Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => The Second World War => Topic started by: Mad Doc Morris on 11 October 2014, 01:52:02 PM
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Just a heads up, nothing new or overly exciting as I'm still struggling to find the time, space and money required for 'proper wargaming' these days. However, despite a major clear-out I hold onto a few bits and pieces that still offer viable options if you're on a budget. World War Two in 15mm is definitely among them. It's not my favourite period of all time (so please forgive me my ignorance of correct uniform colours, badges etc) but models and scenery are readily available while building two opposing forces for platoon- or even company-sized games doesn't break the bank.
So these models were already painted a few months ago, but since I've just dusted them off to use them in anger soon I've taken a few shots (if under poor lighting, sorry). Of course, first off the ubiquitous US Airborne. They were an obvious choice as I had bought a Flames of War starter set earlier.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_10_10_14_7_34_58.jpg)
Arguably the best sculpts of said set are the 'command' models. (The medic's nominated from some supernumeraries.)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_10_10_14_8_14_29.jpg)
In order to bring them up to platoon size the core (plastic) troops were bolstered with metal figures by Forged in Battle. To my mind they blend in quite nicely.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_10_10_14_9_29_38_0.jpg)
I'll probably have to redress the bases later. So far it's just a quick job (coins & washers, sand, static grass and color codes on the back) to get the minis ready for gaming.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_10_10_14_9_29_38_2.jpg)
Currently I'm aiming at Chain of Command as my ruleset of choice. It calls for paper-strength teams like this 5-men mortar crew.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_10_10_14_9_30_59_0.jpg)
There's also some optional stuff you can 'buy' from a list in advance. So I've added a bazooka team…
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_10_10_14_8_15_17_0.jpg)
… and a Forward Observer team.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_10_10_14_9_31_00_1.jpg)
For variety's sake I can bring in a tank as well. The British Shermans in the FoW starter set were swapped for a couple of Plastic Soldier Company's M4A1s, but I'll probably ever need this single one.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_10_10_14_8_15_17_1.jpg)
The full array, from preparation to finishing touches, took me a couple of hours (which is fast mode for me). I didn't want to go overboard with detailing and accuracy. As for mere gaming pieces I'm quite happy with them so far. Let me know what you think, and thanks for watching! :)
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Don't ever tell me again that my 15mm painting is better than yours! They're brilliant! :-*
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Cheers, mate! Though not many share your views obviously. ;)
Anyway, back from another photo session with pictures of my supported Grenadierzug. All rather in "Late War" kit, so not a perfect fit for my intended focus on the campaigns in Italy and Sicily. A friend of mine recommended to paint them as troops of the Panzer-Division Hermann Göring, which had access to more up-to-date equipment. But I wanted a more generic look, in case they find themselves deployed in the Netherlands (another option I'm quite interested in). Therefore, no special assignments or insignia.
Here they are in full array (again, sorry, not as well-lit as I'd like it):
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_12_10_14_5_48_03.jpg)
The aforementioned starter sets provides you with all the options to build a paper-strength platoon and even some add-ons. Nice variation over all.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_12_10_14_5_55_06_1.jpg)
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_12_10_14_5_58_01_0.jpg)
As with the US troops, some of the leader models in particular are among the best sculpts in 15mm that I've seen so far.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_12_10_14_5_54_59_0.jpg)
This one, for example, reminded me of "Steiner", so I made him a grizzled veteran.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_12_10_14_6_02_09_0.jpg)
Herr Leutnant in turn is a rather handsome guy.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_12_10_14_5_58_04_1.jpg)
Also included in the box are some support options, like this PaK 38 or 40 (can't really see a difference).
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_12_10_14_6_02_11_1.jpg)
The PaK model comes with an officer who'll be deployed as a Melder to call in artillery strikes.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_12_10_14_6_05_52_1.jpg)
To counter enemy tanks the Germans also got some (pretty advanced) Panzerschreck guns.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_12_10_14_8_07_32.jpg)
A minor 'conversion' turned this fellow into a sharpshooter.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_12_10_14_6_58_39.jpg)
For further support I acquired a heavy weapon pack by Plastic Soldier Company. These are earlier sculpts, and while nicely detailed they are noticeably different from Battlefront's chunkier guys. No problem, if on separate bases like the tripod-mounted MG42.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_12_10_14_6_54_55.jpg)
Less common option, like a Sani/medic are fine, too.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_12_10_14_6_05_49_0.jpg)
Lastly, the StuG was my first trial (and error) painting a 15mm tank according to Battlefront's tutorial – it turned out way to dark, but I couldn't be bothered to repaint it. Lesson learnt for the next one(s).
