tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69930281908136810252024-03-17T23:02:54.789-04:00Irishserb's Miniatures Adventureirishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.comBlogger517125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-35523830239589264242024-03-02T01:31:00.000-05:002024-03-02T01:31:02.865-05:00A Quick Note<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Despite having the next battle in my Barbarossa campaign set up on my table for more than a week, peace has spread across my miniature world, as some stuff at work is simply consuming all of my time. So, I just wanted to say that I'm not dead yet, and will return to blogging about pushing around toy soldiers as soon as things let up a bit. Until then, I'm going to be a little scarce.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Stay safe out there.</span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-15071526160267164522024-02-10T21:28:00.003-05:002024-02-10T21:28:40.373-05:00On the Painting Table<p><span style="font-family: arial;">After getting kidnapped by work for a few days. I'm catching up on the hobby again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In my last post, I mentioned painting some miniatures. For the last few weeks, about every third or fourth day, I've been doing a little assembling, priming, painting, etc., as time permits.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Most of the miniatures are 15mm vehicles for (what else?) Barbarossa. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">There are a bunch of German Pz II, Pz III, and Pz IV models in process, all my own casts. Some of these were made from "blowout" parts with occasional bubbles and whatnot. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Pz IIs and Pz IIIs are almost done with most of the Pz IIIs being E-models with the 5cm L42 gun and a couple having the older 3.7cm gun. The Panzer IIs are mostly "F" models and some earlier types as well. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbAfLvY45uQnAYiuSXkNXICqp2D6noyG5uz59PEV57bHPHLOkwVY4EOnsx92VtE-wyBYU4_6vGuX6ycN-agQ-QE_aAwljxSOJoOyZAR-Tq9fLBRSkZjk9CAD17vVPXahtFD5eSg-JMgHOmtuConkbI7R6L83bcvP_ZhS7e44Mj9JcCA3ZUftDcdEE6CtKk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="720" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbAfLvY45uQnAYiuSXkNXICqp2D6noyG5uz59PEV57bHPHLOkwVY4EOnsx92VtE-wyBYU4_6vGuX6ycN-agQ-QE_aAwljxSOJoOyZAR-Tq9fLBRSkZjk9CAD17vVPXahtFD5eSg-JMgHOmtuConkbI7R6L83bcvP_ZhS7e44Mj9JcCA3ZUftDcdEE6CtKk=w400-h328" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pz III E</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_OTKDSZpwXsyY0IU16eQTi98d5esoj_I21bnMuf16AlbXqLJfSuWZPeAHf_WUkEKC224_oALzYxIyQDJHNRC1H5nvPt6q2G9kf29LzuPxtxaEorBZdRpECShOvQ-6ZMb7LIfQqAnzWHyskh7bBDeDx0jCWCsUYvADYX_YQYfLdHEUtGRXqxQzuCvSj4ni" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="720" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_OTKDSZpwXsyY0IU16eQTi98d5esoj_I21bnMuf16AlbXqLJfSuWZPeAHf_WUkEKC224_oALzYxIyQDJHNRC1H5nvPt6q2G9kf29LzuPxtxaEorBZdRpECShOvQ-6ZMb7LIfQqAnzWHyskh7bBDeDx0jCWCsUYvADYX_YQYfLdHEUtGRXqxQzuCvSj4ni=w400-h291" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pz IIs F and B models, a couple Sdkfz 251D, and </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pz IVDs behind them.</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">There are also some Soviet tanks, mostly a mix of my own and Gaming Models casts: three T-35s, a couple of T-28s (there will be more), 10x T-26Ss (my second sculpt ever 36 years ago, and yet to see the games table), three BA-10 (I think) armored cars (these are old, like 1980s vintage, not sure of the make), a single KV-1, and a Soviet truck. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxZs5VdODqSpRiQbCpcKd0mMi21-lAdPriy9PQXxe-UzJgzn56UFox0_Z34gzFokUrBRVIs1xTJpI1-ZCVDiF5W7H3PPQz3B3EK490WxCCXP6403MZRWpKYu-GigJomZ0mdcFn0yfNPCcYV4K3VobB3M4RALITNlsyMMb0uhQ-TWU84KBJN8sEh8MwxAzS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="720" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxZs5VdODqSpRiQbCpcKd0mMi21-lAdPriy9PQXxe-UzJgzn56UFox0_Z34gzFokUrBRVIs1xTJpI1-ZCVDiF5W7H3PPQz3B3EK490WxCCXP6403MZRWpKYu-GigJomZ0mdcFn0yfNPCcYV4K3VobB3M4RALITNlsyMMb0uhQ-TWU84KBJN8sEh8MwxAzS=w400-h302" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">T-26S (center), with a KV1 and a KV2 turret mostly </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">hidden behind it.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPTBeHt5S99bwwimwVFHmeDVXLpqdvKtyO-zB58TZxlHYh_v9a2oC9a99oUbcvX8M5k8lVIig6w04EAiuukGrCS7pOpAateP3p7q7Y2qm1ef2X5dO2_Tp1zcxYGNQx1CnUHKrBEBCR5BJnY28Qm1YnACIuFAcPqQJWdEygyD--OReqkf9ODT9h-6sfu_8f" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="720" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPTBeHt5S99bwwimwVFHmeDVXLpqdvKtyO-zB58TZxlHYh_v9a2oC9a99oUbcvX8M5k8lVIig6w04EAiuukGrCS7pOpAateP3p7q7Y2qm1ef2X5dO2_Tp1zcxYGNQx1CnUHKrBEBCR5BJnY28Qm1YnACIuFAcPqQJWdEygyD--OReqkf9ODT9h-6sfu_8f=w400-h297" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">T-35s, T-28s, three BA-10s, a Soviet truck, and a stray </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dingo.</div><br />That Dingo has been waiting for paint since about 1989</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Additionally, about twenty-five Star Trek starships are in process, most being Federation ships. A couple are 1980s vintage Task Force Games ships; the Federation tug and a dreadnaught both required a good cleaning and some repair before priming. A bunch are <a href="https://studiobergstrom.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=20">Studio Burgstrom</a> (beautiful models, no flash, easy to assemble) and the classic Lou Zocchi models all now primed and in various states of base coat. The base station is from Amarillo Design Bureau, and the three Reliants are from the "clicky" game. The Klingons get a little bump too, with three more Bergstrom Klingon cruisers, and three smaller IKS Gunboats from<a href="https://www.shapeways.com/shops/space-facade"> Space Facade</a> on Shapways. These are all in various stages of receiving their base hull colors.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJsHQJHE8QTu4s55iVDnkBFaDmTbCsTjW4E-3B1IGj-F-747X1sIyGz2Sj3vycbSlpNrAxh9-p0Jd1BqiO66AWHgxqnwgmdpqnZinU_lFMx_GV8JsOQ6ThebszKQh2KtbSw-hE1LZcdszCu5PCabMu2M7HI8lMDRlr3TiUMlcNvTjgQu4axVotw1YSVuxu" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="720" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJsHQJHE8QTu4s55iVDnkBFaDmTbCsTjW4E-3B1IGj-F-747X1sIyGz2Sj3vycbSlpNrAxh9-p0Jd1BqiO66AWHgxqnwgmdpqnZinU_lFMx_GV8JsOQ6ThebszKQh2KtbSw-hE1LZcdszCu5PCabMu2M7HI8lMDRlr3TiUMlcNvTjgQu4axVotw1YSVuxu=w400-h234" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Most of the Bergstrom models appear to be from the TOS period or a little earlier, resembling some of the "Axanar" style ships, and I'll be going two different directions with them, using them both as traditional classes from Star Fleet Battles in bigger fleet and campaign games, and also doing up SFB style SSDs to play in the pre-TOS Klingon War (4-Years War) games in the Axanar (-ish) setting.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For 6mm Operation Barbarossa, my GHQ order arrived today, so I can get the German trucks painted up for my campaign battle west of Lvov. I might be able to get those done tomorrow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And, graced by a little bit of luck, early this week, my neighbor's cat got into our garage and knocked over a stack foam that had been on a table in the corner, probably since about 1998. Most of it was 2" foam cut for a project that didn't happen, but part of it was a bunch of long forgotten 1/2" thick pre-cut tiIes, perfect for river sections. I'm hoping to get the new river tiles done by next weekend.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That's it for now, stay safe out there.</span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-30829503612065972782024-02-04T08:33:00.001-05:002024-02-04T08:33:40.302-05:00Big Surprise... (Operation Barbarossa)<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> ...the German offensive is being slowed by lots of rivers and a lack of trucks. </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I've actually been planning to build a set of wider river tiles since last September, but all of my local suppliers have stopped carrying the blue Dow-Corning foam board. I had been holding off, hoping to discover an alternate source.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My preference for the blue board is caused by the pink Owens-Corning product always being thicker than advertised, usually pretty uniform, but about 1/16" over adversied thickness, and the green gray Lowes brand varies within the sheet from as much as 1/16" over to 1/16" under listed thickness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Historically, the blue stuff tends to be pretty uniform and very close to listed thickness. The other stuff requires notable extra work and mess to avoid creating "steps" in my terrain. In some of my game photos, you can see some of tiles that were completed in the past, before I noticed these differences in thickness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I had been putting off making the new terrain, including the river, until I could find some blue foam, or make the longer trip to get the pink stuff. Lowes is by far the easiest store for me to get to, but I keep measuring the foam thickness, and theirs is simply never uniform, varying as much as 1/8" in a given sheet, and creating a lot of extra work or wasted foam.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Four of the five remaining battles in this first series of German attacks involve a river crossing requiring some new terrain, which I figured that I'd make over the this past week and next, but work has gotten in the way. I will likely be able to pick up some foam late this week and get that moving along. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">To keep the campaign moving, I intended to get the battle west of Lvov on the table yesterday, then discovered that I had a significant shortage of German trucks, given the forces that happen to be present, so sent off an order for more trucks (plus a couple of other bits that I need). So until more trucks arrive, the Germans have been temporarily brought to a halt.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday was a bit of a write off, as I spent the day recovering from a rather laborious week at work. I am officially old. I finally did some honest work for a few days and none of my hinges want to bend. Yesterday, it hurt just to try and hold a miniature to paint. Sad. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Today I feel a little better, so if nothing else, the break in Russia will give me a chance to paint some figs.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And with any luck, I'll be able to get the battle near Lvov going maybe as soon as next Sunday.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Stay young out there!!</span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-54292126680038584262024-01-28T09:59:00.000-05:002024-01-28T09:59:28.292-05:00Barbarossa, Turn 1, June: AAR 3 - Lithuanian Border West of Kaunas<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Fire in the East map, hex 2822, Lithuanian border, somewhat west of Kaunas. German and Soviet reconnaissance forces clash in the opening minutes of the offensive:</span></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">The German forces advance across the border on their bicycles, leaving the unmanned checkpoint behind them, they passed through a forested area and approached a small bridge. Maybe a thousand meters ahead of them where some farm buildings, and likely Soviet forces. The young lietenant looked skyward on hearing the engine noise above him, and felt comfort in seeing the Messerschmitts high above.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking through his binoculars, he scanned the farm for signs of the enemy and wondered what lie ahead.</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">German Forces</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Elements of the 2nd Recce Btln, 2nd Infantry Division</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1x Recce Compny (Bicycle)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span>1x CHQ w/ HQ section, 2x MG sections, Kubelwagen, Truck</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> 3x Recce Pltn w/ PHQ, 3x Recce Section, 1x ATR</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> 1x Support Pltn w/ PHQ, 3x 5cm Mortar</span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;">1x Recce Support Company</span></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> 1x HQ section, Kubelwagen</span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> 1x ATG Pltn w/ 3x 3.7cm PaK 36, 3x Truck</span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> 1x Gun Pltn w/ 2x 7.5cm IG 18, 2x truck</span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> 1x Arm. Car Pltn w/ 2x Kfz 13</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQ1jv-_sPKTx4_vVTYyDz5a5FVfWISI64YNhIq_0rr2svQRrAkV4RRC43_u5m-pPCQ9Ev7uohDPoZqzemF6XWmmYH_9E7PDsrFKAm5_NB5H5JBWGif4GEeHzaRkmprBKJAo4F5zQK5dCpt5F61u-uoci7AUYJD-nOuPqPxFVdahoaqGZZFcCyC3sIUH-RT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="720" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQ1jv-_sPKTx4_vVTYyDz5a5FVfWISI64YNhIq_0rr2svQRrAkV4RRC43_u5m-pPCQ9Ev7uohDPoZqzemF6XWmmYH_9E7PDsrFKAm5_NB5H5JBWGif4GEeHzaRkmprBKJAo4F5zQK5dCpt5F61u-uoci7AUYJD-nOuPqPxFVdahoaqGZZFcCyC3sIUH-RT=w400-h224" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Support Company (left) and Bicycle Company (right)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Soviet Forces</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The 9th Recce Company and 11th NKVD Company greet the Germans.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">9th Recce Company</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> 1x CHQ w/ HQ section</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> 3x Recce Pltn w/ PHQ, 3x Recce Section, 1x 5cm Mortar, 3x Truck</span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;">11 NKVD Company</span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> 1x CHQ w/ HQ section</span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> 3x NKVD Rifle Pltn w/ PHQ, 3x Rifle Section</span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPdDoHZYP4rPBtXS0T1zmXVw25S2vTTS5fQoneHnXSl2OQgtYhxIuSdJL42EOxvv-_T3Gbmw4GjYrsqnycSettuEJBF5OUIaWsopZ-NRLJpCI8QBsdG1V6lx9KFq-6oH2jFTGCIDv45CuGqZLngfm7Q0Ym1VYR-h5TpeteAYK9EM-TIEUrhYE0wuKecvfQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="720" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPdDoHZYP4rPBtXS0T1zmXVw25S2vTTS5fQoneHnXSl2OQgtYhxIuSdJL42EOxvv-_T3Gbmw4GjYrsqnycSettuEJBF5OUIaWsopZ-NRLJpCI8QBsdG1V6lx9KFq-6oH2jFTGCIDv45CuGqZLngfm7Q0Ym1VYR-h5TpeteAYK9EM-TIEUrhYE0wuKecvfQ=w400-h204" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">9th recce Company (left) and 11 NKVD Company (right)</span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><span><span><span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The Battlefield</span><p></p><p><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;">The battlefield is located in FitE map hex 2822, </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;">slightly east of the border with East Prussia and west of Kaunas.