Early WW II German 7th Panzer Division Vehicles

With the nice weather yesterday I was able to get the light box out in the garden and take some pictures of my fledgling Early WW II collection.  I have been planning this out for a few years now and with a wargaming colleague the incentive to get painting started about two years ago.

As ever things stalled a bit as work and family life got in the way but, hopefully, after SELWG, I can get back to adding to these.

A quick note concerning the camouflage of these vehicles. Vehicles, and especially tanks, used in 'Fall Gelb' may have had a two tone, panzer grey/brown, pattern. Contemporary pictures of the invasion are not easily discernable as to what vehicles had this pattern. The Concord range of books elaborate a little on this subject but I prefer to use a single colour for my vehicles. This is in no way a historical statement of fact on my part, just a personal preference. I also require my vehicles to be used for scenarios in Russian as well which I believe were panzer grey only.

This is a Sgts Mess Pz 38t tank fitted with a radio antennae. The commander is a MMS early war tank commander. The decals are from Skytrex. I could not source a command tank from anywhere else so plumped for Sgts Mess. The only down side, I feel to this vehicle is that the original master appears to have been a 3D printed item. If you look closely on the model there is a series of parallel lines on the casting which have come through of the resin model. To the naked eye this is not a problem but when you drybrush the model these lines do tend to show up. This is not visible unless you look very closely at the model, at a 'wargames distance', (6 feet), it cannot be seen.  An illustration on page 76 of 'Blitzkrieg' by Steven Zaloga was used when painting this model.

This is a Hobby Den SDKFZ   247 armoured car. I was able to source the 6 wheel version but wanted the earlier four wheel version, seen here. It came aa a kit of four separate wheels and the body. I added it to a base. I removed the shovel moulded to the body, as it was not well defined, and replaced it with a plastic item from the 'bits box'. The aerial is a cat whisker. The swastika flags came from Sgts Mess as well.

Here is an SDKFZ 7, similar to the SDKFZ 8 excepr for the carrying capability and shape of the holes in the wheels are different, 'German Half Track Vehicles of WW II by John Milsom' This is an old ESCI model which had been sitting in my plastic stash of shame for many years. I added a canvas windscreen cover made out of tissue soaked in PVA and water mix. The other stowage is from SHQ. The driver and soldier are both 20mm Dixon figures.

Here a Ceasar Miniatures Krupp Protze Kfz 69 Towing truck and a SHQ Pak 36 3.7cm anti tank gun with SHQ crew. The driver is an MMS figure. I am part way through making an anti tank company but have a way to go yet! These guns were practically useless against the larger and heavily armoured French tanks. I read that at the Battle of Stonne the German gunners realised that the large louvred panel at the rear right side of the Char B1 was unarmored and then made the most of the knowledge. Still I would have preferred something more effective!

Here an MMS Adler Fu-Kw Kfz 13 armoured radio car with frame aerial and MMS figure pointing. I felt the frame aerial was not going to last long on the war gaming table so I tried to strengthen it by adding some camouflage netting. Something probably not present in reality, such was the German confidence in air supremacy during the campaign.

Lastly for today, a staff car. I cannot remember the source of this model. I thought this was an MMS model but looking through their catalogue I cannot find it. The figures are a mix of SHQ and Dixon.

I prefer to base all my vehicles. This is because it aids storage and provides an alternative way to pick the model up. You can also add clump foliage to hide any problems with the model, not that this a problem here!

Ancient/Medieval Haystacks and Hayricks

With the advent of modern mechanisation the Countryside has seen a change in how the harvest is gathered. Once present in many fields the older style haystacks and hayricks have now disappeared but for wargaming periods from ancients up to modern, (in Yugoslavia during their Civil War), these haystacks could be seen.

I have added a price list at the end of this post.

With a 28mm figure for comparison the complete haystack on the left and the partial haystack on the right. I supply a painted version in the foreground and also plain in the background .

These haystacks were constructed by laying logs on the ground where the haystack would be built. This would allow air to travel underneath and dry the straw. The straw would be built up around a central log which would have further logs tied to it at the top. As the last layers of straw were added the logs would be laid over the roof to stop the stack blowing away in the wind. As the stack was used the tied logs would continue to stop the remainder from blowing away.

Here is a closer look of the painted partial stack.

These were painted in vallejo 941 Burnt Umber, dry brushed in 819 Iraqui Sand and then Iraqui sand mixed with some white and flocked and varnished.

Next the set of three hayricks. These varied in size and shape and again are supplied either painted or unpainted. Bushels are grouped together and a roof placed on top to repel rain.