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_12_10_14_6_56_45.jpg)
And that's it for today. Again, thanks for stopping by. :)
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Very nice! I'm just about to start on a box of the grenadiers myself. Interesting comparison with the PSC early Germans. I have the second release Brits and they are chunkier than the Battlefront grenadiers.
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Very nice! I'm just about to start on a box of the grenadiers myself. Interesting comparison with the PSC early Germans. I have the second release Brits and they are chunkier than the Battlefront grenadiers.
Cheers! :) The first infantry sets by PSC were rather scale models. Their more recent "Late War" Brits and "Early War" Germans in turn are sculpted to match Battlefront's (plastic) figures in style. Unfortunately, they weren't yet available when I painted these up.
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Sorry, double post. Forgot to add the set of markers (intended to be used as Jump Off Points in Chain of Command). These are a variation on my earlier Desert War markers, also clearly aiming at an Italian setting so far. ;) The US officer is just for scale.
(http://leadadventureforum.com/gallery/19/1034_13_10_14_10_31_18.jpg)
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ace work! :-*
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Awesome, I think the Stug is nice, sometime the yellow was darker anyway. Have to say your painting skills are impressive.
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Very nice! Don't forget that Wargames Factory now also makes 15mm plastic miniatures.
If interested I wrote a review here: http://wargameterrain.blogspot.be/2014/07/wargames-factory-15mm-world-war-two.html (http://wargameterrain.blogspot.be/2014/07/wargames-factory-15mm-world-war-two.html)
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Very nice!!
CoC in 15mm, interesting.
Emilio.
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Well Chain of Command in 15mm is quite nice.
It allows you to field a lot of variations in support (you have a real pool of vehicles to draw from) at affordable prices, plus, IMHO a great plus, the distances look very believable and the table not crowded as in some recent horrifing games I saw on the net with 28mm WW2 troops lined shoulder to shoulder, side to side...
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Nice looking troops.
I'll second that Chain of Command works well in smaller scales - we've played lots of games using 10mm figures and terrain, it really gives you a feel for the actual weapon ranges and line of sight. You do need a good amount of terrain though.
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You may be on a budget, but your results are not on the cheap! Great looking minis. 8)
David
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Thanks all! :) Very much appreciate your comments – even if you're just to kind. I've been brought up as a 28mm man, so 15mm is still a challenge. Looking at those photos I recognise a number of things to enhance. Taking photos from a greater distance comes first. :D
Haven't yet played CoC in 15mm. But judging from games in 28mm, I share Arrigo's sentiment about crowded tables. IIRC ground scale is anyway matching 15mm.
Regarding terrain, I think it's one of the few games that don't require a lot of it by default. In fact, laying down smoke and advancing under that cover can be quite effective. Just don't roll for a Turn Ends result too soon. ;)
That said, terrain is next. If anyone has a hot tip for 15mm Italian or Dutch buildings/terrain in general that's affordable, please post below.
PS: @Belgian, saw your review earlier, thanks for the heads up. The WF kit's nice, but like the earlier PSC sculpts the minis are quite slender. Actually, I like the chunkier style better (like said, my youth was spoilt by 28mm) and ran with BF Airborne. Also got the Forged in Battle figures at a very good price. That sealed the deal.
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Excellent stuff!! ;)
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Very nice work. I'm interested in giving the BF plastic infantry a try. Don't want the poor quality tanks contained in the Open Fire set and don't really need a full company so the Armored Infantry or Panzer Grenadier platoon boxes will probably be my first port of call. Need to clear a bit of space first though.
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Turns out BF have previewed plastic Cromwell Comet British infantry and StuG at Flamescon. Apparently the last of those will be in a new Open Fire set which means it could be a good buy for me. Pictures of the infantry sprue very similar to PSC IMHO.
wargamerontour.blogspot.co.uk (http://wargamerontour.blogspot.co.uk)
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Thanks both, and thanks NTM for the heads-up.
I bought the Open Fire! starter set because it was BF's first all-plastic set (like said, I'm no big fan of PSC's earlier infantry sculpts) and provided excellent value for money. However, the mixture of Allied forces was odd, and by now one's certainly better off buying their platoon boxed sets – if you aren't after the Flames of War rules stuff.
Plastic Tommies look nice, but with PSC already in the market they need some special merit.
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Know what you mean I have the PSC set and the only advantage I can see that the BF one may have is a better mix of command figures. The PSC heavy weapons box seems to address that issue though. As I don't really need another full company I may get a new improved Open Fire or a motor platoon with M5 which will no doubt be made available.
