Meet a Friedrich

Not as famous as older Emil, nor so popular as younger Gustav. Meet Friedrich, champion of the Western Desert.

Whether it is only faster Emil with the same trait cards I decided to have it in my collection as a part of DAK air force.

The model is from AiM with typical quality for this producer. Nice panel lines especially on the fuselage. This time I have used Tamiya paints in place of my favourite Hataka range, decals are - as usual - miscmini range from 2/JG27. Terrain substituted ;)

P40E - natural born Shark

P40 without shark mouth is only half of P40. I was happy to hear that Warlord is going to publish resin model of P40 for Blood Red Skies. That gives me a chance to ... use in a battle my Armament in Miniature's models of Kittyhawk I bought before. There was also a chance to compare Warlord and AiM miniatures.

Fortunately there is a good selection of decals for this plane in 1/200 (at least two positions, both by Miscmini and none by Warlord!). I was hasitate between AVG markings from China (where mjr. Urbanowicz fought against Japaneese on P40M) and 112 RAF squadron from Africa.
Finally I had chosen desert markings of 112RAF squadron for few reasons: Firstly - each of 6 shark smiles is different, secondly: Urbanowicz fought in China on P40M in 1943, (when the aircraft markings were USAAF rather than Chinese) and last but not least: there were Polish pilots practiced on P40E in 112 RAF squadron.

Kittyhawk squadron begins a new Operational Theatre project: Africa (I definiatly need another playmat for it).

It is not easy to see the differences between AiM and Warlord Kittyhawk models. Both have more or less correct dimensions, AiM with a bit more slim fuselage. Warlord model is better detailed (more panel lines, nice cast air grip). Unfortunately Warlord's resin quality is not as good as David's from AiM. On the other hand the higher cost of transport from US convince me to Warlord model, but AiM have very wide offer, very hard to resist.

Kittyhawk in play is a typical US fighter: heavy armed, robust not very agile plane (as well as Wildcat, Corsair or Thunderbolt). I'm looking forward to try it against Friedrich (a typical German fighter), or during straffing missions. I'll keep you posted!

Who Dares, Wins - my LRDG platoon

I really like motorized platoons. They always look great. After mechanized British infantry full of Bren Carriers I decided to construct LRDG platoon based on Chevy 30CWT gun tracks. Sowing Mayhem selector represents Middle war patrols, abit lighter than the early war one. 

I haven't play it yet but I'm really excited with special capabilities that it gives to the player. High mobility, outmanouvering, dodging and all terrain movement ability give a player impression how did this formation work.

 

Preparing my LRDG platoon I had a chance to compare vehicles from different suppliers. The full test results are discussed Here.  

Concerning my platoon it is 999 pts strength and consists of 8 vehicles. Most of them are Chevies, different types, supported by two Bentham Jeeps. Infantry component consist of 5 LRDG/SAS teamts. The transport for infantry provides captured ex German Opel Blitz.

All LRDG vehicles have increased Outflanking (Behind the Enemy Lines, Out of the Blue), extreme high manouverability (Hit and Run, Recce), terrain crossing (Deflate those Tyres),  and Fire abilities (Over Gunned).

Command

Command component is realized by two Bentham Jeep armed with single pintle mounted forward facing MMG. Each vehicle is worth 73pts. Except standard LRDG abilies each Bentham is a Command vehicle with command radius of 12",

 My Bentham Jeeps are Rubicon models with added spare Warlord Games figure of gunner. The models - as each Rubicon - is perfect designed and gave me much fun during assebly. 

30CWT Chevy "Volley" Gun Truck

Two of ma Chevies are streghtened by using two twin Vickers K LMG. This gives 20 dices fire strength for per vehicle. Each of Chevy "Volley" gun truck is worth 86pts. and have all LRDG car abilitties.

One of my "Volley" Gun Truck is Warlord's Chevy when another is Rubicon. The Vickers K packs came from Rubicon Jeep sets. The Warlord model has default luggage when Rubicon need to install additional stuff. I possibly add something to this empty looking car.

There was a place for another LRDG Chevy in my platoon, armed a bit lighter with one forward facing and one pintle mounted MMG. The car is worth 66pts.  

The model is another Warlord set equipped with default armament of two Lewis guns. As usual present resin Warlord model ic consist of few main parts and is fair enough during assembly.


The only support weapon (with penetration modifier) in my platoon is Breda 20mm gun on another 30CWT Chevy. The car is worth 84 pts and is armed with rear facing light autocannon and forward facing MMG.

The model is Offensive Miniatures production. I added forward gunner from Warlord set and made no additional conversions yet. This is poor quality model made from white metal. The matrix looks worn out. I would probably haven't decide to buy another next time.


LRDG Transport Truck is almost regular LRDG Chevy (with all LRDG characteristics) worth 64pts AND transport abilities (up to 10 pasangers).

The model is Rubicon 30CWT Chevy with some small additions.

The last vehicle in my LRDG platoon is captured Opel Blitz. This only inexp truck worth 31pts can transport up to 12 pasangers, that is fully covers my needs

The model came from Warlord. It is really nice in assemply.  All LRDG vehicles were painted with Canadian Sand colour overall (one of the LRDG camo pattern).

Infantry component of my platoon is LRDG foot patrol (three soldiers each with different armament) 48pts, LRDG light mortar 51pts, one 5 strength SAS team (99pts) and two 6 strength SAS  teams with mixed weapons (120pts each)

Models are new Warlord Desert Fighter figures with added SAS/LRDG heads.

I hope it will work well on the desert battlefield. I definietly will share my achievements.