyone can see it. 😆
BAOR21 pack contains a WOMBAT and firing crew.
The model comes with the Landrover which is made in high density resin and white metal parts and stowage.
There is a windscreen which was sometimes used but usually detached.
Stowage includes the personal kit and weapons of the crew.
The doors of the Landrover are spare and can be removed if wished.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/cold-war-baor---early-1980s-131-c.asp
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:-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
{cough} yeah...I suppose it’s alright. ;)
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:-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
{cough} yeah...I suppose it’s alright. ;)
::)
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Seriously though, I’ll definitely go for a couple with the wombat, and then look at whatever other options you offer, in terms of both the LWB and SWB variants...I can use a couple for civvies as well :)
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Seriously though, I’ll definitely go for a couple with the wombat, and then look at whatever other options you offer, in terms of both the LWB and SWB variants...I can use a couple for civvies as well :)
Was thinking of doing the Queen and Prince Phil as per 1980. What do you reckon?
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Was thinking of doing the Queen and Prince Phil as per 1980. What do you reckon?
Personally I’m after more generic civilians/farmers etc and would buy multiples thereof, but you should definitely pursue the Royal idea as an option....the funny way these things work, it might become your best selling pack for a non-wargaming audience ;)
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Personally I’m after more generic civilians/farmers etc and would buy multiples thereof, but you should definitely pursue the Royal idea as an option....the funny way these things work, it might become your best selling pack for a non-wargaming audience ;)
Farmers with shotguns would be good and maybe some armed civvies
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Was thinking of doing the Queen and Prince Phil as per 1980. What do you reckon?
I think Phil and her Maj’s sporting instincts would have precluded the use of a Wombat during grouse season at Balmoral although the spotting rifle might have come in handy for deer. As for the Landy, surely the Royals would have upgraded to a Series III by 1980 not some tatty old Series II. :D
Very nice btw. Sadly this means yet another vehicle I will feel constrained to daub in the Berlin Brigade scheme.
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Nice - looks good with all the extras.
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Hmm. I bet my Peoples' Republic of Northern Gambola could use 1 or 2 of those Landies in their army. Who knows? Maybe the rebels could end up with one. Of course, how they could end up with Wombats would have to be classified....
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Ordered a couple of the landrovers...for starters, plus a few more packs of Infantry :)
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Very nice btw. Sadly this means yet another vehicle I will feel constrained to daub in the Berlin Brigade scheme.
That we want to see.
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The Landrover + Wombat foretells a conjunction of my card and the Empress website (and much wailing from my bank manager)...
So what angles could you fire the WOMBAT mounted on a land rover (Recoiless Rifles aren't)?
I am reminded of a GDW/Frank Chadwick boxed game (the name of which escapes me at the moment) that covered conflicts over the latter half of the previous century (the century it was published). One of them(North-ish Africa) involved "jousting" Technicals charging towards each other. There was a special rule for that scenario that allowed firing on the move.
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That we want to see.
Have to manage the courage to tackle the Chieftain first. Luckily for me lockdown means I can’t pop over to Metro Hobbies to pick up some paint. Well that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it for now. :D
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We have just released a 28mm - 1/48 scale Soviet ZSU-23-4 'Shilka' AA tank.
Originally coming into service in 1960 this beast is still in service around the world.
Known for its staggering fire power that can be used for ground support as well.
This model is made in resin and white metal.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/vehicles-41-c.asp
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That’s a beast :-* :-* :-*
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The landrovers arrived today - lovely crisp castings - looking forward to painting them up shortly.
Re: interiors, am guessing the same base green as the exterior, plus darkish brown for the seats?
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Re: interiors, am guessing the same base green as the exterior, plus darkish brown for the seats?
That's what I'd do. And it's how the US painted MUTTs and Humvees (the NATO tri-color ones used the green color for the interior). I've only ever seen one military Land Rover up close and in person, and it was an Australian Defender that some guy near Park City, Utah had sitting out by the street for sale a few years ago. Same - interior was the tan exterior color, with green-brown canvas. I actually considered buying it, but my rational side kicked in... 8)
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The Shilka is a must have 8)
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That is a great paint job.
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That is a great paint job.
Many thanks ;)
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So...not that I’ve got an insatiable habit that needs a fix...but what’s next in the release pipeline?
;) :D
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The landrovers arrived today - lovely crisp castings - looking forward to painting them up shortly.
Re: interiors, am guessing the same base green as the exterior, plus darkish brown for the seats?
Yes, all the ones I've driven had interiors the same ORIGINAL base colour as the outside, whether green or airfield yellow. That however meant that I drove at least one that was canary yellow on the inside and green on the outside! lol
All the seat cushions I saw were black 'pleather'.
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Yep black pleather, although I recall local ones in green pleather.
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Shilka is nice but what we really need is a T-64. Most common tank in the GSFG in the ‘80s and with the exception of Butler’s Plaited Manure nobody makes one.
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Just going into resin moulds - 2 versions of landrover, Stalwart, Fox.
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Quite happy to get the Antiques Roadshow Centurion AVRE on the road but Richard is very busy at the moment. :'(
He says he just requires the go ahead from you. :)
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Richard has a list of things to do first lol
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(...) and with the exception of Butler’s Plaited Manure nobody makes one.
Tut-tut-tut, Charlie, old boy! :` ;)
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Just going into resin moulds - 2 versions of landrover, Stalwart, Fox.
Excellent, both landrovers will definitely be buys for me - the wombat versions are in my build queue currently.
Am sure I can justify a Stollie (or two)...IIRC Fox was mainly used by BAOR armoured formations, so less interest personally, but great to see the range continue to grow.
what we really need is a T-64. Most common tank in the GSFG in the ‘80s and with the exception of Butler’s Plaited Manure nobody makes one.
Makes sense, especially given the breadth of models that Empress already have for Sovs. I could even be tempted to broaden my project to include some russkis
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Excellent, both landrovers will definitely be buys for me - the wombat versions are in my build queue currently.
Am sure I can justify a Stollie (or two)...IIRC Fox was mainly used by BAOR armoured formations, so less interest personally, but great to see the range continue to grow.
Makes sense, especially given the breadth of models that Empress already have for Sovs. I could even be tempted to broaden my project to include some russkis
You have to have an invasion force surely?
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You have to have an invasion force surely?
Well, some Naval Infantry would go well with those airborne troops you’ve promised us.... lol
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Yep black pleather, although I recall local ones in green pleather.
Yes, green pleather was also definitely a 'thing', now you come to mention it (I think on the more modern ones (Series 3)?).
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... but what we really need is a T-64. Most common tank in the GSFG in the ‘80s ...
An uparmoured T55?
Well, some Naval Infantry would go well with those airborne troops you’ve promised us.... lol
They are on period lists...
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Received the land rover, etc (with thanks), now to decide what happens to my build queue....
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An uparmoured T55? They are on period lists...
Group of Soviet Forces in Germany. While there were a few T-62 kicking around, notably in the Soviet 6th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade in Berlin, the vast majority of Soviet tanks stationed in the early 1980s were T-64 types. T-80 was a growing presence and by the end of the decade would have largely supplanted the T-64 as the MBT of choice in East Germany. No T-72 in GSFG. The only T-72 in Germany were NVA vehicles and they were something of a minority, concentrated mostly in the two panzer divisions.
Leaving aside specialist variants like engineering vehicles there would have been very few T-55 in the Soviet tank park in Germany. A few in training units. Of course for the Warsaw Pact allies it was the main MBT but East Germans aside nobody makes any WP troops, Poles, Czechs etc.
As an aside I see one of the aftermarket companies has released a set of KMT mine rollers in 1/48. Aimed at the Tamiya kit but might work with the Empress 1/50 version.
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Don't worry the T62 is on the list to do.
1/50 scale of course.
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We have just released a 28mm - 1/48 scale Soviet ZSU-23-4 'Shilka' AA tank.
Again, a wonderful model! What a pity, that the scale is so huge. That makes it practically impossible to mix with other vehicles in 28 mm range. We put a BMP-1 next to a T-34, which has almost exactly the same real-life dimensions, and the BMP-1 dwarves the tank.
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Really? Interesting negative first post.
Our vehicles are 1/50 and the HLBSC 1/48 and match perfectly well.
We do not sell a T34 so not sure what you are using? Presumably a 1/56 scale which do work with true or larger 28mm figures. Which is why we use the larger scales. ;)
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Don't worry the T62 is on the list to do.
1/50 scale of course.
Hmm have a T-62. T-64 pretty please?
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What an odd first post... :?
Anyway...back to the thread...
I was wondering if there would be any mileage in a single figure (or pack) with empty hands?
I can think of a lot of uses for a squaddie not holding a weapon...and it would offer a load of simple conversion opportunities ... off duty, unloading, stretcher bearer. Add an officer type, and you’ve got an exercise marshal etc
If you wanted to go the whole hog, you could have a sprue with some alternate hand options holding an entrenching tool, field dressing etc
Just a thought
:)
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Hmm have a T-62. T-64 pretty please?
me me me lol
Yeah we are doing a T64. ;)
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What an odd first post... :?
Anyway...back to the thread...
I was wondering if there would be any mileage in a single figure (or pack) with empty hands?
I can think of a lot of uses for a squaddie not holding a weapon...and it would offer a load of simple conversion opportunities ... off duty, unloading, stretcher bearer. Add an officer type, and you’ve got an exercise marshal etc
If you wanted to go the whole hog, you could have a sprue with some alternate hand options holding an entrenching tool, field dressing etc
Just a thought
:)
Yes indeed it is a strange post. ;)
We are releasing the WOMBAT firing crew as they are useful empty handed chaps. I just need to do some pictures and put them on the site.
As we go along there will be other suitable figures so we could make a special pack from those. Do not want to do anything too special as it costs a lot of money and more importantly takes time that we can spend on more fun things such as the MILAN pack.
I want to get onto the Soviet paras ASAP but Tony is just crewing a western stage coach plus some other stuff. busy, busy, busy.
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Your suggestion about grouping existing empty handed figures into a pack would be a great option...and can’t wait to see the paras 8)
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“ I want to get onto the Soviet paras ASAP but Tony is just crewing a western stage coach plus some other stuff. busy, busy, busy. ”
It’s not often that we get insights into the sculptor’s day jobs but I suppose this shortage of heavy haulage drivers is clearly starting to bite. :D
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An uparmoured T55? They are on period lists...
Group of Soviet Forces in Germany. While there were a few T-62 kicking around, notably in the Soviet 6th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade in Berlin, the vast majority of Soviet tanks stationed in the early 1980s were T-64 types. T-80 was a growing presence and by the end of the decade would have largely supplanted the T-64 as the MBT of choice in East Germany. No T-72 in GSFG. The only T-72 in Germany were NVA vehicles and they were something of a minority, concentrated mostly in the two panzer divisions.
I stand corrected on GSFG, but one of the period lists (Frank Chadwick's Combined Arms - 1988 - page 89) has non GSFG Category III divisions with T55s (~39% of army inventory).
I vaguely remember T55s being on the Bruce Rea Taylor lists (which was the period list I was thinking of) but I put them back in their box file a while bac so cannot checkk.
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Re-scale: unfortunately a company named after an Italian river chose wrong in continuing with 1/56 for Vietnam and beyond - doubly irritating as they are doing the Chinese Type-63 APC.
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"We are releasing the WOMBAT firing crew as they are useful empty handed chaps. I just need to do some pictures and put them on the site."
Great news Paul, I've got loads of uses for those :)
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Indeed there would have been lower readiness category divisions in the Western part of the Soviet Union as well as elsewhere that still had T-55 but remember that by the 1980s the T-72 was being fielded in greater numbers than the T-64 as the principle tank in what would have been follow up formations.
It’s instructive to note that the Soviets in Afghanistan almost exclusively utilised T-62s, at least after the initial invasion. That’s despite there being no shortage of T-55 tanks in the Turkestan MD where the bulk of 40th Army/ LCSFA was drawn from. You would think that for the purposes of counter insurgency warfare that a T-55 is as good as a T-62 (which for all practical purposes is an up-gunned T-55) but clearly the Soviets chose to use the best available resource whilst not depleting their first line resources pegged for use in a conventional war.
None of is to say that the Soviets would not have used T-55 had a war lasted long enough and force depletion required their use but I doubt they would gave been anywhere close to a battlefield in Germany in the sort of war the Soviets were planning for at least not with the Soviets.
Now the T-55 did linger on in frontline service with the Naval Infantry so if you hanker for them as Soviet crewed items there’s always Norway and Denmark.
* There were still T-34, T-44 and T-10M in Soviet warehouses in the 1980s apparently. The T-34s were still being provided as foreign aid into the 1970s just like the T-54 and T-55.
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"We are releasing the WOMBAT firing crew as they are useful empty handed chaps. I just need to do some pictures and put them on the site."
Great news Paul, I've got loads of uses for those :)
Indeed that is good news. Useful for a range of stuff.
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Quick question - is the BTR70 that Empress does basically the same as a BTR60PB ...I seem to recall the chassis/turret is identical and that the differences were internal?
Toying with the idea of some Naval Infantry...
:?
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Nope, quite a bit of external difference. Micromir do a nice 1/48 kit if you want a BTR-60
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Quick question - is the BTR70 that Empress does basically the same as a BTR60PB ...I seem to recall the chassis/turret is identical and that the differences were internal?
Toying with the idea of some Naval Infantry...
:?
Our Soviets will be airbourne and we have BMD's so you could do that.
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Our Soviets will be airbourne and we have BMD's so you could do that.
Sov airborne (& BMDs) are definitely on my todo list...just thinking about vehicles for a group of naval infantry to link up with them :)
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Sov airborne (& BMDs) are definitely on my todo list...just thinking about vehicles for a group of naval infantry to link up with them :)
Landed by submarine and requesition local vehicles.
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Landed by submarine and requesition local vehicles.
Damn...do I need to make a submarine then ;) lol
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Damn...do I need to make a submarine then ;) lol
Empress makes a U-boat if your don't mind that being off by a few decades. lol
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Okay, this may sound like a stupid question, but looking at the Land Rover, which side of the chassis are the differentials? Are they on the same side fore and aft?
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVrSHYyCTDQ/YSpZpM5TRGI/AAAAAAAAINE/oq3CKAAH-JEry9q9gcSSLzwXWEqrD39MQCLcBGAsYHQ/s535/landrover-3-1.png)
Evidently my Google Fu is weak.
Thanks in advance.
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Okay, this may sound like a stupid question, but looking at the Land Rover, which side of the chassis are the differentials? Are they on the same side fore and aft?
No idea, but if you’ve got a mate that peers underneath your vehicles and points out that sort of thing, then I’d seriously consider who I class as a mate ;) :D
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No idea, but if you’ve got a mate that peers underneath your vehicles and points out that sort of thing, then I’d seriously consider who I class as a mate ;) :D
^__^
I dread the day when someone points out the missing drive shaft on my CT15A.
