An old project returns...

The monstrosity from the front.

Way back in 2011 I posted my plans for an improvised tank killer on an old 38(t) chassis.  Following a move of house it was boxed and retired.

Recent reading has kindled my interest in the Royal Hungarian Army.  Often belittled, these troops fought bravely against the Red Army (and others) for nearly four years.  Their equipment was in short supply and what they had was often second-rate.  However they fought right until the end of the war, the final stages spent defending what little of their Country was unoccupied and then retreating West.

Now, the "Honvedseg" was equipped with domestic and foreign AFVs.  In 1942 a good number of Panzers 38(t) were provided by Germany.  The Magyars had a distinct lack of anti-tank capability and thus are prime candidates for using my "Frankenstein" vehicle.    Cobbled together from an old tank chassis and a salvaged F34 cannon sourced from a T34/76, the vehicle will lend some much needed "punch" to my nascent "Honved" platoon.

Side elevation.

I am intending to use various Warlord plastic sets for the infantry (Soviet Winter and German - both Early and late) converting as needed.  I will be using a few Woodbine M16 "WW1 Turkish" heads to add a bit of variety.  These helmets were in use for the duration of the conflict (by Germany also!)  In addition I will be sculpting the odd moustache.  I find the easiest way to do this is with heavily thinned "Squadron Green Putty" as my usual epoxy never adheres.

WIP commader - he ain't got no time for the monkey business.

The commander (Szazados Frigyes Higany) is nearly finished and tank needs some bits added (Not least the foul-weather tarp) but this may be added to the spray queue soon!

Part 1a: Panzerbefehlswagen 740 (r)

After taking a pause, it became glaringly obvious that the aerial had to go.  The T26 kit is an absolute dog but I couldn't justify the over-scale antenna by such reasoning!  After all, I am attempting to make something good!

Toothpick is a spacer until the epoxy dries.

I prised off the already glued aerial (amazing how resilient super glue is when you don't want it to be!) and removed the tree-trunk supports.  I have made a new frame from thin brass rod and need to visit my local (unfriendly) model shop for some appropriately sized styrene rod.

Other bits of stowage have been added along with an unditching log.  Still to come is some gap filling and the "soft" stowage.  Both achieved with a mixture of epoxy putties.  Also, I have a bit of chain that will look quite good when artfully draped.

Now, time for a coffee and bath...

"Upcycling" - a question of command.

Nice shot of a Panzerbefehlswagen I.

With the new year has come substantial resolve.  Both to get fit (well, less unfit!) and to get some of the long considered projects completed.  I spent most of my January free-time improving a diecast Panzer IV toy - more of which in another post.  However this left me needing a command vehicle for my kampfgruppe.

As can be seen, frame antennae come in different shapes!

Now I could have gone for a bog-standard command vehicle like an SdKfz 250 or 251 but I wanted something "different" and with a frame aerial.   I like the look of the Panzerbefehlswagen I but couldn't find one online and also didn't fancy forking out for another model.  Thus I decided to think outside the box and produce something unique.



A quick trip to the loft produced a rather nasty T26 bought from an Ebay seller.  It was warped and the track units are different lengths (both being too short!)  It cost me very little and I suspect it is a "knock-off" so I didnt mind chopping it up.

The solution to my problem came to me at about 05:00 today after the Nitrazepam wore off.  I would create a "Beute" Befehlswagen!  After a day of tinkering bending and sanding I present the Panzerbefehlswagen 740 (r)

Figures for size reference.

This monster was cobbled together in an unidentified workshop at the request of an officer short of a mount.  He didn't wish to "waste" a gun-tank so had his men create a custom vehicle from parts.   The aerial from a scout car, the cupola from a written off Panzer III and some sheet steel cut from a destroyed Hanomag.  All these mixed with some ingenuity and the command vehicle was born!

Rudimentary MG port shown.

As can be seen it is not finished needing tidying up, filling, sanding and more detailing.  Also it is far from perfect having an overscale antenna.  However any thinner and I think it would be prone to breakage during a game.  The supports will be replaced as they look like tree trunks!

Rear hatch and home-cast stowage boxes.

