Today’s release sees the Germans receive some much needed anti-armour support in the form of assorted tank destroyers. As well as lighter tanks such as the Jagdpanzer IV L/48 and L/70 variants and the Hetzer, there is also the powerful Jagdpanther – capable of defeating any deploy Allied armour.
These are all available in 20mm and 28mm, but other scales can also be produced – just ask!
More information for each vehicle can be found on their pages, linked above.
This release sees the introduction of some new infantry options for the Soviets. We have often been asked about NKVD troops and here they are along with Naval troops!
The NKVD (or “People’s Commissariat for Internal Affairs”) was an internal politicised police force in the Soviet Union from 1934 to 1946. Well known for conducting the Great Purge and mass deportations to of “undesirables” to the Gulags, troops of the NKVD also served alongside the Red Army during the defence of cities such as Stalingrad and Moscow.
During WWII, much of the Soviet’s sea power was contained by the advancing Germans. This meant that the fleets of the Black Sea and Baltic were largely unable to contribute to the war effort. Battleships were sometimes used as artillery and anti-aircraft platforms if they were close enough to ongoing fighting, but many were simply redundant. In both cases, ships were often stripped back to a skeleton crew, and the majority of the crew deployed as ground troops. In this over 350,000 Red Navy sailors were redeployed as infantrymen.
Further updates are also available via our Facebook page.
We hope that soon our models will be reinforcing your Soviet armies – Ura!
This release is the start of a line of Eastern Front German designed by the amazing Just Some Miniatures, and to say they’re something awesome is not an exaggeration! It’s been incredibly difficult prying these excellent models from Martin’s hands long enough to photograph them all
Starting with the German invasion of the Soviet Union on 22nd June 1941 (Operation Barbarossa), the Eastern Front lasted for the remainder of the war until 8th May 1945. Encompassing the invasion of the Caucasus (Case Blue), the Battle of Kursk, Siege of Stalingrad many more famous incidents of the war, it ended with the Soviet push into Berlin and subsequent surrender of the German forces. It is estimated that 75-80% of all combat during WWII took place on the Eastern Front.
The sheer amount length of time it lasted, the terrain involved and the range of forces arrayed against each other, means that sooner or later almost any vehicle, artillery or infantry fielded by either the Soviets or Germans saw action. We covered some of these last year with our focus of Soviet and German vehicles that fought at Kursk, and now we expand with a range of cavalry and infantry suitable for your Eastern Front battles.
First up are some fast moving cavalry, with both an officer team and two troops available – a rifle armed squad with a supporting MG42, and an assault squad armed with STG44s and an MP40. These are then followed by three separate infantry options – a 10 man rifle squad with a pair of MG42s, a 5 man assault squad with SMGs and an STG44, and a deadly 5 man support squad with two MG42 machine guns. Finally, some anti-armour capability is offered with a two man Panzerschreck team.
However, this is just the start of rolling out new German models, in the coming weeks look out for vehicles, heavy guns, more cavalry and more infantry alongside and assortment of support teams……
In this release we are rounding out our selection of halftracks for US forces. In this bundle of 8 vehicles, half are new releases and half are updates to older models.
As well as the standard transport variants with the M2 and M3, we also have howitzer support from the T12, T19 and T30, anti-aircraft capabilities with the M15 and M16 and a mobile mortar carrier with the M4.
Stay tuned for German advances on the Eastern Front in a couple of weeks…..
In this release we are rounding out the armoured cars for the French, German and US forces. The French gain another personnel carrier in the form of the Panhard 179, alongside the 1930s Panhard 165 / 175 armoured car.
For the Germans, they can now field the famous SdKfz 234/2 Puma as well as it’s less famous sibling – the 234/1. The Austrian Steyr ADGZ (as used by the Waffen SS) is also available as is the SdKfz 247B command car.
Finally, as we start to increase the variety of our US range, we have introduced the M8 Greyhound and M20 armoured cars to aid the Americans.
Stay tuned for more incoming US vehicles in a couple of weeks…..
In this release we are rounding our Italian armoured support with the introduction of three new Semovente variants as well as updated models for some existing Semovente options. The new introductions are the 47/32 with a light AT gun, the 75/32 armed with a howitzer, and the 75/46 equipped with a powerful 75mm AA gun used as a AT gun!
New models have also replaced the Semovente 75/18 and 75/34.
All of these variants can now be found together on one handy product page.
This release sees the introduction of some new armoured vehicles for the Finns, as well as a couple of new model for existing vehicles. The new additions are the BT-42, StuG III G “Sturmi” and Vickers 6 ton. Also, as part of our goal of always improving options, we have a new model out for the T-34/76.