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Beautiful, Exquisite, WOW!!!
Been thinking about going to 15mm for skirmish games too. You have shown what can be done.
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Well, how could I have missed this? They're bloody awesome :-*
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Again, thank you, fellas. :)
I'm sure there are better examples of what can be achieved in this scale in regards of painting and modelling. However, these were quick to do and are fun to game with – one's at an arm's length at least, thus won't notice the issues apparent on close-up photos. ;)
Also it's a first to have completed forces (no armies, really) for both sides at hand, and it's quite satisfying. Now to build or buy 15mm terrain, my least favourite if mandatory part of this project. Browsing LAF for tips right now.
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Paper Terrain's 15mm Italian line should do nicely. http://paperterrain.mybisi.com/products/mediterranean-buildings (http://paperterrain.mybisi.com/products/mediterranean-buildings)
(http://product-images.highwire.com/12867/16509.jpg)
15mm WWII skirmish is a great scale. Welcome to my world. I use Peter Pig. You're painting is really nice.
Don't worry about using late war Germans for early war. IMO we all do this. It's just a game. (Right now, much of my German armor and artillery is old Axis & Allies stuff pre-painted for N. Africa. I bought them for .50 a piece. Works fine for my Normandy games. I'm sure there was a desert camo Tiger and 88mm gun in Normandy somewhere! Just because nobody was able to photograph them doesn't mean they weren't there! :D
I tried CoC but it was not for me. I also have Bolt Action which wasn't for me. So out of frustration I decided to write my own rules. YMMV.
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Wow, your minis are amazing. You paint better at 15mm than I can at 28mm.
I also went for 15m for CofC, mostly for budget but also I find 28mm overcrowds the table. I have a German platoon done and currently working on a US platoon. The thing I like about 15mm is that I can do an average paintjob but they still look good, batches of 24 are also nice and quick to paint.
Looking forward to seeing more
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Cheers, guys. :)
CPBelt, paper terrain is a neat option indeed. I've done a few containers and basic buildings for Infinity some time ago. Being me, though, I would prefer something more durable and less artificial looking in the long run. The more since I probably won't game in urban environments too often, i.e. I probably rather need a few 'hallmark' buildings along with an emphasis on generic terrain. Unfortunately, I'm very lazy (and lousy) at creating trees, hedges and the like. Further pondering required. ;)
sonicReducer, exactly my thought! I was able to produce a full platoon in two painting sessions (couple of hours each), which is a new personal record. Admittedly, as mentioned earlier, they still need a few finishing touches. But it's very easy to build up playable forces. Having played quite a few Lardies games, I think most of them are 'a scale too far' – much better with smaller scale figures than advertised. At least if you haven't access to really large tables. Which brings me to terrain again… :D
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Wow great work, your stuff is very impressive.
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Really cool. First, congratulations for your painting. You're really good, and I especially know it since I started recently in small scale (20mm modern and 10mm fantasy).
Obtaining a decent result in small scale is relatively easy, but painting figures like you did is not !
Concerning the minis themselves, I also plan to start metal 15mm WW2, squad to platoon level, and I'm really impressed by Forge of battle minis price and quality balance.
Seeing them propainted by you decided me to add 2 platoons on my small christmas wish list ;) The good thing is that Forge of battle products are already organized in platoons, as far as I know.
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I quite like the forged in battle stuff too. The packs allow you to do a platoon but are not specifically organised as such. They all have 40 figures but have enough to do what you need with perhaps a few leftover. It's not a bad thing especially if like me you play at a level other than 1:1.
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Well, again you're too kind. :)
sundayhero, I'm sure FiB will live up to your expectation, they are really good. Don't know if a single set covers all requirements for a regular, 1:1 platoon, though. For example, you'd have to buy Airborne standard equipment like LMGs and mortars separately (which is, given the price, no big deal). A strange omission is the lack of bazookas while BARs are included. So you probably have to substitute a few models from other ranges – like said, BF plastics provide a good basis.
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I've also found the Peter Pig platoon packs to be very good value for money
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COncerning FIB platoon sets, for instance on the russian platoon pack they say "pack include officer, ncos with smg, lmg, and riflemen". Wich is sold for 10£/40 metal figures. A great deal if you ask me, especially since the miniatures are great looking in my opinion, but I'm not a WW2 specialist so I cannot judge accuracy or organization.