Here is a closer picture of one from the set

Prices are:

H001   Hayrick (set of 3) unpainted                                                              £7.00
H002   Hayrick (set of 3) Painted                                                                  £11.00
H003   Haystack complete unpainted                                                           £6.00
H004   Haystack complete painted                                                               £10.00
H005   Haystack partial unpainted                                                                £5.00
H006   Haystack partial painted                                                                    £9.00

Resin Walling and Corners

Here are my resin walls and corners which I will have available at SELWG 2018.

Here I have based one length of wall with a Perrys Union Cavalryman to show height, (25mm), and how the pieces paint up. The walls were painted in Vallejo 994 Dark Grey, washed in a very thin 950 black paint and dry brushed in 991 Dark Sea Grey.

They are available in packs of 6 x 18cm lengths                                   £12.00

                                                           4 x corners                                   £5.00

Resin Trench Systems

Hello again! Here is the first post showcasing my range of resin trenches. These have been available from my trade stand for four years now and have raised a lot of interest for their detail and realism. A full price list is at the end of this post.

Here is a basic straight section. All trenches can be supplied either plain or painted The figure shown is a Perrys 28mm Union cavalryman but these items are just as suitable for 20mm size figures.

Here are the painted temperate, desert and on the right hand side a plain unpainted straight trench.

Here is a closer picture to show the detail of the painted items.

Here is a closer picture of the painted desert version.

To show the depth of the trenches here is a 28mm Perrys Union cavalryman on a 3mm thick base and to the right a 20mm SHQ Italian infantryman on a one pence piece base. The width of the trench accomodates a two pence piece. There is no fire step as this would make the trench too wide to be practical.

Here is the complete desert set painted.

Here is the complete temperate set painted.

With the same figures in place here is a close up of the painted temperate straight section of trench.

Last, the T section which allows you to include a communication trench.

If you paint these items yourself the rocks in the castings can either be painted in or filed off and flocked over. Prepare by washing in water and washing up liquid. Undercoat with a primer of a colour of your choice, paint, wash, dry brush and varnish.

As these items are made of resin any slight warping can be rectified by placing in a bowl of just boiled water and returning to their correct flat shape.

All pieces are modular so can be butted up against each other.

All items are priced exclusive of postage and packaging.

E001   Straight trench (12cm x 12cm)  Unpainted                                       £7.00

E002   Exit left (12cm x 12cm) Unpainted                                                   £6.50

E003   Exit right (12cm x 12cm) Unpainted                                                 £6.50

E004   Left stagger (12cm x 18cm) Unpainted                                            £8.00

E005   Right stagger (12cm x 18cm) Unpainted                                          £8.00

E006   Set unpainted (1 each exit and staggers, 2 x straight)                     £40.00

E007   Set Painted (as above, specify temperate or desert)                       £60.00

E008   T junction (12cm x 18cm)                                                                 £8.00         

New Products from Tunnies Terrain

Whilst producing some small woods from foam, for my trade stand at SELWG next month, I realised that I could use the same process to make some explosion markers.

After soaking them in paint and allowing them to dry I added a bit of colour and produced these.

Here is an SHQ 20mm Italian infantryman and a Perry 28mm Union cavalryman for size comparison. 

Unlike the resin explosion markers on the markers these are cheaper and will not shatter on hitting the floor. These bounce! They weigh next to nothing and come in a variety of sizes.

These are obviously larger explosions but I shall be making some smaller ones before SELWG.

Here are the woods which started the idea off.

These represent mixed woods of deciduous and conifer trees with trunks. They can be made in any shape to add variation to your wargames table and weigh very little so are not a problem to transport and offer a cheap alternative to individual trees which can shed foliage clusters when stored.

Prices available on request. Can be seen and collected at SELWG. Please contact me through this blog.

Battle of Bir Hacheim Playtest Game

I am planning to hold a refight of this little known battle. I have previously put on this game and the pictures from this can be found here, https://www.facebook.com/pg/New-Buckenham-Historical-Wargamers-302874659765417/photos/?tab=album&album_id=622646034454943

This was held at the New Buckenham Historical Wargamers Club whose facebook page is here https://www.facebook.com/New-Buckenham-Historical-Wargamers-302874659765417/

The models and figures used are a combination of 1/72nd and 1/76th from many suppliers. The rules used are a modified version of Rapid Fire.

After gathering feedback from the players, from the previous game, I will be making some modifications to the Rapid Fire rules and provide players with a revised quick reference sheet and a pamphlet including their scenario information, relevant vehicle data charts and any specialist rules.

The scenario for this game was a small French Foreign Legion force defending a trench line, covered by a minefield butted against an oasis with a desert tomb. These were being attacked by and Axis force of mixed Italian and German DAK.