The track units have (I hope) been disguised and a coat of gunk will help this process further.  The (lucky?) commander is already modelled and just needs to be seated in his cupola and then this should be ready for the spray booth.  It will be in Soviet green and panzergrau with a winter over-paint making it usable for almost the whole war.  I am currently deciding which technique should be used to portray chipped and worn whitewash...

Anyway, I am pretty happy and hope this is of interest to someone!

Vril and the Hollow Earth.

GröFaZ and ET?  No thanks!

For a few weeks I have been considering the various options when it comes to "weird" World War II.

Now as it is a fantasy subject there is no reason that Minotaurs couldn't be enlisted in the Heer fighting against a race of Soviet Gnomes. However, I wanted to keep the whole thing a little more believable (if it can be plausible in the slightest!)

Interesting but over-done.

It is well known that various German societies and some senior figures were searching for "Vril" or Hyperborean technologies.  Indeed the quest for perpetual motion and free energy was still considered attainable at this time.  

Some fringe types had decided the Earth was hollow (there are still believers) and that an advanced race lived in a subterranean realm illuminated by a hidden Sun!  

Then of course there is the whole "Haunebu" area where the Germans were supposedly cooperating with Aliens to build flying saucers - a crackpot's wet dream!

Anyway the options are pretty simple:

• Alien Tech - Flying discs, rayguns and Antarctic bases.
• Anti-grav research based upon "Die Glocke" style experiments.
• Vril animated machines and creatures.

The concept - Vpz II circa 1943/4.

I have opted for an admixture of Vril and Anti-Grav technology.  

The Anti-Grav will allow me to field small scout vehicles that hover above the ground.  The weaponry will be strictly in-period and I am planning to base this on the Sdkfz 234 series.  

The number of vehicles will be very small as they are produced contrary to Hitler's wishes* and manned by the secretive and paranoid "Projekt Ostara" personnel.

Currently I am awaiting the delivery of the basic chassis from Jez at Old Crow.  The model I have chosen does not really look too futuristic and with a turret transplant should have a real alternative WWII feel - I just hope the turrets I have in my spares box fit as I have not been able to measure or handle the chassis!

The choice of Vril will also allow me field zombies - Hoorah! - as corpses could easily be reanimated by such an amazing substance!

More to follow - albeit slowly - as vacation season approaches...

*A fact often overlooked by "Weird" enthusiasts is that GröFaZ detested the Occult and the bizarre theories of Himmler and Rosenberg.  He was far more interested in weapons specs, troop numbers and production than in the search for an Hyperborean civilisation and magical substances.

A walk on the "Weird" side

Warm Acre body SoTR head - an experiment!

Recently I have been taking something of a pause from the grim realities of the historical Eastern Front - I have been thinking about the whole Weird War II genre.

For my more "serious" readers, this wargaming niche revolves around various Occult or Alien intervention during the 1939-45 war.  It can be a pretty dark and Satanic place full of Vampires and zombies or a mech-packed sci-fi battlefield - often a mixture of both.  Now I am the first to say it is all nonsense but nevertheless it can be entertaining to let the mind wander...

I decided to create a small skirmish force for "Projekt Ostara" (more of which at a later date)  Without delving too much into the background story, Ostara is guided by suitably mad scientists under the patronage of some shady figures.  Viral contamination, alien tech and the obligatory walkers are all present - but I wish to maintain a distinctly 1940s feel.

So with this in mind I have been searching for walkers that look "right" - this has been no easy task.  The Dust Tactics and AT-43 miniatures often look quite splendid - especially the former as the designers have taken care to equip the vehicles with "period" weapons.  Although good, all still appear a little "high tech" for me - especially when it comes to the Manga-style feet and legs.  The SoTR offerings from Westwind Productions are attractive but prompt similar concerns about being "too modern" looking.

I had reached the end of my tether and decided to abandon the whole idea but then chanced upon Games Workshop's "Imperial Guard Sentinel".  This bipedal beast is small and rickety looking - just up my alley.  In addition it is a plastic kit - thus making conversion simple.  Most importantly the feet look spot-on!

The Sentinel undergoing back-dating.

After braving the local store (full of sweating teenagers with an over-worked and over-enthusiastic staffer trying to cope) I set to work on removing the GW feel.  At the moment it is in the very early stages of conversion but I think it has promise.  Once the styrene cement has set I will get to work removing rivets and adding some epoxy putty weld seams.  In addition the hatch needs to be worked on so that a commander can be added.