</span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHYlqqKHT8KjgGpb9pC-qLpA_pR1QOnT8nRP0TfwH1EXxic04x9HNJIQl6rHdEGTaamBzQQNH1zgvwEv5jH9WBxvXbgE1eT_9t9lS2wXwYhqpv4QkLT-ILU2jL1kqoVPx6W1jteG0Wzots1gHiFe96aeiKBYj1YTVPsOBvk6ji-L7231KBoObWUiVnBl3Z" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="460" data-original-width="720" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHYlqqKHT8KjgGpb9pC-qLpA_pR1QOnT8nRP0TfwH1EXxic04x9HNJIQl6rHdEGTaamBzQQNH1zgvwEv5jH9WBxvXbgE1eT_9t9lS2wXwYhqpv4QkLT-ILU2jL1kqoVPx6W1jteG0Wzots1gHiFe96aeiKBYj1YTVPsOBvk6ji-L7231KBoObWUiVnBl3Z=w400-h255" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">German view of the battlefield looking east.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVyuo7poQef0kTt8mg-mu5mHZiQ473IAxXFIhfGmD9OTTygprS2OVJL9DohIglX8DSgjlunykEfeFqcicoFDqQyvBwBZTi9vmbrUdy7sGydA8CaIxSLND8IxyNJrYYKmJQi4a6gUpy9-p3n_YlP6_MPtsyWNMski1PIKkeBJX0d2M0y1TJXfFopv-0kara" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="720" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVyuo7poQef0kTt8mg-mu5mHZiQ473IAxXFIhfGmD9OTTygprS2OVJL9DohIglX8DSgjlunykEfeFqcicoFDqQyvBwBZTi9vmbrUdy7sGydA8CaIxSLND8IxyNJrYYKmJQi4a6gUpy9-p3n_YlP6_MPtsyWNMski1PIKkeBJX0d2M0y1TJXfFopv-0kara=w400-h281" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Soviet view looking west.<br /><br /></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Battle</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Soviet NNKVD Company was deployed south of the road at the eastern edge of a lightly forested area surrounded by farm fields. The Recce Company was deployed north of the central road along foliage lines separating farm fields. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEin2M7q6kyXHMESeI0tgOimv4yN0KOIwDNs6Gg84WxznxCb7LAxS7DjvfloQYjxC7XsUIH9zLe96Jd3oGw60qfEPNaB-6CS8Wcl7qpyj05l1RkxSErlPCm3_7NLjtyVSxa4sEVFCgKM4vAacEH33bHrixzGbgfLIeGfFIwgGctOrzGXQd2PHIdcCprkUvur" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="720" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEin2M7q6kyXHMESeI0tgOimv4yN0KOIwDNs6Gg84WxznxCb7LAxS7DjvfloQYjxC7XsUIH9zLe96Jd3oGw60qfEPNaB-6CS8Wcl7qpyj05l1RkxSErlPCm3_7NLjtyVSxa4sEVFCgKM4vAacEH33bHrixzGbgfLIeGfFIwgGctOrzGXQd2PHIdcCprkUvur=w400-h279" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">View looking to the northeast, showing NKVD troops dug south </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">of the east-west road.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG3rlwZ6q-RFgWGria1PCxaf1TIhKgEBiSW3wQaYlQcJ6V53_KRnnMWfKHCBiPrw0NKriQsgjMZ_U9Jc2GE2L6-lqXUHkhUEQx7ox0u0Sz8yuCoToqJ0oKYWBGTzoSrsRs81CJ0LLT4HTCV1fs2OG41bNaE9KpdDWc_OFpFxIbR0IL6Gu9mltg9rSNFxZP" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="720" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG3rlwZ6q-RFgWGria1PCxaf1TIhKgEBiSW3wQaYlQcJ6V53_KRnnMWfKHCBiPrw0NKriQsgjMZ_U9Jc2GE2L6-lqXUHkhUEQx7ox0u0Sz8yuCoToqJ0oKYWBGTzoSrsRs81CJ0LLT4HTCV1fs2OG41bNaE9KpdDWc_OFpFxIbR0IL6Gu9mltg9rSNFxZP=w400-h225" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Soviet Recce Company spread thin in the foliage lines </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">separating fields north of the road.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The Germans advanced along the road, lead by the bicycle company of the 2nd Recce Btln of the 2nd ID. Just the first German troops started to cross the little bridge of the creek, they spotted the Soviet Recce troops just north of the road and immediately started to deploy off road.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpYKZ36qwb18k84p3wSiyV_Xf7k6V_R5FLaKUSeJgJNO0ADH38q-VC8XFZLghRgD8RhYaxXnHKZrsr8T_Ig0A1XJA71xZ0bLo08CrUn62sxObD81Xnk6EpXPdBhaysyVad69KBhC2-G5D3UVO16IddWhKE14x2KYUVDs2rOTE33h1BP1pyhm98EBXt8Iem" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="720" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpYKZ36qwb18k84p3wSiyV_Xf7k6V_R5FLaKUSeJgJNO0ADH38q-VC8XFZLghRgD8RhYaxXnHKZrsr8T_Ig0A1XJA71xZ0bLo08CrUn62sxObD81Xnk6EpXPdBhaysyVad69KBhC2-G5D3UVO16IddWhKE14x2KYUVDs2rOTE33h1BP1pyhm98EBXt8Iem=w400-h313" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">German troops advance east, the blurred sides of the bridge </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">straddling the road in the distance above.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />One platoon of bicycle troops deployed immediately north of the bridge, while two platoons moved south. Both German company HQs deployed a little behind the trees to the north of the bridge, while the 7.5cm infantry guns deployed along the stream ahead of the HQ sections, and the 3.7cm anti-tank guns advanced to support the bicycle troops south of the road. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The two Kfz 13 armored cars were temporarily held at the HQs, and two batteries of 10.5cm artillery awaited fire support orders.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD-1JzSwnIWUzYLQW1sIl4NAd2QQu89oTe89PI6yTctTU8m0KN6OlgwCTTvRRysaxrYlniPlH1tAzeHq-EEtIy52Apwj-Woy8EA3IrKsBP8T5Df-9yWXOOBeWQlIdpt1SuDJj4_4Y4zH8NC73rV-viisE1UZ8V3p6eidq0_6Og5V8JWkaUfmvO9ZfOo7td" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD-1JzSwnIWUzYLQW1sIl4NAd2QQu89oTe89PI6yTctTU8m0KN6OlgwCTTvRRysaxrYlniPlH1tAzeHq-EEtIy52Apwj-Woy8EA3IrKsBP8T5Df-9yWXOOBeWQlIdpt1SuDJj4_4Y4zH8NC73rV-viisE1UZ8V3p6eidq0_6Og5V8JWkaUfmvO9ZfOo7td=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">German forces deploying and advancing.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The bicycle troops south of the bridge advanced from one field line to the next, until taking fire from the tree line in front of them. Additionally, they took fire from Soviet recce troops north of the road, but took no casualties.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Soviet recce troops started to receive fire from the German 10.5cm batteries and quickly took casualties at their southernmost point. Immediately after this, the bicycle troops to the south started to take more fire from the tree line and the 10.5cm guns were re-directed to fire there.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQqEr_WhiEMf24dL7W0p3F6jEGxm60jy9K-byic7yfPftCGxsqkO9DIO7fPGQ63Q8tqIT5V5SUxeEGvImh38J0bT2sJfMB9Y938-7-PEvrfGP7nfMeZt4WaqWFa3pB2HWn5tvfM4SU5uIsxQB_kDYxy71Fp5RVaaMKn2JQwTf8m4OnnOXc2JBPMlVhzgep" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="710" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQqEr_WhiEMf24dL7W0p3F6jEGxm60jy9K-byic7yfPftCGxsqkO9DIO7fPGQ63Q8tqIT5V5SUxeEGvImh38J0bT2sJfMB9Y938-7-PEvrfGP7nfMeZt4WaqWFa3pB2HWn5tvfM4SU5uIsxQB_kDYxy71Fp5RVaaMKn2JQwTf8m4OnnOXc2JBPMlVhzgep=w395-h400" width="395" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Soviet s lost two recce sections to the first couple </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">volleys of 105s.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">During this time, the German 3.7cm AT guns were moved into position south of the bicycle troops and began firing at the Soviet infantry positions in the trees. Slowly, hits were scored against the NKVD troops dug in along the tree line. The German 5cm mortar section tried to hit the Soviet positions also, but struggled to get within range.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">To the north, the 7.5cm guns began firing at the Soviets in the field lines, while infantry on both sides sporadically engaged each other without causing much damage. Eventually the infantry guns scored a couple of hits, as did the NKVD troops against the German bicycle troops south of the road.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Soviet fire from the tree line began to fade and the bicycle troops advanced.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmh0ae4UvE_WTNZHXKSFE4PZG_kEbfWiJKEi-iSj8w1Bfk4mSMrCP1FKZQ6Hsw6zyFXj3DnajN0d1rAsfGXqOTp0BjOVLx93gGh8Yrw1tlC9NFqZxeuYYqd_bRgMwWo9sXAVQCoo80HVkceS3zTnXEvpkwTizgR5tMpVERLx2OPGb7bzKjyLK29jFzgsHf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmh0ae4UvE_WTNZHXKSFE4PZG_kEbfWiJKEi-iSj8w1Bfk4mSMrCP1FKZQ6Hsw6zyFXj3DnajN0d1rAsfGXqOTp0BjOVLx93gGh8Yrw1tlC9NFqZxeuYYqd_bRgMwWo9sXAVQCoo80HVkceS3zTnXEvpkwTizgR5tMpVERLx2OPGb7bzKjyLK29jFzgsHf=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Bicycle troops advance, and the 3.7cm AT guns can be seen </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">deployed near their trucks above. </span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The bicycle troops eventually made their way to the tree line, while artillery and ATGs fired away at the soviet positions further south. Soviet rifle fire killed a German rifle section and one ATR during the advance.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF97aoCWdAGSUYRMaMuQtmn9qx6yS9weZfEz5OtjajjxJaeqTGCmL4DrDJva0ZFF2fL-r1LMM5IK7T2Hn0BuHbjLbVtbCuU85LuPcfWAKExjSr54B5f_y4DDeToAc_1REu48I0ArDAimcM0APpYWxhGdqZbhqvoTOHWToDHEMnha2PpiE0_FUdMeAy4uSe" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF97aoCWdAGSUYRMaMuQtmn9qx6yS9weZfEz5OtjajjxJaeqTGCmL4DrDJva0ZFF2fL-r1LMM5IK7T2Hn0BuHbjLbVtbCuU85LuPcfWAKExjSr54B5f_y4DDeToAc_1REu48I0ArDAimcM0APpYWxhGdqZbhqvoTOHWToDHEMnha2PpiE0_FUdMeAy4uSe" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />To the north, the German bicycle platoon moved north along the stream bed, and then east along the foliage and trees to gain better view and range on the soviet recce forces. Additionally, the two infantry guns re-deployed further north on the west side of the stream to support the bicycle troops.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDcUgs-cGAPaGaQdppJXVSvu3uLREP5EZIcbSJYPvp98mad643KP65Zq8FMxSX-Zbt8Rgema4eRYJ1XH-Jk_TKiQih9ohxTK4tHYYjrZKfrpt2ML3C9TlTfE9mq7ecfrr3NxcxX5zJpskCNu-FMNjjmAMyZez-jNFm2FjiK1Eud_sAVkUKMiWZ_m4AXqjq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDcUgs-cGAPaGaQdppJXVSvu3uLREP5EZIcbSJYPvp98mad643KP65Zq8FMxSX-Zbt8Rgema4eRYJ1XH-Jk_TKiQih9ohxTK4tHYYjrZKfrpt2ML3C9TlTfE9mq7ecfrr3NxcxX5zJpskCNu-FMNjjmAMyZez-jNFm2FjiK1Eud_sAVkUKMiWZ_m4AXqjq=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The German IG18s are visible in the bottom left above while </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">the bicycle platoon has advanced along the trees extending east </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">from the stream.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Between the infantry guns and the bicycle troops, the Soviets were slowly whittled away, during this time, the two Kfz 13s advanced down the road and swung north to encircle the Soviet recce troops. The Soviet troops were unable to score any hits on the Kfz 13s, while taking a number of casualties, with several sections eventually surrendering to the armored cars.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm5xXxnyrQYAPc83OHsHeVdJsbOa2h52Joc2tE7zgPjDAF6XyxUrvDLToQ_bk1UmRSRIMUMetvJHG2WcZZ0AjQlyjedNbRAdnFwxL4AL8dNG_vuVxsVNYaA6Lr8NwmMoyb4jci6AqgEf93wg-m5rd1ybW4LrVIVwtgqY1JuC3v1dl33Bj0N8YurMrr6aMA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjm5xXxnyrQYAPc83OHsHeVdJsbOa2h52Joc2tE7zgPjDAF6XyxUrvDLToQ_bk1UmRSRIMUMetvJHG2WcZZ0AjQlyjedNbRAdnFwxL4AL8dNG_vuVxsVNYaA6Lr8NwmMoyb4jci6AqgEf93wg-m5rd1ybW4LrVIVwtgqY1JuC3v1dl33Bj0N8YurMrr6aMA=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The two Kfz 13s are barely visible center right above, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">closing in on</span><span style="font-family: arial;">the withdrawing Soviet recce troops.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">To the south, German troops advance into the Soviet fighting pits and exchanged fire with the NKVD troops. In the face of the advancing German artillery, the southern most NKVD section eventually threw down their weapons and ran into the woods. The remaining NKVD platoon in the woods along the road finally retreated after watching the Germans church their way forward and losing contact with their CHQ.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNY24t8QntgDdb--eI527N4J-p9WhaFM7XmQsctjCKjeSE5pLfnz1Kr8Ofk_Mckj54sXlvEEUk3iiZ9XSnD_BjLJkf_UfIZIGF5MIV0Q4ksprvAA_dCb7HbaIb9JslUJ4-n9rs81whdpUBipi7CYRoyNL_fua5EZnyRGNxQwpgu0afWsbaxPuFpMe14FRF" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNY24t8QntgDdb--eI527N4J-p9WhaFM7XmQsctjCKjeSE5pLfnz1Kr8Ofk_Mckj54sXlvEEUk3iiZ9XSnD_BjLJkf_UfIZIGF5MIV0Q4ksprvAA_dCb7HbaIb9JslUJ4-n9rs81whdpUBipi7CYRoyNL_fua5EZnyRGNxQwpgu0afWsbaxPuFpMe14FRF=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The abandoned NKVD positions in the woods south of the road.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />The germans rounded up the Soviet prisoners in the field, tended to their wounded, and regrouped before continuing forward,</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Losses</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In all, the germans lost only two sections, one rifle, and one anti-tank rifle. The Soviets lost both companies, with 8 NKVD sections killed, and 11 recce sections killed and the remaining five captured. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In a state of panic, one NKVD section simply evaporated into the countryside, and the withdrawing platoon will likely either be shot by their own troops or overrun by these same Germans later in the day.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Other Tidbits</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Soviets did not experience the German pre-attack artillery bombardment, so were intact when the Germans discovered their presence. Tthe Germans on the bridge were sighted on the same turn that they first saw the Soviets, the Soviets simply had no weapons with which to hit the Germans at 800 plus meters range. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Additionally, the Soviet 9th Infantry Brigade lost most of its headquarters in the early German air attacks, and could not receive notification of the of the German advance here, nor could they offer any artillery or other support.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Soviet recce troops could not disengage with the Germans, as once they were off-loaded, their trucks were moved far to the rear for other duties, as the Soviets are having severe transportation issues on this morning.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thoughts</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Soviets were pretty much loced in to holding their ground, not having much flexability or hope.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">From the German side, this battle progressed more like I might have expected, than the last. Once the Germans located the Russians, they allowed their firepower to take out the enemy without putting many of their soldiers in harms way. Losses were roughly 10:1 in this battle.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">German 2nd Infantry Division will continue its morning advance, and will likely find more of the Soviet 9th Infantry Brigade blocking it's path to the east.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Hoping to get the next battle a little further south, in and around Grodno, on the table this week.</span></p><p><br /></p></div></div>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-65979613535379933362024-01-22T22:23:00.000-05:002024-01-22T22:23:00.464-05:00Barbarossa, Turn 1, June: AAR 2 - Lithuanian Border<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>The commander of the 13th NKVD Border Company stood over the shoulder of his radio operator, waiting for any instruction He had expected either the arrival of reinforcements or an order to withdraw to a more defensible position, but neither came. Around him the entire world began to explode, as German artillery landed. Deafened by the sound of the explosions, the world suddenly went black.