STALINGRAD Bolt Action Mega Battle!

Another much needed addition to my Stalingrad miniature collection, is a Panzer III J. It provides a much needed ‘anti-tank’ weapon to the German’s arsenal, but also looks cool!

This model has been constructed from the same plastic Warlord Panzer III kit as the previous Panzer III L. It has the slight edge over the later model and the T34/76 that it is going up against, in that it has strengthened rear armour. This “extra-arse-armour” will be particularly useful in an enclosed city fight, where enemies will often be up close and very personal.

I have used the transfers to mark this tank as a member of the 24th (Leaping Horsemen) Panzer Division.

To recreate this scene:

Miniatures by Warlord: https://store.warlordgames.com/products/panzer-iii-plastic-box?aff=42

T-34/76 Medium Tank

Scenery by 4Ground:

https://www.4groundpublishing.co.uk/index.php?route=product/search&search=urban%20ruins

Discount code: TTMINI5

This entry is dedicated to all those who have a sore head after yesterdays festivities!

Miniatures by Warlord Games:

Blitzkrieg German HQ (1939-42)

German Pioniers

Scenery by 4Ground:

https://www.4groundpublishing.co.uk/index.php?route=product/search&search=urban%20ruins

Discount code: TTMINI5

Soviet and Heer Pioneer Flame Throwers.

Merry Christmas one and all!

https://store.warlordgames.com/products/soviet-50mm-light-mortar-and-flamethrower-teams?aff=42

German Pioniers

Scenery by 4Ground:

https://www.4groundpublishing.co.uk/index.php?route=product/search&search=urban%20ruins

Discount code: TTMINI5

FANTASTIC! I have now filled in a much needed gap in my German forces for my “Stalingrad Mega Battle”, a German “Anti-Tank” Tank.

My Panzer IV and 2 Stugs are great as  anti enemy infantry, infantry support, but near useless against enemy armour (except maybe shooting an armoured car up the jaxi at close range). Now I have something credible to take on the Soviet T34’s, aneven the dreaded KV’s.

I have used the 24th Panzer Leaping Horseman decals from the Warlord transfer sheet that came with the kit.

It’s a striking and I hope effective new addition to my army, and will need a few mates to back it up against all my Soviet armour.

Miniatures by Warlord: https://store.warlordgames.com/products/panzer-iii-plastic-box?aff=42

Scenery by 4Ground:

https://www.4groundpublishing.co.uk/index.php?route=product/search&search=urban%20ruins

Discount code: TTMINI5

When I saw this kit, I immediately saw it’s potential to add a bit of  scale to my Stalingrad battles. I really couldn’t wait  to get it home and on the table top.

The 4Ground kits are great as they are, but I wanted to give mine the full treatment to make it stand out on the tabletop.

I assembled mine using super glue and activator spray. This method is only for the experienced or “Brave” hobbyist. I then filled in the gaps with “No Nonsense, Fine Surface Filler”, cleaned of the excess with a dry washing up sponge. After the filler had dried, I applied a second layer to a few areas that needed a bit more.

I then made a wash 50% Vallejo German Camo Beige WWII (70.821) and 50% water, I applied this to the whole model, sponging of the excess, and gently drying satisfactory areas with an hair dryer. This took less than an hour. A particular bonus of the 4Ground kits is that they are pre-coloured and take paint. This technique will not work on other kits that are not primed or pre-painted.

I was really pleased with the end result, and felt almost like I had cheated as it was so quick and easy to do. Now I have a fantastic landmark for my “Stalingrad Mega Battle”.

If anyone is interested in acquiring their own with a discount: TTMINI5

https://www.4groundpublishing.co.uk/indie-design/tftb-master-builder-series/tftb-grudinin-mill-chimney

I kit-bashed an MMG team for my 100th Jager Division platoon. I chose the heads from the plastic Opel-Blitz kit ( https://store.warlordgames.com?aff=42 ) from Warlord to match the rest of the platoon. This gives a clear overall look that helps differentiate them on the table top. I decided to give them a bipod rather than a tripod to add to their light infantry feel. I have only used them once in a tournament at Factorum the home of 4Ground buildings and a serious Bolt Action players community, and they got SPANKED!

If anyone is interested in recreating something similar I have used the ‘Blitzkrieg German’ plastic box set as described with the ‘Opel-Blitz’ passenger sprue from Warlord games. I would be grateful if anyone searching could use my affiliate link: https://store.warlordgames.com?aff=42

The scenery is from 4ground: https://www.4groundpublishing.co.uk/tftb-pavlovs-house-destroyed-end-block-bundle?search=pavlov

They have kindly furnished me with a code so that I can provide a discount: TTMINI5

Hi Chaps,

I was seriously ill with Covid 19 last year, and part of my self motivation to get better  (I am not fully there yet) has been giving myself hobby targets. Chief amongst them has been my “Stalingrad Mega Project”.

I have worked really hard on this, when I could. I was still coughing up blood when I started it. However dark it’s beginning, mentally I view it as a ladder out of a pit. I have enjoyed every minute, and wish to thank the community for the support, encouragement and good wishes.

I was particularly moved by the Russians and surprisingly, German hobbyists who have contacted me privately to express their good wishes. All of which have been expressed in a very positive light. I was particularly moved by one individual who’s Grandfather was a sole survivor of an huge family. Also it has been useful in supporting my Godsons Max and Freddie, who I wish to be proud of their Russian/Kyrgyz  heritage and have built them armies accordingly.

Particular thanks to the team at OTT, who were kind enough to feature the project on the weekender twice, and award me a coveted “Golden Button”.

Big Thanks to Big Ben Cresswell at 4Ground and  John Stallard and the Warlord team, as well as Alessio Cavatore, Oriskany Jim, Laughing Boy, Commodore Rob, Tony D, the lads at Causeway Giants and many more.

I will soon release details of my website, which I am developing to show case my miniature collection. Happily OTT are massively supportive, and so have my pals at Warlord Games and 4ground.

I have had to take some time out to work like a beavor to pay off my overdrafts accrued whilst sick, but am now back in the hobby zone thank God!

To say thanks to the Industry Luminaries who have supported me, and it was wonderful to meet some of these chaps. I am working on bespoke mini projects incorporating real diamonds as a thank you. I am a massive fan of Faberge (and have handled and sold pieces whilst at Christie’s and at Antique Vault Ltd) inspired me in this mini-project.

The 4Ground safe that I did in the project : https://4groundpublishing.co.uk/28mm-furniture/28mm-furniture-safe

I have been contacted about commissions, but will not undertake any until mid December, when I have sent out the ones that I am working on at present.

Thank you all who have been so decent.

I am in a privileged position that I will have further support for my activities, the first of which is 5% off 4ground products, which is cumulative with their Black Friday deal. Sorry to be so commercial but I need to address my overdraft facility.

Further 5% off code TTMINI5

Much more to come.

Somewhat sadly the competition is coming to and end, however I would like to keep the project going as I intend to develop it a LOT further, as an ongoing project adding more and more units, vehicles, objectives and scenery.

In the meantime there are some recent images below.

I have got an enormous amount done, thank God, and now have more that enough finished, to play a decent sized game with my mates.

Also, I have an huge amount of more miniatures, vehicles, artillery pieces and buildings in various stages of incompletion.

I have had a great time participating in the challenge from Ontabletop, and have had a visit to 4Ground, got three new gamers willing to try a game, and even managed to get Alessio Cavatore (the game designer) to do an interview for the project. I am so glad I decided to go for it!