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already done thanks man

Okay an update. Still waiting on PSC 251's but my patience is limited so I have found and bought these.



Here is what you get in the £2.75 Box, most of it is useless to me (including the instructions because I am a male)



I have ordered some Zvezda 1/100 251's rather than wait as I am too impatient to wait until possibly Oct 11 or later for PSC.

My Plans for these is to make them ASAP and paint them, and on Thursday night I will be playing a motorised PanzergrenadierKompanie List from Earth & Steel. This is just a quick try out of some tactics with my semi-finished list. I eventually want a Pioneer Platoon to go with my Tiger Schwere Kampgruppe (when I eventually get round to buying another 2 Tigers) these 3T Opel Blitz will be useful for various lists using various infantry. The vehicles are dirty cheap so I don't really care if they get totalled over the next few years of play. Plus if they give up the ghost I will burn them with a soldering iron and then re-paint them as vehicle wrecks for the battlefield.

Full Panzer Grenadier Platoon (With only 1 x 251 a further 3 are needed to complete this Platoon).



A Full 12cm Mortar Platoon (including 2 x Observer Units and Radio Ops and a Radio equipped Command Squad, its all about the detail )



Force thus Far



I have 4 x Panzerwerfer 42 (maultier) on the way to me, so all i need to finish my force is:-

1 x Jagdpanzer
1 x kfd 15
1 x Kubelwagen

I love collecting and painting, the more I do of a force the more motivated i get to finish it, it's a weird OCD thing.

Okay my next update post...



5 x Opel Blitz Trucks, another wash, then a Dullcote. Then a Gloss Coat on the windows to make them really reflective.



4 x Panzer Maultier, 70% done, no decals or varnish/ final highlights.



4 x 251's, 50% done, no decals or varnish/ highlights. I need to do the Benches and internal details.

Work continues, I'm gonna keep fighting through. I got bored and bought a Heavy Machine gun platoon for £5.25 Bargain for a weapons platoon.



Also was having a nosey around my local Model Shop (not a FLGS or proper store) it is one that does all Die Cast stuff for Aviation Buffs. I spotted these 1/144 and at £4 each, Die cast and pre-painted, I don't care if i never use them, they look great. I have used 40K flying bases, does anyone have an alternative base a bit higher maybe 10-15cm?



This will be the 1st foray into a British Airbourne Army based around some Glider Bourne forces. I love painting Mini's and FOW is now my favourite system by a long shot.

Looking good...really like the Maultiers....if possible I would do the final touch's and decals. I like the clean tan look.

On duty, but have completed my Decals and varnishing whilst watching the death of Gaddafi's regime on SKy News, I think it's equivalent is FOX in the US.



On a side issue relevant to us Brits, isn't that News Anchor Kay Burley (pictured above) the most ignorant and ill educated news caster? She literally opens her mouth and I cringe with embarassment as she makes the most inane statements with absolute conviction. I have just read on the internet there is a massive campaign to get her removed. She would never get a job on the BBC that's for sure.

Back on topic, I will post up some Pics, One Sunday Night when I get home.

Okay my guild started a Firestorm campaign, and it was great fun. Playing my Lehr as Fallschirmjaeger infantry 6th Regiment (with a full battery of 10.5cm) , dropping the Panzerwerfer, Half-tracks and Tigers. Really enjoyed it.

My first Battle in Firestorm Market Garden was to kick the Allies off the Driel landing site over the Arnhem Bridge. Battle Free for All, I had 1st turn. As Firestorm reinforcements I got a single Tiger 1E and a full Platoon of SS Grenadiers in Half Tracks (cher-ching!). My opponent had an Armoured force (god knows how that worked because he had a Desert Rats
s Armoured Force which should have been fighting the XXX Corps battles further West? Maybe he re-wrote history and paraglided in a whole Company of Medium and Heavy tanks). Anyway his Challengers, Cromwells and Churchills advanced on me. He was a nice guy and gently reminded me to "Dig in my Infantry" as I had in the excitement completely forgotten... very commendable and very sporting.