</i></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>The Battlefield</u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Set somewhere along the road entering southwestern Lithuania, the </span><span style="font-family: arial;">13th NKVD Border Company was deployed straddling the road entering Lithuania in hex 2125 of the Fire in the East game map. It would soon be under attack by the German 101st Motorized Infantry Battalion.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz51m1KomvRxBwc3zJnvHGqZY5NMqYfdrpPY0IV6MxHUbVbt_HwQK3FvMFjHgIOLQXmXBKFvL19Bg0v1e51iLKNhVHp4Okk0gGcVl0WqMmdKHO2p0kncejOx11OZp45bifv9fDaWRghGDQqE3iGKjvu7NvGwEXri4tWVYHEJZAw0hj6ygkoMq2K1FCQhKS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="720" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz51m1KomvRxBwc3zJnvHGqZY5NMqYfdrpPY0IV6MxHUbVbt_HwQK3FvMFjHgIOLQXmXBKFvL19Bg0v1e51iLKNhVHp4Okk0gGcVl0WqMmdKHO2p0kncejOx11OZp45bifv9fDaWRghGDQqE3iGKjvu7NvGwEXri4tWVYHEJZAw0hj6ygkoMq2K1FCQhKS=w400-h275" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking north, the Germans enter from the south edge, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">with the Soviets dug in in the distance.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Russian Forces</u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1x NKVD Border Company</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span>1x CHQ</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span>3x Inf Pltn, each with 1x PHQ, 3x Rifle Section</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxmZni7MoYajkCKF9vn_vv3fsxQGPHwoP8JoR1MIcdPhn9i53I5eXwkyidn_OLshgveSNMoRBYNBrolv3XVZGZrQzAjEPTDEageUjwnVTfL4xbm-JGh28RMhM2_Mcex8MzAov2X9KRXowToXcv1Dxb7BHWypAaUS4JFIyTd1Y0_Ohcu0nVsw8YJMj2GAr3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="413" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjxmZni7MoYajkCKF9vn_vv3fsxQGPHwoP8JoR1MIcdPhn9i53I5eXwkyidn_OLshgveSNMoRBYNBrolv3XVZGZrQzAjEPTDEageUjwnVTfL4xbm-JGh28RMhM2_Mcex8MzAov2X9KRXowToXcv1Dxb7BHWypAaUS4JFIyTd1Y0_Ohcu0nVsw8YJMj2GAr3=w287-h400" width="287" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>German Forces</u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Elements of the 101st Motorized infantry Battalion, attacking forces consist of:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2x Motorized Infantry Company, each with:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 1x CHQ, ATR</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 3x Mot Inf Pltn</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 1x PHQ</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 3x Rifle Section</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 1x Sup Pltn</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 1xPHQ</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 2x MG section</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 3x 5cm mortar</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1x 7.5cm IG Btty</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">1x 8cm Mortar Btty</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzW8fP5plKI-3gVf80Mzp7CaIbhSP2wutNGkNjGzFswf-3DRQkLBnWr8GuCUfk2IH5PamvdghbK17Rzhae5mnJM1uMO-wi1P--3kp-bphfoIi6eLvBPM4rZXKqAFcwU3pW80iWOaC_7MXlXZSxeRXtEunid4DdpBA_9PQkiOuqHAF89G-a7mhER6AnayDB" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="506" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzW8fP5plKI-3gVf80Mzp7CaIbhSP2wutNGkNjGzFswf-3DRQkLBnWr8GuCUfk2IH5PamvdghbK17Rzhae5mnJM1uMO-wi1P--3kp-bphfoIi6eLvBPM4rZXKqAFcwU3pW80iWOaC_7MXlXZSxeRXtEunid4DdpBA_9PQkiOuqHAF89G-a7mhER6AnayDB=w282-h400" width="282" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>The Battle</u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The battle started with an artillery barrage that lasted a half-hour or more. When it ended the company had lost its commander, as had one platoon, and four rifle sections were no more. They would have surrendered, but there was no one yet to surrender to.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJwE_2WutI-uDWI-vuKiZo7K-OpaNp3xZuiSLD7xQDmVty7M8UvlQGfdhh31TTUscLIrncQpyEhQFG7T0s9QVrtlH8u0Z4D7FdFCK5XP9tBv51PU3nXnixM8C98HJ329OkrcDLCCR4gP1zDnBu-2BudpG5WanpzDMCrPWuhNQ3yufTtDzEBA0rZhlC_6mL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="720" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJwE_2WutI-uDWI-vuKiZo7K-OpaNp3xZuiSLD7xQDmVty7M8UvlQGfdhh31TTUscLIrncQpyEhQFG7T0s9QVrtlH8u0Z4D7FdFCK5XP9tBv51PU3nXnixM8C98HJ329OkrcDLCCR4gP1zDnBu-2BudpG5WanpzDMCrPWuhNQ3yufTtDzEBA0rZhlC_6mL=w400-h205" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The German artillery took it's toll.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Minutes passed and much of the smoke cleared before the Germans could be seen coming down the road. By this time one of the Soviet platoon commanders had sort of rallied the remaining forces, and all stood firm, waiting for the German onslaught.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Germans advanced across the open, mostly level landscape. The only cover were a bushes occasionally separating fields, and a few shallow depressions. The Germans moved to the nearest line of bushes, dismounted and found some cover.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Not able to see any Russian activity, they began their advance over the open ground. The infantry guns offered covering fire as did the 5cm and 8cm mortars.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3gyGE3QHjfsMiCzALUxYXe2nUkXYyOBLVqj2YJ3Au-5I_yHQYF1KRwlzA4Z1OI1T0knEjmIPr7TSthZwUOQtm96Mqhk9lpSSbfWsRsnJPAm42Wi9wLDXydzvGlvX_j-cGXbfW0AzXPn9-BP1NyXrlKOyhswaDRMHbbGIt8CmAM8SBqxb9S03gKis2fsPM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="720" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3gyGE3QHjfsMiCzALUxYXe2nUkXYyOBLVqj2YJ3Au-5I_yHQYF1KRwlzA4Z1OI1T0knEjmIPr7TSthZwUOQtm96Mqhk9lpSSbfWsRsnJPAm42Wi9wLDXydzvGlvX_j-cGXbfW0AzXPn9-BP1NyXrlKOyhswaDRMHbbGIt8CmAM8SBqxb9S03gKis2fsPM=w400-h318" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Germans advance.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Soviets began firing once the Germans were within 600 meters, too far really to have any affect, not having any sort of heavy weapons, and giving away their positions.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiapOQ_kQW2uLO3-cIaFltMaxo0mM4_AT_4bMKNZNQy3CEw0B7nQxkfkRzQWPubsX95kAC7iNq1nrDQkU_GU0H18r3WGUzP8cZXgF42jPq4y5SkgOaN7QrN3jeFnieRjnzf1EW1SLUUHS9bFZ8LW0742do6aWGuv47zSJZxOxOyVgYT9kcB0A2cxMROtt1d" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiapOQ_kQW2uLO3-cIaFltMaxo0mM4_AT_4bMKNZNQy3CEw0B7nQxkfkRzQWPubsX95kAC7iNq1nrDQkU_GU0H18r3WGUzP8cZXgF42jPq4y5SkgOaN7QrN3jeFnieRjnzf1EW1SLUUHS9bFZ8LW0742do6aWGuv47zSJZxOxOyVgYT9kcB0A2cxMROtt1d=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Both sides take casualties.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">German infantry guns and mortars began firing, wildly at first, but eventually settled down and began to inflict casualties. During that time, the Soviets managed to destroy about a platoon of advancing German infantry.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIw8jOLhZgxyzi9v2g_9IQwDoA1hSnt-HSLLQCLR-TSRHprG4m0SunB3W5gjbiGHEPV65GyCX4sEiITaO7J8_gprNaQRlzIt-uiEytnpajjSUVQQoJHqjzS7QPIXulE5Pr5rZmt5m6a-NGg9HbeDwtBdTpa6RdDlhu5E6oZMK1rHNoSnxemrY1Gu9Zkoic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="720" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgIw8jOLhZgxyzi9v2g_9IQwDoA1hSnt-HSLLQCLR-TSRHprG4m0SunB3W5gjbiGHEPV65GyCX4sEiITaO7J8_gprNaQRlzIt-uiEytnpajjSUVQQoJHqjzS7QPIXulE5Pr5rZmt5m6a-NGg9HbeDwtBdTpa6RdDlhu5E6oZMK1rHNoSnxemrY1Gu9Zkoic=w400-h329" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Two of the German 7.5cm infantry guns.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Slowly the Germans managed to close with the last Soviet squad on the German right, destroyed it, and started to work their way through the artillery-wrecked trenches. Mortars and guns finished off the Soviets in the center, the few Soviets to the left began to surrender, with some being shot and only one platoon headquarters managing to be taken prisoner.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGJyIh6HS6N5D332d5MkISsdR1KgSN4BdcmmUa7_86VT9rhtE4jI9NYtxP8yARwFzrfTgRUzy0VOBIAtpRPMvnj_F5cPGUZYbcsiSado37isvImugyTYZyD4iFNgtiOOxcD3V3NJT8IJsvq5PX6FTj0OGz9OUvkA6G9o7W2lvjfQuqDBHIENiqu4IdM1Gk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGJyIh6HS6N5D332d5MkISsdR1KgSN4BdcmmUa7_86VT9rhtE4jI9NYtxP8yARwFzrfTgRUzy0VOBIAtpRPMvnj_F5cPGUZYbcsiSado37isvImugyTYZyD4iFNgtiOOxcD3V3NJT8IJsvq5PX6FTj0OGz9OUvkA6G9o7W2lvjfQuqDBHIENiqu4IdM1Gk=w400-h300" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Last of the Russians of the German right fall.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP9eZfiEIdNoqzHBZmH9gBdqMyhdU_KvojN0b9cz-I1nmxa-xN8eZqNPYmr0HxiJutVZEuocKl0xSWAvrvS8p-00bDy552XMHHasVM4MlO4Mqd8sRmdgUNgBq7-hUB47LEDMaR_3u_vQgQ23hcGhDfTwyeqpflq6sthmuqlT4Xlw4ot-J9ek6bqExTfX1l" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP9eZfiEIdNoqzHBZmH9gBdqMyhdU_KvojN0b9cz-I1nmxa-xN8eZqNPYmr0HxiJutVZEuocKl0xSWAvrvS8p-00bDy552XMHHasVM4MlO4Mqd8sRmdgUNgBq7-hUB47LEDMaR_3u_vQgQ23hcGhDfTwyeqpflq6sthmuqlT4Xlw4ot-J9ek6bqExTfX1l=w300-h400" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Germans moving west, clearing the trenches.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Losses</u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Soviets lost the entire NKVD Company which started the battle with no heavy weapons and nearly down to 50 percent strength.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Germans lost 5 rifle squads, a PHQ, and one MG section</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><u>Final Thoughts</u></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After a year of build-up, it was something of an anticlimactic battle; though, I imagine that any campaign is bound to have some of these.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Campaign maps for Fire in the East are kind of bare with respect to deriving terrain for a miniatures battle, so before setting up the game, I hopped on Google Earth to check out the general location for this battle, and it was pretty much flat and empty; not many buildings, practically no trees, etc. Maybe the FitE maps were bare for a reason.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The combination of the small and relatively simple forces involved in the battle, the lopsided nature of the matchup, and the lack of cover combined with the small scale, left me feeling a little lost and somewhat intimidated. The result was that I mostly ignored doctrine and tactics, just kind of bumbled through it, and found myself repeatedly thinking, "Wow, that was stupid".</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I also nearly forgot to run the pre-game artillery barrage, actually advancing the Germans a few turns onto the table, before realizing my omission. Fortunately the two sides were well out of range of each other, so it wasn't a problem conducting the barrage a little late.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Regarding the battle itself, the loss of the Soviet company commander, and two of the three platoon headquarters to artillery left them on the verge of surrender at the start of the battle. They simply didn't have the resources to last very long.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">All things considered, a bit of a bumpy start to the campaign. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-54089736487969730602024-01-21T20:32:00.004-05:002024-01-21T20:32:46.737-05:00Barbarossa, Turn 1, June: AAR 1 Initial German Air Attacks<p><span style="font-family: arial;">The offensive started with German Luftwaffe attacks on Russian airfields and command hubs. Losses were heavy for the largely unsuspecting Soviet forces, with 11 airfields being hit (one completely out of action), and four Brigade headquarters put out of action. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the early morning confusion, Soviet reaction was limited, with most forces awaiting orders from commanders, who were struggling to understand what was happening.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In this first phase of the conflict, the Germans destroyed 43 Soviet aircraft for the loss of 2 German aircraft. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Additional air attacks will continue as the turn progresses.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsCLs8NN6Q-VCIDKNjNsvS1vws32rm6mKoG4-EJ9IEQYS30zecBNFoJkDdrFwIn3rBR5h-IUydph3lxm9FfM7rCxu3vAeDr7YEvauGNjLVmN3-WNfGfyFOCRlPeQi434k6L7yVfKZC-GZ6z1Xp23XO3ajAcUv47-5QRTZUH3Gm2xfdQd5qCP_dPT6XiWGG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="720" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsCLs8NN6Q-VCIDKNjNsvS1vws32rm6mKoG4-EJ9IEQYS30zecBNFoJkDdrFwIn3rBR5h-IUydph3lxm9FfM7rCxu3vAeDr7YEvauGNjLVmN3-WNfGfyFOCRlPeQi434k6L7yVfKZC-GZ6z1Xp23XO3ajAcUv47-5QRTZUH3Gm2xfdQd5qCP_dPT6XiWGG=w400-h260" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Even before the air missions had been completed, German ground forces had begun their attacks, starting with artillery bombardment against Soviet forces along the border. Soviet forces were largely caught by surprise, not expecting the immediate attack despite the escalating tensions in recent weeks.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Those battles will be presented shortly.</span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-35093475002289828732024-01-14T21:18:00.000-05:002024-01-14T21:18:10.310-05:00June 22, 1941 Operation Barbarossa Begins: Initial Set-up<p><span style="font-family: arial;">After much interruption and chaos in the final months of 2023 and particularly during this last couple of weeks, Operation Barbarossa is finally underway. I've got the Fire In The East Maps on the table, my homemade unit counters deployed, and am working out the initial air attacks. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I don't have a 6mm airbase, nor enough miniature planes to fill one, so the airbase attacks will be resolved using the system presented in Barbarossa 25, while the intercepts will depend on the number of aircraft involved, should they happen. Once the air combat is done, I'll move on to the ground battles.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Here is a pic of the map at some point during setup:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAsQ6vjOgbI-QZ6ic7r_dX2TovwBN4A6uXiaMnWYCPe9ccpEDO2Q8hzN4W9GZKaKvTYekHCsTle3NJqqfAY2V9PNbFFsmTJOLSecPhP3hfnQbNSBD5A-1-mJWLAK-Dy5TxaMNirjKrN7SsuHKS0jeFrBrv6AecuDP2a0r3l9yQh7Ld5jTVcAjy5D806nuC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="721" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAsQ6vjOgbI-QZ6ic7r_dX2TovwBN4A6uXiaMnWYCPe9ccpEDO2Q8hzN4W9GZKaKvTYekHCsTle3NJqqfAY2V9PNbFFsmTJOLSecPhP3hfnQbNSBD5A-1-mJWLAK-Dy5TxaMNirjKrN7SsuHKS0jeFrBrv6AecuDP2a0r3l9yQh7Ld5jTVcAjy5D806nuC=w333-h400" width="333" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I think all of the counters are on the map here, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">though final adjustments hadn't been made when </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">this pic was taken.