The vehicle is armed with an auto-loading 7.5cm L/24 cannon and is intended to be a recon support vehicle - somewhat akin to the Sdkfz 234/3.  The crew will be (a cramped) two men with a medium range wireless set

I am very interested to learn if others have used these models as a base for "Weird" walkers.

Munitionspanzerjäger 38(t) - Progress

The plating is intentionally imperfect.

I decided to strike whilst enthusiasm was high and time available.  Having cut the shields from "30 thou" plastic-sheet* - I decided they looked too tidy for a scrapyard vehicle.  

Inspiration struck in the form of some Tamiya StuG III schürzen.  Amazingly the front skirt was of almost identical proportions to the forward part of my template.  I have therefore trimmed a couple of these and rotated them into place.  The cut-outs used to hang them on the StuG have been kept in-situ.  Now the vehicle has a more "rough and ready" look.  

The Ultimate Soldier tank hull has had the MG removed - a blank will be fitted to cover the hole.  Additionally the loose glacis plate has been repositioned and super-glued into place.

I think I will secure this "plating" with epoxy putty.  That way I will not have it springing loose at an inopportune moment.  Once securely in place I will add some welding-detail and other bits and pieces including a large wooden ammo locker.

As for the KwK F34(r) - taken from a Hobby Boss T34 - the mount will have (for game purposes) a very limited traverse.  Looking at the aperture and pivot, I would estimate this is no more than a total of 20 degrees (probably less)

To my eyes the project is looking promising. 

*30 thou is over-scale but the thinnest sheet with the required strength.

Imagineering: Munitionspanzerjäger 38(t) mit KwK F34(r)

Munitionspanzer 38(t)

One of the troubles when starting new projects is too much choice.  First of all it is scale, then period - followed closely by the pleasant task of choosing models.  I am often derailed by one or all of the above.  A case of too many toys and too little time.



The other factor that proves troubling is my severe trepidation - a simple fear of making a mess.  I realised recently that it is almost 20 years since I last completed a 1:35 kit.  This hiatus has caused me to become increasingly indecisive!  These things cost money and I don't want to waste it.  Anyway, it is time to draw a line under this and "Get her done" as our American friends like to say.

Readers will be aware of my preference for "make do" type vehicles.  As I have explained before, improvisation and field modification were very common in the Ostheer - as they are in most armies.  In fact almost every documentary I watch these days has some weird field-mod sitting in the background or rolling past whilst the narrator drones on.  Of late I have toyed with a few conversions but have settled on this creation as my project of the month!

The rugged and reliable (yet under-gunned and armoured) Panzer 38(t) was, from 1942/3,  frequently relegated to service as a Munitionspanzer.  This was a relatively simple conversion involving the removal of the turret and covering the resulting circular hole with a tarpaulin or wooden "lid".  Occasionally these vehicles sport a box-like superstructure that appears to be made from sheet-metal - however this seems relatively rare.

Munitionspanzerjäger 38(t)

My "what-if" vehicle depicts such a Munitionspanzer that has been given a new lease of life at the divisional workshop.

An F34 cannon has been removed from a T34 wreck and mounted upon the chassis.  Scrap metal (old schürzen perhaps?) has been welded into a protective box - giving the creation the appearance of a crude "Marder".

I have no idea if anything similar to this "Imagineered" vehicle was made, but it is certainly possible.  When you consider the various oddballs floating around this looks decidedly conservative!

The photo has been snapped on my iPhone and is therefore not too great.  However the card mock-up (which needs tweaking) should give readers an idea of what is to come...

Review: JTFM Panzer Grenadiers 28mm

The 10 man set straight from the package.

Today, a first for Frontkämpfer: a figure review!  A popular feature of my other Blog, I think it should be well received here.

We will start with JTFM's Panzer Grenadier set.  Sculpted by Mike Broadbent, this 10 figure set retails at $17.00 (I bought mine for £10.00 from WCP - closeout price)  Although not stated, these figures are depicted in cold weather gear and suitable for late 1943 onwards (due to reversible winter jackets, ankle boots and figures armed with MP43/StG44*)  

The first thing you notice when comparing them to other manufacturers' offerings is that they are beautifully cast but slight.  This is probably a good thing as 28mm figures tend to be very chunky.  In terms of height they work well with Artizan, Crusader, BAM and Battle Honours - but their build is best suited to use with Battle Honours.  

