Summer Progress

So I've managed to get some stuff finished since the last post. I've even stayed roughly on target this time, and not got distracted with a new project!


First up are 4 Shermans and a command stand, so all my Desert British are painted

Secondly is this Parachute Artillery Battery of 75mm M1A1 Pack Howitzers, which means I only have the Glider Rifle Infantry to paint, to finish off my US Para force.

Next up is going to be the Chieftains or SU-76s from the last post.

Modelling update and WIP

Throught I'd just post a general hobby update this time, I don't have anything complete to show at the moment.

So the next batch of hobby and modelling stuff is under way (which is handy as this lock down has led to more models appearing on my door step for some reason. I guess it's helping the economy?).

So here is my workbench. In progress I have:
4 Desert Shermans tanks
4 Chieftain tanks
A US Parachute Artillery Battery (4 x 75mm Pack howitzers, staff team, HQ and observer team)
5 SU-76
Soviet SMG team (To replace a lost stand)
Desert Command team
2 Van Saar gangers

This is largely wrapping up a couple of my armies (till I buy more....). With the Shermans and command team complete, that's all my desert models painted (There might be some more artillery at some point as well).

Meanwhile, the Chieftains are the last of my Team Yankee British to do.

Completing the artillery, will mean the US force will only have 1 platoon left to paint (the glider rifle platoon).

The Van Saars will complete Necromunda (again). Both are duplicates, but they bulk out the Van Saar gang, who are looking a little undermanned, compared to the Eschers.

Here are the SU-76s. Completing them will not get me much closer to finishing the Soviets, but they are a useful unit to have, as well as being a common historical vehicle.

A word of warning about the Plastic Soldier Company kit, while it has the crew (Unlike it's Zvezda competitor), PSC messed up and the radiator vent was omitted from the sprue. This has led to the modification I had to make here, removing the mounting lugs, using 2x2x14mm length plastic strip to replicate the part, then painstakingly pressing in the grill detail using a scriber. It does at least give some texture to the top however, as well as adding an important bit of detail.

Finally I bought a new train set..... I picked up Bachmann's Midland Marvel set of eBay. While not cheap it was cheaper than I could buy the components. This has given me a set of 2nd radius track, whih I've used to form an outer loop on the gaming table for the time being, while plans for the loft are ongoing. More on that in another post.

Here you can see the new train (Fowler 3F 0-6-0) with my other goods wagons, and also my Fowler 2P 4-4-0. The 2P has finally had it's cab hand rails fitted, after I picked some up off eBay (see I completed something!).