</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Germans were deployed with Army groups Center and South more heavily weighted than in the actual attack, while on the Soviet side, the deployment is probably a more balanced.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm ignoring the very northernmost portion of the map, north of Lenningrad, as my map table is only seven feet long, and can't accommodate the upper half of the northernmost map, and i'm not including the Finnish forces (as I don't have the miniatures).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I expect to get through the turn 1 air combat during evenings this week, and hope to get the first land battles on the table next weekend. Also, I can already see that I have some adtional bits to make. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'll start posting AARs as soon as possible.</span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-74369512044185565052024-01-10T07:18:00.002-05:002024-01-10T07:19:02.898-05:00Of Best Laid Plans...<p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, during the Christmas break, I started setting up my 6mm Operation Barbarossa campaign on the map table, and quickly realized that setting up was going to take much more consideration than I previously thought.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After spending nearly two weeks re-reading the lead-up to the offensive, considering what historical aspects to include, and where I could reasonably deviate from history without skewing things too badly, I set up the forces for the start of the game. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm using the game maps from GDWs Fire in the East with custom made unit counters for the campaign. I finished laying out the counters, set a number of small wood blocks around the edges of the map, and laid an acrylic sheet over the south half of the map. I no sooner let go of the plastic, and maybe a hundred counters lifted off of the map and stuck to the plastic hovering 3/4 of an inch above the map.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">"Oh, darn."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I lift up the plastic, tilted it a bit, and the counters slid down the plastic with a goodly number falling into a pile near the southern edge of the map.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">"Crap."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So I sprayed an anti-static spray on the second sheet, laid it across the northern half of the map, and it happened again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">"Huh."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So now I have thousands of little men and tanks in the basement, eagerly awaiting their doom, while upstairs in the GHQ, a reserved, "Ummm?", is holding up the offensive.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The three cats who live here are fond of high places, and keeping them off of the table is simply not an option. So, at the moment, I'm considering my options.</span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-32227952446448537142024-01-07T19:46:00.002-05:002024-01-23T15:14:45.215-05:006mm Russian Buildings for Barbarossa <p><span style="font-family: arial;">Though I have a fair number of Russian buildings, I really need more city and industrial buildings. I'll take a look at my German and French buildings and see if I can't hijack a few for service in Russia, but think I'm just going to break down and scratch build and cast a few to give a little more variety.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thse are some of my most recent additions. The first group are the city/industrial type buildings from <a href="https://www.levenminiatures.co.uk/#">Levin Miniatures</a> and are quite nice:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdOPo3mjalacwa0c3RY9lOp9PRpdIv7a6aBWBFOSgB-BWARqG0tq7aw-BcJdPZhxTFkQc-VDaU_PgYmWrPomQEpbkh8ssY9WycTp-ZEbyNAeo77TXXL_0w2wtJSPYO8Qan0l68zGGxzGOu4eYDvT9olWjuMEU31OJOSVh9RIYEIdJM6fXRNHnlg5iq_id/s576/1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="576" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdOPo3mjalacwa0c3RY9lOp9PRpdIv7a6aBWBFOSgB-BWARqG0tq7aw-BcJdPZhxTFkQc-VDaU_PgYmWrPomQEpbkh8ssY9WycTp-ZEbyNAeo77TXXL_0w2wtJSPYO8Qan0l68zGGxzGOu4eYDvT9olWjuMEU31OJOSVh9RIYEIdJM6fXRNHnlg5iq_id/w400-h190/1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The next group are smaller houses also from Levin:</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5lAV3dFTsEWunCgANQxQayfBUj1lDtPbywtRHewYytS5btQkNrfJOzheb0dDYurEbUlWM5KGUKG6gUz8bWPo_ebPzhr1j7M3J_cugHvdzoZuO2uGvL3ayJK2rDQLpHCIG1fUpTehDSw_HP6lCd7vAuiZfGOfMGye5ZDG3NulPKV8OH0lU8fsK5DjA-8B/s720/2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="720" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD5lAV3dFTsEWunCgANQxQayfBUj1lDtPbywtRHewYytS5btQkNrfJOzheb0dDYurEbUlWM5KGUKG6gUz8bWPo_ebPzhr1j7M3J_cugHvdzoZuO2uGvL3ayJK2rDQLpHCIG1fUpTehDSw_HP6lCd7vAuiZfGOfMGye5ZDG3NulPKV8OH0lU8fsK5DjA-8B/w400-h245/2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">These look a lot darker in the photos than they are in person. I guess one of these days, I should actually set up lighting for taking photos.</span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-47890892323551994442024-01-02T12:44:00.000-05:002024-01-02T12:44:29.273-05:0015mm Air Support for Cold War British 1958<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Here are a couple of aircraft for my 1958 Cold War British forces in 15mm. The first is a Hawker Hunter from QRF, a model I picked up from a hobby shop during a trip to Tennessee many years ago.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSPiRtopT_qsbKEPegeaF0jybkZBCP5-0dfWDEpaWGVbeDcpKhiVh-3gpvsJe0g9sSJrKM1DqQllYxMKh9E-SXg9WI7NExFy6xPWDfx4Wzollu0u4YBG51lnYEaxkjhhjfchbnVxu-UK044cRXXjdEtwKGizvvJxx89Oy3fkN7EVNB7eEaFOb_2rrQ42FV" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgSPiRtopT_qsbKEPegeaF0jybkZBCP5-0dfWDEpaWGVbeDcpKhiVh-3gpvsJe0g9sSJrKM1DqQllYxMKh9E-SXg9WI7NExFy6xPWDfx4Wzollu0u4YBG51lnYEaxkjhhjfchbnVxu-UK044cRXXjdEtwKGizvvJxx89Oy3fkN7EVNB7eEaFOb_2rrQ42FV=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Second is a De Haviland Venom diecast, originally in Italian markings that I repainted. Both models were finished with decals from <a href="http://misminis.com">misminis.com</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsV4OuEPow7Zc-z9XSzAXTAI1PylFUR239cSVitWbN_whhyAzzXrCqYCg3QIh1hbiik21aHojCpkK5KF7CTmentPJP5WZLwmz4uH3YhPTD8sgGHfi4IXKCFzT0x1QP8Gz_qBano_qSmCOO4RK-3PYZaAvJ5Z0ekMOGEI363rXIDAsioP9f_CfEOIFcN_Oy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsV4OuEPow7Zc-z9XSzAXTAI1PylFUR239cSVitWbN_whhyAzzXrCqYCg3QIh1hbiik21aHojCpkK5KF7CTmentPJP5WZLwmz4uH3YhPTD8sgGHfi4IXKCFzT0x1QP8Gz_qBano_qSmCOO4RK-3PYZaAvJ5Z0ekMOGEI363rXIDAsioP9f_CfEOIFcN_Oy=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I should probably do a couple of Soviet jets now that I'm thinking about it.</span></div>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-66999099821120468862024-01-01T07:27:00.000-05:002024-01-01T07:27:01.111-05:002023: Having Changed My Methods<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Back in September of '22, I presented a plan to help me focus on "only" ten gaming periods at a time, which I now refer to as the "<a href="https://irishserb.blogspot.com/2022/09/">10-plan</a>". </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Ten periods may not seem like much focus, but the bigger picture is that I actually have intent of gaming in at least 37 different periods.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In retrospect, this may seem like a silly or overly structured approach to the hobby, but it seems to be working. I was more focused in my hobby adventure this past year, completing projects for my 1958 World War III campaign, and starting with far less than I relized to complete my 1941 Barbarossa period project. In fact, 25 of 49 completed projects from my to-do list were for 6mm Barbarossa.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Two period projects completed may not seem like a big deal, but given that in 42 years of gaming prior to the 10-plan, I "completed" only seven periods, I think the approach has been beneficial. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Other work was limited to the remaining eight periods in the plan, with the exception of some 15mm African houses. My imagi-African campaign, which is more or less "complete", was on hold, as I had need for some more 15mm African houses and buildings for the next game.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I eneded up trading out my 1970s Cold War project for Imagi-Africa on my list, and built the buildings, but in the process, realized that ongoing campaigns are going to need new bits from time to time to permit games to be played, so came to recognise that for the 10-plan to work, I would have to occasionally deviate to a "non-plan" project. Afterall, the 10-</span><span style="font-family: arial;">plan is supposed to be a tool, not a barrier.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Another thing that I've wrestled with through the year, is accepting that the rising cost of miniatures and associated shipping fees, particularly from overseas is not-sustainable with respect to my miniatures want-list for my various projects. So, I am going to drop a couple of periods from my big list, and scale down some other things, which will make the remainder more achieveable.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In any event, here is the status of the 10-plan periods at the end of 2023:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Two periods are more or less complete:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><u>6mm 1950s Cold War</u> - Various units, buildings and other bits were completed, and the campaign is under way.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><u>6mm WWII East Front Barbarossa</u> - The campaign is beginning, and the scope has been somewhat expanded through the year with extra units and equipment, and the inclusion of Romanian forces.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">One period was almost completed:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><u>15mm Cold War 1958</u> - I still need to build a half dozen or so buildings to wrap this up, but infantry, aircraft, and vehicles are complete, and additional terrain was added as well.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">One period was temporarily removed:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><u>15mm 1970s Cold War</u> - This project was pulled from the list, temporarily replaced by 15mm Imagi-Africa, as I needed buidings for a campaign scenario.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I've had failing enthusiasm for this Cold War project during 2023, largely due to frustration with figures/miniatures availability associated with companies/lines being sold. Efforts to round out armies with printed models have generally resulted in failure, between uncured prints from multiple sources now, and prints that require so much cleaning, that it would be faster to master and resin cast them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After deciding to reduce the scope of this a little, and focus on rounding out currect forces with small additions, rather than building out vast armies for every nation, I'm going to move on with it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The following six periods saw varying degrees of progress and will carry over to 2024:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><u>1/3788 Star Trek/Star Fleet Battles</u> - Klingon, Federation, and Romulan fleets, I purchased, and received as gifts, a number of new miniatures, and have recently started painting some of them. It looks like the Federation fleet will be taking shape this year, and maybe the Klingons will see a little growth as well.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><u>15mm WWII East Front, Barbarossa</u> - Similar to the the 6mm Barbarossa project above, though not quite complete. This is a period that will be slightly reduced in scope due to the figure cost issue, and I'm expecting to wrap this up in 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><u>15mm France 1940</u> - I finally gave some attention to miniatures and terrain in December. There isn't a lot to be done yet, and this is another period that should be wrapped up in the coming year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><u>15mm Soviet-Afghan War</u> - I did a lot of planning/design work on this in 2023, and am ready to go into a terrain building frenzy which will bring this to complete status sometime in 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><u>20mm Vietnam</u> - Worked on some bits through 2023, and finally settled on a campaign setting late in the year. I expected this to be a big project for 2024; however, this is another period that is going to be hit by the shipping/figure cost issue (which kind of surprised me). As a result, I need to do a little "recalculating" regarding how this will be developed in 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> </span><u>28mm Post Apocalypse</u> - Didn't really get much done here, but have some terrain projects that I'd love to complete for a number of scenarios. I'll need my big table for a while to work on these construction projects, and hope to make some progress after Barbarossa sees some action.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Two new periods will join the 10-plan in 2024</span></p><p><span> <span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><u style="font-family: arial;">28mm The Wind and the Lion</u><span style="font-family: arial;"> - This is something that I've wanted to game since before I knew that the hobby was a thing. I plan to expand the scope beyond that of the the movie, based on the writings of Rosita Forbes and others. I can repurpose some of my Span-Am War and Boxer period figs and many of the additional figs can be sourced in the US Saving a little shipping fees at least, thus this seems like a period that can survive my recent purge.</span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span> <u>6mm France 1940</u> - This project goes hand in hand with the 15mm project for the same period, and is actually very close to completion upon addition to this list. </span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Playing Games</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Every year, I expect that the frequency of my gaming will increase, and relatively speaking, it doesn't. 2023 was no exception to this, having played only nine games through the year. Double that of 2022, but not really what I was hoping for.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">With my Barbarossa campign launching, I expect that number to be somewhat higher in 2024, but really, who knows? The reality is that particualrly over the last three years, I've really enjoyed working on projects, and gotten a lot done. I'm enjoying my hobby, so not going out of my way to fix something that isn't really broke.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Painting</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It was another strong year on the painting from, having purchased or received 968 figures and painted 1258, mostly 6mm on both counts. Nearly a thousand of these were for my 6mm Barbarossa project.