Painting: Axis and Allies Panzer IV Short 75

A while back I reviewed the Axis and Allies Panzer IV short 75s. In summary, I have had these on the shelf for many years. They are basic models, are the right scale and fully assembled. They are not going to win any beauty pageants but they will allow me to see if the unit fits into the plan for my new list. You can find my full review here.

History:
The Panzer IV was one of the mainstays of the German forces in WW2 with over 8500 being built. It was the only tank to remain in production right through the war. The short barrel versions A - F1 were designed as infantry support tanks. The short 75mm gun was equipped for both HE and AT rounds. The F1 was the last short barrel model.

It became apparent that the Panzer III, originally designed as a anti-tank platform, was no longer viable in this role when it's gun could not be upgraded due to the small size of the turret. The Panzer IV F2 was built around a long barrel 75mm gun and the Panzer III was discontinued.

Painting:
I followed my normal scheme and process for these tanks. You can see more detail about these in my earlier PZIII posts. Being that these are only going to be a trial, I didn't add any stowage. The Axis and Allies models don't easy allow open hatches so I will need to mark the commanders vehicle once I get to the decal stage. I will do this with the whole company at the end of the project.

Until then, I hope you enjoyed this article.

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.

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.