From GregB: 15mm WWII Soviet Armour (60 points)

Greg sends in a great set of Soviet WWII tanks to add to his growing collection of 15mm armour.

From Greg:

'Here are five models (plus four additional turrets) of 15mm T-34 tanks.  These are from a box of Plastic Soldier Company, my first experience with these products.  You get enough parts for five tanks in one box, plus enough turrets to do them as either T-34/76s or T-34/85s.  You also get extra bits for commanders and some stowage.  It's great value.' 

'The downsides are the assembly of the tracks - a little tricky - and the soft detail on the plastic.  But overall, still a great value. Also, I suspect these are smaller than the Battlefront "15mm" scale models - so I'm not sure if they will mix.' 

'I did five of the tanks as Russian, with extra turrets so they can "late war" with the switch of a turret. The fifth tank I did up as a T-34/76 captured by the Germans.' 

Very nice work on these, Greg! These five T-34s with their variant turrets will give Greg 60 points, putting him within sight of the 1K mark. Great stuff!

From RayR: 'A Bid for Glory' 15mm Russian Infantry Divisions (!) for the Russo-Japanese War (1152 points)

My friend Dallas taught me a sporting term a few years ago (in much the same circumstances, ahem) which perfectly describes this entry by Ray, its 'Sandbagging'. 

Sandbagging: in billiards and other games, deliberately playing below one's actual ability in order to fool opponents into accepting higher stakes bets, or to lower one's competitive rating in order to play in a future event with a higher handicap and consequently have a better chance to win.

You see that crafty git Ray has been keeping this storm of 15mm Russian infantry from us until he could conduct a 'shock and awe' post - a veritable Pearl Harbour of painting. 

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 1st Regt, 1st Brigade of the 1st East Siberian Rifle Division, (red flags), behind them are, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 2nd Regt, 1st Brigade of the 1st East Siberian Rifle Division, (blue flags)

What you see arrayed before you is not one, but TWO Russian divisions of infantry, the 1st and 9th East Siberian Infantry Divisions which served during the Russo-Japanese War. In short there are a total of 24 regiments of infantry in this force. Wow.

Close-up of the 3rd battalion of the 1st regt 1st ESR

Ray did not mention the make of the castings but I'm assuming they are from Irregular Miniatures as that is what the previous entries have been (Ray, correct me if I'm wrong). Also, I know Ray does many of his own flags but he did not mention if these are his or a commercial product.

Close-up of the 1st Battalion of the 2nd regt 1st ESR

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the  The 3rd Regt, 2nd Brigade of the 1st East Siberian Rifle Division, (white flags), behind them are, The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 4th Regt, 2nd Brigade of the 1st East Siberian Rifle Division, (green flags)

Close-up of the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd regt 1st ESR

Close-up of the 2nd Battalion of the 4th regt 1st ESR

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 33rd regt, 1st Brigade of the 9th East Siberian Rifle Division, (red flags), behind them are,  the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of  the 34th Regt, 1st Brigade of the 9th East Siberian Rifle Division, (blue flags).

Close-up of the 3rd  Battalion of the 33rd regt 9th ESR

Close-up of the 1st Battalion of the 34th regt 9th ESR

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the  The 35th Regt, 2nd Brigade of the 9th East Siberian Rifle Division, (white flags), behind them are, The 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of The 36th Regt, 2nd Brigade of the 9th East Siberian Rifle Division, (green flags).

Close-up of the 2nd Battalion of the 35th  regt 9th ESR.

Close-up of the 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the 36th regt 9th ESR.

There are 384 figures here which equates to 1152 points. This staggering leap forward places Ray within striking distance of Kent who has had the lead for the majority of the Challenge. There is an impressive amount of quality work here Ray, bravo!

From JuanM: 28mm Anglo-Danish, Late Romans & Viking (60 points)

Juan sends in an excellent mix of figures that range from this Anglo-Danish for SAGA, another base of Legio V Macedonia and a fierce Viking for yours truly.

The Anglo-Danes are 28mm Gripping Beast castings.

The Late Romans are from the Musketeer Miniature range.

And this fine Iberian Viking is from Wargames Foundry.

This group of fierce lads will give Juan 60 points. Wonderful work, Juan!

Also, in regards to the Viking 'danegled' that I set out at the start of the Challenge it seems that I've lost my list of who I've posted castings to and who I've missed (being Vikings they are a bit chaotic). If any of you guys have not received your casting yet please drop me an email and I'll get it sorted. For those who are either still waiting or their Viking, or it is in the works, or its in transit back to me, don't worry you will get your 10 points irregardless. Thanks! Otherwise I will be putting up a post this weekend featuring the models I have received back from Challengers from around the world - I must say, they are all pretty awesome!