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm guessing that this will be my last 1000 miniature painting year, and expect both of those numbers to be lower in 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Projects</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">With respect to my hobby to-do list, "project" is relatively unqualified term, and may range from completing a single model to making hundreds of pieces of terrain, I completed 49 "projects" from my to do list in 2023, which is down a little from last year. It was stiil a pretty productive year, about 1.5 times my average rate prior to 2020.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In all, 2023 was a pretty productive and enjoyable hobby year, despite losing most of the last three months to the chaos of life. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Time to explore 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Hope this wasn't too boring, and thanks for reading.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Happy New Year to all, and hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season.</span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-46105823751221017082023-12-30T23:01:00.000-05:002023-12-30T23:01:23.144-05:006mm WWII German Aircraft for Barbarossa<p><span style="font-family: arial;">I almost forgot about these. Nine aircraft, generally for Barbarossa (well, and a couple for France 1940). Castings are from I-94/Raiden, Scotia-Grende, ad Heroics & Ros.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEim8zdHTxiA5ZLCtSYsULsBMwGgbjmI5vhujQ0EfWdieRGrMSVtZ2gchB7lgLl8nMzSegpaHKrY18pQKx-fzay22bhe77Uid89cy2YoQcUTSveYVCpZpCP2Z0VXsn8xU5fDrAa0ImnFnuvHiWqotCajyYrCCqUq-hMn9mODozCY3q8hXk8nip4m6DMogRZI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="576" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEim8zdHTxiA5ZLCtSYsULsBMwGgbjmI5vhujQ0EfWdieRGrMSVtZ2gchB7lgLl8nMzSegpaHKrY18pQKx-fzay22bhe77Uid89cy2YoQcUTSveYVCpZpCP2Z0VXsn8xU5fDrAa0ImnFnuvHiWqotCajyYrCCqUq-hMn9mODozCY3q8hXk8nip4m6DMogRZI=w400-h345" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hs 126, Ju87, Fw 189</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSC1JLrhkd97osojlTBF3GvUsFjc1rp5wpXyCMecm3097p08KaqKnYP_zmixyRmTHSPbGwQckqZdHoJAvxTO3syClkHctXg8aGCj-vYWI2ANBUe9tcixyJcl2xKOtHnmNCIWdY4kz_MVnQynPORJqre6zX7LbW3MwFDgnkSVFuLDimx8dRxaq1FnMucFHQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="576" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhSC1JLrhkd97osojlTBF3GvUsFjc1rp5wpXyCMecm3097p08KaqKnYP_zmixyRmTHSPbGwQckqZdHoJAvxTO3syClkHctXg8aGCj-vYWI2ANBUe9tcixyJcl2xKOtHnmNCIWdY4kz_MVnQynPORJqre6zX7LbW3MwFDgnkSVFuLDimx8dRxaq1FnMucFHQ=w400-h253" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ju 88</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7gJrx0n8iB65R0fbdFWc4FyfuxHIPnZ_FQ7vswO8KwAfWXKthe6sA6-ur_BkI81nSZEAihdx8THCLt6KTDx_nY2h_LkszrcW_z-boQEWHy3Pab5EvghG_zOB1re5SqPiocyWpqhVdBaUxrda1dY8OJfrj7Uqjmr_I1NzMN-QHAfBZCXW5KtrkbOZOssTN" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="576" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7gJrx0n8iB65R0fbdFWc4FyfuxHIPnZ_FQ7vswO8KwAfWXKthe6sA6-ur_BkI81nSZEAihdx8THCLt6KTDx_nY2h_LkszrcW_z-boQEWHy3Pab5EvghG_zOB1re5SqPiocyWpqhVdBaUxrda1dY8OJfrj7Uqjmr_I1NzMN-QHAfBZCXW5KtrkbOZOssTN=w400-h279" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Bf 109F</div><br /><span style="text-align: left;">Combined with earlier aircraft that I've done, this gives me enough to get things going, I hope. </span></div></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1iidG7waDslmP2_etO_ESFTTq4JByzuUY61ZHPNgLmPrtAi6pIWQiNfDnUI8X2S-fRM_LDjhx0CcCCyUIKBrLc9bnl2zt3Y2unGIIp2uv7FLFMf9V1eiAx2YCbQVIwNLjTO3MaC2URlQ_5QCz0myAegoDX5kHjCG5Q0q4-jgq065KAgy1HwGwOLvhShRo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1iidG7waDslmP2_etO_ESFTTq4JByzuUY61ZHPNgLmPrtAi6pIWQiNfDnUI8X2S-fRM_LDjhx0CcCCyUIKBrLc9bnl2zt3Y2unGIIp2uv7FLFMf9V1eiAx2YCbQVIwNLjTO3MaC2URlQ_5QCz0myAegoDX5kHjCG5Q0q4-jgq065KAgy1HwGwOLvhShRo=w340-h400" width="340" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My bin of early war German aircraft.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-73404738524395189102023-12-29T21:19:00.000-05:002023-12-29T21:19:05.737-05:00A 6mm Timber Artillery Bunker for the Soviets<p><span style="font-family: arial;">While completing the Soviet 6mm fighting positions a few months back, I started working on a covered artillery bunker for the Soviets. This type was of earthen and timber construction. I actually need several of these for 76mm, 45mm, and machineguns.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In this case, I just built a one-off bunker to experiment with construction method a little, which is generally similar to the open positions that I built previously with the addition of plastic work to model the timber part of he construction.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The basic shape of the bunker was cut, mounted to a base, some acrylic paste added to the foam where the plastic would be glued, and the plastic cut and fitted. The process proved to be a little more tedious than hoped for, particularly as the plastic had to be glued in place, rather than solvent welded. The solvent readily dissolves the foam, and the acrylic paste doesn't provide adequate barrier.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In any event, here is the finished the bunker: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKN2Qhd4ZOwBShzx_WPoTDeYyjFw32HeuIKP6bCtQiAuX0ZHwfI3KEMbTEdR7KkyNP3uXLKEDt9iyEhtY1qZcGQRok-i9ic_FVedkMwbTO2Wr6-e7DfbjysOF4IB9HuJqf7pd-0i8HqV0N6aLxMav-X72TkApLNItAl3PpR48KTHlSjTtxR-OMe0FSX6tn" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="576" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKN2Qhd4ZOwBShzx_WPoTDeYyjFw32HeuIKP6bCtQiAuX0ZHwfI3KEMbTEdR7KkyNP3uXLKEDt9iyEhtY1qZcGQRok-i9ic_FVedkMwbTO2Wr6-e7DfbjysOF4IB9HuJqf7pd-0i8HqV0N6aLxMav-X72TkApLNItAl3PpR48KTHlSjTtxR-OMe0FSX6tn=w400-h308" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzMXGmjL0eHbhN9BcQD29y03P9xpQ1IMAcQJJO8tXlOYCeK_NZgSO8H3erzxjSZPNF16u3eXHCcofEFxPH738jbnpHLWaQ6r4niv94G4kG_RlPtwtB6pUpY6xHPl_yFFIN61bISx-y6t_quSanODWxEp8cYxi_9-Ubcmsbfge1G6NAO6lRplx71GfdO3nd" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="576" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzMXGmjL0eHbhN9BcQD29y03P9xpQ1IMAcQJJO8tXlOYCeK_NZgSO8H3erzxjSZPNF16u3eXHCcofEFxPH738jbnpHLWaQ6r4niv94G4kG_RlPtwtB6pUpY6xHPl_yFFIN61bISx-y6t_quSanODWxEp8cYxi_9-Ubcmsbfge1G6NAO6lRplx71GfdO3nd=w400-h176" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFqIOakCwXJKo28UA5bbEnJkW9dS6tYcFxGQtshaClD5qX-zcoCD7AdMVLY4869Dzrj7doGw40L-PaX1yssNuzjZmo96IWw6es2HHkDR3Ks3Jzsi1p0ys4Geoc2iaHuoPeHgrz5lEd54KlDPhD8V-x-X1_h34Cfrg7OJwpnJTT99C1lWCOLTMOKSqNyvqI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="576" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFqIOakCwXJKo28UA5bbEnJkW9dS6tYcFxGQtshaClD5qX-zcoCD7AdMVLY4869Dzrj7doGw40L-PaX1yssNuzjZmo96IWw6es2HHkDR3Ks3Jzsi1p0ys4Geoc2iaHuoPeHgrz5lEd54KlDPhD8V-x-X1_h34Cfrg7OJwpnJTT99C1lWCOLTMOKSqNyvqI=w400-h130" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhG1xpIMDlnrTipP7d1HNK23gH5_BVjOLQmJRDh8lAKlAqxF4MNfQoZHZvScVTsqKaC5OBGsCH3OJkIG5fWtgM3zl9nw-RESKu_96Nl_2iX_92zPoDdAgCVt3967NRx75XMLEpvtVvU8XMZDveSk4rGOJ1UBigUkv34BUVSGtznuHfD8ffPHZSQlaB8S0sk" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="376" data-original-width="576" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhG1xpIMDlnrTipP7d1HNK23gH5_BVjOLQmJRDh8lAKlAqxF4MNfQoZHZvScVTsqKaC5OBGsCH3OJkIG5fWtgM3zl9nw-RESKu_96Nl_2iX_92zPoDdAgCVt3967NRx75XMLEpvtVvU8XMZDveSk4rGOJ1UBigUkv34BUVSGtznuHfD8ffPHZSQlaB8S0sk=w400-h261" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRplzRsn4ST6fNyFansRFg5u-F4_g0nXV9o1lzSC6-aJunxSV0as50C3Yp9dpTqKFd6BiSsUcD1AoLBYOvMDFIBLyLtLdY6aGSY5fpaHGE3VhoZqtVxyKFnGFOWST5YVWmcMh_kqcIXg4Y02xXEKqDa7QQMRnzNf9U0xJm6ZB0e2vAqOn1sFSiDiLLOQfx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="576" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRplzRsn4ST6fNyFansRFg5u-F4_g0nXV9o1lzSC6-aJunxSV0as50C3Yp9dpTqKFd6BiSsUcD1AoLBYOvMDFIBLyLtLdY6aGSY5fpaHGE3VhoZqtVxyKFnGFOWST5YVWmcMh_kqcIXg4Y02xXEKqDa7QQMRnzNf9U0xJm6ZB0e2vAqOn1sFSiDiLLOQfx=w400-h316" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The last view includes a 45mm ATG and crew, each </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">mounted on 1/2" square bases.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span></div></div></div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The finished bunker measures about 3.5" wide and 7/8 inch tall. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I think it came out okay, useable, but I had hoped for a little more. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'll have a few more in process with a couple of revisions to construction. I'll need to get those wrapped up over the weekend.</span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-47965497701729570032023-12-29T08:40:00.000-05:002023-12-29T08:40:55.087-05:00A Wrap Up of Our Star Fleet Battles Campaign 2017-2019<p><span style="font-family: arial;">We have decided to put our Star Fleet battles campaign of the General War to rest after over four years of inactivity. The campaign was paused due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and then further postponed by some other real life issues. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As the campaign stood, the Lyran empire had made some minor gains in Kzinti space, and had destroyed the majority of the Kzinti fleet (though with little actual benefit). The Klingons had crossed the Kzinti border in several places, destroying base stations, and with forces converging on the first Kzinti Starbase. Kzinti space would likely have been reduced to the homeworlds, maybe a starbase, and maybe a tether to the Federation.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Hydrans had massed most of their fleet into one invading force in Lyran space, with the Lyran's having lost a planetary system, and the Hydrans having the capacity to take at least one more Lyran system, and causing a lot of damage to the Lyran fleet. The Lyrans had tactical victories in most of their battles, but were losing the strategic situation.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Klingons were beginning to enter Hydran space, and in time would likely have conquered the Hydran empire, as the Hydran forces would have been greatly reduced in numbers by the Lyrans, and were at a strategic disadvantage which would have likely lead to most of their surviving fleet being cut off from supply by the Klingon advance.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Klingons would have found themselves in possesion of much, if not all, of Hydran space, a big chunk of Kzinti territory, and a notable chunk of southern Lyran territory, after defeating the Hydrans. The Lyrans at best could have traded back some Kzinti space to the klingons, who may or more likely may not have given the Lyrans back their lost territory.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I played the Lyran and Klingons as two separate "characters", always making decisions based on what was in the interest of the respective empires, rather than as a single unified force. Thus the Klingons did not send their available fleet to aid the Lyrans in the big battle with the Hydrans, as greater Lyran losses in that battle served the klingon interest every bit as much as Hydran losses in the battle.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Depending on how long the strategic rules kept the Federation from getting involved, there is even a chance that the Klingons could have openly attacked the Lyrans and taken their home world, resulting in almost the entire "western half of the map becoming Klingon territory.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Federation had amassed a large fleet with the intent of eventually attacking the Klingons, but were restricted by a series of rules whereby the Federation could be released early (relative to the General War timeline) to go to war with the Klingons.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If the Federation had sent an expeditionary force into Kzinti space (which they could have done), and they had been attacked by Lyran or Klingon forces, it would have released the Federation for premature extry into the war and kept the Klingons honest. But this did not happen.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As things stood at the end of the last turn, the Klingons probably had enough forces to stop the Federation from taking the Klingon Home world, and could have likely pushed the Feds back into Federation space, before the Federation ship building program (which had not yet ratcheted up) could have had any effect on the game.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The question is whether the Klingon construction rates with the gained Hydran, Kzinti, and possibly Lyran resources and construction rates could have come up to speed fast enough to outmatch the Federation construction rate, and given the Klingons the ability to defeat the Federation, once they became the primary Klingon focus.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My feeling is that the Klingons would not have consolidated the conquered resources fast enough, and that eventually the Federation would have been able to conquer the Klingon homeworld, and destabilize the empire.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Involvement by the Romulans (my favorite race in the game) and Gorn was so far down the timeline, that I have no feel for how they might have impacted the war, or if they ever would have had the chance.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In any event, the Kzinti empire was down to about a dozen ships, most serving as a task force of the Hydran fleet and remainder in Kzinti territory could not defend much beyond their homeplanets.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Hydrans had achieved operational overreach, and could not have gotten their forces back to their homeworld in time to stop the Klingons.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Lyrans were in the process of expending their fleet to destroy much of the Kzinti and Hrdran fleets, at the expense of not being able to control their own space. The Lyrans won most of the battles, and the Klingons were winning the war.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The campaign lasted about 18 months before Covid hit, and we had some great fun, some really odd situations, and it would have been interesting to see how it would have played out. But being four years removed from the campaign, it just feels like something that we did, rather than something that we are doing, so yesterday, while playing a pick-up game of... Star Fleet Battles, we dicided to put the campaign to rest, and discussed starting over with a General War campaign.