Recon Forward!

So my list may not be as competitive as some of the other LW players out there, but I put this one together to use as many of my favorite vehicles as possible. The most conspicuous absentee from my list is the M5 Stuart light tank. It is my favorite vehicle of WWII, of any nation involved. Mostly because it was obsolete by 1942 (that's giving it the benefit of the doubt), and continued to trudge on through the end of the war. I'll eventually pickup a platoon or more, but for now my list will change little.

My other favorites that are a part of my list, at least occasionally, are:
- M18 Hellcat Tank Destroyer
- M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage
- M8 Greyhound Armored Car
- M20 Armored Utility Vehicle

I'm really terrible at taking "work-in-progress" pics to post to the blog. The pics of these M8 Greyhounds are about as close as I've gotten. They still need decals, weathering, .50 cal.'s, and matte finish. I'm very happy with how my M20's turned out. They still need a coat of matte as well though. All of these vehicles feature my normal green stuff "bedroll & baggage" treatment. I've also added some crates, rope & tarps to a few. I was very disappointed that Battlefront didn't cast these models with the dust skirts/fenders as an option, rather than casting them as one piece with the wheels. It was VERY common in NW Europe for American crews to remove the skirts in combat areas. They tended to collect a lot of mud, as well as being easily damaged. The large .50 cal.ring mounts for the M8's were also omitted by Battlefront.

In order to model the M8 & M20 without skirts I chose to use the wheel from the half-track models. Battlefront wanted $5 per half-track sprue (each sprue only includes 2 wheels). I couldn't see paying up to $15 to modify each vehicle... totally ridiculous! Instead, I made resin castings from my Armored Rifle Platoon's half-tracks. They aren't perfect, but I'm pleased with the results. Besides, it beats shelling out an additional $15 to make the vehicles look like they should have out of the package.

   On a final note, please check out my friend, GunBeryl's YouTube channel. He is a Flames of War modeling inspiration! Enjoy!

Objective Markers & AOP

Here are a few shots of my completed objective markers and AOP. For the Red Ball Express marker, I modified the GMC 2-1/2 ton truck by carving out the driver's compartment and adding a driver figure. The military police motorcycle isn't a Battlefront model, (I can't recall the manufacturer). The "Ambulance with flat tire" marker features a highly modified Battlefront Dodge M6 37mm Gun Motor Carriage http://www.flamesofwar.com/Default.aspx?tabid=55&search=m6 .

Enjoy, and please share your thoughts/critiques.

I can't wait to post pics!

My digital camera is on the fritz, and right now, it's not high on the priority list. It's a shame, because I've made a lot of progress on my LW US Armored Rifle army. My second Armored Rifle Platoon is based, with much of the painting completed. Their half-tracks are finished as well. I have finished two objective markers which I am very pleased with the results. My AOP Grasshopper is done. I am starting the process of adding mud/dirt weathering to my vehicles also. Not to mention, I've been helping my son finish painting his first 40K army.

As you can see, the old Rhinexing workbench has been pretty busy. I also participated in my first FoW tournament. I had a great time, but my finish was less than stellar.

I will post pics as soon as I'm able.

6th AD battle-tested... at last

Even though I don't have my entire force (I need a second armored infantry platoon, among other troops), I was able to play my first game using my own forces. My gaming store of choice is http://huzzahhobbies.com/ in Ashburn, VA. It's a little bit of a hike, but everyone is super friendly and the store is well-stocked.

Tonight was my US 6th Armored Division vs. well... an American Armored Infantry opponent (Matt). The lists were virtually identical, and provisions had to be made for my lack of required units.

I fielded:

Co. HQ

Armored Infantry Platoon  x1

Medium Tank Platoon (M4A1 75mm x3)

Assault Gun Platoon (M8 HMC  x2)

Armored Mortar Platoon (Command Half-Track + MMC  x2)

Not a "by-the-book" list, but I played the cards I was dealt. Matt was very patient and a lot of fun to play against. My M8 HMC's were knocked out quickly by his infantry, but my mortars made them pay dearly throughout the game. Matt attempted to swing around with his M8's (X2) and Shermans (x3) and flank my disembarked infantry as they were crossing bocage. My Shermans came to the rescue, losing 1 tank. My 2 remaining Shermans and 4 Bazookas knocked out all 3 of his Shermans in one turn! To wrap up... I lost a couple of infantry stands, my Mortar CO, and my entire Company HQ. The Company HQ fell victim to Matt's M8 HMC daredevils that raided deep into my territory. To end the game, I won when Matt failed his motivation roll after losing several platoons.

A lot of fun, but I have a lot to learn!

From the field hospital to the front...

I've been AWOL due to hand, wrist and elbow surgery for a little more than a month.

I'm finally updating my blog with shots of some FoW projects completed before my surgery, as well as a few things I've just recently started. As always, comments are appreciated. Enjoy!

I love Green Stuff Putty! Most of my vehicles get some sort of putty customization.

Need more putty!

Armored Mortar command half-track & 3rd mortar carrier

A few of the MANY Jeeps to fill various roles.

1st Platoon commander with custom putty lightweight overcoat

1st Platoon

1st Platoon's Half-Track's dismounted .50 cal. MG's

1st Platoon's Half-Track's dismounted .30 cal. MG's

My favorite stand that I've completed thus far.