Painting: Axis and Allies Sd Kfz 231 (8-Rad).

Today recce patrols spot a new DAK unit.

I shared a review of the Axis and Allies (A&A) 8-rads earlier in the week. I have since then added some stowage and a BF commander.

I painted these up last weekend but real life and travel has conspired to prevent me from posting them up.

 I followed the same painting plan as I used on the earlier DAK units.

These were a joy to paint. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

Review: Axis and Allies Sd Kfz 231 (8-rad)

Today I take a look at another Axis and Allies (A&A) model - The Sd Kfz 231 (8-rad).

Like the A&A panzer IIIs I reviewed a while back, these models have been sitting on the shelf for several years. It seemed crazy to not paint these up for my new DAK force.

Like all A&A models, these came fully assembled, pre-painted and table ready. They are painted in an appropriate colour (for Europe anyway) and are decalled. They are a great easy way to build a force if you can still find some of these.

On the negative side though, these are not highly detailed showcase pieces. They are designed as game pieces. The tires, 20mm cannon barrel and hatches are all lacking in any real details. The turret doesn't rotate and most notably on these models in particular, the paint job is very average. The turret and hull are different shades of gray and the wash has been badly applied.

I will paint these up and see how they go. Before I do, I will wash these in soapy water, apply some stowage and try to fit a commander in the hatch. Stay tuned for a painting post. I hope you enjoyed this review.

Painting: Battlefront Panzer IIIN (GE063)

Today a unit of Panzer IIINs leaves the factory.

Recently, I painted up the HQ section for my DAK Panzer force. You can see the 1IC and 2IC on older posts.

I did a review of these Panzer IIINs. You can find it here.

These 3 vehicles were painted in the same style and using the same stowage as the earlier Oberst Rettemeier and the Panzer IIIJ.

I think these will be a key unit in my list. I only have a unit of three but I expect I will be looking to find room for a fourth once I use the list a few times.

Finally, here is the unit with the HQ section.

I hope you enjoyed this review.

Painting: Battlefront DAK HQ Panzer III

Today I double my Panzer III horde and complete my HQ section.

Yesterday I posted up my new DAK 1IC. I got in some quality painting time today and was able to finish up another Panzer III that will complete my HQ section. Look here and here for reviews of the Battlefront resin models of which this is one.

Every picture I see of DAK Panzers shows them with a significant amount of stowage. I added a crate and piece of track from an old Plastic Soldier Company (PSC) kit and an old strip of Battlefront German tank stowage to the engine desk.

The plastic PSC stowage is a good indication of the difference in the crispness of plastic and metal/resin components. The plastic stuff, be it from PSC or Battlefront is cleaner and more defined than the resin and metal components. The hobby is in a good position with the amount of nice plastic kits coming out.

I followed the same paint scheme as I used on the earlier Oberst Rettemeier model you can see in the 1IC link above.

I still have lots of work to go on the army before it can hit the desert sands. I hope you enjoyed this article.

The complete HQ section.

Painting: Battlefront Oberst Rettemeier in Panzer IIIJ (GE886)

Today Oberst Rettemeier's Panzer IIIJ rolls off the production line.

For those 3 people following my blog, you will remember I reviewed this lovely character model here.

I have had lots of fun painting up this vehicle. Here are the steps I took (all Vajello except where noted):

Oops - some careless green on the hull.

1. Spray white undercoat.
2. Iraqi Sand base coat.
3. I used a variety of colours on the stowage - Green Gray for the sandbags, Khaki for the canvas, Luftwaffe Camo Green for the barrel, German Camo Brown for the boxes.
4. Rettemeier himself is Russian Uniform.
5. I then washed the whole tank with Army Painter Strong Tone.
6. I then went back over the Iraqi sand leaving the nooks and crannies.
7. The stowage and Rettemeier's uniform was then highlighted the relevant base colour with a touch of Iraqi sand.
8. The road wheels and bucket are black gray. 
9. I then gave the tracks and road wheels a light dry brush with Iraqi sand

So, my commander in chief is painted. Back to the rest of my panzer IIIs and IVs. I hope you enjoyed this article.

Review: Axis and Allies Panzer IV Short 7.5cm

Today I look at some tanks from an alternative source of plastic models - Axis and Allies.

Background:
It is no secret I am working on a desert force for MW V4. You can see my Panzer III reviews here, here and here. Aside from wanting it to be a panzer III company, I haven't yet worked out what to back it up by. What I would like to do it try out the panzer IV short 7.5cms. I am yet to be sold on their value in a list so instead of springing for a unit of Battlefront ones, I have raided the lead, well plastic mountain for available options.

The good news is that I have a unit of 4 Axis and Allies models that I picked up years ago when I was getting into the hobby. At the time, they seemed like a good way to expand my forces cheaply and simply. Years later, they remain on the shelf un-used.

They are not the best models available. They are the right scale and they are ready to go. They are perfect for me to paint up and test with to see if I want to include them in my force. If quality is fitness for purpose, then these are the right quality figures for the job.

Review:
Axis and Allies was a simple WW2 game where you collected game pieces in packs. The pieces varied from infantry models, to guns, to tanks and each model came with a stat card. The figures are still around and seem to pop up on auction sites and 2nd hand stalls at conventions. The tanks are the most useful for FOW use. They come prepainted and decalled and fully assembled.

The Panzer IV short is painted in standard dark yellow with decals and a wash. The models have the turrets attached but they do rotate. The models are very basic with some items like the tracks and road wheels compromised for casting purposes. From the top and from a distance, the deep detail holds a wash well and should support a highlight.

These guys will not win any painting prizes but will allow me to try out a unit. Stay tunes for a painting post. I hope you enjoyed this article.