Modern Russian Urban Assault Team

I needed some Russians for my ACWII storyline and found that this great range from Spectre Miniatures fit the bill nicely.

These are Spetsnaz (Russian Special Forces) in urban assault gear, ready to holiday in the Crimea, Syria or any other vulnerable locale. All of them are wearing heavy body armour with visored helmets. Three of the figures are equipped with ballistic shields for close quarter breaching. 

They are armed in a variety of weapons, ranging from machine pistols,  suppressed AKs to more exotic kit, such as the AS Val assault rifle. Yup, a nasty group of hard cases.

In order to easily pick them out on the tabletop, I've painted them up in the distinctive blue 'Smog' pattern urban camo.

This bunch will be making their debut in an upcoming scenario - so stay tuned for that.

Entry #16 to the AHPC - 28mm WWI era Russian BK-2 Riverine Gunboat

Last week we had our 'Nautical' theme over at the Challenge and this was my modest entry: a 1916 BK-2 Russian Riverine Gunboat.

This 28mm resin model is from my very talented friend Alf, over at Barrage Miniatures. In retrospect, I think my work on it is a little too pristine, so I think I'll make it a bit more careworn before I take it out for a game. Nonetheless, you get a good idea of the model -  I think she's a sweet little runabout and good for skirmish games as it's not too overpowering.

These small gunboats saw a lot of service during their service life.  They debuted during the First World War, but also saw operations during the Russian Revolution, the Polish-Soviet War and World War Two. It's probably not too much of a stretch to think that one of these little babies could see some Pulp adventures as well...

Interestingly, due to their complex design requirements, which called for a very small hull, high speed and a balanced weapon placement, the Russians were forced to look abroad in order to have them manufactured. Being that the Great War was raging, all the European shipyards were either enemy states, or furiously building their own wartime craft. Undeterred, the Russians turned to the United States, who at that time were not in the war, and in 1916 a contract for 18 boats was filled by the Mullins & Company of Salem Ohio. 

In this final shot we have the enchanting Madame Ting-Ting and her salty associate Capt. Douglas (DSC/RN Ret) 'negotiating' with a Russian sailor for a BK-2.  She simply HAD TO HAVE the BK. She was heard saying after the gunshot, 'This little 'dreadnought' will look sooo darling with my flag fluttering above it...'

Next up: Something Simian and Steampunk

28mm Russian Civil War 'Tachanka' Machine-gun Wagon

Season's Greetings Everyone!

First, just a short note to let you all know that the gallery for the second theme round of the Painting Challenge is now up in all it's glory and awaiting your viewing pleasure.

This week's theme is 'Rider(s) & Mount(s)' and as such I decided to debut a little side project of mine which will concentrate on the various colourful units and personalities of the Russian Civil War.

So, what you see here is a 'Tachanka' machine-gun wagon which were heavily used in the open expanses of the Southern Russian and Ukrainian fronts. With motor vehicles being almost non-existent at the time, and in this part of the world, it seemed only sensible to make good use of the abundance of peasant wagons and horseflesh.

It is believed by some that the name 'Tachanka' derives from the Ukrainian diminutive nickname for 'wheelbarrow'.)

These small wagons would typically be drawn by two to four horses, have a crew or three or four and be armed with a heavy machine-gun positioned to fire from the rear of the vehicle. From my understanding their tactics would be to set up in ambush and then scoot to a new firing position once things got too hot or scamper out of harm's way using the machine-gun for covering fire. (I've read of Tachanka 'charges' but these seem rather harrowing considering they would have to approach the enemy positions at the gallop and then turn around to bring their guns to bear, all the while being under enemy fire.)

This is a 28mm kit from Eureka Miniatures. It provides a wonderful build, virtually flash free with no discernible imperfections to the castings. My only caveat is that the figures are quite small to really be listed as 28mm, rather I found them closer to 25mm or perhaps 22mm. Nonetheless, the completed model still looks great and fits well enough with the rest of my collection. I've painted the crew up as Cossacks but the kit comes with another variant to have them as Red crewmen with the distinctive (if somewhat dorky) pointy 'shlem' hat.

In terms of using a Tachanka in 'Chain of Command' I'm considering using these modified rules:

- a Tachanka is classed as a fast, softskin fighting vehicle;

- for game terms it may not reverse;

- unlike normal fighting vehicles a Tachanka can be deployed from a Jump Off point to reflect their tactical doctrine of being used for ambushes;

- they can be deployed in light woods;

- as a Tachanka is open topped it has the sighting capability of an infantry unit, so they have no spotting limitations; 

- when stationary, a Tachanka fires as a top-mounted HMG at full rate of fire (10 dice) but when moving it is halved (5 dice) due to the bouncing and jostling of the highly sprung carriage;

- it is completely unarmoured so is targeted as a softskin;

- as a target it is not rated as a small target or low profile BUT when moving it always receives a -1 target modifier to reflect its evasive maneuvering (if moving in a non-urban setting);

- when hit, the horses are counted as valid targets along with the crew;

- each horse killed reduces the top speed by one dice to a minimum of 1 dice;

- a dead horse dragging in the traces slows the wagon by -2 pips on the movement dice. The carcass will need to be cut away from the traces in order for the wagon to move at its proper rate. Cutting a dead horse away takes an action to perform.