Detail is good, not the best but perfectly acceptable.  When taken as a whole the unit is posed realistically for combat and thus very useful for skirmish wargames.  That said there are some anomalies.  For example the MG42 loader (with separately cast left arm) is standing whereas the gunner is firing prone.  Additionally, the gunner uses the 50 round drum magazine rather than the usual belt and box.  Personally, I do not think they could be used together and look right.

L to R: Artizan, JTFM and Battle Honours.

The faces do not have the detail we expect these days.  They are workable but nothing outstanding.  This suits me as I prefer rank and file figures to be pretty generic - anything too memorable creates a "character".


My hyper-critical eye spotted only three real let-downs.  Firstly the odd shape of some of the helmets - a place many companies fall down.  Some of the examples look wrong, one resembles the 1916 pattern rather than the 1935.  The second problem is the right arm on the loader figure - it appears to be "withered".  Although the chap may be suffering from this deformity (as did Kaiser Bill) it doesn't look good in miniature!  Finally, some of the StG44 wielders seem to have the wrong ammo pouches!  The models sculpted are those for the straight MP40 "Schmeisser".

These problems are not deal-killers but detract a little from the overall impression.

In summary, it is a good set and a welcome addition to what is available.  They are pretty good value and especially well priced if you snag them during WCP's closeout!

Scores out of 10 - thoroughly personal ratings explained:

Sculpting - Quality of detail and accuracy

Casting - Mismoulds and flashing

Variety - How comprehensive is the range

Service - Was the seller easy to reach, polite and helpful

Delivery - How long did they take to get to me

Value - Are they a good deal overall

Delivery time based upon my experience - UK to UK delivery.

Sculpting:                  6.5/10 

Casting:                    10/10 No faults!

Variety of Subject:    8/10  A lot of MP43/StG43s.

Customer Service:    */10  Third party purchase.

Delivery Time:          */10  As above.

Value:                      7/10 (9/10 WCP closeout price!)

*This weapon was around in limited numbers during winter 43/44 - however the high number included suggests the figures are more suitable for the following winter.

Modified T34/76 1943 - A question of scale?

Battered and filthy T34 with PZ. III schürzen - Spring 1944.

The T34 - a truly legendary vehicle!  It didn't have the best gun, armour or top-speed but in terms of balancing the three (and units produced) it is in my opinion the greatest tank of World War II.

So, it's clear - I like the tank.  However, I do not have a Red Army collection and have no wish to start.  A problem? Not at all - as these vehicles were frequently pressed into service by German units.  Some tomes such as the hallowed "Encyclopedia of German Tanks" will have you believe that T34s were used by Germany on a very limited basis.  Photographic evidence shows that this is nonsense!  For some examples visit the excellent "Beutepanzer" site and have a look for yourself.

T34/76C with improvised skirts.

Now, the decision becomes a little harder.  Do you want to model a vehicle simply over-painted, a "Germanised" vehicle with new cupola etc or perhaps a conversion?  

I have opted for something a bit esoteric, namely a T34/76 C with field-fitted Schürzen.  Before you cry "he's mad!" I ask you to consider these photographs.  One appears to sport modified Panzer III skirts and the other has items that look to be built from scrap metal.  The vehicles are still obviously T34s but are very different to the norm. 

Armourfast: Cheap and cheerful.

For once, I have the parts to build these in more than one scale.  In 20mm / 1:72 I have an old Armourfast T34 1943.  It is not a great model but is cheap.  I have also a wealth of thin metal and plastic sheet that can be easily  fitted as improvised skirting.  Fortunately, schürzen will disguise some of the less than perfect detail (or lack of said) sported by this kit.  

If I was starting the project afresh, I would opt for the Panzer IV and T34 from PSC - the spare skirts on the former could be used to great effect.  Indeed the 15mm collector could use PSC's offerings to the same end.

Potential skirt donor.

In 28mm / 1:48 (quiet!) I have a complete set of skirts from a Tamiya Panzer III N and an unbuilt Hobby Boss T34/76.  A simple tweak and readjustment and you can make yourself a skirted beast with minimal effort.

