The benefits of scale creep - 1:76 workshop

As my last posting shows, I am toying with Bolt Action as a good system to use for fun and fast games.  I reckon I could even coerce my kids into playing with me.

However, I don't fancy laying out a few hundred plus pounds on armies for them!  I have decided to "do" Bolt Action in 15mm - problem solved.

As always my preferred setting is the late '42 - early '44 period. Inspired by an old newsreel showing the relief of Kowel in early 44, I started thinking of terrain.  Light industrial was the decision but I started to wince at the thought of fiddling about in 1:100 rather than my usual 28mm / 1:48.

I wanted a small factory and chanced upon the local "Modelzone" and it's bankruptcy sale.  This is where I found the above.  Not cheap at £11 but well cast, sturdy and just right to go with the Hovels ruined chimney I have picked up.

For your delectation a few snaps showing a (supposedly 1:100) Battlefront Grenadier posing next to the resin cast Airfix 1:76 "European Ruined Workshop". I think you will agree it is pretty near spot-on in size and it sports plenty of firing angles and cover positions.  Detail is very good and as can be seen this is present on interior surfaces also.  There is an etched brass fret for the window frames.

On the downside, there are some bubbles (two) and the walls are thick.  The former easily filled, the latter no bad thing on a games table.

There are a lot of other nominally 1:76 buildings in the series and all are on sale at Modelzone for about 75% retail price.

If your nerve can hold, wait a few weeks and I am sure they will reduce the price even further.

All I have to add is a nicely detailed baseboard and I have a generic setting for myriad skirmishes.

Bolt Action: Armies of Germany.

I bought this supplement for Bolt Action as I had decided the ruleset was eminently usable.  Sadly, I must say the contents do not quite match the high standard of presentation.

I am fully aware that as an "expert" I am bound to be overly picky but some inaccuracies really grated.  For instance, the rules state that the early war Waffen SS was better equipped than the late.  Pure nonsense as the SS-VT had to beg borrow and steal equipment.  This resulted in use of Czech firearms, WW1 helmets and even Spanish armoured cars!  Only later on did the W-SS start to receive first rate kit in preference to other formations.

In addition, I understand that the rules are meant to complement Warlord Games' miniatures. However does thus really justify the vehicle omissions?  It seems stats are provided for WG models and if they don't produce it - tough.  This reminds me of a GW codex requiring you to use approved models only.

Thus said, there is nothing the book that cannot be easily corrected but the fact remains that corrections are required.

Back to the (Ost)front!

After an indecent hiatus, I decided it was time to resuscitate my wargaming project and create a force from the myriad items I have in the WWII crates.

I have decided to use the rather popular "Bolt Action" rules by Warlord Games.  The decision was based on their widespread use and the fact I got a brand new copy of the rulebook for £12 on Amazon!

The plan is to create a 1000pt army from parts I have to hand.  This will avoid further spending on models and give my force a more realistic feel.  No "rules lawyerism" here, just 1000pts of grim Landsers trying to fend off Ivan with whatever they have available!

The 1943/45 force will be assembled in two 500pt chunks.  The first will be on foot featuring understrength squads and support.  The second will be mechanised and sport armour and higher command (Major von Hächtel and his unique Hanomag!)

Hopefully this will spur me on to get an army finished before the New Year!

Force of Arms 1:56 kits.

Figure & straightedge for scale reference.

As per my recent posting on TMP, here people can see the vintage Force of Arms 1:56 / 28mm StuG and Panzer models.

Thanks for looking.

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.