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(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1lUEmxdQq_E/Xt94wN4cRZI/AAAAAAAAg1I/rAq_BJpZ5lcwAhMwS8ATAfadbCnwqC5YQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Revell%2BLand%2BRover%2B09.jpg) ;)
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Thanks Rich.
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Painted up the first of the land rovers I ordered - went together very easily, a lovely kit.
(https://i.imgur.com/LMNNSAV.jpg)
I fear that I may have got carried away with the camouflage though
(https://i.imgur.com/e9mzgQa.jpg)
The only modification (apart from the camo netting is a head swop of the guy sat at the back (gave him a Crooked Dice head).
(https://i.imgur.com/LtSAn7M.jpg)
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Q: What do you call a Wombat gunner in a big pile of dead leaves?
A: Russell.
I think it looks pretty good and a fair approximation of the original. Nicely done!
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As I mentioned on your thread nice.
The top shot is going to be very useful.
How does the muzzle blast and the cammo net interact?
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How does the muzzle blast and the cammo net interact?
Badly I expect... :D
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:-*
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Good work there, AKULA. Love the camo net. Just gotta watch where the backblast cone is pointed... :D
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Brilliant job.
Love the cammo net. If only we had thought of that with all our vehicles we could have just designed them all with no details lol
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Brilliant job.
Love the cammo net. If only we had thought of that with all our vehicles we could have just designed them all with no details lol
There’s another crowd that’s beaten you to the punch on that one. ;)
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There’s another crowd that’s beaten you to the punch on that one. ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtWC5L1sXt8
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Any sneak peeks/more details on the new (new) landies?
Also any thoughts about how wide the planned Soviet Airborne range will be? Will you be covering off the company-level support weapon options, grenade launchers, MGs, mortars and ATW?
I know I’m impatient but you’ve sold me on the idea of fielding a force of VDV now ;)
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Since we are talking about WW3 forces for the 80s. Are you guys planning on producing a M60 series tanks? Especially the m60a3 variant for my mid 80s US force? :D
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Since we are talking about WW3 forces for the 80s. Are you guys planning on producing a M60 series tanks? Especially the m60a3 variant for my mid 80s US force? :D
No plans for US vehicles at the moment. :(
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Any sneak peeks/more details on the new (new) landies?
Also any thoughts about how wide the planned Soviet Airborne range will be? Will you be covering off the company-level support weapon options, grenade launchers, MGs, mortars and ATW?
I know I’m impatient but you’ve sold me on the idea of fielding a force of VDV now ;)
In short yes. Same as the Brits which are nearly finished.
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No plans for US vehicles at the moment. :(
:( :( :( :( Hope for the future then. :D
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Personally speaking, I'm curious as to what the VDV will be wearing. Seventies style jumpsuits and jump helmets? Berets or steel helmets?
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Personally speaking, I'm curious as to what the VDV will be wearing. Seventies style jumpsuits and jump helmets? Berets or steel helmets?
I’m hoping for the camo onesies plus Berets :D
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Like this with a para beret?
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Like this with a para beret?
That’s the one lol
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I know it falls out of the time period for the BAOR range given its contemporary, but are you considering adding a miniature of this fearsome RAF warrior to your range? From the latest RAF Press Release.
(https://i.imgur.com/53ZTaCm.jpg?1)
:D
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That is something that I would have to think about ???
NO!
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Also any thoughts about how wide the planned Soviet Airborne range will be? Will you be covering off the company-level support weapon options, grenade launchers, MGs, mortars and ATW?
In short yes. Same as the Brits which are nearly finished.
Excellent news 8)
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Start the week with some new releases.
Due to popular demand we have released the Wombat , crew and vehicle crew as separate packs. These are, as has been pointed out , very useful items on their own.
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Civilian Landrovers, both long and short wheel base are now available.
Manufactured in high grade resin and metal parts.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/vehicles-41-c.asp
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We have also released a useful pack with 30 Cal and GMPG machine guns with vehicle and ground mounts.
These can be used for various vehicles.
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Fabulous! :-* I’ll be all over those like a cheap suit. Any news on crew for the FV432?
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Fabulous! :-* I’ll be all over those like a cheap suit. Any news on crew for the FV432?
Not yet working on a load of other stuff first then those and the MILAN crew.
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Very nice!
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The civilian Landrovers look nice and I was wondering when they will be getting crews. Thanks
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The civilian Landrovers look nice and I was wondering when they will be getting crews. Thanks
Yes various types from military to civilian. Just wading through lots of stuff so thought we would bow to pressure from fellow LAFer's an release these first.
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Love the new SWB landrover, and appreciate you releasing the wombat crew separately...going to have some fun thinking about different uses for them :D
thought we would bow to pressure from fellow LAFer's an release these first.
Guilty as charged.... order placed, more to follow :)
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Love the new SWB landrover, and appreciate you releasing the wombat crew separately...going to have some fun thinking about different uses for them :D
Likewise. First thoughts, from left to right. RAMC medic, Royal Engineer demolitions party, RA Forward Observer. Last one just needs a kneeling signaller to go with him. I think I can manage that with what already exists. The first one could also work as RE, either laying/lifting mines or laying charges.
Really looking forward to Milan, now I need to get back to making more terrain.
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Excellent.
Those separate vehicle crew might fit some of the Empress Hotchkiss M201s I have lying about for TW2K (I have not started the Osprey Diet Bien Phu book to see if they had them there).
Has anyone tried the Empress Modern British crew in the civilian Land Rovers?
Must resist buying more Land Rovers until I have painted the first one...
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Excellent.
Those separate vehicle crew might fit some of the Empress Hotchkiss M201s I have lying about for TW2K (I have not started the Osprey Diet Bien Phu book to see if they had them there).
Has anyone tried the Empress Modern British crew in the civilian Land Rovers?
Must resist buying more Land Rovers until I have painted the first one...
I didn't even think about using them for French Indo-China. Good idea.
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Just looking ahead to the Soviet Airborne, can anyone suggest what Humbrol spray colour would be the best match for Soviet vehicles as a base colour?
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Excellent.
Has anyone tried the Empress Modern British crew in the civilian Land Rovers?
With the odd leg bent and foot removed they do fit. ;)
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A new release in 28mm = 1/50 scale is the Alvis Stalwart.
The Stalwart, formally classified by the British Army as Truck, High Mobility Load Carrier (HMLC), 5 Ton, 6 x 6, Alvis/Stalwart and informally known by servicemen as the Stolly, and by former RCT as the Stally, is a highly mobile amphibious military truck. Built by Alvis Cars between 1963 and 1971, these vehicles served with the British Army from 1964 until 1993.
Whilst the Stalwart could be used for troop movement, it was more regularly used for carrying Packed fuel (over 300 Jerry cans) and ammunition.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/alvis-stalwart-2790-p.asp
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Todays new release is a Fox Armoured Reconnaissance Vehicle.
28MM = 1/48 Scale. Crew figures shown are not supplied but available in pack BAOR19
The FV721 Fox Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Wheeled) (CVR(W)) was a 4 × 4 armoured car manufactured by ROF Leeds, deployed by the British Army as a replacement for the Ferret scout car and the Saladin armoured car. The Fox was introduced into service with B Squadron, 1st Royal Tank Regiment (Aliwal Barracks, Tidworth) in 1975 and withdrawn from service 1993–94.
It had a crew of three and had a low profile rotating turret armed with a 30 mm L21 RARDEN cannon, which was manually fed with three-round clips; 99 rounds were carried. A coaxial L37A2 7.62 mm machine gun was mounted with 2,600 rounds. The weapons were not stabilised. This turret was also equipped with a set of two 4-barrelled smoke dischargers. The vehicle had a combat weight of 6.75 tonnes and was designed to be air-portable. The Fox had aluminium armour and was fitted with a flotation screen. It lacked protection against nuclear, biological and chemical weapons. Powered by a Jaguar 4.2-litre 6-cylinder petrol engine, the Fox was one of the fastest vehicles of its type.
The all-welded aluminium armour hull and turret protected against small arms fire and artillery splinters but not from heavy (.50 calibre) machine gun fire. The driver sat at the front and had an integral periscope/hatch cover that lifted and opened to the right. The centre mounted turret held the commander-loader on the left and gunner on the right. They each had a rear-opening hatch cover.
Without preparation, the Fox can ford one metre of water and a flotation screen can be erected in two minutes. Drive when floating was solely from the road wheels, giving poor performance and the screens were removed from most UK vehicles early in their service life. Air portable, three Foxes can be carried by one C-130 Hercules aircraft, two of which can be parachute dropped.
The Fox was principally used by the Royal and Queen's Own Yeomanry, the brigade reconnaissance regiments in 2 Div, BAOR's rear area formation. Small numbers were also attached to air mobile, armoured and mechanized infantry battalions to form a reconnaissance platoon.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/vehicles-41-c.asp
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We have also released a useful pack with 30 Cal and GMPG machine guns with vehicle and ground mounts.
These can be used for various vehicles.
Which section are these in?
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Which section are these in?
Sadly I have had to remove them from the shop for a little while as demand was huge and I am going to need to make a larger mould and re release. Sorry about that although it should only be a few weeks. ;)
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Fox on the run…..
Ordered.
Bit of online research shows that at different times the Foxes in the recce platoons of infantry battalions in Berlin sported both the standard British Army black/ green scheme or the distinctive Berlin Infantry Brigade scheme seen on Chieftans and FV432. That’s a relief, one less intricate masking and spraying job and double use for the Fox. Result! :D
Now we just need the FV432 with the Fox turret. ;)
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Great additions...certainly tempted by the Stolly in particular :)
Thanks also Paul, my latest ordered arrived in record time - lovely crisp castings
8)
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The Stalwart looks good, in the white resin it reminds me of the die-cast I had as a child. I think it was white with BP logos on the sides.
The Fox looks great.
But I must finish some of the Empress Mountain Range....
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The Stalwart looks good, in the white resin it reminds me of the die-cast I had as a child. I think it was white with BP logos on the sides.
Yep I had that one as well, I believe it was Matchbox who made it and mine is probably still in the shed at my parents.
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I know you guys like these questions so here you are. Just completed the design of the Soviet Paras and have got to the major decision which is;
Would you prefer them wearing the cammo jump suit with a mix of berets and leather helmets so they look like they just landed and went into action.
Or the para tunic - khaki - with berets only. Kinda summer wear.
Or swim suits. I have gone off the last idea. lol
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lol
Cammo jump suits for me, that's what they always wore in our old SSVC training videos :)
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One piece, KLMK camo overalls would potentially make them easier to convert, given you already do Ssh-68 helmets and opens up the prospect of making other types.
That said, the same sculptor already does helmeted Soviets in KLMK suits and Eureka do the same, with the addition of flak jackets for Afghanistan.
On balance, I’d go with the standard VDV tunic or even the classic one piece khaki jump overalls.You could do what you did with the Universal Soldier range and sell variants in either beret or steel helmet.
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Both, both is fine. :D
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Camo jump suits and berets, plus a few jump hats and or a separate sprue of jump hats for conversions.
:)
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Quick question - can the KLMK be used as the basis of snow-suited airborne?
The WW2 snow suits were 2 piece I think, but given the KLMK was one piece would the same apply to snow camo?
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I suspect that would rather depend on just how the figure was sculpted. Most of the depictions, photos and illustrations show the snow suit as having a fairly long hem, at least thigh length and often worn over their equipment. At any rate, I suppose you could justify it by saying they had tucked the skirts of the jacket into their trousers or you could go the route of putty or lead foil.
In the mid 70’s Soviets did introduce the KZS suit a two piece camouflage suit in a similar pattern to KLMK, but using a loose weave, burlap type material with a different colouration. This was popular in Afghanistan.
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My main hope is that the weapon mix for the packs is accurate, which given the research Empress usually put into these things, I’m confident will be achieved.
For some odd reason, the early packs of Soviets in the complementary line by another manufacturer has two RPKs in one pack, leading to a need to buy extras. Bizarrely, the East Germans, whose organisation did contain two RPK per squad only had one pose, requiring either conversions or the purchase of another three packs to gain three figures. Both ranges seemed to think that the PK was a squad option when, in fact, it was a company asset.
Hopefully these are useful.
https://www.battleorder.org/1986-ussr-airassaultco
https://www.battleorder.org/vdv-footmobile-1986
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Just note that for the ‘70s and early ‘80s you really want the RPG-16 but I doubt many people will complain if you go with RPG-7s.
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Just note that for the ‘70s and early ‘80s you really want the RPG-16 but I doubt many people will complain if you go with RPG-7s.
The plan is for RPG 16'S
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My main hope is that the weapon mix for the packs is accurate, which given the research Empress usually put into these things, I’m confident will be achieved.
For some odd reason, the early packs of Soviets in the complementary line by another manufacturer has two RPKs in one pack, leading to a need to buy extras. Bizarrely, the East Germans, whose organisation did contain two RPK per squad only had one pose, requiring either conversions or the purchase of another three packs to gain three figures. Both ranges seemed to think that the PK was a squad option when, in fact, it was a company asset.
Aiming for the 1980 date as the mid point. So RPKS-74 LMG for the sections with a pack of 4 and a pack of two guys prone and two moving with the support PKM. Same fir the Grenade Launcher. Will even throw in a flame thrower for the scary effect.
Also an officer with a AKS74U.
Weapon types will be by pack so customers can do what they want as its always a toss up between history and gamers wants ;)
Currently looking for things like equipment panniers etc. No idea if they used them but assume so. Any information gratefully received ;)
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Works for me. Happy with weapon type per pack arrangements, can always do something with the odd spare.
As for weapons panniers, I presume you are talking about air droppable canisters? The VDV jumped with its small arms which is largely why they went to to the trouble of making folding versions of everything including the RPG.
You can see this in the first few minutes of this Soviet film.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTty48SgJjM
Heavier weapons would most likely have been carried on the rocket retarded pallets they used for the BMDs. Not sure if they had WW2 style canisters for ammo etc. If using BMDs the vehicles would have been bombed up anyway.
Not done that frequently but worth remembering the Soviets did on occasion practice dropping their troops inside the BMD. That must have been fucking horrific. Not for the faint of heart or those prone to motion sickness.
A US flick that shows BMDs being dropped on their pallets.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpzkQeoJn7k
Enjoy!
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Its a mans life in the VDV.
What period do you think those films are. 1970's?
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Judging from the uniforms and weapons, early 1970s is my best guess.
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What is the timeline on this?
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Sculpting starts this week.
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As a former paratrooper watching those videos set off my health and safety radar. I wonder how many soviet paratroopers were killed and injured before making it to the ground or by their buddies in those training ground assaults. lol
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As a former paratrooper watching those videos set off my health and safety radar. I wonder how many soviet paratroopers were killed and injured before making it to the ground or by their buddies in those training ground assaults. lol
I had the same feeling. Real basic stuff. Serious guts to do that.
