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WIP | US MERDC cammo.

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Just started an American force for CWC as additional opponents for my ever growing Soviet hordes. Since I decided to go with a force organised for around about '85, the majority of the units will still be in MERDC. Here are some pics of some H&R M109A1s (code USM 25).I quite like the look of the MERDC but I'm not sure if it's not looking a bit "busy".




 
 

 
Also on the work bench are a couple of H&R KA27 "Helix B" naval helicopters, (code SMA404).



 
 
 
 
Lurking in the back ground is an HQ stand for  my Mech infantry consisting of a M577 and an M2 Bradley, both H&R (code USM 14 and USM 10 respectively).

Soviets on manoeuvres!

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Took some of my Soviet kit to the Grimsby club last week and Malc Johnson, who also runs the club web site, took some pictures. All staged for the camera, they reminded me of the pictures you see of the Soviets on manoeuvres during the cold war.


2S1 Gvozika 122mm spg

More bridging!
Su27 provides fighter cover
Mil8 flight following the road.
Yet more bridging units
2S19 "MSTA-S" spg
Mixed column of FROG 7s and 2S19s

Mil8

WIP | American units part 1.

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After much deliberation I  decided to do an American Army circa 1985 as an opfor to my Soviets. The rules we use at the Grimsby club are the Cold War Commander rules by Peter Jones, and my units are organised with these rules in mind. The orbat I've used is adapted from one listed on the Fire and fury site . All the orbats on this site are easily adapted to CWC, the Soviet ones being very good.  My units are all based in the same way, on 2mm precut mdf, from Warbases. I've found them to be consistent quality wise and their service is also excellent. All the models listed are Heroics and Ros.  

 First up is the CO, Forward Air Controller and Forward Artillery observer.The Co stand consists of an M113 (USM11), an M577(USM14), a Hummer Personnel Carrier(USM42) and 3 figures from the US infantry in New Helmets set (M10) on a 40mmx40mm base. The FAC is a Hummer Personnel Carrier on a 2 pence piece. The FAO come in two types, one is an M113 the other is an M901 Improved TOW Vehicle(USM15) converted into a Fire Support Team(FIST) artillery observer vehicle. This is identical to a M901, it just has more aerials! All on 2p pieces.

CO, FAC and FAOs


 
Looking at the orbat, the Americans didn't seem to go very big on air dfence units. The priciple air defence unit consists of  M730 Chapparral(USM31) and Stinger teams in Hummers. The Stinger teams are from US Infantry Support-New Helmets(M11). The vehicles are mounted on 20mmx40mm bases and the stinger teams on 20mmx20mm bases.


M730 Chapparrel and Singer teams in Hummers
M730 Chapparrel and Singer teams in Hummers

 
 As the US Army was undergoing a number of changes in the mid 80s, with the gradual introduction of new equipment and a general program of improvments, I've organised my Armour accordingly. The most modern tank in the US invantory is the M1 Abrams(USM02). Iam going to have two HQs per tank battalion to give them some flexability. The HQs are an M1 and an M577 on a 30mmx20mm base.

M1 tank battalion and HQs
HQ(M1 and M577)

M1 company

M1

M1
The tank the M1 was to replace was the M60A3(USM05). In the mid 80s both types were still in use so;

M60A3 tank battalion and HQs
 
HQ (M60A3 and M577)
M60A3 company

M60A3


M60A3
Next post the Infantry, Artillery and supports.


WIP| American units part 2

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First up are a battalion of M2 Bradley  Infantry Fighting Vehicles (USM 10).

M2 Battalion and HQ

 
The HQ is an M2 and an M577 and a couple of figures.

HQ M2 and M577

 
Close up of the M2 Bradly by Heroics and Ros.

M2 Bradley

M2 Bradley

 
To go with the M60 tank battalions are an infantry battalion in M113s (USM11).

M113s and HQ
The HQ is an M113 and an M577


HQ M113 and M577
Two battalions worth of infantry all from "US Infantry in new helmets" (M10)

Infantry battalions
The infantry are supported by , from front to back, TOW ATGWs, Heavy Machine guns And Dragon ATGWs.All are from "US Infantry Support-New Helmets"(M11)

Support Weapons
They also have indirect fire support from some mortar carriers. Two types are used, the medium M125(USM54), and the heavier M106(USM20).