As always, here’s a little background on the various new units…..
During World War II, Finland faced a dire need for armored vehicles. In response, they developed the BT-42 assault gun. Initially, the Finnish army utilized captured Soviet BT-7 tanks. However, these tanks’ original turrets were ill-equipped for the anti-tank role, prompting an innovative solution.
The Finns designed a new turret to house a British 4.5-inch howitzer, a decision driven by necessity. The BT-42’s distinctive appearance stemmed from this large, hexagonal turret. Despite its imposing look, the BT-42 had limitations. Its main armament was not originally intended for tank warfare, leading to underwhelming performance against Soviet armor.
Moreover, the BT-42’s mechanical reliability was questionable. The chassis of the BT-7 was not designed to support the weight of the new turret. Consequently, breakdowns were common, hindering operational effectiveness.
Nevertheless, the BT-42 holds a unique place in military history. It symbolizes Finnish ingenuity and adaptability under challenging circumstances. The vehicle saw limited action but left an indelible mark on Finnish wartime efforts.
Despite its shortcomings, it remains a testament to Finnish resourcefulness during a critical period of their history.
The StuG III Sturmi tank holds a unique place in military history, particularly within the context of Finland’s involvement in World War II. Initially designed by Germany as an assault gun, this formidable piece of machinery was later adapted by the Finns to suit their specific combat needs during the conflict.
Interestingly, the Sturmi, as it was affectionately known in Finland, was not originally intended for the Finnish army. However, due to the pressing demands of war and Finland’s strategic alliance with Germany, a total of 30 StuG III Ausf. Gs were delivered to the Finnish forces in 1943. These tanks quickly became an integral part of Finland’s armored strength.
The adaptation process involved several modifications to meet the harsh conditions of the Finnish landscape and warfare tactics. For example, concrete was added for extra protection against anti-tank rifles, and a more suitable gun sight was installed to enhance targeting accuracy.
Moreover, the Sturmi proved to be highly effective in supporting infantry operations. Its low profile and powerful 75 mm gun made it an excellent tool for destroying enemy bunkers and fortifications. Additionally, its relative ease of maintenance and operation made it a favorite among Finnish crews.
Throughout its service, the Sturmi played a pivotal role in key battles, such as those fought during the Continuation War. Its impact on Finland’s defensive strategies cannot be overstated; it provided a much-needed boost to the firepower and morale of Finnish troops.
In conclusion, while the StuG III Sturmi may not be as widely recognized as other World War II tanks, its contribution to Finland’s war efforts was significant. It stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Finnish soldiers and engineers who turned a foreign weapon into a symbol of their wartime struggle.
The Finnish Vickers 6 Ton tank, a pivotal armament in World War 2, stands as a testament to Finland’s military ingenuity. Initially designed by the British, Finland adopted this tank, enhancing its capabilities to suit the harsh Nordic battlefields.
Remarkably, Finland’s modifications transformed the Vickers 6 Ton into a formidable machine. The addition of thicker armor and a more powerful gun elevated its status on the battlefield. Moreover, the Finnish engineers’ adeptness ensured that these tanks could operate effectively in extreme cold conditions, a crucial adaptation for Finland’s winter wars.
The Vickers 6 Ton’s role in key battles cannot be overstated. Its presence bolstered Finnish defenses during the Winter War of 1939-1940 and the Continuation War that followed. The tank’s agility and robustness made it an asset in Finland’s defensive strategies, often outmaneuvering larger Soviet tanks.
Furthermore, the Vickers 6 Ton exemplified strategic resourcefulness. With limited resources, Finland maximized this tank’s utility, deploying it in various combat roles. This versatility underscored the tank’s significance in Finland’s military history.
Ultimately, the Finnish variation of the Vickers 6 Ton tank embodies resilience and adaptability. Its contribution to Finland’s wartime efforts highlights a legacy of tactical prowess and serves as a symbol of national pride.
Further updates are also available via our Facebook page.
We hope that you found this little bit of background history and that soon our models will be reinforcing your Finnish armies.
This release sees the introduction of some new cavalry and infantry options for the Soviets. Firstly the Soviets now have cavalry support in the form of a troop of 6 riders, then they are further reinforced with a unit of sappers ready clear minefields and build fortifications, and lastly, we have added women’s SMG and rifle squads to available forces.
As always, here’s a little background on the various new units…..
Soviet cavalry played a vital role in World War II, especially in the early stages of the war against Nazi Germany. Despite the increasing mechanization of the Red Army, the horsemen proved their worth in many battles and operations. The mobility, surprise and shock effect of cavalry could easily exploit enemy weaknesses and gaps.