Sadly, the 1:48 version is going to be far too large to accompany my BA 3/6 "Stummel" but then you cannot have everything.

A great model for the 1:48 adherent.

I think I will go for the smaller option first as it is less work - I have a tendency to start too many projects simultaneously and get demoralised.

Talking of the "Stummel", it is time to don the dustmask and get all the parts sanded...

The Return of the Stummel™

Off-setting the gun works aesthetically.

Due to popular demand the Panzerspähwagen BA(F) 203(r) "Stummel" is back from the dead.  This historical "what-if" generated so much enthusiasm it would be unfair to just consign it to the trash heap!

I haven't done much so far but the idea is taking shape.  I fiddled around with some pieces of cereal box card during an episode of the awful "Sex and the City" and found the best solution.

The shields are high and the vehicle will be rather ungainly, this is something I like, as it is not a work of art - rather a utilitarian field-mod.  I have tacked the basic plates onto the hull and need only sand them to the right angles.  This will be done when I smooth out the (still to be filled) faults on the FoA casting.

The small size of the BA-3/6 is going to dictate a three man crew - two on the L24 howitzer and a driver.  The MG port will be covered as this area will be used as storage for the shells etc.

I think it is going to work out OK and the planned tarpaulin will hide the fact that the hull is solid.  More as I get it!

Imagineering: Panzerjäger T-70 743(r)

Artillerie Schlepper T70 & PaK40

Regular readers will be aware that I wish my 1943/44 "Mini-Kampfgruppe" to sport a couple of unusual vehicles.  Originally, I was thinking of converting a BA-3/6 armoured car but after a great deal of thought, I reckon this is simply impractical.  Thus, I have spent a great deal of time this week thinking of an alternative.

The component parts.

Like most of us I have - to the disgust of my Wife - a large collection of unmade models and left-over parts stashed around the family home.  When starting a new project (or resuscitating an old one) I like to delve into this stockpile and see what I can use.  Invariably I find things I have  forgotten about and as such the process is always enjoyable.

After shelving the "Stummel" idea I had a second dip and found an unassembled JTFM T-70 bought a couple of years back.  Digging deeper unearthed a couple of PaK 40s (one Artizan & one unknown)  This haul got me thinking...

Improvised R35 Panzerjäger.

During WW2 many captured tanks (and even armoured cars) were stripped of their turrets and pressed into service as "Schleppers" or tractors.  Used to tow various ordnance they were a cheap (partial) solution to the military's horrendous equipment short-fall.  There is much photographic evidence of once towed weapons being field-mounted upon their prime-movers.  A great many weird and wonderful vehicles can be tracked (ho ho) down if you trawl period media.

Another strange field-mod.

As the T70 was used to tow the PaK 40, I see no reason why an improvised Panzerjäger would not have been made.  The chassis is certainly capable of handling the weight and firing stresses - so why not!  Also, having the requisite parts to hand helped me decide - minimal extra outlay is required!  So to cut to the chase, I will be starting to build such a model over the next few days.  

Any comments or suggestions are most welcome - please feel free to post them below.

Ersatz Stummel - in the resin / metal

I have just pulled a couple of models for comparison.  The metal one is a "Chieftain" Sdkfz 250 converted to 250/8 "Alte".  This vehicle was actually made and saw action on the Ostfront.  However it is pure guesswork as to whether the gun was countersunk into the glacis or mounted on top of the hull.  I decided to go for the option similar to the early Sdkfz 251/9.

Relative sizes of 1:56 Sdkfz 250/8 and BA-6 "Stummel"

The resin model is the BA-6.  I have mounted the gun (with some Blu-tack) in the location that enables the most room to serve the weapon. 

Gun mounts are miscasts from S&S models.  I got my hands on these almost eight years ago and they have been boxed since then.  Some serious work is needed to make them look OK!

The red areas approximate the location of armour plate shields with the horizontal lines showing the supports for a canvas tilt - well it would be depicted during winter and a tarp hides a multitude of sins!

Major von Hächtel would be peeping out next to the gun surveying the bleak terrain and wishing he was back home in Beimbach.

Is this workable?

