dakked!

Engagement with the hobby goes back and forwards just like the war waged across the Libyan plain. What better way to get back into painting than a few 15mm tanks as the start of an Afrika Korps force?

They are mostly Plastic Soldier Company. Assembled and, with the help of a rattle-can, base coated many years ago.

A Panzer III troop

Panzer IV, including one up-gunned to the longer barrel thingy and a Zvezda model with a different base coat lurking the background

Resin field cars from Battlefront Miniatures

Like many hobbyists, I like to have opposing forces. I still might do an Italian force, but for now I’m a step closer to having the start of a DAK force that matches my desert themed Australians.

Everything to date

I have no idea when this DAK force will get finished or what I will ultimately add, but that doesn’t matter. These are done and that makes me happy for now.

One matador, no bull

I’m not sure about you, but I love to buy random kits and 15mm scratches this itch nicely, since you can often pick up a model for less than $20. Usually with only a few parts and quick to paint I find they can be a pleasurable thing to do between larger projects.

And that is why I now have a Matador truck from Zvezda. I’ve done it in desert colours because all of my other British in 15mm are themed around North Africa and there is a remote chance it will be used one day.

In the meantime, it means one more mini in this world is painted. And for today, that is enough.

Zvezda Germans

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.