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That’s nothing. These VDV types are put through all the torments. Rock lifting, pole dancing, super fast disco dancing, surviving earthquakes, jumping out of planes so fast that the loadmaster gets dizzy and of course the obligatory Soviet schtick of jumping through flaming hoola-hoops and other burning shit. They take time out to do some soldierly shit as relaxation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYdCRm4M-l8
That said, I can only think of four American paratroopers off the top of my head. Jumpin’ Jim Gavin, Barry Sadler, Jimi Hendrix and commirsarmoody. Given that three out of those four are dead, I reckon they really earn that jump pay. :D
Now for some ‘80s action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJfCf9mnnWY
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That said, I can only think of four American paratroopers off the top of my head. Jumpin’ Jim Gavin, Barry Sadler, Jimi Hendrix and commirsarmoody. Given that three out of those four are dead, I reckon they really earn that jump pay. :D
Maxwell D Taylor, Matt Ridgeway and the cast of Band of Brothers lol
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Odds are getting longer! lol
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True it can be dangerous at times. Seen my share of "accidents" while in. Along with my own few near brushes with destiny (chutes failing to open, a Helicopter just deciding to die 50 feet above the ground, a few IEDs, and a at least a dozen angry bullets sent my way.) lol
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Odds are getting longer! lol
:o
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True it can be dangerous at times. Seen my share of "accidents" while in. Along with my own few near brushes with destiny (chutes failing to open, a Helicopter just deciding to die 50 feet above the ground, a few IEDs, and a at least a dozen angry bullets sent my way.) lol
If the wings are moving faster than the fuselage it's probably a helicopter therefore inherently dangerous.
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But pretty "camp" songs !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rAHrHd2lcw
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VDV Hello from the sky !
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But pretty "camp" songs !
lol
That could easily be a Eurovision contender
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Sculpting starts this week.
Cool.
It might give me a chance to finish something off.
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If the wings are moving faster than the fuselage it's probably a helicopter therefore inherently dangerous.
Yeah don't trust the things. lol
And that song is as horrible as it is awesome!
Looking forward to picking up some VDV.
-
The boots of the Soviet paratrooper had a lacing or fastener so that the shoes would not be lost during a parachute jump.
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9747/243879475.0/0_f0e6a_c1ae2fbe_L.jpg)
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9104/243879475.1/0_f0e8e_b532164b_XL.jpg)
A flask combined with a pot (the flask was inserted inside the pot) - and a cloth cover for it.
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9765/243879475.0/0_f0e6b_b4bbd7cb_XL.jpg)
Landing unit RD-54 (could be lowered and raised when donning, freeing up space for a parachute on the back.
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9836/243879475.0/0_f0e6c_35be31b7_XL.jpg)
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9749/243879475.0/0_f0e6f_1d944a6b_L.gif)
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9058/243879475.0/0_f0e6e_1dcc0988_XL.jpg)
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9314/243879475.0/0_f0e70_d2f95a12_XL.jpg)
The mask could have either a separate jacket and pants, or sewn in the form of a jumpsuit.
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9104/243879475.1/0_f0e91_c8d298_XL.jpg)
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9113/243879475.0/0_f0e71_bec55623_XL.jpg)
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But pretty "camp" songs !
The singer is an idiot without a voice. And he has the same song lol
-
The boots of the Soviet paratrooper had a lacing or fastener so that the shoes would not be lost during a parachute jump.
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9747/243879475.0/0_f0e6a_c1ae2fbe_L.jpg)
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9104/243879475.1/0_f0e8e_b532164b_XL.jpg)
A flask combined with a pot (the flask was inserted inside the pot) - and a cloth cover for it.
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9765/243879475.0/0_f0e6b_b4bbd7cb_XL.jpg)
Landing unit RD-54 (could be lowered and raised when donning, freeing up space for a parachute on the back.
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9836/243879475.0/0_f0e6c_35be31b7_XL.jpg)
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9749/243879475.0/0_f0e6f_1d944a6b_L.gif)
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9058/243879475.0/0_f0e6e_1dcc0988_XL.jpg)
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9314/243879475.0/0_f0e70_d2f95a12_XL.jpg)
The mask could have either a separate jacket and pants, or sewn in the form of a jumpsuit.
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9104/243879475.1/0_f0e91_c8d298_XL.jpg)
(http://forma-odezhda.ru/image/data/get/9113/243879475.0/0_f0e71_bec55623_XL.jpg)
FANTASTIC :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
-
Paul, you might find this website useful, I've used it for research, haven't a clue what it says but the pictures are good.
http://vichivisam.ru/?p=12257&_utl_t=lj&
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This article talks about the uniforms of the Soviet army in Afghanistan. Basically - about the special forces troops.
For most of the Soviet army that was not involved in this war, much of what is depicted here does not fit.
-
Paul, you might find this website useful, I've used it for research, haven't a clue what it says but the pictures are good.
http://vichivisam.ru/?p=12257&_utl_t=lj&
It came up with a scary warning but I eventually plucked up enough courage to open it. Very good stuff. Mainly for Afghanistan but some useful pictures. :-*
Thanks Rick.
-
My computer clearly laughs in the face of danger, as it straight away opened the page and (bonus points) translated it into English....
-
Some great photos there, thanks for sharing.
8)
Currently looking for things like equipment panniers etc. No idea if they used them but assume so. Any information gratefully received ;)
Have been searching for pannier photos but nothing yet, although there is a photo of an airdropped pallet on the wiki page for the An-12
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonov_An-12
Any plans to make an Antonov? ;)
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'The Caravan Hunters'? If I remember it's set mid to late 80's I think the only comparrison I can make is it's sort a clunky Russian version of 'Tour of Duty'
It may prove a useful distraction .I suspect Cuprum may have seen it ( and thrown the remote at the telly) If nothing else
It'll give you an idea of what Russia tv considered an acceptable representation of Uniforms in Afghanistan
-
Some great photos there, thanks for sharing.
8)
Have been searching for pannier photos but nothing yet, although there is a photo of an airdropped pallet on the wiki page for the An-12
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonov_An-12
Any plans to make an Antonov? ;)
I have a few AN-2s kicking about.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonov_An-2
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As far as I remember, the series "Caravan Hunters" depicts a special experimental uniform for the "special forces" troops - reconnaissance and sabotage units of the General Staff of the USSR Armed Forces. This is not the Airborne Forces. The rest of the army, including the Airborne Forces, did not use such a uniform. In addition, this uniform was created specifically for operations in the mountains of Afghanistan and was not used anywhere else. Its color (it was called "sand") was also unusual and was not used in the uniforms of other army units.
(http://c.radikal.ru/c05/2110/ed/d5fb000c0ee8.jpg)
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The one in the middle looks like a younger version of Putin but with a ‘tache. Of course young Vlad was bumbling around in the GDR during the Soviet Afghan War.
Yep, the Afghan War is not really a good source of details for Europe or elsewhere. Very theatre specific and fortunately enough there’s an existing range or two that cover it.
Looking forward to seeing the Empress figures. I have almost finished putting together my CVR(W) and I need something apart from the NVA in Spandau to use it against.
-
About the soviet paratroopers, I hope some of them wil have moustache! ;) lol
-
About the soviet paratroopers, I hope some of them wil have moustache! ;) lol
lol lol lol lol lol
-
Take your pick
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Now correct, but my vote is for the handlebars....but I'm specifically not authorized by higher HQ to have one though... :?
-
Surely joke shop moustaches were only authorised to GRU special forces? After all it was only the CIA that got the exploding cigars.
Still I can’t talk, after another two months of lockdown I now have ‘80s hair. Quite a bit longer than I wore it in the 1980s mind but I’m sure it’s helping me paint the BAOR figures. Any longer and I shall be forced to buy some brylcream, recede a further two decades into the past and fashion a DA at the rear. :(
-
For fear of getting off-topic, please tell us you don't have a Farrah Fawcett wave.... :D
We had a guy in High School (late 70s) that had better hair than most of the girls....
-
Not quite. It’s more shitty, early ‘eighties, new wave, synth band length. Not yer Phil Oakey length more like the dickhead who fronted OMD. Ironic, I loathed that musical genre back then.
Still, FFM might be something to aspire to. Give it a fortnight more and I’ll go stand in front of an electric fan. :)
-
Lol...
Meanwhile, back at the topic...
I'm trying hard not to do 28mm 1970s/1980s stuff. Oddly enough, it would have been "my war". as I was in am M1 battalion in Germany from '84 to '87. No moral qualms, but it'd be another era to collect and paint, and my wall of shame is big enough as it is...who knows, maybe some day...
-
You know you want to. You know you must…. ;)
-
Lol...
Meanwhile, back at the topic...
I'm trying hard not to do 28mm 1970s/1980s stuff. Oddly enough, it would have been "my war". as I was in am M1 battalion in Germany from '84 to '87. No moral qualms, but it'd be another era to collect and paint, and my wall of shame is big enough as it is...who knows, maybe some day...
-
:D :D :D
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:D :D :D
now those guys look spiffy. :D
-
That cammo is easier to paint than DPM.
-
Ash asked when the GPMG and 30 Cal pack would be back in stock and it now is.
Cheers, Paul
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Any plans Paul for VDV riding on top of armoured vehicles?
:)
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Any plans Paul for VDV riding on top of armoured vehicles?
:)
No plans to but its an idea as they could also be used in helicopters etc.
-
Todays questions is;
If we were going to do a T64 to fit into the Cold War 1970's - 1980's European front what mark version should we do ?
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Definitely the T-64A. With a bit of thought in the design you could include the gill armour, the rubberised fabric side skirts, the various turret stowage bins and smoke dischargers as separate parts and allow your customers to create the version or update they wish.
If you went with one of the reactive armour variants you would be putting it out of a significant portion of the desired time frame.
I would highly recommend the Zaloga authored Osprey on the T-64, it’s very good.
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Definitely the T-64A. With a bit of thought in the design you could include the gill armour, the rubberised fabric side skirts, the various turret stowage bins and smoke dischargers as separate parts and allow your customers to create the version or update they wish.
If you went with one of the reactive armour variants you would be putting it out of a significant portion of the desired time frame.
I would highly recommend the Zaloga authored Osprey on the T-64, it’s very good.
Got the book so will sit down for a read ASAP ;)
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I would say the B without the ERA block, based on the aforementioned book it appears to be the most common version in GFSG.
-
Another question ref the British issue Milan circa 1980.
There are details regarding a cooling device for the Milan thermal imaging sight. However the details are pretty rare to find and I wondered if it was something that came out originally but rapidly disappeared as not worth the hassle.
Does anyone know?????
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I don’t save for the fact that MIRA like many other thermal systems uses an inert gas bottle system to cool the sight.
If you are looking for photos, I think you’ll find this is useful:
http://www.primeportal.net/armory/dieter_krause/milan_w_mira/
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Cheers for that.
Will have a look. ;)
THATS PERFECT ;)
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I don’t save for the fact that MIRA like many other thermal systems uses an inert gas bottle system to cool the sight.
If you are looking for photos, I think you’ll find this is useful:
http://www.primeportal.net/armory/dieter_krause/milan_w_mira/
Got the details we were after. For the reference the links above are not the Brit MILAN which is different. ;)
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Presumably they used the AC Milan?
-
Presumably they used the AC Milan?
Ignoring that :? ;)
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Presumably they used the AC Milan?
Ignoring that :? ;)
Paul! Aren't you going to kick it about a bit first? lol lol lol
-
Paul! Aren't you going to kick it about a bit first? lol lol lol
....and that o_o
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Paul, I have had the opportunity to check with the MILAN design team in France. From what they tell me circa 1980 the British system would have been the original with just an optical sight. The first Infra-Red sight known as MIRA didn’t complete development until early 1982 with production production being placed April of that year. When it went into service with the UK is probably c1984.
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Paul, I have had the opportunity to check with the MILAN design team in France. From what they tell me circa 1980 the British system would have been the original with just an optical sight. The first Infra-Red sight known as MIRA didn’t complete development until early 1982 with production production being placed April of that year. When it went into service with the UK is probably c1984.
Many thanks for that. :-*
We have actually found the thing we were looking for from information and pictures from a couple of operators of Brit MILAN in the early period. Its the location and look of the air bottles for the MIRA sight and their location. All sorted now. ;)
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Paul, OK fine. I was thinking about your earlier comment that you were after information circa 1980. From what I know the IR sight wasn’t in service until the mid ‘80s.
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Paul, OK fine. I was thinking about your earlier comment that you were after information circa 1980. From what I know the IR sight wasn’t in service until the mid ‘80s.
Yes I take your point.
I thought they were using MIRA in the Falklands but may need to check that. ;)
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Paul, 99.99% certain MIRA wasn't used in the Falklands as it hadn't completed development . Whether the army lashed up an IR sight under a UOR as with other capabilities is an interesting question...
Regards
-
There appear to be some references to the Milan being used in the Falklands war
https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205018243
https://www.eliteukforces.info/weapons/milan/
http://www.army-guide.com/eng/product2088.html
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There's no question that Milan was used in the Falklands, it's well documented, the question is whether the thermal sighting unit (MIRA) was in service. Milan had a standard optical sighting unit and photos of Milan in the Falklands show it sans MIRA.
My 1982 edition of Terry Gandler's Encyclopedia of The Modern British Army notes that the MIRA sight is currently under development, so mid 'eighties is more likely.
It's a obscured but if you look closely at this video of Princess Diana visiting the 1/Royal Hampshires in Berlin in late 1985 you can see a Milan at around 5.32. No MIRA sight fitted.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pDHKXjfohw
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As has already been pointed out MILAN was definitely used in the Falklands. From what I have read it was used as a "bunker buster"! I have seen photos plus some specially commissioned paintings that show it without MIRA or any other IR sight.
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I agree guys no MIRA until mid 1980's.
The standard sight must have been pretty good as the paras were using them in night battles.
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As has already been pointed out MILAN was definitely used in the Falklands. From what I have read it was used as a "bunker buster"! I have seen photos plus some specially commissioned paintings that show it without MIRA or any other IR sight.
Those painting are what got me thinking, as well as your information. ;)
We may do the MILAN packs with both sights as an option.
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As has already been pointed out MILAN was definitely used in the Falklands. From what I have read it was used as a "bunker buster"! I have seen photos plus some specially commissioned paintings that show it without MIRA or any other IR sight.
Also used to engage Argentine AA guns at Goose Green.
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Also used to engage Argentine AA guns at Goose Green.
Also used to engage a walrus on South Georgia. (allegedly.)
-
With a little recycling It's also possible to hide an artificial Christmas tree you found in one. Just incase anyone else wishes to re-fined it. :D
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This film is brilliant. Its a wargame in its own right although some of the cliché's are good for a giggle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcYTM_PJ4rY
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Thanks for posting.
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Thanks for posting.
Yup, enjoyed watching that :D
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Its better than Soldier Soldier lol
-
Its better than Soldier Soldier lol
That is a low bar to be fair lol
Any WIP photos of the Sovs ... need a fix ;)
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But was it better than Spearhead? I’ve not seen it but I’ve gained the impression that was an even lower budget, land based, version of Warship. That said, Warship was quite an entertaining series and even has the germ of the occasional gaming scenario buried within.
