Growing up reading about WW2 and watching the movies, I never recalled seeing or reading anything about Italian tanks.  In general literature and movies portrayed the Italians as an ineffective fighting force.  While there were many Italian units that had poor performance, there were many units that could be rated equal to some of the best Commonwealth, German, and American divisions in the North African theater.  The Ariete Division performance was remarkable considering the light tanks they fought in.   

I couldnt leave my fearless Compagnia Bersaglieri out on the desert without some artillery support. 

I purchased the Compagnia Bersagileri Army Box quite a few years ago with the intention of a quick turn around on a Mid War desert army to go with a DAK and Aussie army that I had.  Well priorities changed and I emphasized Late War armies for Flames of War over any other period.  With the release of North Africa I tried to get excited about the unit, but the structure changes to the AS42 company made it difficult because I would have to buy several AT guns and HMGs to complete the organization which were not included in the original box.  The original box was designed for the book Afrika.  I admit I was lazy, but it seemed a pain in the ass!  With the releasee of Hell Fire and Back I found the motivation to complete and expand the army.

I was intrigued by the SU100 as a counter to the Tiger and Panther in Flames of War.  Plus I am mini-holic and have to have all the options available to me even though I might not even play it on a normal basis.  I have been neglecting my Soviet FOW army for quite some time and not giving them new toys to play with.  However, I have been working on a few things lately… the ZIS 5 trucks, SU 100s, and some PSC T 34s.  The ZIS 5 trucks were high lighted a month ago and I will complete the PSC T-34s once I get some new decals.  Would love the heavy artillery box, if someone has some extra cash for xmas

No catchy title for this post, but its a marathon day of Posts with new miniatures coming off the paint table.  These are from the Rebel Minis Earth Force line consisting of the Sabre Gunship and HAMR Recon Suit.  These miniatures will be support units for my Human forces in Tomorrow’s War.  Tomorrow’s War is primarily advertised as a small scale infantry unit game, but that doesn’t prevent players from adding AFVs, support weapons, air support, and transports to the mix.  Tomorrow’s War even has rules for robot and UAVs plus lots of options for Aliens.   The ruleset also supports creating custom units including races.

Khurasan Miniatures recently released a pack of 15mm SEAL DEVGRU miniatures: 

15mm SEAL DEVGRU operators, OPS-COR helmets, wearing PVS-15 and face mask (eight models — six with HK416 (two with grenade launchers attached), one with Mk 14 EBR, one with M249, and eight separate Eagle Yote assault packs)

The Space Demons (Aliens) have crash landed in my mail box.  My son made quick work painting and basing these miniatures.  He is a big fan of the Aliens movies.  His favorite miniatures are alien type armies such as Games Workshop Tyranids.  These miniatures are from the Khurasan Miniatures Space Demons line.  These Aliens will be one of our OPFORs for Ambush Alley’s Tomorrow’s War gaming ruleset.  We will have a Human force, a Feline force, a Krusty Alien force, and maybe one or two other human type armies.  The game requires about 40 miniatures per side for an army which makes the game economical in terms of buying different types of armies.

 

On an impulse buy while at Brookhurst Hobbies, I bought two ZIS 5 trucks. Will find some reason to use them one day, but at less than $4 per truck I couldnt say “No”! I also bought the Panzer IIc models on the same shopping trip where I was only suppose to buy a few Italian models to complete my EW/MW Italian Bersagileri list.

Well I have been very slow at creating an Early War Army for Flames of War.  I actually bought the Polish Army Box quite some time ago, but they are only primed and waiting for some paint.  However, tThe Early War German tanks are so damn easy to paint with the panzer grey color and especially when Battlefront releases a spray painted aimed at making it even more lazy.  Enjoy and leave comments.  Its quite a swarm of little tanks!

Paner 38(t) from Old Glory (Command Decision) on left and Panzer IIc from Old Glory (Command Decision) on right.  Both tanks have Battlefront tank commanders.

After seeing all that lovely terrain released by Battlefront lately and unable to afford it and new miniatures, I decided to try my hand at making more of my own terrain.  I have made a few hills in the past and my son and I have made marsh/swamps.