My 1st turn the SS Grenadiers Stormed forward in the 251's trying to close the distance to 2 Large platoons of Churchills. My 12cm Mortars (FP 3 and AT 3) were great against the tanks chalking up a few Bailouts and a destroyed result. My 10.5cm fired directly at the Enemy platoon opposite and scored nothing (my stupid tactic, I should have fired a bombardment) when I started using them in bombardment the Tank Kills stacked up relatively quickly. My Tiger did nothing all game, but the SS grenadiers got Mauled for 3 turns but didn't run, down to 3 stands (2 troops and the Platoon commander) they assaulted 3 tanks in the end and smashed them all with 'fausts by turn 5. I sent a Fallschirmjaeger Platoon to the right out of a field towards the Grenadiers to reinforce them and help secure the objective. (see pic below)



On the Opposite flank (on the Left) my useless 1E "Kitty" fired alot of rounds and did little but improve their own morale and raise the ambient battlefield noise level. My Commander led 2 stands of 'Shreck paratroops and smashed a British Tank Platoon, but my JAGDPANZERS obviously inspired by the "Noisy Kitty" joined in and fired alot of rounds and hit nothing (LEHR training isn't what it used to be). You can see a picture of the situation at the end of turn 3 below.



Result I smashed all the Tanks and overran the landing site....It was lucky and not a competent display of generalship, if my SS Grenadiers had broken I would have been defeated.

So what did I learn from this battle?

Tigers at Range against Tanks in concealment who are also Veteran is ridiculous (close the distance, 6 to hit is madness!).
Some British Tanks cannot fire HE! (didn't know that).
Some British Tanks can leave 50% of a platoon behind. (didn't know that).
Some British Tanks can fire Indirect and direct fire as well as smoke (Nice!).

I will write up the second battle at some point. My Force with twin Flak 88's as reinforcements versus an entire Company of American 82 at "Grosenbeek heights", in a word "Bloodbath".

You have a pretty nice blog going here! I am thinking of starting a Lehr list myself; your pictures are giving me some good inspiriation.

I'm also going to be painting up my Dystopian Wars Prussian ground forces in the same latewar gold/green/brown scheme, I like it so much!

Ah, A fellow Warfighting Mariner. Thanks for the BZ, I am enjoying a shore job which is great for my hobby time and some Harmony time with the wife (approx in that order?).

Haven't seen any Dystopian stuff, need to have a look at that!

Oh and remember "There are only two types of Vessels; Submarines and Targets"....

@Draeger After playing approx 10 games, all ofl your advice at the start of this blog is absolutely on the nail.

1. 120mm Mortars are fantastic.
2. 2 x Tigers are quite impressive despite being a small platoon, they don't do much, but players waste Arty against them when they should be neutralising my Infantry Platoons. A proper fear unit.
3. The INF Platoons when Dug in are like Mountains, and are no slouches in assault.

Where am I going with my Force? Well, I need a pair of Flak 88's to beef up my force versus large tank formations (i will do this by reducing my INF Platoons to only 2 squads) and I need to add in a AT Platoon too. Have you ever used the Grille H in direct support? For 175pts they seem expensive for 2 but the 15.5cm might make up for it? The Other thing I was pondering on, was buying some Nebs to re-coup some points from dropping the Panzerwerfers. Equally I was wondering on taking a 251 Mortar section which is reasonably cheap, but gives me the option of dedicating a Mortar section to lay smoke infront of my INF when they assault. Leaving the 120's to put the hurt on other units.

THE SECOND FIRESTORM BATTLE REPORT

Overrall, the Wehrmacht 1st Turn went well, i overran Driel and a Schwere Kampfgruppe and security platoon took central Arnhem, securing the Road all the way south to the XXX Corps Front. XXX Corps advanced steadily, but all the Allied Paratroops are now out of Supply and Wehrmacht is rushing reinforcements over the Rhine itself through Arnhem direct to the front. The Allies really need to take back the iniative or this Campaign would effectively be over.

Okay my second firestorm Battle was against the 101st Airborne, to take the High ground at Groessenbeek. If taken it would have given the German Forces a Jump off position to take the Landing zone or the Airfield last turn. He had masses of Infantry, no vehicles and 2 Batteries of Medium Artillery and Squad level Mortars, he also received 3 RAF Typhoons in support. I received a Luftwaffe AA platoon which I commandeered off the road. Battle Free for All......

I had the iniative, but facing this amount of Infantry I decided to Dig in everything and wait for the High skill Paratroopers to come at me like avenging angels of fury. My 120's fired one barrage against an AT Gun Platoon and neutralised all 4 of them (YES!). My Flak 88's fired at the Enemy Artillery on the heights and neutralised 2 of them (leaving 6 guns), my 10.5cm Battery hammered the Yank infantry and they took some heavy casualties (1 platoon below 50% but they stayed in the fight). My Jagpanzers moved forward and prepared to machine gun everyone. The Enemy in their turn, fired alot of smoke and smoked out my entire right flank, under this blanket his Infantry stormed forward. On the Left the 101st moved forward (2 whole platoons with Bazooka's and LMGs), concealed in a cornfield but within range of dug in troops my Lehr suffered alot of fire and became pinned.