-
That is a low bar to be fair lol
Any WIP photos of the Sovs ... need a fix ;)
No pics yet but sculpting continues. Current plan is to release a torrent, swathe, tsunami, in the first quarter of next year. ;)
-
Hmm. You should be working on a tsunami of Paras, Marines and Argentines. Fortieth anniversary fast approaching. Just saying…. ;)
-
Might be, just saying ;)
-
We have just released a 28mm head sprue with the WW2 MKII Para helmet.
This steel helmet was used during WW2 and worn into the mid 1980's.
Seen worn by some Paras in the Falklands War.
Also worn by a few Territorial Army motorised British Infantry.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/cold-war-baor---early...
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Lovely! Plain ones much appreciated. Suez ‘56 au go go.
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Lovely! Plain ones much appreciated. Suez ‘56 au go go.
I for one would be interested to see what figs you use for that fight.
-
Useful head sprue - I can make some progress on a RN Landing Party now as well
:)
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I for one would be interested to see what figs you use for that fight.
Empress FIC for the French to start.
-
My heart was set on the old Foundry paras but I suspect I’ll need to go bigger if I use those heads, so probably the Artizan range. The paras were essentially in WW2 kit for Suez. Naturally the Empress FIC for their Gallic counterparts. They are perfect, ready made for the job.
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Yeah, the FIC are a given in. Not a bad choice on the Artazain D figs. Now the Hard part, the Egyptians. lol
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My heart was set on the old Foundry paras but I suspect I’ll need to go bigger if I use those heads, so probably the Artizan range.
The metal British Paratroop Section from Warlord may be of use.
They have the later model stens with the foregrip, No4 Mk1 Enfields etc. Could remove the 37 patt waterbottle and replace with something more 44 patern'ish.
-
I have the old Paul Hicks sculpted Warlord paras and they are very petite. I suspect they would look like melon heads with these added. Have WG released something newer in metal? You are right about the Artizan chaps though, wrong model Sten. Quite bizarre really.
-
Dare I suggest WG's plastic Brit Paras? Those heads might look OK on them. Not sure about the Sten model on them - I'm not at my wargame building, but the Enfields are def No. 4s.
-
I have the old Paul Hicks sculpted Warlord paras and they are very petite. I suspect they would look like melon heads with these added. Have WG released something newer in metal? You are right about the Artizan chaps though, wrong model Sten. Quite bizarre really.
Good point, they would look a bit 'bobble-head'.
Dare I suggest WG's plastic Brit Paras? Those heads might look OK on them. Not sure about the Sten model on them - I'm not at my wargame building, but the Enfields are def No. 4s.
Here's a couple of plastic WG WW2 Marine bodies with EM heads, from the Ultra Moderns range. Sort of look ok...
(https://i.ibb.co/KXnmphB/Plastic-LRRP-LR.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/NFs658Y/Plastic-LRRP-B-LR.jpg)
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Good point, they would look a bit 'bobble-head'.
Here's a couple of plastic WG WW2 Marine bodies with EM heads, from the Ultra Moderns range. Sort of look ok...
(https://i.ibb.co/KXnmphB/Plastic-LRRP-LR.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/NFs658Y/Plastic-LRRP-B-LR.jpg)
That's a cracking conversion on those Warlord Games Marines, Ash!
-
They do indeed look OK! Hmm. Idea forming... ;)
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We have just released a 28mm head sprue with the WW2 MKII Para helmet.
Cool, now they will go nicely with the WW1 13 pounder when it turns up...
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Wrong thread but its all done except for the crew which we need to sculpt. ;)
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Wrong thread but its all done except for the crew which we need to sculpt. ;)
Marvelous! :D
-
https://www.empressminiatures.com/cold-war-baor---early...
Hmm, did the link move? It leads nowhere, when I click on it.
-
They're in the BAOR section of the Ultra Moderns.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/baor30-mkii-para-helmet-heads-2814-p.asp
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Wrong thread but its all done except for the crew which we need to sculpt. ;)
Good to know.
-
As an update we are working through the Soviet Paras and just about to start some SAS/ SBS. These will work for Europe and the Falklands.
-
Ooh that is good news. M16s and 203s or some of the more exotic stuff like HK53?
-
Ooh that is good news. M16s and 203s or some of the more exotic stuff like HK53?
Hopefully plus hooded smocks and eclectic belt kit.
I see having another go at painting DPM somewhere in my future...
-
As an update we are working through the Soviet Paras and just about to start some SAS/ SBS. These will work for Europe and the Falklands.
Cool.
-
As an update we are working through the Soviet Paras and just about to start some SAS/ SBS. These will work for Europe and the Falklands.
Corps Patrol Unit, excellent!
-
As an update we are working through the Soviet Paras and just about to start some SAS/ SBS. These will work for Europe and the Falklands.
Looking forward to seeing these :)
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As an update we are working through the Soviet Paras and just about to start some SAS/ SBS. These will work for Europe and the Falklands.
Just curious - how will the SAS/SBS chaps be kitted out? M16s or SLRs? Full rucks? Boonie hats? Inquiring minds want to know... ;)
-
Because they are aimed at Falklands as well as Europe, I’m guessing M16 and M203 and wearing balaclava/cap comforters or DILAC caps. Just a guess.
-
Sounds about right. We'll see what Paul says. In any event, they may have to go on the list...
-
Already on mine. I fancy doing Pebble Island and South Georgia. There’s also an amusing Ambush Alley SAS raid on a Soviet command centre I've always fancied trying.
-
Yeah, I remember that one - I co-authored that scenario book! :D I haven't played that scenario yet, but the playtest reports looked fun!
The upcoming SAS/SBS may have a different role to play in my little world. I'll figure that out once I have them in hand.... ;)
-
Well if you fancy the classic SAS raid a la North Africa in WW2 but with a modern setting, Pebble Island is the one.
Interesting Argentine site here which has useful maps and photos.
http://www.histarmar.com.ar/AVIACION/EANCalderon.htm
-
Nice site. Got as dust off my Spanish though.
But methinks they'll get used a little closer to home. Like I said, we'll see...
-
...DILAC caps.
Not heard that for a long time. Thanks for the laugh.
-
First release of the New Year is a BAOR MILAN AT missile team.
This team comes with two versions of MILAN AT Missile.
MILAN 1 Single, main shaped charge warhead (1972), calibre 103 mm
MILAN 2 Single, main shaped charge warhead, with standoff probe to increase penetration (1984) with the MIRA sight.
HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all.
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Lovely! Great start to the year.
-
Cheers Carlos ;)
-
Ship some out to Nathan at the earliest opp Paul. I’ve got a large order in for your GAPS range but it won’t get posted until Nathan gets back to Townsville from a work jaunt in early Feb. Might be able to combine postage that way. :)
-
Problem is that Nathan has to send us an order which he cannot as he is on holiday. A kinda catch 22 :)
-
Bugger! I’ll email him a request.
-
Nice.
-
Nice.
Cheers ;)
-
A rare thing for Empress to show but here are some preview sculpts of Soviet Paratroops circa 1980.
Lots more to come in this range and ready to land in a few weeks.
-
Hell yeah! :D
-
They look great
-
Very nice! Mix of jump suits and one and two piece camo suits by the look of it.
Little bit of work to some of them and they should work as Naval Infantry as well.
-
Very nice! Mix of jump suits and one and two piece camo suits by the look of it.
Little bit of work to some of them and they should work as Naval Infantry as well.
Yeah their is a mix of uniform to give the units some mix in their looks. Command, RPG'S and LMG's just being done then everything in jump helmets. Plus some Falklands stuff of course ;)
I really like the difference in look between the Brits and Ruskies. Makes for an interesting battlefield. :)
-
Love 'em. Will be ordering.
-
Soviet Paratroops circa 1980.
Lots more to come in this range and ready to land in a few weeks
I see what you did there (Paratroops/ready to land) lol lol lol
-
Ooh..
-
Nice.
Are they going to have integral or separate heads?
-
REALLY looking forward to getting a whole bunch of these :-* :-* :-*
-
Some organisational detail to go with those.
https://www.battleorder.org/vdv-footmobile-1986
https://www.battleorder.org/1986-ussr-airassaultco
-
I may have to get some of these guys.
Good reference on the foot-mobile chaps there, Carlos!
According to my source (CASSS E614/1, Feb 1989), the TO&E of the BMD-mounted units differs, primarily in the number of dismounts (and. or course, the BMDs :)). A company had 10 BMDs, with a Co HQ with 1 BMD, and 3 platoons of 3 BMDs. The platoon BMDs dismounted squads of 5 men each. Each squad had an RPG and an RPK. The rest carried AKs. Platoon leaders usually dismounted, and left a squad leader in the BMD. A company also had a BMD M1979/1, with 2 AGS-17 grenade launchers and crews that could dismount.
-
The addition of the two piece suits is handy, as they could be readily converted or even just painted as gorka windproofs, so with a headswap, you could field these guys as spetznaz.
-
Some organisational detail to go with those.
https://www.battleorder.org/vdv-footmobile-1986
https://www.battleorder.org/1986-ussr-airassaultco
Both very useful but on the fringe of the period we are aiming at. Not sure when the attached grenade launcher came into use?
-
The GP-25 came into service in 1978. The VDV would have been early adopters.
-
Excellent info ;)
-
You know the ex-Imprint ZU-23 you have in the Ultra Modern range? Might be time to give it a proper field carriage and crew. In fact, were you to do so, might be sensible to get crew for both the Soviet paras and the North Vietnamese.
There’s also an SPG-9 that could do with a VDV crew.
-
You are so right lol
-
Does that mean you are doing these? :)
-
Its on the list..which is quite long lol
Just bought the After the Battle Falklands War book which is huge and very inspiring.
-
Paul are you hoping to have the VDV available for Hammerhead?
-
Empress Miniatures also releases the first packs of our 28mm Soviet Paratroops, VDV, for the circa 1980 Cold War era.
These chaps will make perfect fighting buddies on your table top when pitted against the Empress Miniatures Cold WAR BAOR range.
We also have many relevant vehicles in our range to complete the unit package.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/cold-war-soviet-vdv...
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Nice figs, Paul. Very nice.
-
:-* :-* :-* :-*
Order placed
-
Thanks chaps :-*
-
Had a hope that the prone figures might be casualties. Alas no. :'(
-
Nice.
I will add them to my next order...
-
What’s next on the greens list - RPGs, LMGs...hopefully a mortar section?
:)
-
What’s next on the greens list - RPGs, LMGs...hopefully a mortar section?
:)
Just about to arrive will be a command group and support weapons. Plus RPG and LMG packs.
Plus something else you will like very much. ;)
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Just about to arrive will be a command group and support weapons. Plus RPG and LMG packs.
Plus something else you will like very much. ;)
Ooooh....is it a Bedford truck? Or a BTR60PB? Vehicle riders? More Landies? A Caspian Sea Monster?
:D
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Octopus driving a double decker bus. ;)
Lots of hand signals.
-
Octopus driving a double decker bus. ;)
Lots of hand signals.
More like lots of head scratching...confused now lol
Come on you know how impatient we (meaning myself) are :)
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I dunno, merging the thread with the Times cryptic crossword, saves a lot of flipping between tabs and a subscription to Rupert’s masthead. I like it. Either that or Paul was watching 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown as he was typing. Never have I felt so close to Roisin Conaty. :D
Useful things for Soviet paras, list 2.
SPG-9 and crew.(admittedly I could easily convert existing models)
AT-4 or AT-5 and crew. Launcher already in the Empress stable, just needs new crew.
Grad-P single tube 122mm rocket and crew.
ZU-23 and crew. Paul has indicated this is likely already.
82mm Vasilek mortar and crew.
The BMD variants are already covered, so unless there are plans for a Gaz-66 truck or an ASU-85 SPG, the VDV are pretty much covered in terms of what would be useful on a wargaming table.
Prepared to be surprised though. :)
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The ZSU-23 with crew would be excellent - already have a BTR-DG SPAAG on my todo list
Agree also on the 82mm mortars as I want to flesh out a company-level formation :D
I’d add a RPU-14 rocket launcher to the mix...used by VDV and it’s not huge...a small towable/air droppable rocket launcher.
Did VDV have some sort of airdroppable supply canister?
Vehicle riders to sit on the BMDs would be a welcome addition, purely for the “cool” factor.
Other “nice to haves” would be:
A sprue of Soviet gas mask heads (could always greenstuff the bag on)
Some generic unarmed European civilians (coat/bag slung over shoulder).
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Thinking of doing a LOA2 - 967M with the seats optional as either upright or laying down.
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Would make sense given it was used variously as a weapons carrier or medevac
:)
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Next batch of Soviet VDV paras.
The Bazooka looking thing is an RPO "Rys" Rocket-propelled Infantry Flamethrower "Lynx". Its a napalm rocket-propelled grenade launcher classified as flamethrower by Russian military. The RPO had first entered service in 1975 and it was intended to replace the obsolete LPO-50 flamethrowers.
The RPG is the RPG16. Designed for both special forces and VDV.
We also have the SA-7 Grail.
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:-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Lovely additions...all on my shopping list
When do you expect they will be in stock Paul?
:)
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Indeed! Cracking stuff.
Fairly certain that someone has a copy of the Osprey on the VDV. ;)
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Cheers guys.
Yes one of the better Osprey's ;)
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Cool skateboard.
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I like them. In fact I was recently redoing some of my modern figures, and these will fit in well with the Underfire Miniatures Soviets I'm already using I think. :)
On the note of all those RPGs. Has anyone at Empress considered adding figures firing RPGs to the Modern Russian range? All those figures have RPG-22 style launchers slung on their shoulders. A set of figures actually handling the tubes seems missing from that range.
A full ZU-23-2 would be great too. As far as I'm aware the closest we have in 28mm are Empress own ZU-23-2 mount for a technical and a similar one from Spectre Miniatures. However both lack the standard mount and instead have an improvised one so aren't suitable for most purposes. At least with Empress already having a model of the gun I guess they could just make an appropriate mount for it and modify the crew figures to have Soviet Military uniforms.
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On the note of all those RPGs. Has anyone at Empress considered adding figures firing RPGs to the Modern Russian range? All those figures have RPG-22 style launchers slung on their shoulders. A set of figures actually handling the tubes seems missing from that range.
I would be down for a pose or two with RPG-7s as well.
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I would be down for a pose or two with RPG-7s as well.
On out to do list.
Been trying to see if I could spot Russians using them in the current conflict but not noticed anything, although have not looked too hard tbh. All a bit sad :'(
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(http://u.9111s.ru/uploads/202203/17/95fae6a7b8f21b0be81b15788cdf6f96.jpg)
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Perfect thanks for that ;) Best we stay off the ultra modern stuff now though :)
On another note we will be doing all the 1980's VDV wearing the jump helmet. This will not be the earlier smooth leather 'football' helmet but the ridged tankers helmet that seems to have been used from the early 1970's.
