Waltzing Matilda

 My collection of armour for 1940 continues to expand, and now the BEF is getting some support in the form of an A.12 Matilda II infantry tank.  The Matilda II turned out to be one of the most effective tanks in the Battle of France.  While it was not enough to turn the tide of that campaign, it really found its opportunity to shine in the North Africa campaign, as well as in the Australian army in the Pacific.

This is a plastic model is from Warlord Games.  I was a bit frustrated that the part numbers were not stamped on the sprues, as one usually finds.  I also replaced the tank commander figure with a metal TC figure from Perry Miniatures.  

Decals are the ones that come with the kit, including the white rectangle BEF recognition marks.  These were apparently known sarcastically as 'aiming points' for enemy AT guns!

Thorin's Company

Here is Thorin's Company, based on Peter Jackson's interpretation of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit.  The book doesn't provide detailed descriptions of each individual dwarf, so the Weta team developed their own versions.  Each dwarf was given a distinct look and character, much more than simply different coloured hoods.

I'm a bit unsatisfied with the photos, I'll redo them and hopefully get better results.

Here is Thorin Oakenshield and his nephews Fili and Kili (apologies to the Tolkien purists, but I won't be mucking about with the correct accents on dwarf names). 

Brothers Dwalin and Balin

Bifur, Bofu and Bombur.  The Weta team determined that these were non-noble dwarfs, to set them apart from about half of the other dwarves, who were of Durin's line.  Bombur is one of the few dwarves to be given any distinguishing characteristics; unfortunately that characteristic is that he is the 'fat one'.  

Oin and Gloin.  Gloin's chief characteristic is that he is the father of Gimli, and as a result, he also seems to be most 'dwarf-like' of the dwarves.

Ori, Dori and Nori, another group of non-noble dwarves.

And of course, Bilbo and Gandalf.

Dwalin son of Fundin

Just a quick post today, here is Dwalin son of Fundin  as portrayed by Graham McTavish in Peter Jackson's Hobbit trilogy, from the Games Workshop Thorin Oakenshield and Company set.

Renault R35 and some markers

 Happy New Year, everyone!

Today's offering is the Renault R35 from AGNM.  This little tank was one of the replacements for the WWI-era Renault FT. It is similar to its predecessor, also having a 2-man crew, but is better armoured, faster and with a more powerful gun.  It looks a bit out of place compared the the tanks fielded by the Germans, Soviets or British, but it's worth noting that tank development was still ongoing, and following on the success of the FT probably seemed sensible at the time.  The R35 was the most numerous tank in the French Army in 1940.

I used leftover decals from the Italeri Char B1 bis, but ended up painting the national roundel by hand.  I didn't follow any particular standard for the tank name or insignia, I just went with whatever felt right!  I like the 'playing card' symbols on French tanks, as well as the curves and camo patterns, in comparison with the more angular and blocky German tanks.

The tank commander is cast in place.  In reality, he would need to move inside the tank to operate the gun, but I'll just have to ask the other players to indulge me.

You can see how small this tank is when it's next to another. Here are a couple of comparison shots with the Char B1.

Andy from AGNM included some nice bonus pieces, including a small sandbag wall and a selection of tokens.  I can always find uses for items like this (far better than coloured buttons!).