</span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-72354800811593579352023-12-27T18:39:00.000-05:002023-12-27T18:39:14.556-05:00A Few More Aircraft for WWIII-1958<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Here is a pair of F-86s in West German markings from I-94 Enterprises: <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWPW-PPkXkjGDO40F6Is9c1PPpcSw6I-9ddAZ7v8AsLhRAhnZ4kbh-vNAyM-8AwMUYDS_px-ThCoZmLeqnNXBKo6JoMxbDikBIkZMZE_W4-yf_K4w6dvMksLN5F21gYaEb-nY97UT0cI6tOzsbMBxoYKKO4bqpmy0stRxjJcrrRLltNrHHPp9d6FLY0FJW" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="576" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWPW-PPkXkjGDO40F6Is9c1PPpcSw6I-9ddAZ7v8AsLhRAhnZ4kbh-vNAyM-8AwMUYDS_px-ThCoZmLeqnNXBKo6JoMxbDikBIkZMZE_W4-yf_K4w6dvMksLN5F21gYaEb-nY97UT0cI6tOzsbMBxoYKKO4bqpmy0stRxjJcrrRLltNrHHPp9d6FLY0FJW=w320-h166" width="320" /></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><p></p><p>And two more Hawker Hunters for the RAF:</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNX9mfY9JX8692Uo8eyToCF86o6RYMQr_IHKbq4GdsvGpwrVIwP6_IwJWB96JhHHTBfX9OXGdQval8idoZlxJtc5DqtCUnEzRo8IduJADwkJgcEKyVF17OXAptE50Djd3pp3DLRe2U2CzkwBSlAQOOhvTSMHl_NWfeNn8NGCiYJp99K0ADWWHXazzJT24V" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="257" data-original-width="576" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNX9mfY9JX8692Uo8eyToCF86o6RYMQr_IHKbq4GdsvGpwrVIwP6_IwJWB96JhHHTBfX9OXGdQval8idoZlxJtc5DqtCUnEzRo8IduJADwkJgcEKyVF17OXAptE50Djd3pp3DLRe2U2CzkwBSlAQOOhvTSMHl_NWfeNn8NGCiYJp99K0ADWWHXazzJT24V" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>These will give NATO a little more support in my 1958 WWIII games.</p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-35325979688605662132023-12-26T16:15:00.002-05:002023-12-26T16:15:46.559-05:00One day, while watching Hotel Rawanda...<p><span style="font-family: arial;">... my daughter, who was in high school at the time, began to offer some views on the conflict in Rawanda and about the Hutu and Tutsi. This took me by surprise, as I was half shocked that she knew of Rawanda, let alone had any oppinions about the war there and the horrors that took place between the Hutu and Tutsi. While I doubt that the goings on there play much part in the pursuit of most gamers, in my case, I had started my African imagi-nations campaign some years prior, and the history of Rawanda was part of the research that eventually manifested on my table as the Uwanda-Mugabia War.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My daughter does not share my passion for history, though she is frequently curious about historical events, and asks me questions usually leading with, "In one sentence or less, why did bla bla bla....". Inevitably I offer a sentence in response with the qualifier, "...but that is over simplifying things." Which leads to the also inevitable dissertation that she was hoping to avoid.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, as she explained her views, I tried to recover from the shock that war in Rawanda had made it to my daughter's social studies classroom at school. Though she spent a little time studying the ancient world, mostly focussing on several religious groups (rather than empires and military conquest as my schooling had done), most of her school history covered US interests, spanning the American Civil War to Vietnam.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This got me thinking about the contrast in both the bits of history, the interpretations of that history that she and I received in school, and in general, my own experience learning history through the miracle of public education.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">She also spent a little time studying what we call "Ohio History". In my day (mid 1970's), we used an early 1950s vintage book, illustrated with red ink line drawings (an absolutely horrible little book), explaining how the noble and heroic white dudes freed Ohio from the clutches of the savage Indians. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My daughter's version spent more time addressing the injustices imposed by the white dudes on the mostly peace loving native inhabitants of the Ohio territory. We both found it curious how the history of 200-300 years ago had changed in the last thirty years. If nothing else, it made a dramatic point to her about tryng to maintain a little objectivity with respect to how one embraces history.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This morning, while reading up a bit on Russia's role in the Seven Years War, it occurred to me that the SYW was never mentioned in any part of my schooling.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Imagine that. A war that was closely tied to the existance and shape of my nation, and that was maybe the first truly "world war", was utterly irrelevant to the public educators of my day. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My public education relating to history was pretty sad really. I generally disliked history in school, mainly because of how it was presented, mostly as a rapid succession of dates, places and names of those who "liberated" distant lands from native inhabitants. Curiously, separating native peoples from their land and culture was always presented as a good thing, rather than just a thing. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The reality is that there was almost no study of the history relating to the heavily stressed lists of anitquarian details that we students were expected to memorize. Very little about the how and why of what happened. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">An example of the scope of study and how it was addressed in class and on our tests follows. In class:</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Inca, people conquered by Pizarro of Spain, 1532. There would be little more than the insinuation that it was good for both the Inca and the Europeans who did it. But on the test:, "Who conquered the Inca?" Answer: "Pizarro, Spain, 1532". That's it. Seriously. No other names, nothing about cultures, devoid of any substance.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">One day in history class, the day that we studied the entire 20th century (which by the way had apparently ended in 1945, despited it being 1977 at the time) in my 8th grade history class, I learned an important lesson about WWII (which we studied for about 4 minutes). World War II, won by the US, who, for all practical purposes, defeated Hitler's Germany single-handedly, and in a sort of side conflict, dropped the first atom bomb on Japan. World War II, US defeats Germany, Japan glows in the dark, 1945, the end. At least in my mid-1970s history class.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I had a notable interest in WWII at a young age, and started acquiring my library on the conflict before the age of eight. As a result, the scope of my knowledge on the subject was somewhat greater than what was presented in class. As Mrs. Quinn was wrapping up her four minute presentation of WWII, she pointed out a photo in our book that showed the M65 atomic cannon firing the test round circa 1950, with the mushroom cloud rising in the distance, and explained that it was a picture of a US artillery piece on a Pacific island, viewing the atomic bomb which had just been dropped on Hiroshima off in the distance. The caption in the book did not directly adress the photo.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Having the same pic in several of my own books, and "knowing" that she was in error, I quickly raised my hand, was called upon to speak, and explained, "Why no Mrs. Quinn, that is the picture of the atomic cannon...." It must have looked like a scene from "Young Sheldon" (US TV series). Her face contorted, and needless to say, it did not end well for me. I spent the next several minutes learning that the most important fact about WWII was that you don't correct Mrs. Quinn in front of the class.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In all fairness to Mrs. Quinn, she was tasked with teaching the history of the western world from the time of the discovery of the Americas through about 1977 (i.e, 1945) in her year with us. And in retrospect, she was sometimes very passionate about seemingly irrelevent historical tidbits that she would present in class, true historical elements that were never included on the tests, and no doubt, points of particular interest to her. All of these years later, I kind of regret that she didn't have the opportunity to actually teach history.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My parents had "geography" and "civics" when in school, by my day, they were combined into "Social Studies". Basically, it was geography the first couple of years, types of land formations and waterways, then continents and countries. From about 5th grade on it got more into history (well, dates and places anyway), with a mix of geograpy as needed. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In fifth grade, Ohio history was a hot topic, where we were introduced tot he names, date, and places school of history. Over the next few years, there was </span><span style="font-family: arial;">an overview or mostly western history from the pharaohs to WWII (WWII actually got honorable mention there too), Central and South America from the establishement of modern nation states (curiously, completely failing to mention the US involvement in any of the events or conflicts there). Then we touched on the discovery of the Americas and European conquests there, an introduction to law, and US governmental structure, the glory that was Theodore Roosevelt (a teachers personal hero), the industrial revolution and history of labor, and the history of the study of psychology (??). History ended my Junior year with the French revolution and US economics. I sometimes wonder if the chaos as presented was the plan, or disjointed bits of endlessly changing curriculums.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Ironically, I really disliked history in school; then, went home and studied ... history (and a bunch of other things. I used to think it was fun to come home and read encyclopedias) (Hmmm, used to?). For over five decades now, the study of history has been a hobby. Much of it linked to, but not exclusively related to gaming. It may be "bunk", but I find it fascinating.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">To be honest, I remember remarkably few of those dates, and maybe a slightly greater number of the names and places that my educators thought to be important. In place of those many lost dates, I did discover many other dates, names, places, and even more interesting, a little of the how and why associated with some of them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Despite my effort, I realize that I have learned very little, and no doubt have utterly failed to embrace it in its own context, but I will always remember that most important lesson about WWII: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Don't correct Mrs Quinn in front of the class.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Oh, and if you haven't seen it, give Hotel Rawanda a look. I thought it was a pretty well done, and note that it is a movie, not a documentary.</span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-71819157227262957422023-12-25T22:34:00.000-05:002023-12-25T22:34:29.466-05:006mm CF-100s from I-94 Enterprises<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Another product of my aircraft decal frenzy is a pair of CF-100s from <a href="https://raiden.25.ekm.shop/">I-94 Enterprises</a>. Here is a pic:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2qA6-sy31KTST-Qw7ZgX6HTUmaHaINKnaE5AhiXiUr-FbNiqZeJf-h4BDgO8FGkeDcrOjLaiPPrlxuMgMevp6PW7mOtTALGUu4MRCAHjSq4gbK0V094NiGJnQ2kYbljz5lLZGKHtjBJe4jIspD9Au89r8Auvcwdy4klCThZtxKu5uKpDAzfI0WVfSoqT/s504/5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="504" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl2qA6-sy31KTST-Qw7ZgX6HTUmaHaINKnaE5AhiXiUr-FbNiqZeJf-h4BDgO8FGkeDcrOjLaiPPrlxuMgMevp6PW7mOtTALGUu4MRCAHjSq4gbK0V094NiGJnQ2kYbljz5lLZGKHtjBJe4jIspD9Au89r8Auvcwdy4klCThZtxKu5uKpDAzfI0WVfSoqT/w400-h221/5.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Probably should have done them in camo for use in Europe, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">but this is the way I remember them from when I was a kid.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Given my approach to my 1958 campaign, I'm not sure how much I will game the Canadian forces in this version of the Cold War, but at least they will offer some air support for other NATO forces, if nothing else.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">These are very nice models with no flash, finished with <a href="https://www.flightdeckdecals2400.com/">Flight Deck Decals</a>.</span></p><p><br /></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-73979449705805918922023-12-24T05:47:00.006-05:002023-12-24T10:56:07.193-05:006mm 1940 French Aircraft Completed<p><span style="font-family: arial;">During my recent decal frenzy, I Finished the second half of my French Air Force for 1940. Here are a few pics:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzvpqV5Eh9Ju4yrYET67YcWGCuKQfEm8ID0CAwzgqyhp3CmUIhqIpn-to6mhVZEQWkTmZYwVsdOZ_VPc0scHShpi-6_hy8cnjh5tXZcFlZEybxIVDQ3ua95s2Om06NLLNgVyk2G5eLnhXpS-fTBGr6bCwYl0Ul90dGB1TDyf2YPWemh0TOIoq_k_EDy3ka" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="576" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzvpqV5Eh9Ju4yrYET67YcWGCuKQfEm8ID0CAwzgqyhp3CmUIhqIpn-to6mhVZEQWkTmZYwVsdOZ_VPc0scHShpi-6_hy8cnjh5tXZcFlZEybxIVDQ3ua95s2Om06NLLNgVyk2G5eLnhXpS-fTBGr6bCwYl0Ul90dGB1TDyf2YPWemh0TOIoq_k_EDy3ka=w400-h272" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">MB-174s</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCi-vDtOmS22A-8FltE1dnO9hBqyXdJbeV_1GGVoqh9bBYD2_8PVwGdbTrn0G8HcmALsMPmWAIt8xpdAh77nM8TYClJv7-Tn-eby4ZcbQd9qowvXbfo-RHTC9eY3inDRhN9OrWLiiTLXFDaT1M9KXIHxoq0N1F2njO2zkYQjq8p5TG1semwWLsLOQIFrmy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="432" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCi-vDtOmS22A-8FltE1dnO9hBqyXdJbeV_1GGVoqh9bBYD2_8PVwGdbTrn0G8HcmALsMPmWAIt8xpdAh77nM8TYClJv7-Tn-eby4ZcbQd9qowvXbfo-RHTC9eY3inDRhN9OrWLiiTLXFDaT1M9KXIHxoq0N1F2njO2zkYQjq8p5TG1semwWLsLOQIFrmy=w400-h284" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">A single Potez 63/11</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiye04VbD4OWR_ro5UHXC5omPhZNOZGQSg96vtiTC-G2QZlSO2shzAZ78XPgZKp5c8o6KGclEXL7xya9JRPG_LlBLtdfasHdwxK-tfiBL5Lc3pI6mzSJNvk-xhVQG378gHGWQY1OjcOs1YrTUGKQpp45DKcJ1v3MdZSYr0MRF6mIuC1s0M3R8u5EvcrJXV9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="576" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiye04VbD4OWR_ro5UHXC5omPhZNOZGQSg96vtiTC-G2QZlSO2shzAZ78XPgZKp5c8o6KGclEXL7xya9JRPG_LlBLtdfasHdwxK-tfiBL5Lc3pI6mzSJNvk-xhVQG378gHGWQY1OjcOs1YrTUGKQpp45DKcJ1v3MdZSYr0MRF6mIuC1s0M3R8u5EvcrJXV9" width="400" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Breguet 693</span></div></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>Happy to finally get these off of the work table.