My turn 2 (the lehr team unpinned), On the right I could see the wall of infantry advancing between the gaps in the smoke. I was seriously worried, I had a Machine Gun platoon (good!) who couldn't see any of them (bad) my 88's and 10.5cm were directly behind them using the Machine gunners as a screen. I started my jagdpanzer platoon towards this threat but they were the other side of the board and at least another turn until they were in range. My 120's slammed the infantry in the smoke as my observer could see them inflicting some damage. Equally my 10.5cm switched fire left, onto a platoon mortar unit and smashed it to pieces. My dug in infantry on the left fired at the two platoons concealed in the cornfield nearby, and groaned as I killed just one LMG team (they would suffer the LMG barrage of two full 101st Platoons). Enemy turn 2, yet another smoke barrage, but no mortars this time, The infantry on the right advanced again and prepared to assault the MG platoon. The Left flank Platoon came under the sights of Browning .303's and BAR's and suffered a storm of bullets, reducing the platoon below 50% and pinning them.

My turn 3, things were looking 50/50 on the right flank, but the MG Platoon earned their pay as they were within 6" and so blasted the Platoon with their full ROF, killing alot of them and pinning them (Great against anyone, but against Paratroopers I was still expecting to get assaulted), My 120's opened up on a Bazooka platoon in the centre (killing 3 stands) to protect the JAGDPANZERS as they advanced across the battlefield to help the struggling right flank. My 88's fired at the Artillery on the hill and missed, as did the 10.5cm battery. The smoke was choking me and he was steadily advancing on the right. My left flank platoon opened up on the 2 Teams in the cornfield and killed 4 more stands.

Enemy turn 3, His Platoon and half platoon on the right, fired to try to pin the MG section and failed, and then assaulted, Defensive fire was effective but weight of numbers got them through, Chaos then ensuing as 88's fired as well and the 10.5cm crews prepared the receive the assault units. They smashed into the MG's and grenades flew until they were all neutralised, however the Artillery staff team and command element were sucked into the combat and saved the day breaking the second platoon who retreated (right under the guns of the Jagdpanzers). His artillery smashed my Flak 88's and 1 was annihilated, the other pinned. On the left his 2 Platoons shot the lefthand platoon to pieces.

Turn 4, My other Platoon was still holding the centre but daren't move right for fear of flanking fire from the centre. The left was gone, and my right was in tatters. However the smoke cleared on the right and the Artillery and last 88 started firing furiously. The 10.5cm Fired on the Centre platoon with Bazooka's and finished them off. The 88 fired 3 rounds at the Enemy Artillery and smashed 2 more guns to pieces, breaking the platoon. His Company commander had moved forward with the platoons and now faced off against 4 Jadgpanzers, they opened fire on the retreating platoon and the Company Commander gunning them all down as they tried to withdraw. Which resulted in a Win for me....

Much better generalship from me this time. However, I was quite shocked at the resilience of the 101st, and that BAR's and Browning 303's out perform an MG42???? I mean seriously the BAR was crap, and the .303 was reasonable but the MG42 was and probably still is king of machine guns. I mean the HMG of the MG42 basically had a Tripod and a spare Barrel that was it ( okay maybe a sustained fire barrel but otherwise it was the same) The allies used vickers and .50cal not a .303 on a tripod.

I shouldn't have won really, if my Arty Staff and Cmd stand hadn't pull out incredible rolls they would have been annexed. My arty and 88's overrun and both my flanks annhilated, I would have been surrounded, with Bazooka's in the platoons my Jagdpanzers would have been in trouble. Oh and his Aircraft never turned up.

My Latest List for LEHR (I am quite happy with this build now).

1 x CMD Lehr Unit
2 x Lehr Motorised Platoons (2 sections)
1 x Lehr HMG Platoon (2 sections)
1 x Grille H Platoon (2 Guns)
1 x Lehr 12cm Mortars (Full Platoon)
1 x Tiger Platoon (2 x 1E)
1 x Panzerwerfer 42 (3 x Launchers + ROF upgrade )
1 x 8.8cm Flak Platoon (2 x Guns + ROF upgrade)

I have traded off my Jadgpanzers for a much better unit the Flak 88's. But the real trick is the Grille H 15cm combined with the 12cm Mortars this allows my troops to advance while the enemy gets barraged by these and the Panzerwerfers. I can also throw out alot of Smoke as required to get my small platoons into the assault positions. I can hold off Heavy Tank assaults quite well, and large numbers of Medium and light tanks. Against Infantry I can afford to sit back and bring the rain, and then rush forward as all the infantry have transports. I can come slightly unstuck against Artillery abundant lists where I end up pinned or my 88's. I have 3 units with only 2 vehicles which is a weakness, but clever positioning of Units for indirect fire alleviates this.

