I have completed an M4 Sherman to support my yet to be finished US. The 1:72 kit is from Italeri, one of their World of Tanks range. Some hobbyists may find the detail a little light, but I found the model easy to build and easy to paint. Major pluses in my ledger.
I know that Georgians fought with distinction in Normandy and beyond, as part of the 30th infantry division, ably supported by Sherman tanks. However, I do wonder if any camp fire discussion turned to the M4’s namesake?
I could be painting so many different things. Bolt Action US (Korea or WW2), Partisans, Soviets, or even some Hungarians. The reboot of Gaslands has drawn my eye back to modding toy cars. Silly but good fun. A new cast or two for 7TV is in the cupboard – an all female group of post-apocalypse type survivors. So many ideas and projects. K47 too.
I could even progress the 1:72 US to complement the Germans I finished recently.
I suspect your hobby-space looks the same.
So, of course, I’ve started a new project.
On a whim I picked up a box of Almoravids from Hat miniatures. So far I’ve done the archers and made a start on the spear-armed warriors.
This scale is fun and pretty quick to paint, which is good because I’ve got a bunch to do yet!
I can feel an experiment in something even smaller in the future, a chance to distance realism even more and just chase an impression of the relevant units on the table. Maybe not 2mm. Looking at those one day in a shop made my head swim, but there are some pretty cools scuplts available in 10mm and even 6mm. Another project, why not?
Hey, you know what would be cool? A new scale, that’s what!
Not content with a a cupboard full of 28mm WWII, I picked up some Zvevda plastics, US and German, in 20mm. They’re so cheap, it would be rude not to do both sides. I have a vague idea that I can use them for the Airfix Introductory Wargame. I’ve not played it yet, but a read of the rules makes me think it is what it says on the box, and Modiphius have a pretty good track record. I think a key challenge for this game is finding the right audience. It is an introductory game, so alongside airfix models or in more general game or toy shops is probably ideal. At wargames stockists it may simply be too simple to please existing wargamers. Good luck to them, it deserves an audience.
Anyway, back to the minis. It’s been over 30 years since I’ve painted any softer plastics, or this scale. A wee stroll along memory lane (insert dad joke here). I started with the Germans because you’ve got to start somewhere.
I know some folk can do masterful jobs on smaller scales, and hats off to them. I didn’t take much care or time- the goal to get the box painted. At this scale (and smaller) the general impression is all that is required, and I feel I have achieved that.
Now onto the US.
