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WIP | US MERDC cammo.
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Soviets on manoeuvres!
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 |
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WIP | American units part 1.
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.
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.
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.
The tank the M1 was to replace was the M60A3(USM05). In the mid 80s both types were still in use so;
Next post the Infantry, Artillery and supports.
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 |
M730 Chapparrel and Singer teams in Hummers |
M730 Chapparrel and Singer teams in Hummers |
M1 tank battalion and HQs |
HQ(M1 and M577) |
M1 company |
M1 |
M1 |
M60A3 tank battalion and HQs |
HQ (M60A3 and M577) |
M60A3 company |
M60A3 |
M60A3 |
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WIP| American units part 2
First up are a battalion of M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles (USM 10).
The HQ is an M2 and an M577 and a couple of figures.
Close up of the M2 Bradly by Heroics and Ros.
To go with the M60 tank battalions are an infantry battalion in M113s (USM11).
The HQ is an M113 and an M577
Two battalions worth of infantry all from "US Infantry in new helmets" (M10)
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)
They also have indirect fire support from some mortar carriers. Two types are used, the medium M125(USM54), and the heavier M106(USM20).
Also available are a number of anti tank units. The older M113+TOW(USM16) and the newer M901 Improved TOW Vehicle(USM15).
To support both the Armour and the Infantry are a company of engineers in M35 trucks(USM40)
Heavier engineering equipment comes in the form of an M728 CEV(USM33), an M88 ARV(USM35) and a M60 AVLB(USM37).
Finally all are supported by the artillery. this consists of M901A1 SPGs(USM25) and an M110 A2 SPG(USM22)
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.
M2 Battalion and HQ |
HQ M2 and M577 |
M2 Bradley |
M2 Bradley |
M113s and HQ |
HQ M113 and M577 |
Infantry battalions |
Support Weapons |
M125 and M106 |
M113+TOW(front) and M901 ITV(rear) |
engineer company |
M728 and M88 |
M728 and M88 |
M60 AVLB |
M60 AVLB with bridge removed |
M109s and single M110 |
M109A1s |
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Soviet Artillery
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.
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".
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) |
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Soviet Air Defence units
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).
The ZPU-23 can be found mounted on a number of vehicles.
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.
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.
At battalion/regimental level a combination of vehicle mounted SAMs and mobile AA gun systems are used.
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.
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.
The most basic form of air defence is the ZPU-23 (work in progress).
H&R ZPU-23(SM48). |
H&R ZPU-23(SM48) |
Scotia MTLB+Twin 23mmAA (RM0176) |
Scotia MTLB+Twin23mmAA |
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 |
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 |
Scotia 2S6 SPAA(RM0131) and H&R "2S6M "Tunguska"(SM65) |
Scotia 2S6 SPAA and H&R 2S6M "Tunguska" |
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Soviet Bridging Units.
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 |
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 |
GSP ferry |
GSP ferry |
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Soviet Bridge layers.
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".
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.
Next post Engineers and Engineering vehicles.
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 |
MT55 and TMM bridgelayers |
Bridges deployed. |
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Its that time of year again!
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Soviet Engineering Vehicles.
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.
Scotia also produce two specialist versions of the MTLB . MTLB Engineers vehicle(RM0173) and MTP-LB(RM0172).
Finally to deal with those NATO mine fields we have some MTK 2 Mine Counter Measures vehicles by H&R (SM75)
H&R and Scotia IMR CEV |
H&R and Soctia IMR CEV |
MTP-LP & MTLB Engineers vehicle |
MTP-LB & MTLB Engineers vehicle |
MTK 2 |
MTK 2 |
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Naval Helicopters For Arctic Strike 2013
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.
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Bits and pieces.
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).
Here are a couple of comparison shots between Scotia's BTR60 PB(RM0056) and H&R's(SM16).
I've also got an odd model of a H&R BTR70 (SM15).
Finally some additional fire support for my airborne, a company of H&R ASU85s(SM27).
Next post will possibly be APCs and MICVs, so BTR80s and BMP1s and 2s.
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 |
H&R BTR70 |
H&R BTR7 |
H&R ASU85s |
H&R ASU85s |
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Heroics and Ros BTR60 PA
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Soviet APCs and MICVs. Part 1 BTRs.
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.
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).
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.
From this angle you can see the H&R BTR80 is slightly larger than the Scotia BTR80 A.
My second battalion is all H&R BTR80s, but painted typical soviet green.
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 |
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 |
Scotia BTR80 A and H&R BTR80 |
H&R BTR80 |
H&R BTR80 |
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Soviet APCs and MICVs. Part2 BMPs.
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.
BMP1s(SM09) by H&R
BMP2s(SM10) by H&R
Scotia also do a nice model of a BMP2(RM0052) shown along side the H&R model.
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.
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.
HQs |
H&R BMP1s |
H&R BMP1s |
H&R BMP2s |
H&R BMP2s |
Scotia and H&R BMP2 |
Scotis and H&R BMP3s |
Scotia and H&R BMP3s |
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Support Units.
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.
Anti-Tank consists of SPG9 recoiless rifles and AT4 "Spigot" ATGWs.
Additional Anti-Tank defence may be provided by unit of H&R T12 100mm A/T Guns(SM31).
Air defence consists of hand held SA7 SAMs.
SA7/14 |
SPG9 Recoiless Rifle |
AT4 ATGWs |
H&R T12 A/T |
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BTR60 TACP - WIP
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;
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.
Skytrex BTR60 TACP |
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.
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Airborne Units- BTR-RD
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.
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.
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.
BTR-RD "ROBOT" |
BTR-RD |
BTR-RD |
BTR-RD |
BTR-RD |
2S9 NONA |
2S9 NONA |
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Buildings-WIP
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.
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.
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BTR60 TACP-Finished
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.
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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