Update..

My 8.8cm Flak 37 Platoon will make a nice addition to the force and give me an option to drop the Jagdpanzer IV and take a Platoon of these ROF 3 anti-tank 13 FP 3+



It's also magnetised for ease of transport and for battle damage.



Also picked up 2 x Boxes of the PSC 251's


I will use the Zvesda ones as Transports for Command elements and other units, while the PSC will be the ones for my Motorised Platoons, they will be difficult to tell apart but will be less obvious if not in the same platoons.



I got sick of carrying a KR Multicase everywhere, and at work I found one of these small cases in a bin. So with zero shame, I grabbed it. I stuck some Gale Force 9 regimental manoeuvre steel and rubber mats on the inside and then bought alot of base magnets from the Internet... These ones here http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FLAMES-WAR-Base-Magnets-Medium-NEW-/320700694606?pt=UK_Toys_Wargames_RL&hash=item4aab40404e#ht_1618wt_1140. Very happy with the net result, I place a thin piece of 5mm foam between the sides but otherwise it is a good sized case for my infantry, now I will buy another (or grab one from work and try doing something for all my vehicles).

Latest pic of whole army, (needed to Photoshop as my Camera doesn't have a wide enough lens to get them without them looking about a mile away).

My 88 battery...Some hedges and bits to add but they look okay especially with the Feld-grey.

Well I am actually playing quite regularly right now as i have the time for once....and right now my list for me is on target. I use the 21cm neblewerfers for arty and smoke...they just work well and are cheap...also the mortars are still king of the battle. I dropped at guns for 3 pz 4's as mobile guns work better and all the mg's can slim down infantry. I have been facing British rifle co. with with Croc's and still coming out on top. The key is to have list that has a chance at every mission not just one or two. The grille k assault guns are nice but ...but at 2 guns you re-roll hits and one gun down your kinda useless as arty. small cheap guns that can be dug in and concealed as well as damage most units on the table are the way to go. we are running a tournament here in Hampton Roads area mid November so definitely post pics.

I look forward to those pics. I am quite happy to keep expanding my force with odd combo's eventually I want a large enough force that I can pick and choose from just about any Combination of a Lehr Force. But yeah the Grille H can be limited by having just 2 Vehicles. Will post up the next battle in the Market Garden campaign. Next Battle is due tonight and hopefully my Lehr Posing as Fallschirmjaeger can cause some damage and the 88's can get blooded.

Nice work. I've started work on my 5. SS "Wiking", as It's beenb sluffed off for to long. This is great inspiration.

Mat

Very nice work, got brits myself but have yet to start painting them. Good to see how well the 1:100 scale stuff fits. Might have to check out ebay now!

Yeah, I've got a Brit Air Landing Platoon too. If you look at the Carry case photo, you will be able to distinguish them from my Lehr by the Autumn based camo on the Base (Market-Garden being in September, I went for an Autumn colour base scheme).

Will photo it now and post it up...It is only an Engineer Platoon but it is the start, plus I have others units in pieces that need to be glued, filla'd and painted.

EDIT



I tried to do the Brit Para Denison Smocks but it defeated me and I stipple brushed on all 4 colours and then washed it to bring the models together. One mistake I made was not allowing the Dullcote to dry full before flocking the base. You can see little bits in the close up shot, this isn't a massive issue as you can rub them off with a gentle blusher type make up brush.

Okay updates have been thin on the ground, but today Christmas Day, I got another platoon of 251's for my Lehr, built them in 2 hours. Still got to finish them and sort out details and paint them.



I also have a Pair of Grille H's and 3 x Jagdpanther Platoon (they are noble looking Tank Destroyers, just the dynamic sloped armour, massive gun and huge presence of these beasts, they are just terrifying, to the enemy at least.) still to do so the Panzer Lehr are going to be busy, the Jagdpanzer I will run the Heavy Schwere Assault gun list in Earth & Steel and it will be a fun russian scaring list.

80% done, final varnish and some decals. Another couple of these and I'll have a full company, so I can start work on the whole Battalion! Only kidding, I think a fully company of 4 Mech Platoons, Plus a Panzerspah Platoon, lots of support options and artillery and I'm set.