Late War Project

[Wilkins]

I've decided to dabble in some 20mm late war Russians. I'm currently painting a batch of T 34-85s and would like to get some tank riders. In terms of unit composition for the riders, what size would a unit be and how would they be equipped? Also, how many to a tank?

With regard to opponents, what tanks were Germany commonly fielding in 1945? I'm leaning towards doing something around the crossing of the Oder and into Berlin.

Any advice would be appreciated!

[von Lucky]

Off the top of my head, fr Soviet tank riders I'd say as many as you want - around 27 for a platoon. Armed mostly with SMGs and about 5 to a tank. I'll wait for someone with more knowledge t answer those questions better.

For the Germans I'll say you can't go wrong with Panzer IVs, Panthers and a Tiger (I or II).

[tomek917]

I've decided to dabble in some 20mm late war Russians. I'm currently painting a batch of T 34-85s and would like to get some tank riders. In terms of unit composition for the riders, what size would a unit be and how would they be equipped? Also, how many to a tank?

No clear answer to this one but the Wikipedia article on Tank desant said:
Heavy tank, 10-12 soldiers
Medium tank, 8-10 soldiers
Light tank, 5-6 soldiers
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tank_desant
Seems correct to me afteer googling around a bit. As for equipment I would say all SMGs and probably an LMG in each squad.

With regard to opponents, what tanks were Germany commonly fielding in 1945? I'm leaning towards doing something around the crossing of the Oder and into Berlin.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Don't forget Hetzers and Stugs, plenty of those around 

[V]

We use 8 SMG armed figures in a tank riding section in Battlegroup Fall of the Reich, I think from memory.

As for Germans... at that point, whatever you fancy. 

[jon_1066]

The Soviets are more likely to encounter German Assault Guns and Tank Destroyers than actual tanks by this stage of the war - so things like the Hertzer, Stug III and IV, etc

[Wilkins]

Now with pictures;






This is my first attempt at 20mm but I quite enjoyed doing it. Any corrections/advice always happy to listen!

And thank you all for your advice, really appreciate it. I have a couple more of these to paint, some tank riders and then can start working out a proper list once Fall of the Reich arrives!

[von Lucky]

Very nice, particularly the hand painted stripe. Do you normally paint larger or smaller scale WWII?

[AJ at the Bank]

Really nice weathering!
Great work.
Thanks for sharing
AJ

[Wilkins]

I normally paint 28s, I also tried with 15s but didn't really like them.

20mm seems like a reasonable compromise between detail and price!

[Wilkins]

It may seem like I have done basically nothing since I last posted but I've painted three Saxons and...



...magnetized my tank riders so they can be taken off the tank (before it explodes)

[von Lucky]

Hard to see - you magnetised each one?!

[Wilkins]

Well at least the magnets are well hidden. That gives you a rough idea of what I've been up to. It took longer than I'm proud of because I glued the magnets down, forgetting they have poles... Started again soon after

[von Lucky]

Still crazy (I thought you drilled the tank half magnet into the outside of the tank).

You know every game you play with the tank they'll never have to jump off/die, right?

[Wilkins]

Yeah, they're on Russian tanks. I fully expect them to explode before I need to get them off the tank

[von Lucky]

It's a wargaming law. Like the first game with newly painted figures that will usually die in the first 5 minutes.