Here is the entrenched position manned by French Foreign Legion. The figures are a mix of SHQ French Foreign Legion and British Mediterranean figures. Some of the British figures have French Kepi head swaps, (kindly provided by Ian at Shellhole Scenics). This is because although Free French forces had access to some Vichy French clothing stocks they still had to be supplied by the British with further equipment. This led to the defenders of Bir Hacheim wearing a mixture of British and French equipment.

On the other side of the defensive live was an oasis and tomb. The tomb is from Hovels and the trees are scratch built. On the lower left is one of the many French vehicle conversions. Here an Airfix carrier has an EWM French 25mm SA35/SA37 anti tank gun fitted to the front. The figures are again SHQ.

Here part of the Italian Triesti Division cross the dune in the background, after forming up, and advance towards the trenched position.

Here a closer shot of one of the Italian 13/40 tanks leading the way.

The German contingent followed the Italians onto the table and veered to their left to assault the oasis.

One of the leading vehicles, and MMS Panzer III, with some extra stowage.

The Germans also had some anti tank support in the shape of a Pak 38 50mm anti tank gun.

This movement brought the German vehicles into range of the French 1897 MLE 75mm field gun. This model, from MAC, https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/MACD72110, has the solid wheels frequently seen on the guns used at Bir Hacheim. SHQ also do a version of this. The figures are SHQ conversions.

Unfortunately the Defenders were unable to hold off the attackers, even though the three Italian tanks all came a cropper when they entered the minefield. Throwing three consecutive ones on a D6 they suffered a light damage, an heavy damage and a destroyed all in the same move. The Germans were able to approach with impunity when the anti tank capability of the French was lost on that flank. This left the only French hope, which was to kill all the German supporting infantry, and force their tanks to attempt 'heroic actions' to close with the remaining French. This did not happen.

On the other flank the Axis forces reduced the numbers of defenders using mortars and long range artillery. Although the high morale of the Foreign Legion meant that they could only be pushed back by close assault the lateness of the day left the Axis with a win and a number of things to incorporate into the rules for the next game.

Hello All!

This is a short introduction to a new blog, something I have not done before. I run a small wargaming scenery company which supplies bespoke scenery, a range of trees and resin scenic items and trenches.

I previously had a website, under the same name, which has now been closed and I have decided to run this blog alongside my facebook page, under the same name, (https://www.facebook.com/tunniesterrain/?ref=bookmarks).

After making plastic kits, painting figures, wargaming and then starting to make and paint for other gamers for over 35 years, I took the plunge and started 'Tunnies Terrain' in 2014.

After completing work for a wargaming supplier and attending two shows per year for the last three years, (SELWG and Vapnartak), I have now turned to this blog to include tutorials, work in progress, games played and any visits of military interest. Followers are welcome to add anything that they would also like to see.

I am also a regular contributor to Wargames Soldier and Strategy magazine, (WSS), over the last four years and also value welcomed feedback for any readers.

Here is a small sample of the work I have previously completed:

Here is a picture of the garden of Hougoumont, completed for the wargames club I attend, New Buckenham Historical Wargamers, https://www.facebook.com/New-Buckenham-Historical-Wargamers-302874659765417/?fb_dtsg_ag=AdzHolb8tzGqePVOBMeejldxaULlQ4PEIw2uLQKXsubRxg%3AAdxOWjlSy2q-DBfyQ2UfNc30R_rdx1SemImjPDVhMoRwKQ

This is part of their regular 28mm refight of Waterloo and the addition of the garden was based on a number of sourced. Due to the discrepancy in ground scale it had to be reduced in size and fill the Hovels model walls.

Here is the Matchbox Dingo on some refurbished desert terrain. Based on an old sheet of plywood covered in polystyrene hills. The model was covered in a desert finish, painted, washed and dry brushed. The AB Dingo pack provided the crew and the aerials are cat whiskers.

The largest item of scenery I have completed was a range of bocage for North West Europe. I made this over 22 years ago. I has been refurbished once in that time has taken part in many games in a number of periods. The Panther tank in the foreground  is an old Esci model with miliputt zimmeritt applied, by me.

Here is a scratch built 28mm Dutch/European windmill, again completed for the New Buckenham wargamers. I have placed a 28mm Perry Union infantryman in the foreground for scale comparison.

Another scratch built windmill for the Peninsular War. With rotating sails and removable from the top of the hill here is a close up of the brickwork.

Next up is the result of two features published in WSS magazine issue 91 & 92. They covered the scratch building of a Russian Izba, (dwelling), and three 600mm x 600mm scenic tiles suitable for the Retreat from Moscow. A river made its way through the three tiles and its modular design allowed the boards to be put together in a number of ways. 

Here is the dwelling on one of the boards,

This is a small example of my work. In the future I shall include the resin items from my range of trenches, haystacks and ready to use trees.

Thank you for your time.