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-89496252101259500542023-12-23T07:07:00.002-05:002023-12-23T07:12:29.485-05:006mm Soviet Aircrft Finally Done<p><span style="font-family: arial;">I finally got my 6mm Soviet aircraft for Babrbarossa done, well sort of. I ended up having decals for about two thirds of them, so an order to Flight Deck Decals will be happening soon. In any event, here are a few pics:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-PeZj4DmtRkkSsv2Ho8aWb89KeV0zbQ49Fx1uMaCuvMYJaL9L5oPG0qvv0XY4MhJ8MqUioo0eBjujvRU_Bh2pO54Z0_HDvFwvK1McfbG07SDlNJNOmfnSkIyKHis3-uEVAz0nmC9vzcaDPoHCweKDuUDj-MdDhhArRGYSff7HF__MDqsOEr8iUQtkgY7R" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="576" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-PeZj4DmtRkkSsv2Ho8aWb89KeV0zbQ49Fx1uMaCuvMYJaL9L5oPG0qvv0XY4MhJ8MqUioo0eBjujvRU_Bh2pO54Z0_HDvFwvK1McfbG07SDlNJNOmfnSkIyKHis3-uEVAz0nmC9vzcaDPoHCweKDuUDj-MdDhhArRGYSff7HF__MDqsOEr8iUQtkgY7R=w320-h232" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Pe-2, Su-2, and Il-2</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzgVC_79VTCBmeWrBNZxkE91B7LigebB4s6PBg0Y7xfAoKcQn5tiNNz4hUs7_E2GypxITBfeIdTB3dqD1Hb_YoJ1Jb9wwja0gFtQQ6JnTmyzmCK1zBqXudYWoFEtYBBbDHxuEve28srFOOxalkNTXQx184biq7H_Qkr_F3yPTlTdqWq2D3dRW3iFihPxYx" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="492" data-original-width="576" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzgVC_79VTCBmeWrBNZxkE91B7LigebB4s6PBg0Y7xfAoKcQn5tiNNz4hUs7_E2GypxITBfeIdTB3dqD1Hb_YoJ1Jb9wwja0gFtQQ6JnTmyzmCK1zBqXudYWoFEtYBBbDHxuEve28srFOOxalkNTXQx184biq7H_Qkr_F3yPTlTdqWq2D3dRW3iFihPxYx=w320-h273" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Yak-1 and LaGG-3</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-ZjNxTh_kiu2PRRbTQsBoTioEeTeDbK1cz36ZsKsHr8vAEdZ7o3557cuTLfs0eXxlsm_N3EaM9hwWh2BbQPpMdI5kNlgrCy5HkRtUnpWSk1y_LBZu8XFTcjpW_w3hVz4UVPZax6GlCl3oJyHEqEdiF-h3-llGbEjlieHvNRmV_kXn4tZexm9FV3nIHFfg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="720" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-ZjNxTh_kiu2PRRbTQsBoTioEeTeDbK1cz36ZsKsHr8vAEdZ7o3557cuTLfs0eXxlsm_N3EaM9hwWh2BbQPpMdI5kNlgrCy5HkRtUnpWSk1y_LBZu8XFTcjpW_w3hVz4UVPZax6GlCl3oJyHEqEdiF-h3-llGbEjlieHvNRmV_kXn4tZexm9FV3nIHFfg=w320-h188" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Mig-3 and I-16 </span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHD4S78HrrPS6YcnrWo-BCw9_4vOJEHFpuViaPV1HSAdu1ipV-cafKvxc-l5XjMxfnsbti-mXC5jY__JUAnIFx9OYjoln5fqVR9n24mmNgOwc-n6hlSulSyMLf8yfuZl-t59yAGsl7AqXo0vmq7I5NPNFFOEbw9BEDVP7iChKxSNS1KEgzWPXfXmEi4L5i" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="576" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHD4S78HrrPS6YcnrWo-BCw9_4vOJEHFpuViaPV1HSAdu1ipV-cafKvxc-l5XjMxfnsbti-mXC5jY__JUAnIFx9OYjoln5fqVR9n24mmNgOwc-n6hlSulSyMLf8yfuZl-t59yAGsl7AqXo0vmq7I5NPNFFOEbw9BEDVP7iChKxSNS1KEgzWPXfXmEi4L5i=w311-h320" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I-153, I-15, and LaGG-1</div></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I also had a bunch of aircraft for other periods and scales that I was pooling together to complete the decal process all at once, and will be posting pics of some of the them in the coming days.</span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-22974243248773580432023-12-01T20:10:00.002-05:002023-12-01T20:10:42.966-05:00Still Slowly Moving Along <p><span style="font-family: arial;">November remained a slow month on the hobby front, but I did manage to sneak down to the basement from to time, making a little progress on 6mm Soviet aircraft for 1941. Here is a pic of where they stand at the moment:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw3Qgaz-KopcTT1yx_i0B2r9Xe0i35C2wvUygn2r8pPosoM7VhR5wVLdK15XIk0eXRnIVNHprRVwsWisa1a7m8QG7heCiAi0B1RWxcdGrY2rj-kTbV2vtiy5___hgim1Lcubv4uKznL9kBYgs24anh7348AaYhLHREkBLjbxaP-Vrilitu8ASId6Oihwr3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="399" data-original-width="720" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw3Qgaz-KopcTT1yx_i0B2r9Xe0i35C2wvUygn2r8pPosoM7VhR5wVLdK15XIk0eXRnIVNHprRVwsWisa1a7m8QG7heCiAi0B1RWxcdGrY2rj-kTbV2vtiy5___hgim1Lcubv4uKznL9kBYgs24anh7348AaYhLHREkBLjbxaP-Vrilitu8ASId6Oihwr3=w400-h221" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">6mm Soviet aircraft mostly awaiting black camouflage.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">They are currently ready to receive camouflage and detailing, then decals. I also have a handful of early Cold War aircraft in both 6mm and 15mm that are awaiting decals, so hoping to finish them all at once.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mounting and cutting the counter sheets for the campaign map this weekend will move me another step closer to getting the war started in the east.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQwFhiyng6DxgZ2kRi3sxE3k9ztsNLb_i7UEBcNid4Rlq-L8gjzfPO4L5s17qC2zjec6XTLxPbTQtRQSEqGfQHrZofRsxSD_Qebs5EJCbu_Hw4X_DBMdb0s6QCB2z7NoOkgdx_L99IQWomSS7_qLAS4NLeYo_MVxNQfxTKQ5vmhV3d_N62nDu5rmmf9R7z" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="720" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQwFhiyng6DxgZ2kRi3sxE3k9ztsNLb_i7UEBcNid4Rlq-L8gjzfPO4L5s17qC2zjec6XTLxPbTQtRQSEqGfQHrZofRsxSD_Qebs5EJCbu_Hw4X_DBMdb0s6QCB2z7NoOkgdx_L99IQWomSS7_qLAS4NLeYo_MVxNQfxTKQ5vmhV3d_N62nDu5rmmf9R7z=w400-h264" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Romanian, German, and Soviet Counter Sheets for the start </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">of my Barbarossa campaign.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Despite the slowdown over the last couple of months, my Barbarossa campaign</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> will still start a little early, likely during the upcoming Christmas break.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">My anticipation is building; just a matter of being patient a little longer. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Take care, and be safe out there.</span></p><p><br /></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-10616310878490462122023-10-30T12:40:00.000-04:002023-10-30T12:40:51.985-04:00Inching Closer to Barbarossa<p><span style="font-family: arial;">My hobby was rescued for a day by rain this past weekend (all day, all night, all rain). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I got the 6mm Romanian infantry flocked, and even did a little work on the Soviet aircraft too. I'm going to try to finish up the planes and buildings over the next couple of weeks, but we will see how it goes. Sorry for the lack of pics, but admittedly, my 6mm infantry aren't much to look at. I promise to share pics of the aircraft and buildings when they are done though.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Otherwise, there wasn't much time for hobbying, as I spent most of the last week in a wind tunnel, conducting some testing. A first for me, and an absolutely fascinating experience. Hoping to do more of that in the future.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Looking forward, I think things will lighten up a bit in a couple more weeks, and I can get back to normal hobbying. The Barbarossa campaign still needs a Brest fortress of some sort and more bunkers and emplacements, and then I think I can get things started on the table top.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Making progress.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-25818893625704760032023-10-16T12:15:00.000-04:002023-10-16T12:15:20.538-04:00Minor Progress (6mm Barbarossa '41)<p><span style="font-family: arial;">The last couple of weeks have seen a little progress on the house, with a couple additional minor problems cropping up, and surprisingly, a little progress on the hobby front as well.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Romanian infantry and cavalry are now painted and awaiting flock. I didn't bother taking pics as the painting is pretty basic and on 6mm figs, so nothing to get too excited about. Still, progress is progress, and Barbarossa is a little closer to the tabletop. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">With any luck, I'll get the figs flocked over a couple of week nights, and then move back to working on the buildings next weekend.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-27243432414782966302023-10-03T13:59:00.002-04:002023-10-03T13:59:18.046-04:00A Break in the Action<p><span style="font-family: arial;">This weekend was pretty productive with significant progress on remaining vehicles, aircraft, buildings, and terrain for the Barbarossa campaign, but it looks like everything hobby is going to come to a screeching halt.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday evening, when it began raining in the front hall, I was pretty sure something was amiss. It doesn't usually rain in the front hall, and even though it was just a light sprinkle, I grew concerned. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Turns out that the new weather pattern wasn't caused by global warming, and after ripping out a wall and some searching between the upstairs floor and ceiling, I found a possible source. A very slow leak in our prehistoric plumbing that has been very slow for some time. I then discovered that the real culprit of the evening rain was caused by a second leak, in the drain to the tub.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At a minimum, it will cost replacement of a wall and ceiling, and depending on the general condition of the old pipe, could involve a lot more then that. The start of the repair will involved being on my knees quite a bit, and also being upside down a little while. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The tricky part is that about ten days ago, I was involved in a fall while hiking, that resulting in injuring both patellar tendons, so I can't kneel, and getting up and down is quite a complicated procedure. Despite the hand sized area on the side of one knee, where I have no tactile sense in the skin (compressive nerve injury), under the skin it hurts profusely if pressure is applied to the knee.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The fall resulted from the combination of a fallen tree, and someone else doing something dumb, then literally sliding under my feet. Forty-five feet later, down a 65-70 degree incline, I performed a lovely tuck and roll into a bristling clump of poison ivy, just after ramming planet earth with both knees. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The reality is that I came out of it smelling like a rose. I've dealt with enough accidents at work over the years (working accident reconstruction) to know that I shouldn't have walked away from that, let alone just brushing myself off and been able to hike another 4.3 miles after the fall. As Yukon Cornelius said, "The bumble bounces."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Did I mention poison ivy? A goodly portion of my back and a little of my arm are covered in it. I look like I have leprosy, though this might itch a bit more? Not sure.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, I suspect that I won't be getting much hobby time in the coming days, while I tend to disassembly of the house. Despite all that has happened, the worst part of all of this clearly is the loss of hobby time.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Oh well; ache, itch, repair. Be careful out there.</span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-70862125740082978952023-09-28T06:54:00.001-04:002023-09-28T06:54:46.216-04:00Fog, Mist, and Streams<p><span style="font-family: arial;">As I've been preparing for my upcoming WWII campaign, I've been considering a number of things that I often omit from my games, and how I might add them into my campaign. Morning fog and mist is one of those things.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Some years ago, while reading about a WWII infantry skirmish, the effect of mist rising off of a stream on the battlefield and how it impacted line of sight and tactical movement caught my interest. So, I set up a game that incorporated this.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The game involved WWII infantry with one side needing to advance and cross a stream during the battle. The game was played with 15mm figures, and incorporated a four inch wide stream. the mist was represented by clumps of pillow stuffing from the craft store.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">"Clouds" of mist approximately as wide as the stream and 6-10 inches long were placed on the stream with similar, maybe slightly smaller spacings left clear. A die was rolled to indicate wind direction, and in the first case, the mist moved with the direction of the stream, such that you basically had clumps of fog floating down the length of the stream, intermittently blocking line of sight for figures as they moved. It also provided cover for advancing figures, at least at times.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Wind speed was kept relatively minimal, and with slight variation dependent on a die roll each turn. The experiment worked out to great effect, causing some noteworthy variability in sighting and movement.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Later, I tried this again, with the mist drifting off towards one bank of the stream, with the mist trailing off to a variable distance that could change slightly each turn with a die roll, again this worked well, and had a slightly different effect on the game.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The last form of the experiment with the pillow stuffing, was for patchy fog, which drifted and slowly dissipated during the game. Similarly, the fog could have been accumulating during a game, though I've never tried that.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The only negative to this was that at the time, I had used loose lichen as foliage, and the pillow stuffing tended to "grab" the loose pieces. Some effort was made to detach the lichen, when moving the mist/fog.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In my upcoming games, I will be using a greater proportion of foliage that is mounted on bases, which reduces this annoyance a little. I also plan to experiment with trimming the loose tendrils of stuffing on the underside of the "puffs" and will experiment with giving them a spray of Dullcoat to see if that reduces their tendency to cling to the foliage.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I've seen a few rare instances of this type of thing being tried on the tabletop, but suspect that it was more common in reality, than on the game table, so thought I'd share the thought.</span></p>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6993028190813681025.post-67951318135925255472023-09-25T11:54:00.000-04:002023-09-25T11:54:04.972-04:00Soviet Field Fortifications for Barbarossa<p><span style="font-family: arial;">I've been collecting information on Soviet fortifications all year, though till now have little more than a stack of notes and rough sketches to show for it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A couple weekends back, I started getting some work accomplished on these, and thought I'd share the progress. This batch focusses on earth and timber field construction for use with 6mm miniatures. I had to modify Soviet designs to work with my 6mm squad basing system, and decided to dispense with the timber detailing, as that would have only resulted in the positions being a little more oversized in width.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In my case, rather than having individual fighting positions for each soldier (that will come in 15mm), each 6mm fighting position accommodates a squad or weapons team. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Though I intend make some more proper company strongpoints with fighting positions interconnected by trenches. These are designed to be used separately, offering greater adaptability to other terrain, and as supplementary positions when used the larger fixed strongpoints.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thus far, I've gotten the squad positions, mortar pits, some anti-tank gun, and anti-aircraft positions in done, and figured I'd share the method used to make these. The ATG positions are the most complex thus far, and are initially intended for use with 45mm guns, but should work fine with 57mm or 76mm guns.