From KevinH: T34/85, Zombie Cowboys, Cowboys, Rasputina Gang & Challenge Desperado (160 points)

From Kevin:

OK, just call me "Last Minute Larry"...

Right down to the wire this time.  Here we go...

First off, a set of three Warlord/Bolt Action T-34/85 tanks.  These are the older, resin models - as such, no decals it seems.  Therefore, I had to hand-paint the turret numbers.  After recently watching a clip on Youtube for an old, Czech movie, "Tank Brigade" ("Tankova Brigada"), I think I might try and find some Czech tri-colour roundel decals for the turrets!

Next - FINALLY got my "Wild Bunch" entry finished!  I had to AT LEAST get that one done!  This is a Foundry model, from the "Maxmillian Adventure" line, I think it was...  The model on their site is painted a bit oddly - all "white shirt" but the model doesn't seem to be sculpted that way.  So, since it looks like it's wearing a "sweater vest" over it's shirt, I decided to paint it like a peasant sarape.  I think it turned out pretty good.  And it's got EYES!  I hate painting eyes (hands just aren't steady enough anymore) - so hopefully Curt LOVES those eyes!  ;-)

Next, a pack of Foundry Western Gunfighter Zombies.  I found this pack among the items I bought from my friend's Estate sale.  Nothing too fancy here - I figured they'd be a quick few points as the deadline was drawing near.

Since I did the Western Zombies, I decided to paint up a few Foundry 'human' Gunfighters too.  You can always use more Western Gunfighters!

Last, but not least - the Rasputina gang/crew for the game, Malifaux.  There is beginning to be more interest in this game locally, so I decided it was time to paint up some figures.

The 'crew' consists of Rasputina (a spell-caster type), an Ice Golem, a December Acolyte (a 'tribal/cultist' type with lots of "sneaky" skills), a Wendigo (the model looks like a Chewbacca "mini Me!"), and three Ice Gamin (these are like small Demons or Imps).

I replaced all the "Warmachine/Hordes" style bases with aftermarket resin bases from Dragon Forge < http://www.dragonforge.com/ >

Since the back story on Rasputina has her being up in the mountains of Malifaux, I decided to add a "snowy" touch.  A little thinned white glue and baking soda, and presto! --instant snow!

Well, I haven't had time to total it all up, but I don't think I made my points projection this time around.

I wanted to do some of the Baker Company "Winter War" figures, but I'm still waiting for some to arrive (he had lots of problems with his casting machine, but at least he's keeping people "in the loop!"  I like that.)

Thanks again, Curt.  Hopefully, I have a better showing next year, if you invite me.

Always a pleasure Kevin and thank you very much for the Desperado and providing us with such a feast of miniatures to enjoy.

This collection of excellent figures will give Kevin 160 points, which is precisely what he needed for him to achieve his 300 point target. Nothing like chipping it into the cup Kev! Seriously, brilliant work.

Announcing the Seventh, and Final, Theme Bonus Round: 'Last Stand' & Curt's 'The Eagle of the 18th'

We've made it! Here we finally are at the end of the seven bonus rounds and, wow, I must say its been quite a ride. I think I can safely say that the bonus rounds have been regarded a great success amongst both participants and visitors of the Challenge. Each round has seen dazzling entries where it is quite obvious that a lot of thought and effort has gone into their creation. This round, 'Last Stand' is no different and you will find numerous submissions that will make your eyes widen and mouth slacken in amazement. 

I wish to take this opportunity to thank all the Challengers for indulging me in this diversion off the Challenge's beaten path. It was a bit of work to administrate, but your enthusiasm and support made it a delight. I also want to thank our sponsors for their prize support for each of the bonus rounds. It has been wonderful to be able to award 'a little something' for each theme. Thank you one and all!

Please remember to leave a comment and vote for your favourite entries (you can vote for as many as you like).

For myself, I kept my submission fairly simple, deciding to return to where I'd started in this year's Challenge: the 1812 French retreat from Russia.

In reading about the French retreat from Russia I came across several references to Napoleon's order to his Grande Armee to burn their Eagles so as to deny them to the enemy.  

The colonel of the 18th Line ignored the order to destroy or even hide his regiment's Eagle. He, like many of his fellow regimental commanders, probably felt that his unit's Eagle would either come out of Russia with his remaining men or it would fall with them. 

This Eagle bearer figure seen here is part of the wonderful Perry range of 1812 Retreat miniatures. I present him as a line grenadier (I've taken to calling him Sgt. Bigeard) who is readying himself for perhaps his last defence of the regiment's Eagle. By the look of his bloody sword and bearskin at his feet he has already fought off at lease one assault. He is cold and exhausted, but he calmly prepares to do what needs to be done.* 

On the 18th of November, outside the town of Krasnoi, the Eagle of the 18th fell under the lances of the Russian Guard Uhlans.  Today the 18th's Eagle can be seen on display in the Hermitage in St. Petersburg.

