Projected German Vehicles in 15mm (E series, Katchen,etc)

[Keeper Nilbog]

   As Agis has refired my interest in this with the 'ViDe' and Gear Krieg rules adds taster, i was wondering about the availibility of these types of vehicles in 15mm (my prefered scale). I can deal with certain stuff with a weapon swap (British 'Black Prince' is basically an improved Churchill with a 17pdr gun), but the German stuff, not sure.

   Also, with the continued development of German vehicles chasis's, i take it that the 'Hetzer' would have been the basis for the next generation of light vehicles - rather like the development of the M113 chasis was the base for several tactical varients.

   Any help would be gratefully received.   

[Ballardian]

As I imagine you've found out, there are few models of design concept/paper panzer vehicles out there (though at least now we have that lovely Lowe from Heer46). How handy are you at scatchbuilding/conversion, I ask as I'd been considering building an E-50 (Panther II) which could be based on an existing Tiger II chassis, (most images seem to give an identical one) with the difference that the running gear/suspension was simplified (6 road wheels in 3 pairs down from . Yes, dremeling out the roadwheels from an existing Tiger II model & building the replacements is a bit of a faff, but it is doable and would give you the larger portion of the tank. The turret however you'd probably have to scatchbuild, but the schmalturm shape isn't horrendously complex.
Good luck & I hope we get to compare your 15mm & my 28mm versions some day!

[Agis]

Well - I have heart rumours about a 15mm Heer 46 E-50 and E-75.
IIRC Forged in Battle has a 15mm Kätzchen in development.
Peter Pig has a 15mm Maus!

As far as 15mm conversions are concerned, maybe check my website here:
http://www.adpublishing.de/html/experimental_tanks.html
and

[Keeper Nilbog]

 I've been reading that thread on your site (one day i'll get around to having a go at the manticore  ) and the WaW downloads - your sale provided Tech Manuals for ViDe along with 'Banzai', and was thinking about hezter hulls, Konigstigers and PP Panther turrets and tank commanders.

[Agis]

Konigstigers and PP Panther turrets and tank commanders are indeed a good starting point.
Do not make my mistake and use the side skirts and curved front fender.
After gluing it I realized that most E-Series drawings had straight fenders!
And without the side skirts the whole vehicle looks a bit slimmer.

[Keeper Nilbog]

 Forged in Battle has just released a 15mm set of of Katchen APC (about £5 each, - £19.95 for 4 with option to do 2 as Engineer varient). Late war,  so not great for GK forces - but a start.

[joroas]

[Keeper Nilbog]

 Just been looking on the Heer 46 website/Blog, and he now has masters up for the E50 and E75 tanks. With the Katchen out (Forged in battle), and Peter Pig's Maus, it looks like a 'New Heer' with appropriate vehicles is going to be availible.

[Agis]

Can't agree more! And the 3D print looks very good to me!

[fastolfrus]

Hadn't seen the Forged in Battle ones before.

[Keeper Nilbog]

Heer46 E50 and E75 up for Pre-Order. 15 euro each + P&P (free P&P if 4 ordered).

[Agis]

Best thing i that Forged in Battle now also have an E-50!
I received one of the 1st casts and painted it up.
I will show pics next weekend.

Unfortunately I have no clue when it will be released.