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The gun positions feature what would normally be a raised platform position in the center for the gun, slightly sunken, but higher in elevation than the cutout for crew cover and a position ramping down to protect the gun to the left. In practice, the gun would be pulled up a ramp and into firing position on the center platform. Originally, I was going to do these as more developed positions with covered cutouts for the gun and crew, but decided to make them open to contrast some of the other positions with overhead cover for the crews or infantry.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In my free standing ATG positions, there is no raised gun platform, the gun simply sets in a slightly recessed center in a raised mound of earth, with the cutouts for the crew and gun at the same elevation as the firing position.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The positions are designed around my basing system to accommodate the typically 1/2 inch square bases that I use for gen crew and for mounting the smaller cannons. All of the positions designed to receive figure stands will be designed around this 1/2 square base sizing, thus trenches will be wider in scale (in later pieces), than they should be for Soviet practices.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, back to the construction...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The first thing was to find sources with drawings from which to design the miniature positions. I used several sources, but a most useful find was the 1946 <a href="https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1026&context=dodmilintel">Handbook on USSR Military Forces Chapter VI Fortifications</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">From my stash, I found some pre-cut slabs of foam of the right thickness, about three eights inch thick (split on a bandsaw previously, though 1/2 inch and thinner stock is available from many DIY stores, and would work fine), and sketched a plan view of the position onto the foam with a pen. In some of the photos below, I'll show the tool or tools used to complete the step. Primary tools were a hobby knife, some <a href="https://www.permagrit.com/hand-tools/">Perma-Grit round sanding sticks</a> (mine are older combination coarse/fine grit), and a Squadron coarse flexible sanding stick.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj_D3M1M0TcfuFNW2LhecPMAiab7fv__nYxE5CDa5BBX-UTR5rf7eEhbPRbnuYab404xDYEX3VBiljyUTp0bJOgvr4GLt9gtu0NkGEMKvZAcGk4P4pEbL7yQOTv32qdrHwck36JqJMs_OWG3UC7Lusa3vaWePlpDuuzKxLm9b6wl1fpWOVXEVOL3H4ue58" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="522" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj_D3M1M0TcfuFNW2LhecPMAiab7fv__nYxE5CDa5BBX-UTR5rf7eEhbPRbnuYab404xDYEX3VBiljyUTp0bJOgvr4GLt9gtu0NkGEMKvZAcGk4P4pEbL7yQOTv32qdrHwck36JqJMs_OWG3UC7Lusa3vaWePlpDuuzKxLm9b6wl1fpWOVXEVOL3H4ue58=w290-h400" width="290" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Plan view of the anti-tank gun pits on the foam </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">with my original sketch.</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlT5vYs9iXMZ7qf_sVjrPZO2jdtVsiXHIMKGKdQDFb5yIBfLs0NQqmSE_3zCJNt2QtWedzHAtpvhdSPtTAZnoiLpCz8meBVwVPgLW_b82liLv4xcvYtCOpGl0mSrqrVYGJRxm5hxTA3xTg6IEjlrSFaao176PRQDiO938SCW_mBMrZM1vVW6mZTJJbFpTJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="720" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlT5vYs9iXMZ7qf_sVjrPZO2jdtVsiXHIMKGKdQDFb5yIBfLs0NQqmSE_3zCJNt2QtWedzHAtpvhdSPtTAZnoiLpCz8meBVwVPgLW_b82liLv4xcvYtCOpGl0mSrqrVYGJRxm5hxTA3xTg6IEjlrSFaao176PRQDiO938SCW_mBMrZM1vVW6mZTJJbFpTJ=w400-h294" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The position was then rough cut out of foam with a </div><div style="text-align: center;">hobby knife, and <span style="text-align: left;">the center and edges were sanded </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">to basic shape with the Perma-Grit sanding sticks. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfbDO65h1BMMCVjmcd4v1PuOyS-Hnj4XPucUhoQfsty88ofmtLASmDo0BC0pCouOSNkB8HtbWWjwzqdCg5AKoS32zulQTJMUN-PBr2sh0HwefeBCV9leh898I5wojy3ZKhRUQJQ-n2RHCsIeSD3-ZL74CTAtnSJlW3ZVS9L5XA_QFPH6VX1qxItTlfJauI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="720" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjfbDO65h1BMMCVjmcd4v1PuOyS-Hnj4XPucUhoQfsty88ofmtLASmDo0BC0pCouOSNkB8HtbWWjwzqdCg5AKoS32zulQTJMUN-PBr2sh0HwefeBCV9leh898I5wojy3ZKhRUQJQ-n2RHCsIeSD3-ZL74CTAtnSJlW3ZVS9L5XA_QFPH6VX1qxItTlfJauI=w400-h230" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I modified the design a little, changing the outline for the </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">berms or parapets of earth piled around the pit. The cutouts </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">have also been roughed out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwbsCNbHKKuq9fDneW1cdrcgCg0rVtjw0U6W0xzqMuMuUrG4zrdOCMS9fuySxiG2CRE_V9FHXE1M_GjLtEnBmmCOOlGBNk7ktmszSw6w1SrGCW-_nbOgxmCiVzqHlPZwlhDQ8x6bhyBkdvuwW_u5PoRH8XmA82ACMLQruP3mHin1v_c5vg4K9qsMavovWQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="720" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwbsCNbHKKuq9fDneW1cdrcgCg0rVtjw0U6W0xzqMuMuUrG4zrdOCMS9fuySxiG2CRE_V9FHXE1M_GjLtEnBmmCOOlGBNk7ktmszSw6w1SrGCW-_nbOgxmCiVzqHlPZwlhDQ8x6bhyBkdvuwW_u5PoRH8XmA82ACMLQruP3mHin1v_c5vg4K9qsMavovWQ=w400-h229" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The berms were rough shaped by sanding down to the </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">depth of the berms.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTnxSoAAS96RHeEa3_944iNA6QC2VikEymhu7MVXvTHuYsPuhk6h44UD96nSDG0uhOTNbMvl2Wpz23pccZ8wyh-TRDs1DGdtBN42iLLKolmOcxTpBrxvSiqiO5XACBTY4hn4CnItnt2SEgPDRy61A8TUUjqXGyiT0RIveL-YxPTqb1PvUiyLmKu0il5HAG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="379" data-original-width="720" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTnxSoAAS96RHeEa3_944iNA6QC2VikEymhu7MVXvTHuYsPuhk6h44UD96nSDG0uhOTNbMvl2Wpz23pccZ8wyh-TRDs1DGdtBN42iLLKolmOcxTpBrxvSiqiO5XACBTY4hn4CnItnt2SEgPDRy61A8TUUjqXGyiT0RIveL-YxPTqb1PvUiyLmKu0il5HAG=w400-h210" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The surrounding foam was rough sanded to create a </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"mound" profile, the firing slit was shaped, and the </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">entrance was located.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh283iNpFk6qG78LbTSQCzjZjuPpdvt8JsznjiXdDe78_ap2wtgboTVeXBvXcu7JrVPev0Ow5YiFh_TrLmlD3yVIHN1u1tG6ZB9E94776qMB-hTSCPuh-hlDm__nFRCIvqKzqaLDv08ij3v574UfWOTyw2xo6zHbtywD9SQN5Nxk65OSVdQJeNY-2PRfhJ9" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="720" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh283iNpFk6qG78LbTSQCzjZjuPpdvt8JsznjiXdDe78_ap2wtgboTVeXBvXcu7JrVPev0Ow5YiFh_TrLmlD3yVIHN1u1tG6ZB9E94776qMB-hTSCPuh-hlDm__nFRCIvqKzqaLDv08ij3v574UfWOTyw2xo6zHbtywD9SQN5Nxk65OSVdQJeNY-2PRfhJ9=w400-h250" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The entire piece was sanded close to final shape with the </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">entrance being opened up completely and the firing slit </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">lower a little. The foam is now setting on a piece of .04 inch </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">thick styrene plastic sheet, which will eventually be its base.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb8fTuS0p1xp97eX47wMiZGibpj7aejL9qNReDvXbPGPWRkcL7e6dECMYOXMggTRIvZKjFfcs0bfGyVC5eHE_RQS0CH3NSnWpDw9eqX_HeXL9jJV7VszQdQdoOCiemJyYT3aaVuRyN-wvl9dkREyMLGU4Ol0jEdFI6FaF-xcruEZZs3BuERLIYt2xxFPvn" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="437" data-original-width="720" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb8fTuS0p1xp97eX47wMiZGibpj7aejL9qNReDvXbPGPWRkcL7e6dECMYOXMggTRIvZKjFfcs0bfGyVC5eHE_RQS0CH3NSnWpDw9eqX_HeXL9jJV7VszQdQdoOCiemJyYT3aaVuRyN-wvl9dkREyMLGU4Ol0jEdFI6FaF-xcruEZZs3BuERLIYt2xxFPvn=w400-h243" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A plan view showing the crew and gun in the cutout positions, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">also notice that I've traced the perimeter of the foam onto the </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">plastic base.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKOdBK76TnrPlmppG3dZTGjLrMDbRfbpmURQcFPjlwI1figk2PUQva6iokGcT8JBlhZHljERfL46_g3mbj7D_w-1WvzMg0iZ0nK7vAqNyRcFqafFOnKmtRfWzvqNZD2IRo5C6YoCrAw4pbc4LJN88ma_mI5BtagiJYEY6RPEFA3e-dFATFavkg8XqsqzCe" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="720" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiKOdBK76TnrPlmppG3dZTGjLrMDbRfbpmURQcFPjlwI1figk2PUQva6iokGcT8JBlhZHljERfL46_g3mbj7D_w-1WvzMg0iZ0nK7vAqNyRcFqafFOnKmtRfWzvqNZD2IRo5C6YoCrAw4pbc4LJN88ma_mI5BtagiJYEY6RPEFA3e-dFATFavkg8XqsqzCe=w400-h205" width="400" /></a></div>The base was cut out leaving a small border around the </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">foam.<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgejIDW5T6QmgvRVUOKVXyJnImc575W3zGWsmYdXoUQYB46uYlAz8eD-Vzf8wFXF4xcjw85MY9dmRcVjjOpXvJTVDwJrKGLWtMTVqS1A682jCy0IyhHAjj0qnpbXbaYF68O5rTS8gTqrQfoOQEZiPx1dt-krT085l2PHqsEHrafJfnoEpAFV97lrJv3tK87" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="720" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgejIDW5T6QmgvRVUOKVXyJnImc575W3zGWsmYdXoUQYB46uYlAz8eD-Vzf8wFXF4xcjw85MY9dmRcVjjOpXvJTVDwJrKGLWtMTVqS1A682jCy0IyhHAjj0qnpbXbaYF68O5rTS8gTqrQfoOQEZiPx1dt-krT085l2PHqsEHrafJfnoEpAFV97lrJv3tK87=w400-h180" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The base was then sanded on a slight diagonal with a Dremel </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and barrel sander to make a smoother transition with the foam. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The berms were also softened a little.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh66OevhWe-9lBTF0Gk4Lafm2UdaUaM-74vuKlgfZzzKf6E2noX9o9WlZ351rQKfQyW7WtRjxn8vofaJNG5MwUOn8rRdN6wuti0y3RhTEk2bNL0KeNvQ1o6-jLUXcdaMH6mTLqHHwbXcsjVp76G1OcnmFdQuk6_F7-BX4XgHFtiDVer7YV2M2AG3wMzofhn" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="720" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh66OevhWe-9lBTF0Gk4Lafm2UdaUaM-74vuKlgfZzzKf6E2noX9o9WlZ351rQKfQyW7WtRjxn8vofaJNG5MwUOn8rRdN6wuti0y3RhTEk2bNL0KeNvQ1o6-jLUXcdaMH6mTLqHHwbXcsjVp76G1OcnmFdQuk6_F7-BX4XgHFtiDVer7YV2M2AG3wMzofhn=w400-h226" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One step or light weight spackle was then applied to the edges, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">where the foam meets the base, and blemishes in the foam </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">were filled. Once dry the piece received a light final sanding.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The next step was to brush on a coat of acrylic paste.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqNWgAJwkDciHcOqWHvpaCv55QzfLCHPUm7NgaDmHQ6OiOX7mZURYvUH6tH_1WigeLQ8XoY6tJXvzzIN741Ft2lbVbrg1GJYSQJQMARErh8LEdbNoTyRHAw_58_wBht7zg0nQyoO0_975xMQe31vlAE5isWcOjaQSRoDNNzSci09s0J2DviPzadIfhBgBz" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="441" data-original-width="720" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqNWgAJwkDciHcOqWHvpaCv55QzfLCHPUm7NgaDmHQ6OiOX7mZURYvUH6tH_1WigeLQ8XoY6tJXvzzIN741Ft2lbVbrg1GJYSQJQMARErh8LEdbNoTyRHAw_58_wBht7zg0nQyoO0_975xMQe31vlAE5isWcOjaQSRoDNNzSci09s0J2DviPzadIfhBgBz=w400-h245" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are some of the mortar pits after receiving the paste. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Note that some of the ink markings that weren't completely </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sanded away have bled through the paste. As is, they will</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> continue to bleed through the paint and can sometimes </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">be visible through the flock. To stop that from happening, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">spray a light coat of Dullcoat over the pieces, and once dry, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it will usually block the ink from bleeding through any further.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpF_VrplvoY-ac8mDw-xDc8MAqi8YcWuiC6MZcppMy7t17sN0wOV967JDCWV97FpT97QIKEkKQLlk_yAHEeogRJnvg-7OWRvbBtIfRy1hJMX1Rjr1UVeSP5y9e6o6DT-vb4_Z0LJWSG_-ksvR8EwbHvSuHUMhOA_a_sXtgESq_RED2FGEdiqFb2DTBuxiK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="720" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpF_VrplvoY-ac8mDw-xDc8MAqi8YcWuiC6MZcppMy7t17sN0wOV967JDCWV97FpT97QIKEkKQLlk_yAHEeogRJnvg-7OWRvbBtIfRy1hJMX1Rjr1UVeSP5y9e6o6DT-vb4_Z0LJWSG_-ksvR8EwbHvSuHUMhOA_a_sXtgESq_RED2FGEdiqFb2DTBuxiK=w400-h251" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A base coat of green and yellow ochre was applied.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4En1XKIEvqSzvD1DQ7cj95ZdpoOUpd0nhvZ9bquE5wTE-sKNKqlIolEWJw5u4s7XsnHruMbDHgSkEmxEhSnITa_JFhLIlkqJoWGbZWkgmLAxH4VuivvLm16NRcUIIkbu_DHX9PvYkqaD6_Z6uBm_bSoqe9RcLqTyREGxZ1caVJjgGItZiJNXacn8gEyc7" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="720" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4En1XKIEvqSzvD1DQ7cj95ZdpoOUpd0nhvZ9bquE5wTE-sKNKqlIolEWJw5u4s7XsnHruMbDHgSkEmxEhSnITa_JFhLIlkqJoWGbZWkgmLAxH4VuivvLm16NRcUIIkbu_DHX9PvYkqaD6_Z6uBm_bSoqe9RcLqTyREGxZ1caVJjgGItZiJNXacn8gEyc7=w400-h211" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An finally, the positions were flocked using artist's </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">matte medium with Woodland Scenics' flock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here are a couple pics showing more of the fighting positions completed to this point.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpRCzC54Fmcq6E7KknmPpzU6cnCxAuzQLsnni1FQwNfiYUuuoBGDBAqq73qRttW6Mu5cypqHovOTzbzBAjT4CjgFIOBAU2BnuTALVz6LT02Tg34IHovF03WpcCWn3WcY5N5x8UHEUH7EC6gLb7wkVdr0ogChi41jWhamaEkJlsdmN7updP44PKTM--hXmO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="507" data-original-width="720" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgpRCzC54Fmcq6E7KknmPpzU6cnCxAuzQLsnni1FQwNfiYUuuoBGDBAqq73qRttW6Mu5cypqHovOTzbzBAjT4CjgFIOBAU2BnuTALVz6LT02Tg34IHovF03WpcCWn3WcY5N5x8UHEUH7EC6gLb7wkVdr0ogChi41jWhamaEkJlsdmN7updP44PKTM--hXmO=w400-h281" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Clockwise from top left, an ATG position, and AA gun pit, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a mortar pit, and an infantry position.</div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9VW3aojr9EvwpIPSvfPdOmCABITBbyVhRrw_tLCWMLgry4W7fzArAogNhmED_rkp1XUbGbd5i5o-FILKwXtzlrQwdLxrap0nQDaj2a731y0XX5nCTZojSktHMeTsYoVHocuPfWtHff5Dn-WRLUhRGSljvx0bVoVzBwDGbqdV3odXn3FfuNvxUkstYpPcq" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="720" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9VW3aojr9EvwpIPSvfPdOmCABITBbyVhRrw_tLCWMLgry4W7fzArAogNhmED_rkp1XUbGbd5i5o-FILKwXtzlrQwdLxrap0nQDaj2a731y0XX5nCTZojSktHMeTsYoVHocuPfWtHff5Dn-WRLUhRGSljvx0bVoVzBwDGbqdV3odXn3FfuNvxUkstYpPcq=w400-h371" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And a group picture.</div><br />I still have artillery positions to make, some company strongpoints (2 or 3), plus the bunkers for the Stalin line. Lots of work to do yet, but making progress.</div></div></div></div></span></div></span>irishserbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08667912663079268177noreply@blogger.com6