M125 and M106
Also available are a number of anti tank units. The older M113+TOW(USM16) and the newer M901 Improved TOW Vehicle(USM15).

M113+TOW(front) and M901 ITV(rear)
To support both the Armour and the Infantry are a company of engineers in M35 trucks(USM40)

engineer company
Heavier engineering equipment comes in the form of an M728 CEV(USM33), an M88 ARV(USM35) and a M60 AVLB(USM37).

M728 and M88

M728 and M88

M60 AVLB

M60 AVLB with bridge removed
 
Finally all are supported by the artillery. this consists of M901A1 SPGs(USM25) and an M110 A2 SPG(USM22)

M109s and single M110

M109A1s
 
That's all the US models on my work bench at the moment, hopefully they'll be ready for a game in January 2013! Still in a bag are a couple of M10 warthogs and 2 Huey Cobras once they're on their flight stands I'll post some pictures. Still need to order three MLRS rocket launchers and some recce and that should be about it.

Soviet Artillery

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I have taken some pictures of my Soviet Artillery. The models are all Heroics&Ros or Scotia . Both offer very good mail order turn around and have  massive ranges to choose from.

H&R D-30(SM32)

H&R D-30(SM32)

 

Scotia D-30(RM0108)
ScotiaD-30(RM0108)
        

H&R 2S1(SM30)


H&R 2S1(SM30)
                                                   
 
H&R 2S3(SM29)

H&R 2S3(SM29)
                                                                                         
Scotia 2S19 MISTA(RM0165)

Scotia 2S19 MISTA(RM0165)
                                                                                                     
H&R BM21(SM35)
H&R BM21(SM35)
 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
Scotia S23 and AT-T tractor(RM0102 and RM0025)

Scotia S23 and AT-T tractor(RM0102 and RM 0025)
                                                                                           
 
Scotia 2S4(RM0157)

Scotia 2S4(RM0157)

Scotia 2S4(RM0157)
                                                                                                                                                                               
H&R FROG 7(SM36)
                                                                          
This covers the regular Soviet field artillery and also the specialist "High Power" artillery in the form of the S23 180mm gun and the 2S4 Sp 240mm mortar. Next time "Soviet Air Defence".

Soviet Air Defence units

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An integrated air defence system forms a crucial part of any modern war games army, even more so if you play Soviets. Generally, unless you are very lucky, your opponent will have partial or full air superiority. This is generally bad news for the Soviet player as the higher command values given to NATO forward air controllers means they are vulnerable to air attack. This is were air defence becomes important.
The most basic form of air defence is the ZPU-23 (work in progress).

H&R ZPU-23(SM48).

H&R ZPU-23(SM48)
The ZPU-23 can be found mounted on a number of vehicles.

Scotia MTLB+Twin 23mmAA (RM0176)

Scotia MTLB+Twin23mmAA
It is also mounted on a BTR-D  to give a BTR-ZD or BTR-3D airborne AA vehicle. These are some conversions for my Soviet Airborne.

H&R BTR-D(SM21)+ZPU-23(SM48)

H&R BTR-D+ZPU-23

The most common air defence units are the hand held SAM teams using SA7/14/etc. these are from H&R M4 Warsaw Pact Infantry Support and M7 Soviet Airborne packs.

SA7 teams

SA7 teams
At  battalion/regimental level a combination of  vehicle mounted SAMs and mobile AA gun systems are used.

H&R ZSU -23-4 "Shilka" (SM37)

ZSU-23-4 "Shilka"

H&R SA9 "Gaskin"(SM42) and Scotia BRDM+SA9(RM0019)

1 H&R SA9 and 3Scotia SA9
H&R SA8 "Gecko"(SM41)

H&R SA8 "Gecko"(SM41)

H&R SA13 "Gopher"(SM43)


H&R SA13"Gopher"(SM43)
H&R SA6"Gainful"(SM40) and Scotia Straight Flush Radar(RM0124)
SA6 and Straight Flush Radar
These next couple of models illustrates how two manufacturers can produce quite different models of the same subject. The biggest difference is the absence of a radar dish and the way the 30mm cannons have been modelled on the Scotia model, also the turret appears a little flat. I much prefer the H&R offering.

