Thursday 1 November 2012

15cm sIG Grille auf 38t

 Wanting a change from the normal I selected a German self propelled gun as the next PBI vehicle. Thus we have the 15cm sIG Grille auf 38t (centre mount). I specify the centre mount as there was also a variant with a rear mounted gun, but I liked the look of this one and for no other reason I decided it's the one for me. It is of course from QRF (http://www.quickreactionforce.co.uk/) I have found very mixed quality from the company with regard to casting, but I am pleased to say this one was very nicely cast. The vehicle comes in 4 pieces and did require milliput and superglue to hold it together, just the same as I would for say battlefront miniatures, so I don't consider that a negative. I deliberately positioned the gun in a horizontal level as the distances over which it will be firing on the table top are minimal, therefore no elevation is required.
 Two crew are also included and they have limited room inside the contratpion so one is half sitting outside. In combat I am sure he'd be hunkered down behind the steel sidings, but for now he's perched on the rear edge. I have painted the crew in artillery uniforms as opposed to late war camouflage with red markings on their epaelettes. I am not sure if this is correct, so don't copy it thinking I know what I am doing, I don't I just went with what I thought as opposes to what I know. So only a 50/50 chance it's right! Details like this are not worried about at the club too much, don't get me wrong there is always one (usually me) who will point out any errors. the really observant will discern a "water and tan" (AKA Splinter A) helmet cover on the closest guy despite the fact that I said no camouflage. And the less observant will have just looked to make sure. It came out a little bit too dark but maybe it got wet and is drying out!
 This vehicle was a lot of fun to put together and paint, so much fun I shall no doubt send off for another as there really should be two together, both historically and to avoid the PBI single vehicle points penalty! It is surprisingly small vehicle but the 150mm howitzer should have a hefty smack to it, not that I expect it to be a game winner in any regard, just a little tabletop fun.
Slowly the German force is coming together a long way to go of course, but I am in no rush just enjoying doing a little every so often. You will know by now I struggle to keep on one project for ANY length of time. I do however slowly bring them to fruition (given enough time). Should I need to get something finished for a game 9 times out of 10 I do manage to (just). Which is all to say this very hap hazard approach works for me!

That's today's blog post. Let's all hope the weather improves for Guy Faulkes night until Saturday take care and paint a few figures!

Cheers Clint.


10 comments:

  1. Yu've done a good job on this Clint ; I like to see the less well known AFV's (in wargames at least) rather than the Tigers and Panthers we usually see.

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    1. I agree it is nice to put something different on the table once in a while. But the more common choices have a place for a reason.

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  2. Looks great both the painjob and the vehicle itself. I don't recognise this vehicle. But agree it is pleasing to the eye.

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    1. Thanks Simon. I think the rear mounted Grille is slightly more common and you would probably recognise that. Obviously the 38T chassis was widely re-used when the Chech tank was no longer able to match allied tanks.

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  3. Nice work Clint, I know Fran's always moaning about the quality of some of QRF's figures, by moaning I mean throwing it across the room, trying to get it in the bin!

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    1. I assertained at SELWG that Fran was a figure snob! He will say it's just maintaining his own very high standards of course, but me and you can both see past that.

      However with QRF there does seem to be a variable quality in casting. (Although not had a bad sculpt from them yet).

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  4. That looks cool. I bet it is a nasty little beast and packs one hell of a punch.

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    1. Not an anti tank weapon really, but a 15cm shell could ruin your day if a direct hit. And it's always good to have something novel on the table top.

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