Basically, I plan to play (from squad to reinforced platoon, single based figures) in the eastern front background, since I have slavic (polish and ukrainian) origins from my mother, it will be a chance to learn things about my grandparents.
So I will probably buy early war germans; and early war polish, and then go for russians, late germans, polish paratroopers, etc...
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Doc
Wow! Fantastic work. As always.
As you say, rightly, 15mm is pretty much spot on for figure and ground scale matching, so you do get a real representation of the battlefield.
I'd also agree with you that you don't need too much terrain, but, on the other hand, a pretty table is always a joy to play on. We have played games on completely flat tables with no terrain other than the odd bit of rough ground.
Rich
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NTM, sure, Peter Pig offers good quality, too. I have some of their modern stuff. No clue, though, how the WW2 figures match up with the ranges I've used here. Just wanted to express that BF and FiB share a similar style.
sundayhero, sounds good to me. Maybe have a look at Chain of Command, too? Hope you share your progress with us on LAF. :)
Rich, a pretty table is mandatory! I got lots of inspiration from your blog. However, this will take some time since – see the preliminaries – I'm on a budget in all hobby regards. Space is now by far the most arduous limitation, and I've yet to come up with a solution.
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Peter pig figures have grown in stature over the years and the latest ones fit well with FiB and the not so grotesque BF. The trick is working out exactly which ones are the newest figures. I have quite a few of the LW Germans will post some pics for comparison later.
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sundayhero, sounds good to me. Maybe have a look at Chain of Command, too? Hope you share your progress with us on LAF. Smiley
I would probably go for NUTS ruleset, since it has solid coop and solo rules; but maybe I could take a look on FUBAR WW2 also (or a customized FUBAR version). FUBAR hasn't got solo rules as far as I know, but the system is so straight forward and easy that I could probably find casual opponents in my non-wargaming friends and relatives.
Concerning the minis, I'll go for FIB since they are (as far as I know) the cheapest metal organized minis sets available. The fact they also offer early war troops (polish and french especially) is a big advantage for me too. ANd the figures are gorgeous, and seems to mix well with the BF ones (wich is a good thing, since I like their style too).
The only thing that bothers me is the lack of single tanks and armour sets. In 15mm, it seems that every box has to include 3 or 4 identical tanks at least. Too many tanks for my scale (squad to reinforced platoon) objective. I wish a company would produce single tanks packs in 15mm !
And to conclude, of course I'll post my project on LAF ! Especially since it will be the only historical project I will be allowed to post here soon, since my other project is focused on french modern (2000+) conflicts.
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NTM, a comparison would be nice, thanks. Perhaps make that a separate thread, so more people will notice.
sundayhero, Plastic Soldier Company offers so called "Reinforcements", i.e. single tanks and vehicles. However, that's only for the major 'factions' and comes at a cost. Also I wouldn't mind a few spares as modeling options; at times I might want to field an additional tank or two while others could be turned into terrain or objective markers.
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thanks, that's what I was looking for ! THis way I will be able to buy only the machines I need.
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Zvezda do some early war vehicles. Individually packed easy assembly available in many places and cheap to boot. Peter pig also sell individual vehicles. QRF & Skytrex are also options but the quality is variable.
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thanks ! I can't believe I missed these :o The zveda are really cheap (about 3£/tank, apparently) :-*
I definitly really suck in google searching lol
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Just a quick word regarding the PSC reinforcements. I am a big fan of PSC stuff but was caught a bit off-guard with the reinforcements as they don't come with any instructions, I guess those are added to the boxsets. You could always request some I suppose.
Saying that with a bit of googling I managed to get a Panzer IV and a Stug III assembled in short order as many review blogs will have photos of the instructions. For £5 or so each they are good value and very nice detail.
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I also like the fact the PSC tanks come with crew officer :)
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The PSC website and Facebook page have the assembly guides on them.
I'm not too keen on the PSC tank commanders to date. They look a bit weedy and lacked variety. They have improved though and the ones included in the forthcoming stowage set look great in the new chunky style
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Great ! I love chunky style too ! :D
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NTM, a comparison would be nice, thanks. Perhaps make that a separate thread, so more people will notice.
Done
http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=72597.0
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Your painting is amazing, I play CoC in 28mm but I am now tempted to get some some 15mm and see how my eyes cope with painting them :o
I really like your jump off markers and will shamelessly copy them in 28mm !
Try the eBay model railway section for trees, there are some real bargains to be had from China.
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Your attitude is something I really appreciate. But you have to face it, you've did a great job with this stuff, no, no, you deserve those kind comments from our fellow LAFers, yes you do 8)