Time for Carlos to comment lol
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It would be optimal to be able to use separate interchangeable heads in different jump helmets, steel helmets, berets and panamas (for Afghanistan) ::)
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I’m fine with your choices for the VDV, beret or padded jump helmet and I already have enough VDV for Afghanistan in helmets and panamas to keep me happy.
On the subject of your modern Russians, the thing that strikes me is the dearth of PKP machine guns. I think there’s one across all the packs in the range and I understood that they had replaced the RPK as the standard squad LMG som time back. Trouble with ultra moderns, real world buggers are always changing their kit.
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The figures look mostly good, and I will be adding them to my collection at some point but to be honest they are very static or two dimensional looking, I would preferer some more moving/dynamic poses.
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(http://u.9111s.ru/uploads/202203/17/95fae6a7b8f21b0be81b15788cdf6f96.jpg)
To jump in here. Those aren't Russian soldiers, but Ukrainian separatists. Nor is that a Russian RPG-7, rather its a captured American produced RPG-7 clone (can't recall the name) that was provided to the Ukrainian Government.
I've yet to see an RPG-7 specifically carried by Russian forces these past few weeks. I've seen other tube fired weapons, just not RPG-7s. Though even those have all been found stowed on captured vehicles - instead of been carried by individual soldiers. Given the RPG-7 is still known to be in the inventory of the Russian Military and has been shown in their training videos, I'd imagine its still in use - but just hasn't been recorded in any of the content I've seen, or the Russian Military just didn't think it necessary to issue any RPG-7s to their soldiers (based on the messed up decision making around current events...).
I'd probably rather see figures firing RPG-22s. Radio Dish Dash's Ultracombat range of modern Russians are armed with RPG-7s I believe - all with tandem warheads - if that's relevant. But I guess how Empress models their figures is down to what they're looking to represent. As whilst they're attempting to be "Ultra Modern", keeping figures relevant to latest developments may be difficult. For instance Empress's Russian range comes with many RPKs, which have now been replaced (on paper) with PKPs. So either the range represents figures from a moment in time, or is looking to keep up to date. One would hope it would be the later - but keeping appraised of current events and hiring a sculptor to keep adding to ranges takes a lot of dedication (so much simpler to do historicals...).
Even then as current events have shown, basing figures on content from Official sources may not actually reflect what's being used in the field... Empress' Chechen Wars range remains relevant for the modern Russian Military it seems. ::)
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Yeah I mean even the US ultra modern line Is going to be long in the tooth soon. New helmets, new body armor, carl-Gs in regular line companies. And especially so if the US does something crazy and chooses to replace the M4 and M249 with a new rife in the New squad weapon program. lol
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When I started wargaming a 'Modern' set of rules
referred to WW2! lol lol lol
So I'll just stay out of this. :?
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When I started wargaming a 'Modern' set of rules
referred to WW2! lol lol lol
So I'll just stay out of this. :?
Its all good, When I started gaming Moderns meant Yugoslavia, Mogadishu, Gulf War one Etc... lol
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Any advance on the Boer War? :D
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Any advance on the Boer War? :D
I know I have a photo of Boar 75mm Krupp Quick Firing Field Gun L24 some where. ::)
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I’m fine with your choices for the VDV, beret or padded jump helmet and I already have enough VDV for Afghanistan in helmets and panamas to keep me happy.
100% this :)
The figures look mostly good, and I will be adding them to my collection at some point but to be honest they are very static or two dimensional looking, I would preferer some more moving/dynamic poses.
Did you see the two packs of Advancing/Patrolling VDV that have already been released (on page 36)?
I’ve already got some of the initial release on my paint table, and in combination with the new greens personally I’d say they give a pretty good mix of fire and move :)
When I started wargaming a 'Modern' set of rules
referred to WW2! lol lol lol
To be fair when I started gaming I’m pretty sure that a couple of the old wrinklies at my local club probably thought of Late Imperial Romans as Modern lol
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I know I have a photo of Boar 75mm Krupp Quick Firing Field Gun L24 some where. ::)
Ah, but that was when holidays were a real adventure. lol lol lol
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To jump in here. Those aren't Russian soldiers, but Ukrainian separatists. Nor is that a Russian RPG-7, rather its a captured American produced RPG-7 clone (can't recall the name) that was provided to the Ukrainian Government.
I think they are called "PSRL-1".
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When I started wargaming a 'Modern' set of rules
referred to WW2! lol lol lol
The Early Modern Times lasted from the end of the 15th century to the Industrial Revolution at the end of the 18th century, circa 1450/92 to 1750/92. Modern Times is the period from Enlightenment and the 18th century until today. From a historian's point of view...
I had a student who was surprised and evidently disappointed that a modern history unit at university had them looking at the Napoleonic wars - lol
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I had a student who was surprised and evidently disappointed that a modern history unit at university had them looking at the Napoleonic wars - lol
Well we do still have Income Tax, which was brought in as a
temporary measure to pay for defeating Napoleon. lol lol lol
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The UK has a fondness for hanging on the ‘temporary’ consequences of past wars. It took seventy odd years to get rid of licensing laws introduced in 1914. That said, a similarly bizarre regime existed here and took a good fifty years to kill off.
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Some evidence of the Russian Military using RPG-7 in 2022.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1505365541434839040
Obviously I brought it up, but I think we're going off topic discussing Empress' Modern range now instead of this Cold War stuff. ::)
Empress, if Moderns aren't on the list currently, can you at least tick off something from my wish list and start doing casualty figures!? :D
Edit: Another example.
https://twitter.com/CalibreObscura/status/1506556949684490241
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Some evidence of the Russian Military using RPG-7 in 2022.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1505365541434839040
There you go then. lol
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Some evidence of the Russian Military using RPG-7 in 2022.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1505365541434839040
Obviously I brought it up, but I think we're going off topic discussing Empress' Modern range now instead of this Cold War stuff. ::)
Empress, if Moderns aren't on the list currently, can you at least tick off something from my wish list and start doing casualty figures!? :D
What on earth was that?
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What on earth was that?
Poor drills.
Nice VDV, but I hope empress don't stop doing some sort of Ultra-moderns: just dodge the elephant in the room, plenty of other subjects to pursue.
We still haven't gotten over the Norman invasion btw. The Domesday book is the foundation for at least an aspect of property taxation still active in the U.K, specifically Plant and Machinery. Its a tradition no ones that fond of, but it is pretty funny going through the manual and discovering you can tax someone for having a moat or palisade.
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Alas, the people who have moats tend to pay very little tax as the moat usually belongs to a shell company registered in the Cayman Islands. ;)
IIRC a few years one of your more enterprising MPs was having maintenance on his moat come out of his constituency stipend. Creative and possibly a quite literal take on ‘every man’s home is his castle’.
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{cough} anyway back to the thread, before the mods get unhappy ;)
Lovely looking greens Paul 8)
Next batch of Soviet VDV paras.
The Bazooka looking thing is an RPO "Rys" Rocket-propelled Infantry Flamethrower "Lynx". Its a napalm rocket-propelled grenade launcher classified as flamethrower by Russian military. The RPO had first entered service in 1975 and it was intended to replace the obsolete LPO-50 flamethrowers.
The RPG is the RPG16. Designed for both special forces and VDV.
We also have the SA-7 Grail.
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{cough} anyway back to the thread, before the mods get unhappy ;)
Lovely looking greens Paul 8)
Thanks you. Glad you like them ;)
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Did the RPG-16 see much use outside of the Afghanistan conflict? Wikipedia lists the War in Iraq - which implies that if stocks persists they'd be used throughout the region post-Iraq War.
Were they out of service with the Russian Military by the time of the Chechen Wars? I get the impression that they're inability to take larger warheads and proprietary ammunition put them out of service at the first opportunity - so stocks presumably are now in long term storage.
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We have some more packs of Cold War, circa 1980, VDV Soviet Paratroopers released today.
These are 28mm scale and link to our previous packs and all ready to take on our BAOR figures.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/cold-war-soviet-vdv...
Command Pack VDV5
Soviet Paratroopers - VDV- armed with AKSD folding stock assault rifles and one officer with a silenced AKS.
One radio operator and one squad communications trooper with an ear receiver.
Pack VDV6
RPK Light Machine Gun armed VDV.
Pack VDV7
Two snipers armed with Dragunov rifles.
One VDV trooper armed with a 9k32 Strela 2m shoulder launched Anti Aircraft missile launcher.
One VD trooper armed with a The RPO Rys ("Lynx") is a reloadable rocket-propelled flamethrower weapon developed in the 1970s by the Soviet Union. It was one of the earliest weapons of its type, and also one of the largest and most powerful.
Pack VDV8
The RPG16 was developed for special forces and paratroopers in the late 1960's and became operational early 1970's.
Troops wear a mixture of the khaki coloured jump overalls and the light green coloured coveralls with hood.
The VDV beret is light blue.
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Love’ em! :-*
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Excellent additions Paul - order placed 8)
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Excellent additions Paul - order placed 8)
Good man. ;)
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Love’ em! :-*
Cheers for that ;)
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Very nice. Now i am trying to figure out if I can use them as 40. Fallschirmjägerbataillon/Luftsturmregiment 40 "Willi Sänger".
Maybe if I can find a suitable jump helmet. ::)
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Apols for the thread diversion.
Funny you should mention them. Uniform is really quite different from that of the NVA paras. I'm looking at adding a squad's worth myself. I have decided that with some weapon swaps and a little putty/ lead foil for pockets and pouches these should work:
https://www.copplestonecastings.co.uk/prod.php?prod=264
The berets and knitted cuffs and collars sold me on these as conversion fodder.
You can find quite a bit of useful info on them here:
https://www.nva-fallschirmjaeger.de/Broschuere.pdf
Until the late 1980s they were essentially organised to fight as small, commando-like, raiding groups of around 9-12 men, so a handy little force. Their other role was as security for SED Ministry of Defence in East Berlin, so I just have to have some.
Of course if Paul would like to produce some dedicated East German paras, I know I wouldn't say no. ;)
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Apols for the thread diversion.
Funny you should mention them. Uniform is really quite different from that of the NVA paras. I'm looking at adding a squad's worth myself. I have decided that with some weapon swaps and a little putty/ lead foil for pockets and pouches these should work:
https://www.copplestonecastings.co.uk/prod.php?prod=264
The berets and knitted cuffs and collars sold me on these as conversion fodder.
You can find quite a bit of useful info on them here:
https://www.nva-fallschirmjaeger.de/Broschuere.pdf
Until the late 1980s they were essentially organised to fight as small, commando-like, raiding groups of around 9-12 men, so a handy little force. Their other role was as security for SED Ministry of Defence in East Berlin, so I just have to have some.
Of course if Paul would like to produce some dedicated East German paras, I know I wouldn't say no. ;)
Yeah from my understanding they operated more as a commando style force then a traditional Para unit.
But then after 85, the Soviets had them expand into a regiment to take on a more conventional roll. And new units like 9. Volkspolizei-Kompanie and Diensteinheit IX taken on the state security roll.
But Yeah, I would be down for a few East German Orenge Berets.
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Keep the ideas coming...before you know it, we will have Paul representing every member of NATO & Warsaw Pact
lol
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Keep the ideas coming...before you know it, we will have Paul representing every member of NATO & Warsaw Pact
lol
I do hope so, I'm looking forward to a baby Rick F of a 1987 vintage, in windproof, 58 webbing made of waterbottle pouches, German Para boots and a cocky swagger lol
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Speaking of figures dressed and equipped in an ‘alternative’ fashion…..Any news on the mooted territorials in ‘37 pattern webbing? I’d really love to see those. That said I know you must be working on the Falklands at pres.
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I must say they look great. Especially the bloke with the Strela in VDV Pack 7 reminds me of the old Esci Soviet Paratroopers in 1/72 scale.
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Keep the ideas coming...before you know it, we will have Paul representing every member of NATO & Warsaw Pact
lol
Nope. Empress are doing BAOR and other British troops and Soviet VDV that all. Plus civilians of course. ;)
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Nope. Empress are doing BAOR and other British troops and Soviet VDV that all. Plus civilians of course. ;)
Civilians? Civilians, you say? You have my attention now... :)
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Civilians? Civilians, you say? You have my attention now... :)
Wolverines! ;D
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More likely to be Geordie builders. Instead of shouting out ‘Wolverines’ in teenage tones, you’ll have to yell out Wey-Aye man! ;)
Civilians will be most welcome as would one or two armed ‘civilians’ either as HVA agents, sleepers or RAF like terrorists.
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More likely to be Geordie builders. Instead of shouting out ‘Wolverines’ in teenage tones, you’ll have to yell out Wey-Aye man! ;)
Civilians will be most welcome as would one or two armed ‘civilians’ either as HVA agents, sleepers or RAF like terrorists.
I will be happy no matter what side of the Atlantic they are designed for. :D
Of course, i am biased for North America. play out some games of Red Dawn and Southern Comfort.
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A plus if you *do* model them after Geordies is that there's no need for any winter/summer clothing variants - tight t-shirts and jeans for the blokes plus miniskirts for the women all year round, and painting them is a treat, simple two-tone spray-tan orange.
(In all seriousness yes please to civvies).
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A plus if you *do* model them after Geordies is that there's no need for any winter/summer clothing variants - tight t-shirts and jeans for the blokes plus miniskirts for the women all year round, and painting them is a treat, simple two-tone spray-tan orange.
(In all seriousness yes please to civvies).
lol lol lol lol
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A plus if you *do* model them after Geordies is that there's no need for any winter/summer clothing variants - tight t-shirts and jeans for the blokes plus miniskirts for the women all year round, and painting them is a treat, simple two-tone spray-tan orange.
(In all seriousness yes please to civvies).
lol True but similar dress codes exist in Essex, give or take the odd puffer jacket.
Remember that these are for the ‘80s, spray tan was yet to be invented unless you were handy with a bottle of furniture polish, so shell suits and ashen grey/pasty white complexions, save for the odd, bright red one that’s just got back from Marbella.
Hmm now there’s scenario waiting to be played out. Soviet paratroopers land at Southend Pier and attempt to take the Kursaal. You could call it ‘Down by the Jetty’. ;)
My only worry is that we’ll get German civilians indulging their passion for getting their kit off and lolling around on the sand.
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lol True but similar dress codes exist in Essex, give or take the odd puffer jacket.
Remember that these are for the ‘80s, spray tan was yet to be invented unless you were handy with a bottle of furniture polish, so shell suits and ashen grey/pasty white complexions, save for the odd, bright red one that’s just got back from Marbella.
Hmm now there’s scenario waiting to be played out. Soviet paratroopers land at Southend Pier and attempt to take the Kursaal. You could call it ‘Down by the Jetty’. ;)
My only worry is that we’ll get German civilians indulging their passion for getting their kit off and lolling around on the sand.
Being a local boy I can confirm with ease that the Soviet Paras would not have stood a chance in Southend in the 80's. Especially in the Kursaal and pirate ship. :D
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Empress 28mm BDRM2.
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Looks great. And I do like the weathering on it!
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Very Well done! :D
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Cute!
