Here is a link VIKING APC to a wiki of the vehicles in real life. I add it because this vehicle is not typically seen on news footage. That being the case it is possible that you may not be aware of them. I am not sure if they are currently serving with the Royal Marines in Afghanistan (2013) but as the game was set in 2008 prior to the change in rules of engagement I am informed that they were present at that time. The terrain is from the game mentioned above. This is just one of the boards but it shows a variety of cover opportunities from crop fields and mud-brick walls to fully functional compounds. These boards might be getting another lease of life over the winter months, but now is not the time or place to talk about it as I have to check with a couple of people over the weekend to see if the idea has legs.
Anyway both these Vikings are from Grubby Tanks (GRUBBY) formally part of the Britannia Miniatures range. They are resin single part castings and thus require no real assembly. They do come with 2 crew and a machine gun and gun shield in white metal as well as a hatch cover for the rear top hatch. I did one with hatch open and one buttoned up. This gave me the greater variety. The only7 disappointment I had with these was that the boxes and bags moulded to the top of the passenger compartment. The disappointment only comes because they were exactly the same. If they were not cast in the same one piece resin It would have been easy to add items to more personalise the vehicles. Should I get another of these I will, which I am tempted to do as it would then allow me to transport a platoon of troops, I will add extra baggage and tarps to create some variety. And that is my only quibble with these vehicles. Other than a Chinook helicopter kit I have waiting to be started that should finish all my forces for the Afghanistan game. I have no idea if I will ever make the Chinook and if I do where I will keep it so do not expect it to feature in the near future.Thanks for reading, I hope you found something of interest. I will post again on Saturday but for now I feel the need to go back to the painting table and do some 6mm stuff! Cheers Guys talk soon.
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ReplyDeleteI love those! I remember seeing a documentary about them crossing a river in the UK. As for gaming moderns, I had a thought about it last time I was watching telly...how is gaming it any different from PC games, movies etc. This debate can get quickly out of hand and I suppose nobody will chance his thought about it over someone else' arguments, so it's best to leave it be.
ReplyDeleteI assume those are 28mm? And I get you with the stowage, I hate my vehicles to look alike. It would be better if they'd make a basic vehicle and resin add ons I suppose.
I'm really interested in chinook, so please show it one day, too :D
Mathyoo - check the labels on the post: "20mm, Afghan game, British"
DeleteI think that might tell you what scale they are!! ;)
Opps sorry Mathyoo I should have said these are 20mm (1/72nd Scale).
DeleteI agree about the modern debate. I respect everyones right to either like or dislike the idea of wargaming it. That is the wonderful thing about us wargamers what suits one another will dislike and vice versa.
Yes a basic vehicle with no stowage would have been better. But at £6.00 each I will not quibble.
Thank you Mathyoo.
Very nice work Clint. Would one more complete a platoon? or would you need a landrover or something for the platoon HQ?
ReplyDeleteand what 6mm beauties are you painting now?
Well with the Wimiks, Mastiffs and the Snatch Landrover I already have I think I have enough.... although maybe a Jackal or two would help.
Delete6mm Baccus WSS British. Currently on the painting table I will start my 10mm Samurai next week.
Not seen those before, very unusual. Could be a Marines version of going caravaning.
ReplyDeleteI believe they were originally designed for Arctic conditions so you may have seen them in green and white camouflage which they are usually seen in. I am informed that the Marines using them feel that they need better protection from IED's and RPG's than these vehicles provide. But I personally have not been in one so am only doing by the comments of others.
DeleteThank you David.
Awesome vehicle and loved by the British Army. I used to drive the Haglund BVs for the AMF in Norway years ago and these Vikings are the modern equvilent. Lovely models mate and cheers for the nostalgia moment.
ReplyDeleteI am thrilled that you like them I had no idea that you used to drive the BVs. Obviously the most up to date versions have bar armour, but that option was not available from Grubby tanks. (Or I would have bought them).
DeleteCheers Carl I really appreciate the comment.
Huh, I didn't know that the Vikings had APCs. You learn something new every day :-) .
ReplyDeleteThey do look nice, though - suitably grubby and an unusual vehicle.
Like most wargamers I have to have something a little different from the norm. I did think of painting these in Lithuanian army colours as They also use them in Afghanistan which would be very different.
DeleteWell next time you play SAGA feel free to put one on the table I am sure no one will mind!
Thanks Colgar.
I think they look nice Clint, you've always got something different for us to look at.
ReplyDeleteAs a non gamer, I think I can understand why there can be difficulty with Modern. When it is very recent, peoples emotions are still at the surface. Also I think it may be harder for people to keep their "politics" out of the game. I say though if gamers can get together as a group and enjoy it, they should do so.
Thank you Anne. I always have something different as I have wargames ADHD. Which means I find it very hard to stay focused on on any project for too long. It is both a blessing and a curse. I promise to put a Mexican Bandit on the board to undercoat in the next few days specially for you!
DeleteAs for wargamers and "politics" I will leave it to each individual to make the right choice for them.
I like these Clint, watched a documentary on C4 about these units and how they travel in large groups and their mission in Afghanistan, would love some in 15mm.
ReplyDeleteI had thought QRF might do some, alas I could not see any in the lists. I missed that documentary it does sound like my kind of thing. Thank you Fran.
DeleteNice job Clint they look great. Perhaps you could of filed the details off or covered them with some other details of your own devising tarp's or extra boxes or something.
ReplyDelete20-20 hind sight and I would have done. In a way perhaps it is not too late I could retro fit some junk on top. But for now I have moved on. 6mm and 10mm figures are calling my name and beckoning me to the painting table.
DeleteGreat looking vehicles and you're right about stowage etc. it should come separately or at least as an option.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jo. If I ever do get another I will add more stowage. enough to disguise the fact that all three would other wise be the same. But really no complaints about the Vikings for the price I can't complain. I can only blame myself for not taking the time to think the problem out prior to painting. My fault in the end as my models.
DeleteVehicles look very cool, colour choices are good and they work well with the board,I have not seen nor heard of them on this side of the globe, and I am a bit of a army gear buff.
ReplyDeleteIf you read the comments above Carl used to drive one. They are good vehicles for the snow with very little ground pressure. Not the most obvious vehicles for Afghanistan wargaming but they were used by the Royal Marines and are in at least one Force on Force Scenario.
DeleteIt is one of the most wonderful things about blogging, everyone has different knowledge bases and we all learn from each other. I at least seem to learn a lot from other bloggers.
Thank you Extra.
Great looking vehicles, and pictures...I do like your ground and the walls...
ReplyDeleteSsssh don't tell anyone but the walls are the most easy thing to make. Just cut a thin strip of chipboard, break the top and paint. Don't tell anyone else it is our secret!
DeleteThanks Phil. I will most likely be building a few more boards over the winter for a game at Broadside next year. But as mentioned previously I will need to talk to a few people over this weekend. So with luck I can start them in a few weeks or a month. I'll do them step by step, There is nothing too tricky but somethings do need a little practice!
Good looking models. I'll have to see if these guys carry anything in 28mm.
ReplyDeleteI don't think they do of the top of my head. But have a look just to be sure. Thank you Charles.
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