One of the most famous examples of Soviet cavalry in action was the Battle of Moscow in 1941-1942. During this battle, the 44th Mongolian Cavalry Division and other units participated in the counteroffensive that stopped the German advance on the capital. The Mongolian horsemen, equipped with submachine guns, rifles and sabers, attacked the German flanks and rear, disrupting their supply lines and communications. They also captured many prisoners and weapons, earning them the nickname of “ghost division” by the Germans.
The Cavalry Mechanized Groups of 1942-1943 aimed to exploit breakthroughs in the enemy lines. These groups consisted of a cavalry corps and a tank or mechanized corps, supported by artillery and aviation. They were able to operate deep behind enemy lines, destroying enemy headquarters, depots and transport hubs, as well as encircling and annihilating enemy forces. For example, in the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942-1943, the 4th Cavalry Corps and the 4th Mechanized Corps formed a Cavalry Mechanized Group that cut off the retreat of the German 6th Army, contributing to its surrender.
Soviet cavalry also proved effective in mountainous and wooded terrain, where tanks and vehicles had difficulty moving. In such areas, the horsemen used their knowledge of the local geography, as well as their ability to move stealthily and quickly, to ambush and harass the enemy. For instance, in the Carpathian Mountains in 1944, the 6th Guards Cavalry Corps fought against the German and Hungarian forces, capturing several important passes and towns.
By the end of the war, Soviet cavalry had participated in almost all major battles and campaigns, across most fronts. They had shown their courage, skill and adaptability in various conditions and situations. They had also inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, while suffering many casualties themselves. Soviet cavalry was a formidable force that helped shape the outcome of World War II.
This unit is supplied as 5 riders and 1 NCO.
Soviet sappers were combat engineers who performed various tasks during World War II. They built defensive positions, cleared mines, and constructed bridges. They also trained other engineers for the Red Army.
One of the main roles of the sappers was to create fortifications for the Soviet troops. This included digging trenches, building bunkers, and erected obstacles. The sappers often worked in harsh conditions and under enemy fire. They had to plan and execute their projects quickly and efficiently. For example, they built the Mozhaysk Line, a series of fortifications that helped slow down the German advance on Moscow in 1941.
Another important role of the sappers was to clear minefields. They used metal detectors, probes, and dogs to locate and defuse explosives. Sappers also laid mines to hinder the enemy movement. For instance, they mined the approaches to Stalingrad, where they fought alongside the infantry in the city.
A third role of the sappers was to build bridges across rivers and canals. Depending on the situation, the sappers used rafts, pontoons, and timber to construct temporary or permanent crossings. In addition to potential enemy fire, they also had to deal with strong currents, ice, and mud.
The unit comprises 1x NCO, 5x sappers.
Though rare, women were also found in the Red Army performing combat roles. The “1st Separate Women’s Volunteer Rifle Brigade” was active from 1942-44. While many of women performed second line duties such as manning AA sites, they also saw front line combat. This was the case during the Battle of Stalingrad where women of the 1077th Anti-Aircraft Regiment engaged in ground combat.
Further updates are also available via our Facebook page.
We hope that you found this little bit of background history and that soon our models will be reinforcing your Soviet armies – Ura!
This release sees the introduction of some new light armoured vehicles for the Soviets, as well as a couple of new model for existing vehicles. The new additions are the T-26 and T-38 light tanks, the OT-133 flamethrower tank and the BA-10 and D-12 armoured cars. Also, as part of our goal of always improving options, we have a new model out for the BA-20.
As always, here’s a little background on the various new units…..
The T-26 tank was a Soviet light tank used during many conflicts of the Interwar period and in World War II. It was a development of the British Vickers 6-Ton tank and was one of the most successful tank designs of the 1930s until its light armour became vulnerable to newer anti-tank guns. The T-26 was produced in greater numbers than any other tank of the period, with more than 11,000 units manufactured. It was also the most important tank of the Spanish Civil War and played a significant role during the Battle of Lake Khasan in 1938, as well as in the Winter War in 1939–40.
The T-26 was based on the Vickers 6-ton Model A, which had two turrets with machine guns. The Soviets modified the design by replacing one of the turrets with a larger one that mounted a 45 mm gun. This gave the tank better firepower than most of its contemporaries. It also had a reliable engine and transmission, and a good suspension system. The T-26 was easy to produce and maintain, and was ideally suited for mass-production.