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Very useful given that it has seen service in the most recent conflicts and has been exported extensively and is in use in at least 38 countries...
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Great! And it reminds me that I have one to finish... :)
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Cheers chaps.
TBH it was a colour test for a load of BDM's I need to do for the 1980 VDV.
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Very nice.
Great! And it reminds me that I have one to finish... :)
I still have one in a box...
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Useful model for so many different games - really like the weathered finish as well
:)
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Cheers chaps.
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Nice paint job on that BRDM. But it ain't lying on its side, burned up, with "Wolverines" spray-painted on it... ;)
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A little glimpse of something new in the pipe work.😉
28mm SAS/ SBS circa 1982.
A lot more to come in a couple of weeks.
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Hmm. Interesting...
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Hmmm fucking wonderful! No llores por mi Argentina.
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:-* :-* :-* :-*
Hell yes.
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A little glimpse of something new in the pipe work.😉
28mm SAS/ SBS circa 1982.
A lot more to come in a couple of weeks.
Cheesh those guys are tough. It is soooo cold that ice has formed on his upper lip &
his arm has fallen off!!!! :o :o :o But he isn't even flinching!!!!
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Thanks guys for the gushing praise.
Here is another to tempt you;
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Nice! Of course I see that this is another attempt to bankrupt me by forcing me to buy a 1/48 Pucara or two… or three.
That you knew I had just done last year’s tax return is worrying. lol
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You mean the Kittyhawk kit? It’s had rave reviews; vaguely interested, not nearly early enough for me however (Tempests and Meteors about the most modern…).
Edit: Kinetic is the kit maker.
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Excellent news, I've been waiting for these (and their Aussie cousins lol)
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Time for another ;)
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Lovely fellow, that.
And the guy with the 203 looks like he let off too long an auto burst. His barrel is drooping a bit... :D
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There’s a pill for that these days apparently.. ;)
Very nice. While I understand the benefits/ requirements of casting, I suppose that like most people I’d prefer figures without separate arms where possible. That said, I like these and look forward to seeing more.
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Methinks these chaps may see service against my late 80s/early 90s Soviets/Russians. They are kitted out in cold weather(ish) kit too.
Paul, please tell me these SAS fellas will have some kind of AT capability...
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Belay that. I see the LAW with the 203 guy... 8)
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And here is another one with a LAW.
Its been 'interesting' reading some of the comments regarding these figures across the various places that I have shown them. Mainly regarding the weapons and the belief that the SAS/ SBS were only limited to UK weapons. To those in the know they obviously were not. A friend of mine was the gunnery officer on HMS Antrim during the Falklands War and, as he often laughed, 'commanded' the detachment that went to South Georgia and he said they walked up the gangplank carrying Addidas bags full of weapons of every description as they simply emptied the stores just incase.
the only weapon that I cannot find them using is a Suppressed Stirling SMG so if anyone has a reference it would be interesting to know. (The Argentinian SF did of course use them.)
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Very odd. You can read plenty of accounts ,and they generally mention they carried M16 rifles,203 grenade launchers et cetera. It would suggest that on the other “places” they don’t read too deeply. One of my favourite SAS books is Eye of the Storm which goes into at some length. Can’t remember his name ,ended up as RSM.
Nice miniatures by the way.
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That's the good thing about SAS etc weapons and kit, whilst it's possible to prove they did use something, it's impossible to prove they didn't lol
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It gets much more exotic than that. In Norn Irn they were tooled up with HK-53s and G-3s, GPMGs in addition to M16s.
I dunno which numpties are labouring under the belief that the SAS used only British kit. Frankly I would expect the range to have M16s as the default option.
As it happens Britain was one of the earliest users of the M16, before the US Army. The initial buys were for Confrontation, where they saw widespread use with battalions in Borneo. In the ‘ seventies and ‘eighties they were a standard item with infantry battalions Close Observation Platoons when deployed to NI. Any number of photos showing them in use.
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Another LAW? Very good then. They'll need them against my Soviets'/Russians' BTRs and T55.... ;)
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Another LAW? Very good then. They'll need them against my Soviets'/Russians' BTRs and T55.... ;)
Some of those SAS are going to find their way into my “After the Bomb” project…driving around a post-apocalypse Yorkshire in landrovers
8)
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And another.
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Some of those SAS are going to find their way into my “After the Bomb” project…driving around a post-apocalypse Yorkshire in landrovers
8)
Well as three lads from Sheffield said back in the ‘eighties: ‘Let’s all Make a Bomb’. Not quite sure it’s quite what they meant though. :D
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Looks like another chap who means business there, Paul...
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New releases for our 28mm Cold War range.
This time something very different as we tackle some British special forces and they do not some more special than the SBS and SAS.
Modelled on pictures and illustrations of the Falklands War these chaps will be quite happy to fight in the Falklands or Northern Europe.
Pack SBS/SAS1
Figures come with attached heads.
One figure has a separate arm.
All Bergen - back packs are separate and need to be glued.
Wearing cold wet weather kit, suitable for the Falklands War, these chaps will also work for northern Europe.
From left to right ;
M16A1
M16A1
CAR-15
MI6A1 - M2O3GL - LAWS.
Pack SBS/SAS2
Figures come with attached heads.
Two figures have separate arms.
All Bergen - back packs are separate and need to be glued.
Wearing cold wet weather kit, suitable for the Falklands War, these chaps will also work for northern Europe.
From left to right ;
L1A1 SLR - LAWS.
M16A1
M16A1 M203GL LAWS.
M16A1 STARLIGHT NIGHT SCOPE.
In the shop here;
https://www.empressminiatures.com/cold-war-baor---early...
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Excellent! I’ll be having some of those.
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Once again, Empress drags my mind back to Twilight 2000!
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The SAS/SBS look very nice.
Are the backs of the figures sculpted or are the backpacks mandatory?
What it brought to mind was "Night of the Magpies" from Bruce Rea-Taylor's scenario book Battlezones (based on The Chieftains by Bob Forrest-West).
Once again, Empress drags my mind back to Twilight 2000!
Not sure my mind ever left there.
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Sculpted on or not, I will likely use the rucksacks. They'll add the right look for what I may use them for.... :D
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The Bergen's are a separate item so can be left off although there are a few extra straps to hide but nothing major.
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I forgot to mention that there will be another pack in the not too distant future and also a lot more Soviet VDV even sooner ;)
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GPMGs? Chap with a Stinger?
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GPMGs? Chap with a Stinger?
GPMG yes.
Stinger was discounted as they went down in a helo crash so not used from what I can see. ????
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Not quite. The one bloke trained in its use went down in the chopper crash. The Stingers, all six of them, were still available. Lucky first shot by someone just having a crack brought down a Pucara. No other successes.
No biggy, I have an alternative source of a Stinger if needs be. It’s a bit niche anyway.
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Oh and apparently they bagged an Argentine Army Puma on Mt Kent as well.
https://en.mercopress.com/2002/04/12/argentine-puma-shot-down-by-american-stinger-missile
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OK then tempting but as you say a bit niche. :?
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Picked up the new SAS minis at Partizan this weekend, and they are even better in the flesh (or rather ..the metal).
Also didn’t realise how large the Armata was until I saw it on Paul’s stand - you get a lot of resin for your money.
:)
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The Bergen's are a separate item so can be left off although there are a few extra straps to hide but nothing major.
Thanks.
GPMGs? Chap with a Stinger?
OK then tempting but as you say a bit niche. :?
So I will not mention the MILAN or Carl Gustav for the Night of the Magpies scenario...
The GPMGs will come in handy.
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Some more VDV on the horizon.
Jump helmets plus some added kit.
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Hmm. Those drop helmets sort of resemble AVF crew helmets. One could conceivably use some of them for dismounted BMD crew, should their BMDs get whacked...
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(https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=127176.0;attach=173221;image)
Is that landmine boobs!?
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‘70s era Soviet bra technology.
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Giant Licorice Allsorts.... that's how I'll paint them
(ducks and runs for cover)
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I must admit, this presents a thorny dilemna. Berets or jump helmets? Decisions, decisions.
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I must admit, this presents a thorny dilemna. Berets or jump helmets? Decisions, decisions.
Both ;)
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Both ;)
Yeah both lol
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(https://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=127176.0;attach=173221;image)
Is that landmine boobs!?
Body armour for sensitive nipples. ;)
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OK, I’m curious now. Discounting the giant liquorice allsorts and cardboard Wonderbra theories, WTF are those things?
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OK, I’m curious now. Discounting the giant liquorice allsorts and cardboard Wonderbra theories, WTF are those things?
Drum mags for an RPD maybe? Not sure I’d want to stand next to him if they are land mines…
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OK, I’m curious now. Discounting the giant liquorice allsorts and cardboard Wonderbra theories, WTF are those things?
Land mines.
Seriously brave/ stupid way of carrying them but they did. o_o
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I always felt a bit apprehensive throwing myself to the ground with grenades in my pockets/pouches. But land mines that is a whole other level of danger.
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Land mines.
Seriously brave/ stupid way of carrying them but they did. o_o
That’s one way to get off yer tits I s’pose.
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Land mines.
Seriously brave/ stupid way of carrying them but they did. o_o
Ouch.
“Sergeant … what should I do if we come under fire”
“Throw yourself to the ground….and then about 200 feet up into the air”
:o
Lovely minis - on the shopping list.
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Ouch.
“Sergeant … what should I do if we come under fire”
“Throw yourself to the ground….and then about 200 feet up into the air”
:o
Lovely minis - on the shopping list.
I suppose that's the logic. Its for carrying not for wearing when getting shot at and not really different from a lot that is carried. Having said that I would not want to do it. lol
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Painted a few BDM's lol
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I see we share the same definition of “a few”
Good work!
lol
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:o Which is a ‘few’ more than I was expecting. Impressive and very nicely finished.
Painters Tip: The live version of the Sagger was typically green. The bare metal ones were training versions, often used for parades. That said the silver coloured ones do look cool.
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Nice.
I must admit, this presents a thorny dilemna. Berets or jump helmets? Decisions, decisions.
Both ;)
I suspect my next order will make Paul happy...
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Painted a few BDM's lol
Only a few off from a full company. :D
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Nice job on those BMDs. Sure look the business....
Only a few off from a full company. :D
A full company after contact...
And as for that guy with the mine bling, what happens if he takes a round in one of those mines? :o
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And as for that guy with the mine bling, what happens if he takes a round in one of those mines? :o
'Here, & there & there & there, lies...'
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Nice job on those BMDs. Sure look the business....
A full company after contact...
And as for that guy with the mine bling, what happens if he takes a round in one of those mines? :o
A modern VDV company isn't that large at all. They are not really set up to absorb cassalties. Do the mission or die trying.
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Soviet era paratroopers (circa 1980.) 28mm released.
These chaps are wearing jump helmets and a few RPG18's have been added and a chap carrying land mines.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/cold-war-soviet-vdv---paratroops---early-1980s-152-c.asp
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Very nice but I’m still not buying the land mine thing. It’s a giant piss-take. In reality that bloke is a human beat box, I can see ghetto blaster speakers It’s a Soviet rap posse isn’t it? :D
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Very nice but I’m still not buying the land mine thing. It’s a giant piss-take. In reality that bloke is a human beat box, I can see ghetto blaster speakers It’s a Soviet rap posse isn’t it? :D
Its the Soviet Maddona period. Just a flatter bras :o
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First release of VDV painted by Dags. :-*
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A great paint job, on lovely figs. Can't go wrong there! Well done!
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A great paint job, on lovely figs. Can't go wrong there! Well done!
Cheers for that :-*
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The boy has done you proud.
-
Next up;
Empress Miniatures 28mm BAOR Recce unit. This is a personal unit although created using the vehicle crew with the crap hat heads and the short Land Rover from the Empress range.
Figures painted by Jon Atter and vehicle by me.
The unit represents nothing specific but can act as a recce / artillery spotter unit for use in 1980ish games. Pretty versatile in its use and the team can park up, debus and go on foot if needs be. Honourable Artillery Company TA unit kinda fits the bill as inspiration.
Cheers, Paul
-
More great work on lovely figures. Especially like the Land Rover.... :D
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Absolutely gorgeous
-
Thanks chaps. Greatly appreciated :-*
I will post these up as well as they are part of the developing range and painted by Dags.
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Hmmm not sure how you are reading my mind but I spent some time last week working out what I needed to convert a LWB landy model into an SAS Pinky, albeit in green and black not pink.
Like what you’ve done there yours and a HAC stay behinf team is a brill idea!
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Hmmm not sure how you are reading my mind but I spent some time last week working out what I needed to convert a LWB landy model into an SAS Pinky, albeit in green and black not pink.
Like what you’ve done there yours and a HAC stay behinf team is a brill idea!
Cheers for that.
Not found piccies of SAS Landy's in Europe (Belgium ones yes.) but they would have used them and as a lot of this is what if and recent showings of the lack of Soviet ability suggest that any conflict would have gone on longer that the perceived few days/ weeks so lots of opportunity for what ifs.
I have another section sized TA recce unit now finished based upon the Sharpshooters, Kent & County of London. There are a couple of mods that I may yet do to the vehicle but I will post next week when complete. ;)
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A brace of Chieftains.
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:-* :-* :-*
stunning work all round
-
Very nice looking tanks!
-
Time for a bit of Ferret juggling.
-
Quite the cutest wheeled military vehicle ever.
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I have always had an interest is the smallish different units that exist within armies. Not necessarily special forces but something a little different.
In this case I give you the Kent and County of London Yeomanry. 'The Sharpshooters.'
Small unit of Territorial Army created with Empress Miniatures figures and head swaps. The Saracen has also been slightly modified with a turret ring to the rear for mounting the Bren gun and a side cage for stowage.
Note the WW2 para helmets that were privately acquired to make it easier to jump in and out of the vehicle. Replacing the standard issue helmet at the time.
-
Which one is you Paul?
-
So many excellent updates - firstly I’d like to doff my cap to Jon for exquisite brushwork
VDV, Reece spotters, SAS, Chieftains, Ferret, Saracen (especially the conversions/stowage)…the Yeomanry….so much to like.
That’s quite a force you are building there Paul - fancy a game sometime? ;)
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Ferret and Saracen looking fab there ;D and remind me of various schemes I went out on. Recall the Royal Yeomanry had an infantry sub-unit in each squadron bussed around in Saracens. It was referred to as Boot Troop. Their recce troops had Fox at the time...
EC
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Lovely stuff. I suspect Foxes and Spartans can’t be far off.
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So many excellent updates - firstly I’d like to doff my cap to Jon for exquisite brushwork
VDV, Reece spotters, SAS, Chieftains, Ferret, Saracen (especially the conversions/stowage)…the Yeomanry….so much to like.
That’s quite a force you are building there Paul - fancy a game sometime? ;)
Not to mentio0n my vehicle painting. Oh you didn't lol
Yes to a game sometime ;)
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By popular demand the Fox.
An interesting vehicle with its fair to say a slightly top heavy problem is none the less confirms to the usual cute British military vehicle designs that are iconic in their own right.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/vehicles-41-c.asp
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I have to say Paul these last few vehicles have been some of your best ever - great work mate.