Scotia 2S6 SPAA(RM0131) and H&R "2S6M "Tunguska"(SM65)

Scotia 2S6 SPAA and H&R 2S6M "Tunguska"
Some very nice models available from Heroics and Ros and Scotia. I am very impressed with H&R's SA8 "Gecko" and SA13"Gopher" models, very nice multi-part castings.

Soviet Bridging Units.

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The ability to cross water and other obstacles is a must for any modern army, especially one on the attack. Most of my bridging is by Scotia and Skytrex , with a few pieces by Heroics&Ros. Unfortunately Skytrex's recent price rise, coupled with  their high postal charges , now mean they are no longer good value for money compared to other manufacturers. A shame as they did some models not available else where.
Skytrex's TPP Heavy Pontoon Bridge (M775).The models shown are an amalgamation of two packs. The ramps are from the Skytrex MTU bridge layer.
TPP Pontoon Bridge
Deployed
A much nicer offering comes from Scotia and consists of a PMP Bridge Centre Section (RM0022) and a PMP Bridge Ramp Section (RM0023). The two bridging companies each consist of two ramp sections and three centre sections.Scotia also do a nice model of a BMK-T Bridging Boat and truck (RM0099), and a BMK-T bridging Boat, waterline model,(RM0100). The boats are used to nudge and hold the pontoons in place during construction. 



PMP Bridging coys
PMP Bridging coys

Deployed

BMK-T 

BMK-T

BMK-T(waterline)

BMK-T (waterline)


Skytrex also do a model of a PTS-M heavy amphibian but this is incorrectly described as a BTS-M Heavy Amphibian (M773). A useful model as they are also used by Soviet Naval Infantry units.
(P)BTS-M

(P)BTS-M
Finally Skytrex model a GSP Amphibious Ferry (M774). I decided to model this as a deployed waterline model, after grinding away with a dremel for 20 minutes. As it stands the models cannot easily be shown in the travelling configuration as the base of the model that forms the upper section is lacking in detail and had a manufacturers code cast into it. A shame as I don't think any one else makes one.

GSP ferry

GSP ferry
   As you can see I don't paint water! Next post will be Tank bridges and then Engineering units.

Soviet Bridge layers.

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In addition to the Bridging and amphibious units I also have some bridgelayers to deal with small rivers and streams as well as tank ditches etc. Once again a mixture of manufacturers.
Skytrex produce a MTU Bridgelayer (M721). This appears to be a MTU 20. I've left the folding ramps off to make it more "playable".
MTU Bridgelayer
Heroics and Ros produce an MT55 Bridgelayer (SM47). Scotia make a nice model of a TMM Bridgelayer (RM0024), which are often found with non armoured units.
MT55 and TMM bridgelayers

Bridges deployed.
Next post Engineers and Engineering vehicles.

Its that time of year again!

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Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Lets hope Santa leaves lots of  lead goodies under the tree!                                                                                                        

Soviet Engineering Vehicles.

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To compliment the bridging units and also deal with other engineering tasks the soviets use a number of specialist vehicles. First up are the H&R(SM83) and Scotia(RM0027) versions of the T55 based IMR combat engineers vehicle .Both are nice models though the Scotia model is a fraction larger than the H&R offering, in keeping with the rest of their tanks.
H&R and Scotia IMR CEV

H&R and Soctia IMR CEV
Scotia also produce two specialist versions of the MTLB . MTLB Engineers vehicle(RM0173) and MTP-LB(RM0172).
MTP-LP & MTLB Engineers vehicle

MTP-LB & MTLB Engineers vehicle

Finally to deal with those NATO mine fields we have some MTK 2 Mine Counter Measures vehicles by H&R (SM75)
MTK 2

MTK 2

Naval Helicopters For Arctic Strike 2013

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Having had these on the go for a while I thought it was time to get these finished. A pair of KA27-"HELIX B" helicopters (SMA404) by Heroics&Ros. These will be used to support my Soviet Naval Infantry brigade, either as transport or fire support depending on the situation. They can also be used to insert my Spetsnaz/Naval Combat Divers special forces units prior to a beach assault.
H&R KA27-"Helix B"

H&R KA27-"Helix-B"
Combined with a Yak 38 "Forger" these complete my aircraft for my Naval units.