Please excuse the messy nature of the 250.  It's dimensions are slightly "off" (look at that rear hull plate!) and that is why I shelved the project - it annoyed me! 

Ersatz Stummel - continued

Second generation mock-up.

Having had a look at the "mock-up" below I think the armament was wrongly situated - as suggested at TMP.

I have dropped it back and things look better.   It would also allow the hull MG position to be used as a radio-operator's station.  Essential, considering the beastie is supposed to be a command vehicle.

The only problem is going to be if there is sufficient room to load the weapon in this configuration.  It is going to be a very tight fit.  Either way I will not be sure until I dig out the components...

Panzerspähwagen BA(F) 203(r) "Stummel" ?

"Beute" Soviet BA-6.

Of late I have been looking for a "mount" for "Major von Hächtel" the commander of my 28mm Kampfgruppe.  I have considered using a Panzer, SPW or even a "beute" T70 but all seem a bit boring.  Then last night I found an unmade "Force of Arms" BA-6 in bubble wrap!  The cogs started whirring and an old idea was suddenly resurrected.

The BA-3/6 was captured in large quantities by the advancing Wehrmacht.  They were used widely in security units but also found their way into front line units.  Sometimes you see them with the bulky T26 turret removed and an MG fitted in improvised shields of varying complexity.  I have even seen one with what looks like a 2,0cm KwK 30 in a semi-fixed mounting.  So far so good.

Mock-up for the BA-Stummel.

I want something a little unusual for the august Major and started thinking along the lines of an 7,5cm L/24 howitzer - as mounted on Sdkfz 233 (6* and 8 wheel) 234/3, 250 (old‡ and new) and 251.  I created a little mock-up with MS paint and it looks acceptable in terms of size.  When comparing the details to the Sdkfz 250 it is obvious that the BA-6 is indeed of a similar size and weight.  So I wonder: "Is there sufficient room in the rear  compartment to handle the weapon?"

So many unofficial conversions are apparent in photos and newsreels that I am of the opinion that "if it could be done, it probably was"  I am sure the recoil would not be great for the BA's health in the long-term (then neither is a PaK 38's good for an Sdkfz 250 - but it is a known field-mod!)  However, expediency on the battlefield seemed, as always, to be the greatest consideration.  If you look at "Endkampf" kit you can see some seriously strange conversions - so my argument is that von Hächtel was just a bit ahead of his time in winter 43/44!

Early production Sdkfz 251/9.

I would be most interested in any comments from people who are familiar with the internal layout of the BA-3/6 and could tell me if there was room enough for two standing crew members after removal of the turret.

*There are unsubstantiated reports of the short 75mm being mounted on the 6-rad Sdkfz 232. 

‡The prototype Sdkfz 250/8s were built (1943) on old style chassis.

Cut price "Yesteryear" softskins

Ford/Gaz vans with Artizan figure.

After deciding that I would create a 28mm Kampfgruppe in addition to my 20mm project, I started looking around for trucks that would work alongside my figures.  

There is a good selection available in a variety of scales but most are quite pricey.  I suspect I am not alone in preferring to spend my limited funds on something a little more exciting than dull, yet essential, trucks.  

Providence threw me a line.  I saw my son, Fritz, playing with a bright yellow vintage truck and thought this looked to be of approximately the right size to use with 28s.  After a bit of research I discovered his decidedly "Soviet" looking truck was in fact a "Model A" Ford.  These were manufactured in the USSR during the early/mid 1930s as the "Gaz A".

Gaz "AA" Trucks.

Rather than steal the young fella's toy I had a snoop around a local "car boot" sale this morning and found a chap selling boxed Matchbox "Models of Yesteryear" for the princely sum of £1.00 each.  I found two Model A vans and whilst not ideal (I would have preferred flatbeds) they are good enough for me.

With a minimal amount of work (largely a re-spray) these will be passable as ex-Red Army vehicles pressed into Heer service.  I am sure purists will tell me that the Soviets didn't produce vans or that the wheel-spoke count is wrong - no matter!  Considering the price is similar to a couple of cans of soda, I don't think I could ask for a better deal! 

Sdkfz 251 in "28mm" - A comparison

Sdkfz 251/10 B in Ukraine circa 1942.

