Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Spanish Civil War: Condor Legion Panzer I, Luftwaffe Aircrew & Pirates(!)


A couple new(ish) additions to the Spanish Civil War collection.
First is a Panzer I from the Condor Legion. You know, those guys that were not really from Germany, not really fighting for Franco and not really in Spain - yeah, those guys. This one's a little worse for wear, but still stoically clattering along.


This nice lump of metal is from Empress Miniatures. About seven or so parts to it - a great little kit. 


And two Luftwaffe aircrew who are desperately fighting their way out of a jam. 28mm figures from Wargames Foundry.


I particularly like the fellow who's yanked out an MG34 from his downed aircraft. He's definitely playing for keeps (probably a wise choice, especially if they were brought down anywhere near Guernica...).


This panzer and the two aircrew will feature in an upcoming SCW battle report so, if you're interested, stay tuned for that.
I also received in the mail a rather stout parcel from North Star Miniature Figures. Yes, it's the 'I Want It All' Pirate 'Nickstarter'. To be absolutely clear, I think pirates are cool n'all but I'm really no huge fan, but I do like Steve Saleh's sculpts and couldn't resist getting a whole schwack of his work (with free shipping to boot). Shiver me timbers, I have a lot of painting to do...


Posted by Curt at 9:16 PM
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27 comments:

  1. Juan MancheñoAugust 26, 2014 at 10:15 PM

    Yes, you have to paint a lot of pirates... I´m also very interested in the rulebook and the figures, but I have proposed myself not to begin too many project!
    Fantastic the Panzer I, an small gem as a tank and as a model. The weathering is really nice, Spanish dust all around!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CurtAugust 26, 2014 at 11:14 PM

      Yes, many pirates indeed. Oh well, they'll help me to while away the winter months...

      Delete
  2. Stefan (aka. Monty)August 26, 2014 at 11:59 PM

    Excellent work on the Panzer I and the aircrew,

    For the pirates that looks like a good but busy haul.
    Good luck, landlubber! Arrr... Arrr !

    Cheers
    Stefan

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    Replies
    1. CurtAugust 27, 2014 at 12:52 AM

      Thanks Stefan, I'l have to start digging through the movies for some inspiration.

      Delete
  3. john de terre neuveAugust 27, 2014 at 3:09 AM

    Nice job on the tank.

    John

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  4. Michael AwdryAugust 27, 2014 at 4:27 AM

    Loving the work on the Panzer and downed crew, great job Curt. Now about those Pirates, I see someone else has capitulated into buying the 'must have' miniatures of the year. Having resisted for so long, I seem to have inadvertently ordered some myself!

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    Replies
    1. CurtAugust 27, 2014 at 10:12 AM

      I knew you were fighting the good fight to resist but it's hopeless, I know. I just pray I can do them justice next to your wonderful work.

      Delete
  5. DaveDAugust 27, 2014 at 4:59 AM

    "couldn't resist getting a whole schwack".. love it... lovely job on panzer and the downed aircrew.

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    Replies
    1. CurtAugust 27, 2014 at 10:14 AM

      Thanks Dave! I knew you above all would appreciate the 'both feet in' sentiment. :)

      Delete
    2. DaveDAugust 29, 2014 at 12:54 PM

      Too true..get up to ones neck in Pirates!

      Delete
  6. jmilesrAugust 27, 2014 at 6:00 AM

    A little "Retail Therapy" on the Nickstarter there?

    Of course decorum does dictate one to get the whole swank - you are always the consummate gentlemen.

    I do really like the Panzer 1 and air crew - your painting simply amazes me at times

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    Replies
    1. CurtAugust 27, 2014 at 10:15 AM

      Thanks Miles! One must help out the economy of the Mother Country.

      Chin Chin!

