From SylvainR: 15mm WW2 Soviet (159 Points)

I was delayed in my painting endeavors this year by a very pleasant family vacation where the temperature, by number, is similar to Regina, except for the presence of that pesky "minus" sign.

Anyway, here is my first submission of the challenge, a group of support weapons and a tank to help the Soviet fight the "Great patriotic War". All the miniatures are from Battlefront.

Here is the story behind this group of miniatures. When I moved to Regina to my first serious job, in 1998, I decided that it was time to put all my crazy wargaming years behind me. However, in 2006, I was introduced to Curt and after 8 years of abstinence, the 'Devil' tempted me and I started spending both my money and my time on miniatures and games. And I was (and still am) so happy about it!

The first army I painted for my "comeback" in 2006  was a mid-war Soviet infantry battalion for the Flames of War rule set. Curt painted some Germans to match my group and we had a few games. Then we tried other games and painted other miniatures. I still have some unpainted infantry laying around since 2006, and this year's challenge is the opportunity to finish them at last!

In the lot, here are ten heavy machine guns teams, mounted on wheels for transportation. Nothing fancy for the base: a simple dry brush and some flock. It seems to fit the soviet style: spartan and efficient. This is worth 80 points (3 crew at 2 each plus a machine gun worth 2 points).

There are also six 45mm anti-tank guns, four are the 1937 model while two are of the 1942 model, with the longer barrel. This is worth 72 points (4 crew at 2 each plus the guns worth 4 points).

The tank is a T-34-57, so not your usual T-34-76. You will note the longer gun barrel. Not many were produced, but it's always handy to have one around, especially when the German bring heavily armored units.

I like to base my ships, but I prefer to let my tanks blend with the scenery. Thus I have to subtract 25% for this unit, which is worth 4 points instead of 6.

Expect to see more Soviets in the next few weeks as I clean up my unpainted miniatures boxes.

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Ah, it's great to see you with us Sylvain, and returning to us with this great entry of WWII Soviets!

I'm no great fan of FoW, but these can be used for many other rule systems. In fact after seeing them here I have a hankering to see them in an upcoming game of 'Crossfire'.

I didn't realize your were practicing a form of 'wargaming celibacy' before we met. Well, I'm delighted to have ensorcelled you back to the fold. I can't imagine our gaming group without it's Francophone component - Sacré bleu! it just wouldn't be Canadian.  :) 

I'm not going to subtract any points for the lack of basing for the vehicles as I know many who don't in this scale and larger. I'm also giving you an extra point for the brave Soviet commander rolling to his 88mm doom.

Welcome back to the Challenge, Sylvain!

19 more to bring into the fold..