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For fox sake that's pretty
(apologies, but someone was going to say it)
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I have to say Paul these last few vehicles have been some of your best ever - great work mate.
Many thanks form that ;)
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For fox sake that's pretty
(apologies, but someone was going to say it)
::)
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Not to mentio0n my vehicle painting. Oh you didn't lol
Your excellent paint jobs on the vehicles is a given… ;)
Seriously, very nice indeed.
Yes to a game sometime ;)
Great…I’d better start working on some reinforcements ;)
-
Scorpion front and centre.
-
Landrover with WOMBAT and crew.
-
That Scorpion certainly got an upgrade. Did they nick a Belgian one?
-
That Scorpion certainly got an upgrade. Did they nick a Belgian one?
Yeah wrong gun. The model comes with three options and I picked the wrobg one. Just changing it ;)
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The real Scorpion.
-
:)
-
Nice paint jobs Paul…especially the vehicles ;)
-
Tis a fine looking beasty! Reminds me I should probably purchase another one.
-
Nice work on them.
Reminds me I must finish that Spartan.
-
Cheers guys.
Game on.
-
Shots out! :D
-
Very atmospheric :-*
-
Great photos 8)
-
Thanks guys. It was a good game with a victory for the Soviet steam roller. I will put some more pictures up in a while. ;)
-
Bit of a fun series of pictures rather than from a game.
-
Nice photos … that Sagger operator must be punching the air, or more probably legging it before the other Chieftain gets a bead on him.
:)
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Great photos.
When I start painting my US vs Russians 1980ish figures,
I now feel the need to add some British.
Damn, more money to spend with Empress. lol
(That's not a bad thing, just have to find more time to paint.)
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Cheers guys ;)
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Well, I leave for a couple weeks vacation, and you go on a painting spree....
Well done on all of it. Well except for the Soviet win, that is... ;D
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Well, I leave for a couple weeks vacation, and you go on a painting spree....
Well done on all of it. Well except for the Soviet win, that is... ;D
Tell me about it >:(
I did some more work on the Scorpion.
-
Looks marvellous! Gauze bandage as the camo net?
-
I used to do that but got lazy and bought some ready made stuff but the same material.
-
Know how you feel. Bought some commercial stuff you just scrunch up and glue in place. Works a treat though.
-
Some more vehicles.
-
Lovely work! :-* Ever thought about commissioning the Milan turret for the Spartan? Mid to late eighties IIRC but would be a nice addition to the range.
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Lovely work! :-* Ever thought about commissioning the Milan turret for the Spartan? Mid to late eighties IIRC but would be a nice addition to the range.
Lets just say its a possibility along with other variants. Its just fitting all this stuff into busy schedules and we are way behind with releases across the ranges as we wait for bits to be done. ;)
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Finally as promised some pictures of the recent 1980 Cold War game.
Simple game with the Soviet VDV ordered to push off the other side of the table in order to capture an airfield. BAOR defence force originally in place including some SAS were unable to hold them back and an infantry platoon plus supports arrived but held the steam roller back for a few moves but the VDV punched through.
Most of the reinforcements were generated by the Random Effects Chart and the Soviets had more luck with the rolls than the Brits. Both sides failed to get artillery support and the Brits got no tanks although did get one pass from a Harrier, whoosh BANG!!!
Great fun and here are some pictures.
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The light greay smoke on the tanks is for light hits, the black burning for destroyed.
The big white smoke for smoke screens that the Brits adopted to try and hide as the Soviets got very close.
-
:o
-
Steady lads.
-
Whoosh!!!!
-
Great set of photos.
Love them. :-*
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Great looking photos Paul 8)
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Those are some great pics, Paul. I presume you used Danger Close rules. How'd they work for a fight of that size?
-
Cheers chaps ;)
CapnJim we used BOHICA as its pretty much the same period and weapons. It played very well TBH as the mechanisms are pretty much the same as Danger Close.
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Looking good! Nice work on both the figures and the terrain.
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Looking good! Nice work on both the figures and the terrain.
Cheers ;)
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Cheers chaps ;)
CapnJim we used BOHICA as its pretty much the same period and weapons. It played very well TBH as the mechanisms are pretty much the same as Danger Close.
Check. Good to hear. We might use BOHICA for other locales and wars...
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Some more vehicles.
Samaritan.
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Samson.
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Samson? Why, why, why Delilah?
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Nicely done btw. Quite a vehicle park you have there.
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Nicely done btw. Quite a vehicle park you have there.
Just working on the FV432's ;)
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Any closer to crew for the FV 432s? Someone to man the GPMG would be good.
-
If you look in the existing mounted crew chaps there are two figures that work for infantry vehicle types. Both wearing tunics and berets. One fiddling with the MG.
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I must be a bit dim cos I can’t see them. I have both the armoured vehicle crew and the chaps for the Landy. The tank crew have three figures in tank suits and one chap in combats but he’s holding a radio handset. Nothing suitable for manning the GPMG that I can see. Looks like some kit bashing required.
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A new vehicle to our Cold War motor pool and something a little different. The BV202 Bandvagen.
The model is in the best quality resin and white metal and is 1/48 scale to fit with our Cold War range of figures. Used in the Falklands War it add a little something different to your table. Beep! Beep!
The vehicle is formed by two rubber Kegresse track units with a multi-directional pivot in between. The front unit contains the engine and gearbox through which power is delivered to the front and, via a propshaft in the pivot mechanism, the rear tracks. A hydraulic ram on the pivot "bends" the vehicle in the middle to steer it—there is no braking of track units for steering as on conventional tracklaying vehicles. The controls are a conventional steering wheel on the left hand front of the vehicle. It can reach a speed of 35 km/h on land and 7 km/h (4 kn) on water.
The Bv 202 carries a driver and a commander in the front unit and 8–10 troops in the trailer unit. It can be adapted for other applications.
Production started in Arvika in 1964 and ended in 1981.
The Bv 202 was designed to transport troops and equipment through snow or boglands in the northern parts of Sweden. The last Swedish unit to use this vehicle was the cavalry who found that the manual gearbox Bv 202 was much quieter than the automatic transmission Bv 206.
In the Norwegian army units that had both Bv 202 and Bv 206 ran the Bv 202 as the first vehicle if the snow conditions were challenging. The Bv 202 performed better in deep and/or difficult snow conditions.
The Mk1 Bv 202 is powered by an 82.5 bhp (61.5 kW) Volvo B18 the MK2 by the 97 bhp (72 kW) B20. It has less ground pressure than a skier and is fully amphibious..
The Bv 202 was used by NATO forces, and replaced the older Swedish Snow Trac ST4 Over-snow Vehicle, which was employed by the British Royal Marines under NATO.
A version of the vehicle was also used in the Falklands war. https://www.keymilitary.com/article/bandvagen-goes-war
https://www.empressminiatures.com/vehicles-41-c.asp
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Another great addition to your range Paul 8)
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Paddy Ashdown action figure not included.
Seriously though that’s a great bit of kit. Wasn’t there talk of a Snow Trac at some stage?
Now for some winter clad booties. ;)
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Seriously though that’s a great bit of kit. Wasn’t there talk of a Snow Trac at some stage?
Yes when we get to artic warfare Marines. ;)
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Yes when we get to artic warfare Marines. ;)
Excellent :)
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Excellent :)
Cheers :)
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Two snipers armed with Dragunov rifles.
One VDV trooper armed with a 9k32 Strela 2m shoulder launched Anti Aircraft missile launcher.
One VD trooper armed with a The RPO Rys ("Lynx") is a reloadable rocket-propelled flamethrower weapon developed in the 1970s by the Soviet Union. It was one of the earliest weapons of its type, and also one of the largest and most powerful.
Soviet Paratroopers - VDV- armed with AKSD folding stock assault rifles.
Troops wear a mixture of the khaki coloured jump overalls and the light green coloured coveralls with hood.
-
Nice.
-
Nice.
:)
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Ooh, good choice with the Strela. Wouldn't mind seeing some figures for the modern Russian range shouldering RPGs too - but the two figures from this set could work as a base for most modellers.
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Ooh, good choice with the Strela. Wouldn't mind seeing some figures for the modern Russian range shouldering RPGs too - but the two figures from this set could work as a base for most modellers.
true, not a bad idea.
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Heh, I wound up taking some of Paul Hicks' Soviet sculpts and updating them for the modern period - just as its been so long between the original Modern Russians release and now without any models of soldiers firing RPGs. Its fine having a few of them slung on figure's backs throughout a squad like in the real world, but for gaming having a model actually firing one is kind of necessary. :/
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Dags latest painted Soviets are with the Soviet Helmet head swaps available from all good Empress Miniatures stores.
-
Another few guys to fight off the Soviet hoards.
Painted by Dags to a superb standard.
-
Useful additions to the range - those helmet swops look great as well
:)
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New release is a pack of four figures for our Cold War SBS/ SAS figures. 28mm to match the rest of the range.
The pack includes;
Commander on satellite phone with trooper holding aerial. Both with separate Bergen's.
Trooper with GPMG.
Trooper with night sight on M16.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/cold-war-baor---early...
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More Soviet VDV Paratroops for our 28mm Cold War range.
VDV17 Soviet Paratroops moving and firing grenade launcher.
VDV18 Soviet Paratroops vehicle riders.
VDV19 Soviet Paratroops LUAZ 967 Crew. These figures can also be used for other vehicles and situations. Pack contains two drivers in sitting upright and sitting laid back positions. Plus one casualty for the stretcher.
LUAZ 967 Airborne Vehicle. This vehicle comes with a large number of modifications so that you can choose how you wish to build it. The good news is its simple to build.
The windscreen can be up or down.
There seats to drive the vehicle upright, crouched down or even laying down.
Two passenger seats are provided and two stretchers and brackets.
On the side are two bridging panels.
This vehicle works with our pack containing drivers and casualty.
LUAZ 967 and Crew deal.
VDV20 Armoured vehicle crew.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/cold-war-soviet-vdv...
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:D
-
:)
-
Fabulous! Never seen a photo of the Plamya being carried before, although obviously it was. Seriously impressed by the detail. The Luaz is wonderful, I so want one. Super cute cute but there is a small inner voice saying
Tra la la, tra la la, la…
One banana, two banana, three banana, four
All bananas make a split, so do many more
Over hill and highway, the banana buggies go
Come along to bring you the banana splits show
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The carried Plamya came from the original Soviet manual so just had to be done ;)
As for the Luaz cute is the word. It has so many variants so more to come in the not to distant future. However here are just a few to keep you true Cold War junkies going.
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Cool!
Any non- cold weather SAS in the offing? Been converting a few of my own but more always welcome.
By the by, dunno how commercial these are but would there be any chance of half figures for BAOR and the forthcoming Argentines in trenches? I know we can cut firing figures in half but I reckon a dedicated set or two would be nice.
-
Cool!
Any non- cold weather SAS in the offing? Been converting a few of my own but more always welcome.
By the by, dunno how commercial these are but would there be any chance of half figures for BAOR and the forthcoming Argentines in trenches? I know we can cut firing figures in half but I reckon a dedicated set or two would be nice.
Yes to SAS question.
Will see when we get to them ;)
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Another Cold War release;
Pack contains ;
Observer with binoculars.
GPMG on a pintle mount.
Soldier firing a BLOWPIPE ground to air missile. (described by Julian Thompson as trying to use a drain pipe to hit a pheasant.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/cold-war-baor---early...
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Fabulous! Useful figures all three. Now I’ll have a pair of Blowpipes. Twice as useless as one. :D
-
Yes to SAS question.
Will see when we get to them ;)
I shall name the first 11 members of my Argentine platoon after Velez Sarsfield by way of thanks for the immense pleasure they have given me over the past week. 6-1 on aggregate and a spot in the final is a lot of pleasure. ;)
Dá-lhe, Dá-lhe, Dá-lhe Ô!
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I shall name the first 11 members of my Argentine platoon after Velez Sarsfield by way of thanks for the immense pleasure they have given me over the past week. 6-1 on aggregate and a spot in the final is a lot of pleasure. ;)
Dá-lhe, Dá-lhe, Dá-lhe Ô!
lol lol lol lol
-
As for the Luaz cute is the word.
It is very cute, weirdly the Wikipedia article has a photograph that does not show it in its full glory.
-
I really like all of the additions - look forward to adding them to my Cold War project
8)
-
28mm Empress Miniatures Cold War figures.
Painted by the incredible Dags we have a pack of BAOR in Anti Aircraft defence mode and a pack of SBS/ SAS.
Both for the circa 1980 Cold War/Falklands war period.
Love these.
-
Gorgeous!
-
Very nice! Love the chap with the satellite radio antennae...
-
Amazing the lengths people would go to, just to watch Corrie or Match of the Day.
-
Nah. Just watching Monty Python reruns...
-
Excellent.
-
Dags has done a brilliant job on those
-
Dags has done a brilliant job on those
Yup, missed the painted versions before, but they look spot on.
Making it hard to resist more additions to my shopping list :)
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Some generic civilians to create havoc in various scenarios.
Based upon a well know TV series of the time.
From left to right - Bomber - Wayne - Brenda - Neville - Dennis - Barry - Oz - Moxey.
-
Ideal for a West German building site when the Russians come to play, I can just see Oz raining bricks on them lol
-
part two of the release tomorrow so you can see what Oz is actually raining down on them ;)
-
Nailed it! In this case Jimmy nailed it.
-
Hmm. Very interesting...
-
The second part of our Modern civilian release are the armed versions of the characters.
Just incase some of you youngsters did not know who they are they are characters from the comedy dram series of the time ' Auf Wiedersehen, Pet ' that was about a group of British builders working in Germany in the early 1980's.
-
:)
-
Sold! I’ll be having some of those. I predict equal excitement from Akky.
-
Well, I'll certainly be watching for these.... :D
-
And the weapons even suit the characters, who other than Bomber could fire the general from the shoulder and make it look like an Air rifle. Oz with petrol bombs lol
-
very nice indeed
-
I've had the theme tune ear-worming for 2 days now. Thanks a lot ;)
-
I have been doing exactly the same thing lol lol lol
Choosing the weapons to fit the character was quite fun. So many options.
Someone has already suggested they be used in a Zombie game which sound perfect for a Christmas beer and pretzels game lol lol lol
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Very nice.
-
Are the mooted infantry in '37 pattern webbing still in the offing?
-
Away for a couple of days, and up pop some cracking minis
:-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Sold! I’ll be having some of those. I predict equal excitement from Akky.
Indeed lol
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Paul, are the civvies available on your shop…can’t see them anywhere?
:?
-
Paul, are the civvies available on your shop…can’t see them anywhere?
:?
https://www.empressminiatures.com/modern-civilians-108-c.asp
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I was so far behind on this thread and WOW! SO much cool stuff. Paul, I particular liked the in game photos from July.
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I was so far behind on this thread and WOW! SO much cool stuff. Paul, I particular liked the in game photos from July.