The iconic "Hanomag Sdkfz 251" SPW (Schützenpanzerwagen) is a near essential purchase for anyone wanting to build a Panzergrenadier force.  Until a few years back (well a decade or so!) your options were largely limited to the venerable Solido diecast.  Things are now quite different.

In the following article I will show four different models available to the wargamer.  It may surprise some to see just how much the size of these vehicles varies - although all are marketed toward the "25/28mm" gamer.

In order of size (biggest to smallest) here goes:

Second City's 251 B.

First up, the offering from Second City. Priced at £7.00 it is clearly a "budget" option.  This is sadly apparent when it comes to quality - the resin casting is full of flaws - looking almost hand-poured!  The vehicle looks to be based upon a late "Ausf B" model and is thus usable for the duration of the Eastern War.

This kit comes in five parts (body, tracks and wheels)  No machine guns are supplied.  The vehicle is large being near to 1:48 scale (In fact I suspect it is a cast of a commercial kit)  That said, if your funds are limited and you are prepared to do a fair bit of work, this may be an option to consider.  Personally, I am tempted to take a crack at one and see if I can make it look acceptable - that is if it doesn't dwarf my Marder III!

BAM/Warlord's 251 D.

Next we move to Bolt Action Miniatures' ausf D (very late 1943 onwards) priced around £18.00.  My samples were bought  (4 years ago) before Warlord Games acquired BAM and they prompted a mixed reaction.  The kit comprises five parts (Hull, track and wheels on a base plus MGs and shield) and apart from the base they are well cast.  The latter was a real mess on both examples.

The track details had been chipped off before packaging and unless these were covered in scale "mud" they would disfigure an otherwise fine model.  I remember asking BAM for replacements and getting these only after a few less than pleasant exchanges.  If Warlord has rectified these casting and service problems I would wholeheartedly recommend the model, if not I would be wary.  Sold as 1:56 scale the height appears spot-on, although they look a little narrow compared to an Artizan figure.

AGNM excellent 251 B.

Third is an Army Group North model (£20.00 in the UK from The Wargames Command Post)  Again, this is an early variant (ausf A according to "Ditto" at TMP) this time with three rifle/vision ports on each of side of the hull.  It is a three piece model with only the MGs to add to a large resin moulding.

This hunk of resin is beautifully cast with no flaws present.  Like the BAM/Warlord model, this 1:56 beastie looks to be of correct height.  However, this time the width looks a little better.  The one problem is the length, I think it is slightly shorter than it should be.  I haven't measured it but my ageing eyeballs suggest that an extra 5mm or so would improve things.  This is a fairly minor niggle considering the overall excellence of this model - recommended.

The diminutive Westwind version.

Finally, we have an Sdkfz 251/9 from Westwind Productions priced at £14.00.  This is the only 100% metal kit and is thus a pretty heavy item.  The detail on the kit is good (this is an ausf C) but my examples (I had two) were of variable quality.  The first had large areas that were missing due to poor casting!  Westwind replaced this promptly and the replacement was fine - so I guess I was just unlucky - again!

The model is formed from hull halves that, for some weird reason, join vertically passing through the front, deck and rear of the vehicle.  This is a very poor design feature as the resulting seam is extremely hard to fill.  Additionally, the joining of two large hunks of metal is not for the faint-hearted.  When it comes to scale these are 1:60 and therefore very small compared to modern "heroic" 28s.  Westwind produce their own range of "25mm"  miniatures that work well with this model but I doubt many would wish to mix these little fellas with the more modern style of figure.

As an incidental note, I have seen Westwinds SPW used to great effect with Valiant Miniature's supposedly 20mm figures!

There are other options nowadays, Tamiya (1:48) and JTFM/Die Waffenkammer (1:56) spring to mind.  Sadly I don't have these to hand for comparison.  Both look to be of great quality albeit in different scales.

Comparative sizes of the four models.

To summarise, much will depend upon your choice of figures and your other vehicles.  As I have said before, the weird and unrealistic proportions of most 28mm miniatures make choosing appropriate vehicles difficult.

Whilst spot-on in terms of height, both the AGNM and BAM/Warlord models are not really big enough for an heroic 28 crew.  If you tried to seat ten miniatures in the rear you would soon see that it just won't happen.  Even if you imagine that your little men are suddenly rendered malleable, it is readily apparent that they are too broad and squat.  The vehicle was cramped - but not that tiny.