      Delete
  7. Moiterei_1984August 27, 2014 at 9:14 AM

    Panzer I and downed aircrew are looking ace! I'm sure especially the latter will add lots of flavour to any game from SCW to the end of WW2 and make for a great objective. As for the pirates I was never a big fan of pirates (shame on me I know) but I'm sure you'll produce some real eyecandy again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CurtAugust 27, 2014 at 10:17 AM

      Thanks for the kind words Nick. You're a mind reader as the aircrew will indeed play an objective role in the next SCW scenario - stay tuned for that!

      Delete
  8. DeanMAugust 27, 2014 at 11:54 AM

    Very nice SCW models. I'm not a piratical guy either, but do like the looks of some of the big hats and lace figures.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CurtAugust 27, 2014 at 12:50 PM

      Thanks Dean! I think you hit the nail on the head regarding the pirates. It's the floppy hats, big sleeves and lace that do it for me as well.

      Delete
    2. MillsyAugust 27, 2014 at 4:35 PM

      And me! What's not to like?

      Delete
  9. Mad PadreAugust 27, 2014 at 12:24 PM

    "You know, those guys that were not really from Germany, not really fighting for Franco and not really in Spain "
    Not to talk shop in the Mess, but rather like those Russian army chaps who aren't really in the Ukraine but who keep getting "lost" on maneuvers?
    I love the downed Luftwaffe ... ooops, Condor Legion .. chaps. I want those figures for my Weird War project.
    Pirates .... will there be a Pirate theme to this winter's Challenge, he wonders?
    Cheers,
    MP

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CurtAugust 27, 2014 at 12:46 PM

      Indeed! You are absolutely right. It's just like the NKVD officers who were 'imported' as Republican 'motivational coaches'. That being said I think it's safe to say that Franco came out better from his partnerships with the Germans and Italians.

      Delete
    2. Michael AwdryAugust 28, 2014 at 4:06 AM

      I was thinking the very same Michael - a pirate theme for the challenge, that way I justify buying more!

      Delete
  10. ClintAugust 29, 2014 at 2:26 AM

    What I like about the SCW is that there was so little mechanisation. More than WW1 to be sure but still not as much as we are all lead to believe. The Panzer 1 is a magnificent addition to your collection.

    As for Pirates I am trying to stay clear of them for the moment. So stop tempting me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CurtAugust 30, 2014 at 1:09 AM

      Thanks very much Clint!

      I think there was significant mechanization, but the designs were still immature (thin armour, underpowered, undercrewed, etc) and as such they were quite vulnerable on the battlefield. Also, armour tactics seemed quite ad hoc and crude compared to the those of the Second World War. Basically, the tanks of the SCW seemed quite intimidating at first, but then you discover that steady infantry with a crowbar and a petrol bomb had the capability to face them down.

      Delete
    2. ClintAugust 30, 2014 at 12:44 PM

      At the beginning of the war, the Nationalist and Popular Fronts each possessed only five Renault FT light tanks.

      But I do strongly take your point about tactics.

      And from a wargames point of view we are all free to have as many or as few as we see fit.

      Delete
    3. CurtAugust 30, 2014 at 1:20 PM

      Yes, but the Renault FT numbers alone don't provide a clear picture of mechanization in Spain. The Republicans received their first 50 T26 tanks as early as Oct 1936 (about 280 delivered in total), the Nationalists got their first Pz1s only a few weeks later (62 by the end of 1936 with 132 delivered in total) and the Italians were already 'in-country' with their CV33s as early as August of that year. In addition this does not take into account the bewildering types of armoured cars and trucks that were either made in or shipped to Spain.

      Nonetheless, while I still believe there was significant mechanization in Spain (especially as the conflict escalated) I agree with you in that it was still very much an infantryman's war.

      And you've reminded me that I desperately NEED a Renault FT... ;)

      Delete
  11. Ron CarnegieAugust 30, 2014 at 2:15 PM

    I'm hoping that you follow up with the SCW AAR! Enjoy the period a great deal myself.

    ReplyDelete
  12. ScottswargamingSeptember 1, 2014 at 9:59 PM

    Nice job Curt, looking forward to seeing what you do with those pirates... Arrrrrr! :)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your comment! As long as you're not a spam droid I'll have it up on the blog soon. :)

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