Italian forces in North Africa

[Sinewgrab]

Let me preface this with a statement - even though I have been pushing lead and plastic figures around for over 30 years, I am a relative newcomer to WW2 historical gaming. In the group I play with, I have ended up collecting Italians because, of all things, I like the look of their tanks.

I am trying to paint a tank heavy force for Bolt Action Tank Wars, and I am having a ridiculous time finding a source for marking for the Italian units in the theater.  My go to for the last 20 years is no longer viable, as local libraries have now pulled almost all of their World War 2 books off the shelf, to make room for more modern conflicts.

Can anyone point me at a decent photographic/artistic listing of units serving in the African Theater so I can get the markings onto my tanks and support units? Please?

[acatcalledelvis]

You could do worse than looking at the flames of war site:
http://www.flamesofwar.com/hobby.aspx?art_id=2898

this is a good starter for research re what units were where
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Italian_Army_during_World_War_II

this for the Italian OB in Crusader
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Crusader_order_of_battle

Google is your friend - but I have yet to find one single source for all your answers - you have to take one bit of information and follow it through

[Sir Rodney Ffing]

Perhaps base your force around Ariete, the principle Italian armoured division in the desert (Centauro didn't arrive until mid-late 1942) which fought from the start of 1941 (Rommel's first offensive) up to Alamein and was present in the major actions in between (e.g. Crusader, Gazala and Alam Halfa), which gives plenty of scope.  You could field M14/41 tanks and Bersaglieri for the motorised infantry component, and the divisional emblem (a stylised ram's head) has some visual appeal.  What is not to like?

[zippyfusenet]

Sorry, but I don't know of any website with a library of WWII tank profiles, like the very useful, very piratical Russian Wings Palette site for WWII airplanes. Coincidentally, I got the Western Desert itch myself a few weeks ago, and dug out my c.1971 copy of George R. Bradford Armor Camouflage & Markings North Africa 1940 -1943.  The book gives a reasonable overview of the subject for all combatants, including the Italians, and it looks like you can still get copies at a fair price:

https://www.alibris.com/Armor-camouflage-markings-North-Africa-1940-1943-George-Bradford/book/417893

[Helen]

George Bradford's book is a handy reference. Italian Armoured Vehicles of World War Two by Nicola Pignato is also a handy reference to have for vehicle markings albeit similar to the former as reference.

[Sinewgrab]

This is why I hang out on this forum - helpfulness.  Thank you, everyone.  I see a purchase of a book in my future.