Bits and pieces.

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I was fortunate to get given some new models for Christmas. I've even managed to get some finished as well as based and under coated. Being in basic Soviet green these models can be finished quite quickly. With Arctic Strike in mind I've cracked on with another infantry battalion, this time in Heroics&Ros BTR60s(SM16). 3 infantry companies, an ATGW platoon and a SPG9 recoilless rifle platoon as well as an HQ.The HQ consists of a BTR-60PA command vehicle (SM77) and a BRDM2u command vehicle (SM78).
BTR60 battalion


BTR60 company  and support company to the rear.
BRDM2u and BTR60 PA


 Here are a couple of comparison shots between Scotia's BTR60 PB(RM0056) and H&R's(SM16).

Scotia and H&R BTR60s

Scotia and H&R BTR60s
I've also got an odd model of a H&R BTR70 (SM15).
H&R BTR70

H&R BTR7

  
 Finally some additional fire support for my airborne, a company of H&R ASU85s(SM27).
H&R ASU85s

H&R ASU85s
Next post will possibly be APCs and MICVs, so BTR80s and BMP1s and 2s.

Heroics and Ros BTR60 PA

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A quick picture of the H&R BTR60 PA (SM77), to show the components. Assembly is quite straight forward as long as the longer "T" shaped part of the aerial has cast fully. If not it could be replaced with wire or, as I've done gently bend the shorter "T" pieces back so they contact.
BTR60 PA
  

Soviet APCs and MICVs. Part 1 BTRs.

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The Soviet and WarPac armies of the '80s employed a variety of wheeled and tracked armoured personal carriers to enable their infantry to keep pace with their tanks. As a result of their more complex design and increased cost there were never enough tracked APCs to fulfil the armies requirements. Wheeled APCs continued to be the most common form of transport for many units, the most common of which was the BTR60. For pictures of my BTR60s and solitary BTR70 see my earlier post http://littleleadarmsrace.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/bits-and-pieces.html . The next in the BTR family is the BTR80. These form the basis of 2 of my 3 Motor Rifle Battalions, which also double up for Naval Infantry. 
 The CO stand consists of a BTR80 UR Sn Command vehicle(SM90), a BTR60 PA Cmmd(SM77) and a BRDM 2u(SM78) all by Heroics And Ros.

CO Stand
 The 2 Hq stands consist of  a BTR80 UR Sn(SM90) and a H&R BRDM2(SM22). The other is a Scotia BTR80U(Rm0167) and a H&R GAZ69 field car(SM49).


HQ stands

The first battalion consists of Scotia BTR80 A+25mm cannon(RM0168). Technically these didn't enter service till the '90s, but I'd got the models before doing any proper research. I've also added a pair of H&R BTR80s(SM66) for the support companies.  



BTR80 A

BTR80 A
From this angle you can see the H&R BTR80 is slightly larger than the Scotia BTR80 A.


Scotia BTR80 A and H&R BTR80
My second battalion is all H&R BTR80s, but painted typical soviet green.



H&R BTR80

H&R BTR80







Soviet APCs and MICVs. Part2 BMPs.

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When the first BMP appeared in 1967 it caused a real stir amongst NATO observers. Here was the first Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicle, one which would influence military design for decades to come. I have three Motor Rifle (BMP) battalions, equivalent to a regiment. One is in BMP1s and Two are in the more capable BMP2s. The first HQ consists of a BMP-1 KSH Command(SM76) and a BMP1(SM09). The second HQ is a BMP2(SM10)  with a few infantry figures, all by H&R.

HQs
BMP1s(SM09) by H&R



H&R BMP1s

H&R BMP1s
BMP2s(SM10) by H&R


H&R BMP2s
H&R BMP2s
Scotia also do a nice model of a BMP2(RM0052) shown along side the H&R model.

