Tuesday 26 February 2019

From JamesM - 15mm Crusader AA tanks (19 points)

Hi folks,

A couple of Crusader AA tanks for your perusal.


These are support for my 24th Polish Lancers, 10th Armoured Brigade, 1st Polish Armoured Division tanks. Some of which featured in previous AHPC entries.



As usual, these are decalled up for the unit, as correctly as I can. This includes the blue diamond tactical marking on the rear of the turret, marking these as belonging to the HQ Squadron of the unit. Each tank regiment would have had six of these tanks to provide AA cover.

Armed with twin 20mm cannon, these are 15mm Battlefront models. Each has a figure in the turret, with the command model having a radio aerial. Yellow panels on the rear deck are air recognition panels, something I replicated throughout my Polish unit as a nod to the many 'friendly fire' incidents they suffered from the RAF and USAAF. This also helps easily distinguish this unit from my other similar units.

Two 15mm models = 16 points, with 2 crew = 2 points, for a total of 18 points!



I love me some tank! Even if they are only fitted with AA guns. Actually, these sort of vehicles proved very effective, especially in fast-moving actions. The ability to bring air protection right to the leading edge of an assault could prove very useful indeed. In some ways, it's a natural development of the all-arms / blitzkrieg concept and shows that tactics were continuing to develop as the war progressed. 

I'm adding an extra point to acknowledge the attention to detail in the form of the correct decals for this unit and the use of an air recognition panel which was used quite a lot but isn't often seen on wargame vehicles. 
Lee

22 comments:

  1. Consistently excellent work James, well done.

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  2. Really excellent AFVs! Lovely!
    Best Iain

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  3. Great looking tanks. I guess their AA guns will also see some action against infantry targets as well? Nicely done.

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    Replies
    1. Should do Stuart, never had a chance to try! I know some units used them to support their Recce Stuarts in that way!

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  4. Great stuff. Really great addition to your army. cheers

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