Tank Completed, Rolling out: StuG G

During World War 2, Germany needed a mobile assault gun that would be able to help support their infantry divisions as well as comply with their Blitzkrieg tactics.  The Sturmgeschütz III (StuG) was their answer.  This self propelled artillery piece combines, armour, mobility and a powerful main gun.  There were several varients with different guns and details made through out the war.  In the end 9,408 tanks were produced.

The StuG stood just over 7 feet tall and was 22 feet 6 inches long by 9 feet 8 inches wide.  Due to the shorter stature of the StuG (the M4 Sherman stood at 9 feet) it was easier to camouflaged and hide.  The armour ranged from 16-80mm thick.  The 7.5cm StuK40 gun was attached directly to the hull.  The StuG could travel at 40km/h.  Later versions of the assault gun were fitted with armour plating on the sides (called schurzen) to help protect against smaller anti-tank measures (such as anti-tank riffles and PIAT launchers). 

I painted up 5 StuG G tanks for my Germans this week.  I plan to field them as a platoon of 3 and a second support platoon of 2.  I choose not to go with  a winter paint coat.  After looking at various methods I found that it always appeared sloppy or like the model was just chipped.  I followed Flames of War painting tutorial for some guidance.  I tried some techniques I had not used in a while and some that I never have used before.  I am quite satisfied with the results.  I may add some of the same snow I use on the infantry bases on the top of the tanks 

 Kevin

First Volksgrenadier Schutzen Platoon complete

The Germans are underway now.  First schutzen platoon is complete, as well as the company Commander and 2iC teams. The grey is the most time consuming to paint.  It is usually about 4 layers. It takes me about 2 days for every two teams.  One day to paint the grey, another to do the details.

 

   Next up will be some StuG assault guns, pics in a few days. 
Kevin

Found the Light

I just picked up a light box.  As I said in my last post, i have been having difficutly getting the lighting to work.  I found a nice box with built in lights.  I think it makes a huge difference.  Next job is to play around with camera setting...

I got a few more German MG/Rifle teams painted up.  I am thinking of using the Volksgrenadierkompanie from the Nuts book.  I will need to pick up one or two Sturm Platoons (Panzerfaust Assault Rifle teams).  The army seems to be a good balance of support fire with a good assault force.  Lots and lots of machine guns.  Plus almost every team has a Panzerfaust, so it is very solid at eliminating tanks at close range. 

Kevin

Open Fire: German Commanders

I am slowly working on increasing the efficiency of painting the Germans. I added two tones to the brown on these models. There is a redish leather colour for webbing and a pail brown for more wooden objects. I will start work on the platoon next.

I still don't really have a company briefing that I am going to use. If anyone knows a good German infantry list please let me know.

Kevin

Ps. I am still trying to get a handle of proper lighting for taking miniatures pictures. Please send me any tips you might know of.

Here come the Germans...

Here is the finished test model for my winter themed Germans. I will clean up the grey/white coat on future ones by making more subtle transitions. More shading and black lining will help make the smaller details pop. I am very happy with the base. Just Weldbond glue and snow flock mixed to a paste.

Kevin