Reenactors and their mount.

Then again the Second City vehicle is enormous and your PzGrens would be riding in luxury!  The over-scale problem is most obvious when you look at the drive wheels - they are monstrous.  However, if you are using 1:48 diecasts or plastic models, the over-sized problem is redundant.



Personally, I would say that any of the first three can work with heroic 28s - just don't mix and match.

Review: Bolt Action Miniatures' Plastic German Infantry 28mm

Action packed box art - "Take that Ivan!"

When, last year, I saw these miniatures previewed over on TMP I was interested.  It was inevitable that the "Plastic Revolution" spread eventually to WW2 and it was no surprise that the first release was German.  At the time of writing they remain the only hard plastic miniatures of their type - PSC's offerings are pending.

After looking at the original promotional photos (now on the rear of the box) I was not greatly impressed.  The miniatures appeared especially "cartoon-like" and the detail soft.  Additionally, I thought the fact that the rifle pouches were moulded onto the bodies was sloppy.   This would require the modeler to carve them off should he wish to depict an Officer, SMG wielder or MG team.  Still I decided I should purchase a set to look them over for myself...

Sprues front and back - you get five in the box.

Now that I have studied the sprues I have a somewhat more favourable impression.  Each of the five main frames contains five bodies wearing open-necked uniforms.  All wear ankle boots and gaiters (thus suitable for 1943 onward) and all but the kneeling figure sport Kar98k pouches on the belt.  You get fourteen arms (seven each of left & right) eight heads and five different sets of personal equipment.  Anyone familiar with the Airfix Multipose sets from the 70s will, at this point, be taking a trip down memory lane! 

The weapons sprues (three included) have a lot of different options ranging from P08 pistol through to a Panzerfaust.  Included are MGs 34 & 42 and ammo box but no cleaning kit pouch.  Similarly, there is an MP43/StG44 assault rifle but no ammo pouches are present.  To me, this appears to be an oversight by BAM - there is certainly plenty of free room on the sprue to include these options.

Also in the box are enough bases to mount all 25 troopers (plus 5 spares)  These are simple circular (25mm) offerings from Renedra.  Slim and with texture on one surface - nicely done.

When it comes to details the mouldings are good, pretty pretty good.  The quality of moulding is excellent as we expect from Renedra.  The clothing is not full of over-played folds, the back packs are realistically individual and the hands not over-large.  The poses are acceptable and with careful arm selection a presentable advancing unit can be created.  The heads are not quite as good as the bodies, looking decidedly "heavy set".  Additionally, something about the stallhelm shape seems wrong.  I cannot pin it down but, to me, they don't look 100% right.  I think this lets the set down somewhat as people tend to focus on this iconic feature above all others.

Weapon and base sprues.

The weapons are beautifully realised being both slender and well detailed.  The only problem may be that they look too small when coupled with the 28mm figures (which have the normal exaggerated proportions)  I should add that the weapons are extremely fragile.  Taking the sprues from the box and then returning them I managed to break a few Kar98k barrels and I am far from ham-fisted!

Overall, this is a very useful set.  It has it's problems but none are insurmountable (apart perhaps from the curved mags for the StG 44)  With a bit of work and careful posing a good looking unit should be achievable.  Personally, I think they are a little over-priced at £20.00 (April 2011) and feel that this places them in competition with some metal ranges that are superior.   However, being plastic they are easier to convert than pewter and will certainly appeal to kitbashers.  Incidentally, trawling online can get you the set at a better price which renders the plastic option more attractive

In a future article I intend to get a few of these cleaned up and assembled to test the versatility.

Scores out of 10 - thoroughly personal ratings explained:

Sculpting - Quality of detail and accuracy

Casting - Mismoulds and flashing

Variety - How comprehensive is the range

Service - Was the seller easy to reach, polite and helpful

Delivery - How long did they take to get to me

Value - Are they a good deal overall

Sculpting:                        7.5/10 

Casting:                            10/10 More outstanding work from Renedra.

Variety of Subject:    */10 Range is new and expanding.

Customer Service:    */10  Bought from a third party.

Delivery Time:            */10 As above.

Value:                                6/10 Based on MSRP - (Mine cost £15 - 7.5/10)