*In our recent games 'Sgt. Bigeard' has been a rather ferocious opponent, swinging his standard like a makeshift polearm, savagely defending his Eagle from both cossack and peasant alike. It's always nice when gameplay falls in line with your imagination of a figure you've worked on. As we all know, it usually goes tragically (and often comically) wrong...

From KentG: 28mm SYW Russian Dragoons (90 points)

From Kent:

These figures are 28mm Front Rank SYW Russian dragoons. They were really nice to paint. These took me a lot longer as my painting time is now harder to come by.

A man of few works but of great talent, wonderful work Kent! I always marvel at your cavalry units as they are so consistently excellent, especially your horses. Something I always struggle with, sigh.

This regiment of dragoons will give Kent 90 points (a bit has been docked due to them being unbased as per his client's requirements). Again, excellent stuff Kent!

From Curt: 28mm Napoleonic Russian Peasants & Cottage (30 points)

I thought I'd squeak this submission in before we leave for the Valentine's weekend (shh, don't let the missus know...). 

Here are six very, very cross Russian peasants for my 1812 French Retreat project. 

The figures are from the Perrys' 28mm Napoleonic range. I kept them in fairly natural earth tones as I think they wouldn't be too flashy, being too busy eking out a life in the frozen steppes of Russia for such frippery. 

I've included a few shots of them seeing off some unwelcome French callers.

I also just completed a Russian cottage from 4Ground. This is a laser-cut MDF kit that comes flat packed and pre-painted. 

I really had a wonderful time putting this together. It took me back to my childhood days when I used to scissor-out and glue together paper farmyard buildings that came in large format scrapbooks (does anyone else remember these?). Anyway, it took me several enjoyable lunch hours at work but I managed to puzzle through it all. It's actually quite an involved little kit, with lots of detail both inside and out, but every piece fit together flawlessly with little fuss or muss. Highly recommended if you have the patience. 

Nice interior detail.

There is one thing I'm not too wild about with these MDF kits and that is the laser burn marks around the edges. When they first came out I could get past it as they were still unique but now when I see them it just screams to me, 'Look, another 'painted' MDF kit with burnt edges'. 

Here is a side of the cottage 'stock' with the burnt laser markings clearly evident...

But it's an easy fix. I took 10 minutes to quickly drybrush the walls with a couple tones of light khaki and light grey to soften the burn marks and I really think it provides a better overall finish, well, to me anyway. 

...and this is with a bit of simple drybrushing.

Next to go will be those 'socket-marks' in the roof and corner joins, but that will be for another day.

Hooray Igor! Get out the vodka, we're eating French tonight...

The cottage notwithstanding, these six pissed-off Russian peasants will give me 30 points to chip me along. (NOTE: I've increased my Challenge Target to 1K which will be a definite stretch for me but I guess that's the purpose of the whole affair.)

Oh, and just as a reminder: Due to me being away for the next couple of days the 'Casualties' Bonus Round has been postponed until next Sunday (this will not affect the date of the 'Favourite Character' Bonus Round, which remains March 2nd).

Have a great weekend everyone!

Napoleonic Cossack Cavalry and Sledge Gun (75 points)

Whoa, what a week. Am I ever pooped. I was really hoping to get this submission in by the end of last weekend but the 'Poll Bot Attack' hit the blog below the waterline and I was in damage control for much of Sunday and Monday. Then the workweek kicked off at a furious pace and I also needed to catch up on other folks' entries. Nonetheless, I now I have a bit of a breather before the Hero round so I'm thought I best sneak these in while I can.

Anyway, enough whining, right? Continuing with my 1812 Retreat diversion, I thought I'd get some more Cossacks done as I'd like to put on a small skirmish game with this stuff next month. So here are 4 mounted Cossacks, a light gun mounted on a snow sledge and a Cossack commander.

The cavalry are all Perry Miniatures, a mixture of Don and Ataman Cossacks. Later I plan to add some Moscow Opolchenie (militia) riders for a bit of variation to the mix (not to mention I love their whacky hats).

I've decided to give these Cossacks relatively uniform saddle blankets and lances to better tie them together as a unit. As per my usual MO I've mounted the officer on a hex base so players can better identify him on the tabletop. (Junior leaders will be on rectangular bases.) I ultimately want around 30 of these fellows (three 'troops' I 'spose) so this is going to be a bit of a slog as I'm complete crap at painting cavalry at any real speed. Nonetheless, when they get done they should look the business careening around the tabletop, creating mischief for the French.

Also included is a sledge-gun manned by a trio of Cossacks. This is a very nice little set from Kawe's Westfalia Miniatures. I kept it pretty grungy looking and dirtied up the muzzle with expended powder to give it that rough campaign look. I can easily envision many interesting scenarios with this as the focus.

I've also added a few pics which include the other three Cossacks that debuted with the French sledges. I thought I'd include them here, rolling out with their buddies, to give me some encouragement to get the next batch done.

This group of Cossacks will give me 75 points to add to my tally. 

With a bit of luck I might get one more submission in before the onslaught of the Hero round.