However, it also had some drawbacks. It had a thin armour that could not withstand modern anti-tank weapons. It also had a high silhouette that made it an easy target. The T-26 was slow and had a poor cross-country performance. Moreover, it suffered from poor communication and coordination, as it lacked radios and intercoms. T-26 crews were often poorly trained and inexperienced, and suffered heavy losses in combat.
Despite these limitations, it was the mainstay of the Red Army’s armoured force during the first years of World War II. The T-26 fought the Germans and their allies during the Battle of Moscow in 1941–42, the Battle of Stalingrad and the Battle of the Caucasus in 1942–1943; some tank units of the Leningrad Front used them until 1944. The T-26 also fought against the Japanese in Manchuria in August 1945. It was gradually replaced by more advanced tanks, such as the T-34 and the KV series, but it remained in service until the end of the war
The Soviet D-12 armoured car was a light vehicle designed for reconnaissance and anti-aircraft purposes during World War 2. It was based on the GAZ-A automobile, which was a licensed copy of the Ford Model A. The D-12 was a modified version of the earlier D-8 armoured car, which was created by engineer N.I. Dyrenkov in 1931.
The main difference between the two models was the open roof of the D-12, which allowed for a ring-mounted 7.62mm machine gun to be used against low-flying aircraft. The D-12 had a crew of three and a maximum speed of 70 km/h. It was lightly armoured, with only 4 to 6 mm of steel protection. The D-12 was produced in small numbers, around 60 units, and saw limited service with the Red Army until 1941.
The T-38 was a Soviet amphibious light tank, developed as a modernized version of the earlier T-37 tank, that saw service in World War II. Based on the British Vickers amphibious tank, the T-38 was designed for reconnaissance and infantry support roles, and had the advantages of a low silhouette and good long-range mobility through its ability to swim.
The redesign of the Vickers proved to be extensive, and included shifting the turret and driver positions, improving the buoyancy and suspension, and adding friction couplings to prevent track loss. The T-38 also had a slightly wider and lower profile than its predecessor, providing better stability in water.
The primary armament was a 7.62mm DT machine gun in a hand-operated turret. The initial prototype also had a 20mm ShVAK cannon mounted on the driver’s position, but this was removed after it impaired the driver’s ability to control the tank. The tank had a crew of two, and was powered by a GAZ-AA engine that gave it a speed of 40 km/h on land and 6 km/h in water. The T-38 had a range of 170 km on land and 120 km in water.
It was intended to be air-portable, and was tested with Tupolev TB-3 bombers in 1936. The tanks were mounted under the fuselage of the bombers, and could be dropped by parachute or landed on water. However, this method proved impractical and risky, and was rarely used in combat.
The T-38 saw action in World War II, mainly in the early stages of the war. It was used by Soviet airborne units, infantry battalions, and border guards. The T-38 participated in the Winter War against Finland, the invasion of Poland, the Baltic states, and Romania, and the defense of Moscow. However, the T-38 soon became obsolete due to its weak armor and firepower, and its poor performance on rough terrain. The T-38 was vulnerable to anti-tank weapons, artillery fire, and even small arms fire. Many T-38s were captured or destroyed by the enemy forces.
The T-40, which had better armour, armament, and communication equipment, replaced the T-38 in 1940. However, some T-38s remained in service until 1943, mostly in rear areas or as training vehicles.
The T-38 tank was an innovative amphibious scout tank that had some advantages over its predecessor, but also many flaws that limited its effectiveness in combat. It remains one of the first amphibious tanks in history, but also one of the last.
Developed in 1938 and produced until 1941, over 3300 BA-10 armoured cars saw action with the Red Army. Based on the GAZ-AAA six-wheeled truck chassis, which copied the American Ford Timken design, it featured a sloped armour layout that improved protection while saving weight. It featured a turret mounted 45 mm gun and two machine guns – one in the turret and one in the hull.
It saw service in various military operations and campaigns of the Soviet Union in 1939-1940, such as the Battle of Khalkhin Gol against Japan, the Winter War against Finland, and the invasion of Poland. The BA-10 proved to be a reliable and sophisticated fighting vehicle, even by international standards. However, there were also some drawbacks, such as poor off-road performance and vulnerability to anti-tank weapons. Auxiliary tracks fitted to the rear wheels when necessary improved traction on snow or soft ground. Stowage boxes and body mounted clips provided storage for the tracks when not in use.
The outbreak of World War II prevented the production of the BA-11, which would have been the successor to the BA-10, and so the BA-10 remained in service until 1945. Later in the war, light tanks such as the T-60 and T-70 took on the armoured scout role and the BA-10 rarely saw action after the winter of 1941-42. Capture BA-10s also saw use by Finland, Germany, and other Axis powers in Europe.
