Mini Tanks Part 6: M5 Stuart

Stuart finally done.

Mini Tanks Part 5: Pz IIf In Action!

Recently Mikey and I had a battle pitting a couple of armor units each and some infantry. I finally got to use my Pz II and was quite a bloody, little skirmish. 

(click on the pix to enlarge)

Pz IIf ready for recon.

Pz IIf on the move.

Side by side and ready to roll: the Pz IIf and Stug while the infantry advances.

The T70 advances cautiously and gets a bead on the Stug with the Pz IIf still hidden.

On the T70's left flank the T34/76 is trying to sight on the hidden Pz IIf.

Supporting the advance of the squad behind a hill the T34/76
and T70 engage the Stug while the hidden Pz IIf looks on.

The Pz IIf finally breaks cover, takes point and crosses
the ford not seeing the infantry in wait behind the hill.

Meanwhile, the Stug is hit from a well time shot of the T34/76 taking
it out of action leaving the Pz IIf to fend for itself.

Mini Tanks Part 4: Pz IIf

This mini tank is definitely one of my favorite German panzers. Understated and not as famous as its bigger cousins that populate most game tables, this little guy has historically seen its share of battle field action in all theaters. I find it personally more interesting to see a game table with a smattering of armor versus the typical scene of Tigers or King Tigers side to side as wide as the gaming table allows. Not exactly my cup of frothy cappuccino.  

Given to me as an Xmas gift by LTL Dad this recent acquisition (already assembled and painted, I might add) has helped fuel my drive for collecting and skirmish gaming with mini tanks for Bolt Action! and other rules sets.

Another fine model from Battlemart

A workhorse that never quits!

A famous variant that I have on my wish list is the Pz IIL aka "Luchs" or "Lynx" (in English). Watch for it because it'll be coming soon once I get caught up on my armored cars.

Mini Tanks Part 3: Stuart! "Look What I can do?"

Not that Stuart!

Mad TV's "Stuart"

Rather this one.

Great comics like this and Sgt. Rock really fueled my 11 year old
imagination paving the way for my WW2 tank affliction!

Again, straight from Warlord, another US tank sent to the Soviets under the Lend Lease program. The Stuart wasn't really popular with the Soviets but gives this war gamer some variety to choose from. It's always fun to have these little guys battle it out as opposed to the proverbial tank vs tank clashes with the T34/85s vs Panthers, Tigers and King Tigers, oh my!  

(click on the pic to enlarge)

Next to the Suchka (SU76) and the T70 for scale comparison.

Another great model from Warlord, clean and easy to assemble.

Ready for color. Stay tuned.

Mini Tanks Part 2: T70

This all metal model of the T70 2-man tank from Black Tree Design was easy to assemble and paint.

(click on the pix to enlarge)

Straight out of the bag. No instructions but very easy to assemble.

Just dipped.

Ready for action along with a Suchka (SU 76 from Warlord)

Since these photos were taken awhile ago, I've since used these vehicles in a couple of light tanks with infantry engagements for Bolt Action. To be posted soon in the near future.

Mini Tanks Part 1: The Simple and Reliable SU-76M

The SU-76M was a ubiquitous AFV that was an all around, all purpose gun for the Soviets. From self propelled artillery to tank hunting, she was able to do it all. It's always been a favorite of mine because of its simplicity in her design and I have collected this vehicle in numerous scales. Technically, it's not a tank but an Assault Gun but being built on the T70 chassis it at least fits that size category.

According to Wikipedia: 

"Crews loved this vehicle for its simplicity, reliability, and ease of use. However, the steering was also sometimes regarded as cumbersome, leading crews to also refer to the vehicle as suka ("bitch") or Suchka ("little bitch")." 

(click on the pix to enlarge)

The resin and metal castings of this model are of superior quality.
The crew is fully detailed and can be modeled inside or outside of their vehicle.
There's barely any flash on these models. Truly worth it!

Again, the quality is evident in how the parts fit
together perfectly with no time wasted on prep
(as in sanding or carving to make the pieces fit together). 

Aside from the fine detail of this model's exterior,
the same quality is extended in the fighting compartment.
There's even ammo shells molded on the insides. 

Prep consisted of washing the assembled model in water and dish washing liquid.
After drying she's mounted on nails and is ready for primer and color. 
In between these steps I usually dry brush with a Sand color before weathering.

Here she is with a StuG IIIG (also from Warlord) 
without side skirts that I'll feature in a post all her own.
After weathering and another go at dry brushing with highlights,
I applied Army Painter's Quickshade Strong Tone by brush rather than dipping.
I let it cure per directions then hit it Testor's Dull Kote and voila!

Here's the finished product ready for gaming.
I tested her out using a good combination of firepower:
my Suchka partnered with a T34/76
(this is a nice model from P.M.D. and available from Battlemart).

Here's Suchka in action trying to get a bead on a hidden SdKfz 251 HT.
Stay tuned for the next post as she and her sister (T34/76)
will be pitted against a StuGIIIG (shown above) and an SdKfz 251/10 HT.