Cheers mate ;)
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We hope you all had a great Christmas, indeed we hope you are still enjoying the holidays.
Due to a lot of demand we are going to release our Modern European Civilians as per the cast of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/modern-civilians-108-c.asp
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:)
Dennis armed with a Stirling SMG.
Neville armed with SLR.
Brenda H&K G3A3
Oz armed with a petrol bomb.
Barry armed with an RPG 7
Bomber. GPMG.
Wayne. AK47
Moxey. LAWS.
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Nice!. :D
-
Oh I got an idea. To show that they survived the start of the war. Could do a set of them up as guerillas in a mix of different German, British and Soviet kit. All Contra like. :D
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Oh I got an idea. To show that they survived the start of the war. Could do a set of them up as guerillas in a mix of different German, British and Soviet kit. All Contra like. :D
Kinda my plan. :D I just ordered them! They'll go nicely with the armed civilians I did up from Wargames Atlantic's Resistance box...
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Looking forward to seeing them.
-
Looking forward to seeing them.
All in good time. According to their tracking update, they are somewhere between London and Chicago....
-
The civvies arrived - lovely crisp castings, and excellent service as always 8)
What is next in the todo list Paul?
Any thoughts on a civvie driver for the Landrover?
:)
-
I got mine, too. Love 'em!
They are in the on-deck circle (along with Warlord's MASH set) after I finish my Gringo40s MACV-SOG boys. I'm getting ready for a game (likely in February or March) with my regular gaming group, in which US Special Ops types assault a village to rescue some hostages. Inspired by SAS action in Sierra Leone in 2000, with a bit of Tears of the Sun mixed in...sort of (Edit: And it won't be in Africa...). I'll post the scenario (using Fistful of Lead: Bigger Battles) in my Modern Stuff thread before we play, as well as an AAR afterwards...
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I have only myself to blame for having originally suggested this lot but I now find myself adding a building site to my growing list of terrain items. The boys will have moved on from Düsseldorf to West Berlin in my alternative universe. Why Aye!
Some generic Erics wouldn't go astray as part of the mix. Just sayin ;)
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I have only myself to blame for having originally suggested this lot but I now find myself adding a building site to my growing list of terrain items. The boys will have moved on from Düsseldorf to West Berlin in my alternative universe. Why Aye!
Some generic Erics wouldn't go astray as part of the mix. Just sayin ;)
Yeah we blame you lol
I am currently building the hut from the WW2 prison camp set on Blotz which is pretty close to the blue hut they used. Also looking for 28mm scale building kit like cement mixers, scaffolding etc.
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Yeah we blame you lol
I am currently building the hut from the WW2 prison camp set on Blotz which is pretty close to the blue hut they used. Also looking for 28mm scale building kit like cement mixers, scaffolding etc.
Some useful bits here, including skips, a mobile generator, forklift etc
Corvus Games Construction Equipment (https://corvusgamesterrain.com/collections/modern-urban-post-apocalyptic/products/urban-construction-equipment-scatter-bundle-digital-stl-3d-printable)
He has three licensed printers in the UK but only one has this set listed: 3dream designs (https://www.3dreamdesigns.co.uk/products/urban-construction-equipment-scatter-bundle-28mm-scale-40mm-scale-fallout-last-days-the-walking-dead-marvel-crisis-protocol?_pos=1&_sid=2604a184b&_ss=r&variant=40160506380474)
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The Blotz hut is a brilliant suggestion! That would work nicely.
There's a 3D print building site available though Jens Najewitz and the various licencees but I think I'll build my own in the spirit of things so to speak.
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Yeah we blame you lol
I am currently building the hut from the WW2 prison camp set on Blotz which is pretty close to the blue hut they used. Also looking for 28mm scale building kit like cement mixers, scaffolding etc.
Damn it… Both of you stop putting ideas in my head lol
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MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
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28mm Soviet Cold War paratrooper packs released with 9M113 Konkurs and 82mm 82-PM-37.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/cold-war-soviet-vdv...
If you are planning on ordering from us at Salute can you please send us a pre order to ensure that we have the stock available.
Cheers,
Paul & Christine
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Bugger! More stuff to buy. Think I'll get a couple of the ATGMs and convert some crew for my motor riflemen.
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Looking into the future here are some pictures of our early version T64 in 1/50 scale that will be released in the near future.
We had hoped to get it released but I decided I wanted to add more options and so the side armour panels will also come as a set in the closed version, folded back against the hull as well as a few other parts so stay tuned.
Looking further forward we will also be releasing the later 1980's version and also the modern version as used in the Ukraine.
Cheers,
Paul
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Nice tank. But as a former tanker, I think all tanks are nice... :D
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Nice tank. But as a former tanker, I think all tanks are nice... :D
I've never been a tanker, the closest I came was when my (then) girl-friend,
bought an experience day for me. It was sold to her as a 'Tank Driving' day,
she was crestfallen when I said, 'It's not a tank' but an 'Abbot self propelled gun'.
Great fun though. The difference was lost on her, but I did win a beanie hat
from the organizers when they mentioned, 'We have misled you about this
Tank Driving day. Does anyone know why?'
The girlfriend & I have been married now for over 26 years,
so I think she has forgiven me. lol lol lol
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Very nice indeed! :-* :-* :-*
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Cool.
Were the "wings" at 90 degrees to the hull or angled (or was it down to the crew)?
They will be a storage nightmare ^__^.
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Cool.
Were the "wings" at 90 degrees to the hull or angled (or was it down to the crew)?
They will be a storage nightmare ^__^.
They were spring loaded and normally stuck out at around 90 degrees. That lead to a lot of breakages which is why they were eventually replaced with rubber skirts.
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They were spring loaded and normally stuck out at around 90 degrees. That lead to a lot of breakages which is why they were eventually replaced with rubber skirts.
Not the best design for driving through woods or urban areas. Cornwall would be horrendous lol
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But by Christ it would a great way to whack cyclists. It's like having a eight car doors.
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I take it the '80s version is thermal shroud to the barrel, smoke dischargers, resin/fabric skirts and possibly the bits for the Kobra ATGM? Looking forward to that one if it is.
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But by Christ it would a great way to whack cyclists. It's like having a eight car doors.
lol lol lol lol
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I take it the '80s version is thermal shroud to the barrel, smoke dischargers, resin/fabric skirts and possibly the bits for the Kobra ATGM? Looking forward to that one if it is.
Yeah to those.
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Lovely looking model :)
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We have just released the T64A to support our Cold War range as well as our ultra modern range in general. As usual its scaled at 1/50 and made in the highest quality resin and white metal.
The T64 design was aimed at combatting US and UK designed tanks that would be encountered in Northern Europe during the Cold War. Used by the elite armoured units it was kept pretty secret for quite some time. Of course it never saw action as we know but was still kept under wraps and in reserve and only recently has begun to see significant action in the Ukraine.
We plan to release the more modernised version that came into operation in the 1980's and the Ultra Modern version in the coming months. However this version was so iconic with the Gill armour we felt it had to be made by us.
The upgraded T-64A entered production in 1967. Improvements included fitting of the 125mm D-81T (2A46) gun, new mechanical 6ETs10 autoloader, NBC protection system, altered armour composition, and the addition of light “gill” armour plates along the front side-skirts.
The Gill armour started to be replaced in the mid 1980's .
T64A tanks can be seen in pictures in the 1970's / 80's with the armour opened for action, closed for general movement or even with some or all panels removed.
The 1/50 scale model allows the modeler to create any of these options.
Empress tank crew not supplied with the model but sold separately.
https://www.empressminiatures.com/vehicles-41-c.asp
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Nice! :D
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Nice! :D
Cheers
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Cool.
On the list.
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Spoiler alert: Annoying rivet counting to follow.
Shouldn't there be turret stowage boxes and a 12.7mm Utes AAMG if this is a T-64A? That's the standard configuration from the early 1970s onwards. The first 600 or so T-64 built in the 1960s were absent these things but they were the 115mm armed base versions.
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Spoiler alert: Annoying rivet counting to follow.
Shouldn't there be turret stowage boxes and a 12.7mm Utes AAMG if this is a T-64A? That's the standard configuration from the early 1970s onwards. The first 600 or so T-64 built in the 1960s were absent these things but they were the 115mm armed base versions.
Anything else you want to add as now is the time as we can add the things you mention?
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Carlos: How does the AAMG work? I can't work out how its fired or operated?
Is there a decent reference for the T64 models as I'm finding lots of conflicting drawings/mods etc... the drawings I've got don't have the side bins.
All the survivors seem to be all over the place and there is no consistency.
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There is a small but informative review of all serial modifications of the T-64 tank with an emphasis on their external differences. But alas - only in Russian. I recommend using Google translator for reading.
The first machine in the review is the prototype.
https://pikabu.ru/story/tank_t64_i_ego_modifikatsii_chast_1_4568734
https://pikabu.ru/story/tank_t64_i_ego_modifikatsii_chast_2_4570489
Automatic translation. But technical texts are often translated incorrectly. The inscriptions on the photo are not translated.
https://pikabu-ru.translate.goog/story/tank_t64_i_ego_modifikatsii_chast_1_4568734?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ru&_x_tr_pto=wapp
https://pikabu-ru.translate.goog/story/tank_t64_i_ego_modifikatsii_chast_2_4570489?_x_tr_sl=ru&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ru&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Also, in the process of switching from the production of one model to another, new equipment could be partially installed on a conditionally "old" model of the tank, as well as such modernization could be carried out already during operation during repairs. So it is possible to detect "mixed" models.
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Trying to find my copy of Zaloga's Osprey Vanguard on the subject, it's probably the best English language publication. I'll have a look through when I find it. Worth getting a copy BTW.
What cuprum says is true, there were countless retrofits to older models but it appears from all the photos I have seen that from at least 1972 the turret stowage bins were a standard factory fitting as was the NSVT 12.7mm AAMG. The Tankograd blogspot says that:
"The ZU-64 closed-hatch type anti-aircraft installation was being tested from April 13 to September 10, 1971, and it started appearing on T-64 tanks beginning from the T-64A obr. 1972 onwards."
On the T-64A the commanders cupola was motorised so the AAMG is turned by rotating the cupola itself.
The T-64A had of course a host of differences to the baseline T-64 beyond just the installation of the bigger 125mm gun. The T-64A was where the first composite armour was deployed in a Soviet tank.
The NSVT, the tank mounted version of the NSV, was fired by a solenoid trigger, the electric cable for which is mostly inside the arms for the mount, so hardly visible. No spade grips like the DshkM or pistol grip like the ground mounted NSV. This meant that the AAMG could be operated by the commander either internally or externally. The version you have on the existing Empress T-72 and T-90 models should be good to go, it just needs a mounting point on the turret.\
I've added a close up of the mount taken from the web.
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Thanks! Really helpful stuff!
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OK. Located Zaloga. Here's a basic summary.
Recap. 1972/73 we have the AAMG and the three left side turret stowage boxes. After 1979 there was a smoke grenade array at the front of the turret so one of the 3 boxes seems to have been displaced. Post 1979, so probably something for the subsequent model.
From 1971 the deep wading snorkel moves from the engine deck to the turret rear. At some later stage (annoyingly date not noted) Zaloga says that an additional stowage bin for the OPVT deep wading kit was placed at the rear of the turret. From a photo caption elsewhere in the book this appears to have been from around 1975.
In 1973 the T-64A received the Ehlement dozer system under the bow for self emplacement. Should be the same set up as on the existing Empress T-72 if that's useful. It is a noticeable element btw.
From 1975 the improved D-81TM 125mm gun gets a thermal jacket added to reduce barrel warping.
In 1979 the Tucha smoke discharger array appears on the turret front.
Around 1980 the Eloshka flipper armour starts to disappear and by the last run in 1981 a new turret based on the T-64B with the laser range finder starts to appear.
I've only noted those items which have some noticeable external changes to the model. Things like different range finder models, the make up of the composite armour and internal mechanical or automative changes don't make any difference to the outward appearance.
Some hopefully useful suggestions:
Might be worth looking at two barrels. Plain and with thermal jacket. You'll need the latter anyway for the 1980s model.
All the stowage bins should come as separate, including the rear turret snorkel bin. That way you can mix n match and when you do a T-64B it will make things easier with fitting the smoke dischargers.
Given the next model will be need a new or at least modified turret with the laser rangefinders vice the coincidence one with their distinctive cross turret bar shape you might cast the bin as part of the turret as is the case with the T-72 in your existing line up but that's down to the mechanics and cost effectiveness of essentially making the same thing twice.
The self-emplacing dozer blade really is a must as it was in service for most of the life of this vehicle. Whether that's a redesigned hull or an added part I cannot say. It's distinctive and will be mildly painful to scratch build. The AAMG already exists on one of your other vehicles.
I really do hope that helps. I don't want to be 'that bloke' and a pedant but I know you strive to get accurate representations of kit, which is why it's such a great range to start with.
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Just looked at the photos again. Looks like the dozer blade is already covered. Dopey me.
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Great stuff - thanks!
I think I'm correct in stating then that the model as it stands represents a T-64A pre-1971 which would match up with what cuprum's links show and what I expected.
Stowage boxes and the AAMG then appear in the Mod 1971 and Mod 1972 versions
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Pretty much.
I read through Cuprum's link and according to that around 1975 some of the tool boxes on the right fender were replaced by additional fuel tanks but to be frank I'm not sure I can identify much difference in shape between the two. Might be worth examining any top view photos to check. There should also be a new night sights added on the commander and gunners cupolas.
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Going to have to add this to the shopping list :)
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It's already on mine. I want something for my 1990's Russians a bit more modern that my T55...this one is a prime candidate!
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So finally a bit of progress....
3 models being covered, though its hard to pin down versions exactly as they modified older vehicles all over the place!
So....
Early model with 115mm gun
Mid production with 125mm gun
Late production with missile antenna
Hull seems to largely stay the same but the Right hand track guard bins turn into fuel tanks at some point.
Early tank has the option for gill armour (open/closed) later version has the rubber skirts.
Still some checking to do but comments are welcome!
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Looking good! :-*
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I agree. This one may have to become part of my motor pool...
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Mod 1971 and Mod 1980 turrets printed
Having trouble uploading pics though....
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Tease.
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Pics on 'X' (Twitter for anyone over 3 months old)
https://twitter.com/Rich_H1978/status/1692121060835991649?t=4YMv4xcbR1EPgCrttIworA&s=19
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Mod 1971 and Mod 1980 turrets printed
Having trouble uploading pics though....
If you're doing the pics as attachments, the site is having issues with that. The mods are trying to figure it out...
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Cool.
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Looks good! :-* :-*
I hope they fix the image attachments. I feel a bit dirty now, like I was driven in a Tesla to a space port to watch a non-existent cage fight between two obscenely wealthy retards.
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Next time I'll embed a link to a Facebook post in the tweet lol
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Next time I'll embed a link to a Facebook post in the tweet lol
Wot? No TikTok video? Russian tanks always come across better with a KPop backing soundtrack.