Overall, the BA-10 played an important role in the pre-war Soviet military. It remains an impressive armoured car for its time. It was also one of the first vehicles to use sloped armour, which became a common feature in later Soviet tank designs.
The OT-133 was a Soviet flame-throwing tank that was used in World War 2. It was based on the T-26 light tank, which was one of the most produced tanks in the world. The OT-133 had a single turret with a flame-thrower, with a secondary armament of a hull-mounted machine gun for self-defense.
The OT-133 was developed in 1939 as a variant of the T-26 model 1939. It had a crew of three: a driver, a commander and a flame-thrower operator. The flame-thrower had a range of about 40 meters and could carry 400 liters of fuel. The tank could also carry other chemicals for smoke screens or contamination.
Originally designed for close combat and urban warfare, It could destroy enemy fortifications, vehicles and personnel with its fire. However, it also had many drawbacks. It was vulnerable to enemy fire, especially anti-tank weapons; it had poor mobility and reliability and it had limited visibility and communication.
The OT-133 saw action in the Winter War against Finland, the Soviet-Finnish War of 1941-1944, and the Great Patriotic War against Nazi Germany. It was mostly used by the Soviet chemical troops, but also by some tank brigades and divisions. It was often deployed in groups of three or four tanks, supported by infantry and other tanks.
The OT-133 was a fearsome weapon that could cause panic and terror among the enemy ranks. However, it was also an obsolete and ineffective tank that suffered heavy losses. It was gradually replaced by more modern flame-throwing tanks, such as the OT-34 and the OT-54.
Further updates are also available via our Facebook page.
We hope that you found this little bit of background history and that soon our models will be reinforcing your Soviet armies – Ura!
It’s a bit late to say it, but as this is our first post of 2024 – Happy New Year to all out subscribers!
Those of you who follow our Facebook page will be aware of one of the above releases, but the second is fresh off the painting bench.
We can now offer more varied terrain in the form of a desert settlement, as well as more Japanese vehicles. A little about each is below.
A settlement of adobe, or mud brick, buildings has been a staple of desert life for thousands of years. Dating back to earliest years of permanent human habitation of the Middle East and Africa, adobe buildings have changed little over the years. Thus the buildings seen by Rommel’s and Monty’s forces during WWII could easily be the same as those seen by 19th Century armies or those of the late 20th Century.
This settlement consists of 4 buildings and a series of wall pieces as follows:
1 x Small single storey building with domed roof
1 x Small single storey building with flat roof
1 x Large single storey building with domed roof
1 x Large single storey building with flat roof
1 x Two storey building with domed roof
1 x Two storey building with flat roof
1 x Gate
2 x Wall ends
6 x Straight walls
All buildings are supplied with separate doors, shutters, ladders and canopies. Additionally separate buildings and walls can also be purchased to expand the settlement.
An updated model of our existing SS-Ki, this one now has an option for the bridge!
The Type 4 Chi-So was a Japanese armoured carrier of World War II. It was based on the chassis of the Type 4 Chi-To medium tank, which was one of the most advanced Japanese tanks of the war. The Type 4 Chi-So had a crew of seven and could carry either troops or cargo. It also mounted a Type 97 heavy machine gun for self-defence.
The Japanese Type 94 truck was a 6×6 military vehicle that served in various roles during World War II. It was developed in 1934 by Isuzu as part of a program to provide the Imperial Japanese Army with reliable and capable trucks. Unlike its civilian-based predecessors, the Type 94 had a sturdy design and a high clearance that allowed it to traverse rough terrain. It also had an Otsu diesel engine that gave it a speed of up to 60 km/h and a range of 200 km.
The Type 94 tankette was a small armoured vehicle used by the Imperial Japanese Army in World War II. Designed in 1932, it fulfilled a need for a vehicle that could perform reconnaissance, infantry support and transport roles. In addition to a direct combat role, the Type 94 was also adapted for chemical warfare. Two variants; the “Disinfecting Vehicle” and “Gas Scattering Vehicle” saw development soon after the initial introduction of the Type 94. The “Disinfecting Vehicle” towed a trailer that scattering bleaching powder designed to counterattack a chemical attack, and the “Gas Scattering Vehicle” had a trailer that dispensed a mustard gas type compound.
The Type 2 Ho-I was a Japanese tank designed for infantry support during World War II. It was based on the chassis of the Type 1 Chi-He medium tank and armed with a 75 mm Type 99 gun. The gun could fire both high-explosive and armor-piercing shells, making it effective against enemy fortifications and tanks. The Ho-I also had a coaxial 7.7 mm machine gun for anti-infantry defense.