Scotia and H&R BMP2
Finally pictures of a Scotia BMP3(RM0143) with a  H&R BMP3(SM64). The BMP3 is the latest incarnation of the BMP family and appeared in 1990, too late to see service during the Cold War.

Scotis and H&R BMP3s
Scotia and H&R BMP3s
The Sotia model is quite a bit larger than the H&R offering so probably wouldn't mix well together. That said both are very good models with plenty of detail.

Support Units.

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These are the extra units found as part of a BTR based motor rifle battalion and form the anti tank and air defence companies. All figures are Heroics And Ros, and are from packs M4 Warsaw pact support and M7 Soviet Airborne( SPG9s).
Air defence consists of hand held SA7 SAMs.

SA7/14
Anti-Tank consists of SPG9 recoiless rifles and AT4 "Spigot" ATGWs. 

SPG9 Recoiless Rifle

AT4 ATGWs
Additional Anti-Tank defence may be provided by unit of H&R T12 100mm A/T Guns(SM31).

H&R T12 A/T 

BTR60 TACP - WIP

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Having a couple of spare BTR60s  I thought I might have a go at making a pair of Tactical Air Command Post variants.  Google failed to turn up many images, but a visit to the Skytrex website turned up this;

Skytrex  BTR60 TACP
After a bit of a chop about  I've come up with these;






Simply remove the MG and place a flat piece of plastic card on the front of the turret. The support for the auxiliary generator is a piece of thin plastic card bent at 90 degrees and glued in place. I took a bit of a liberty with the generators and used square plastic rod and a few off cuts to make them more interesting. I'll post some more pictures once they are finished.

Airborne Units- BTR-RD

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With the up coming Arctic Strike game I decided to try a  conversion of a BTR-D into a BTR-RD "Robot" anti tank vehicle for my Soviet Airborne anti tank company.


BTR-RD "ROBOT"
 This was quite a simple conversion as it only consisted of adding the missile tube and launch post to a H&R BTR-D(SM21). This was done using a piece of brass rod and a off cut of plastic rod.
BTR-RD

BTR-RD



BTR-RD

BTR-RD
  Also in use by the Soviet Airborne, and later on Soviet Naval Infantry units, are the 2S9  "NONA-S" 120mm  Airborne Mortar carrier (SM70). These are also by H&R.

2S9 NONA
2S9  NONA 

Buildings-WIP

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I've been working on a few buildings recently. One piece is a generic office block for our club games, the other a specialist mini diorama for Arctic Strike in April.
The office block started as a Hovels Russian block of flats 9R/300 from their 1/300th range.   This may be old model as it does not have the quality of detailing and sharpness of casting found with manufacturers such as Timecast. That said there were  virtually no bubbles or blows to clean up and the base had been trimmed nice and flat. After mounting on an MDF base painting didn't take long, the fiddliest bits being the windows. Subconsciously I've used the same colours as the Hovels model on the website! The hedge is pan scourer painted green. All I  have left to do is add some cars and make a suitable looking company sign.




The field repair and maintenance section for my soviets is intended for the Arctic Strike game at Crisis Point 2 in April. I've tried to show the maintenance section utilising an abandoned farm or industrial site. The open fronted shed is scratch built from plastic card, the railings are N scale fencing and the tree home made using Woodland scenics tree armatures and foliage. The tanks are Scotia that I've had lying around for ages so I'm not sure of the codes.




 . The vehicle towing the tank is a Scotia M1977 Arv(RM0067), although I think it looks like a BTT1.. The other recovery vehicle is a Scotia T55 ARV(SM0066).  Still need to add some figures and camo net over the Scotia Ural 375 with the workshop Body(RM0071) and it's completed.

BTR60 TACP-Finished

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Finlay finished the two  BTR60 tactical air command post (TACP) conversions  I started a while back. These will be used as forward air controllers for my soviets. They would usually only have the one but in a very large game two might be justified.




Part of the back edge of the base is painted sky blue to signify their "air controller" roll. This also helps distinguish them from my artillery observers who have a red flash on the back edge of their bases.
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