From JamesM : 15mm Battlefront German Luftwaffe 3.7cm AA (44 points)

Hi Folks,

My first entry for this years challenge, despite having started earlier than I did last year (and actually having prepped!). In fact, I think the prep I did actually held me back as the sheer number of models on the shelf acted as a bit of a demotivator. In the end I decided just to focus on one unit at a time, and not worry about the newly excavated cliff of the lead mountain I had built for myself. It's always much easier when the lead mountain is out of sight...

Anyway, as the challenge falls over my own 'Gunuary' project, for this challenge I will mostly be painting 15mm WW2 German guns. I've Nebelwerfers, 88's, artillery, AA and more 88's in the queue.

I'm breaking my duck with a unit of three 3.7cm Flak43 models from Battlefront (product code GE548). These guns should have been painted with SS crews, but I decided to go with Luftwaffe crews. Mainly because my overall project is to have FoW forces representing all the various elements that took part in Operation Totalize (7-8th August 1944 - Normandy). III Flak Corps were present in the area of the battle, so I've a plan for a load of 'reluctant trained' Luftwaffe 88's supported by poor quality security platoons and lighter AA batteries. I had also painted my 2nd and 3rd RAF Typhoon's earlier this year, so my Germans need some AA cover!

Initially, the Germans had planned to have lighter AA guns provide AA support, mainly their 2cm guns in single, double and quad mounts. However, as the war progressed they realised they needed heavier 'medium' guns. The Flak43 used the same ammo as the 3.7cm Anti-Tank gun the German army used, but had a higher rate of fire (around 250 RPM). In many ways, this weapon would be similar to the 40mm Bofors gun.

Gun barrels have been angled to indicate fire at either a distant aircraft or perhaps a slightly closer ground target.

I've gone with my usual basing style, which helps fit everything in together. I also, after some indecision, eventually went with a camo painted gun shield, although with my usual edge highlighting style over the top. Some branches of vegetation 'camo' my be added at a later date, along with some spent casings (although I think these guns had a method for catching the ejected casings, to be re-used) but for now I'm calling them done!

Despite my switch to 4th Edition Flames of War, I'm also still painting up command stands - mainly because they come as part of the pack! I also went with large bases, despite some inconsistencies in the FoW website about whether these guns should be on medium or large bases. The large bases allow for the limber.

Just to prove there is a gunner in the gun!

Total for this lot is 3 x 15mm scale AA guns and limbers plus 15 (there is a chap sitting on the gun, although you can only see the helmet in these pics!) 15mm figures all from Battlefront.

From Ray

Wow! These look terrific James! The painting is crisp and clean and I love the added camo effect. I for one hadn't a clue about Luftwaffe personnel manning artillery during the war, and they sure look cool in their blue trousers.
The basing is certainly up to your usual standard and really adds to the whole effect of the end product. Nice one!

I've given you an extra 2 points each for the limbers James, which I think is only fair, giving you a total of 44 points! 

I still can't see the helmeted figure?