Wednesday, 25 December 2024

From MartinN: 1940 French Patoon Command (20 points)

After a two year hiatus it feels great to be back in the fold again. I have several projects I want to work on during this years Challenge, ranging from some Fantasy Orcs and Undead over 3rd Century Romans to French and Germans for 1940. Also I'm sure I'll mix in some odds and ends as I go along.

So to start things off in my usual style - meaning slow - here's my first entry for this year. A set of Senior Leaders for my fledgling early war French force for Chain of Command. All figures are 3D prints from the excellent Colonel Muller Miniatures over on www.Wargaming3D.com


First is the Big Wig, the Commandant de Peloton, probably a Sous-Lieutenant. To distinguish him from his (even) more junior 2iC he got a big hex base and a second figure added, symbolizing his personal aide/ runner.


Second is the first of two Sergent-Chefs who will be classed as inferior Senior Leaders in CoC terms. This one is armed with a German made Erma sub-machine gun, large quantities of which came into French possession after the collapse of the Spanish Republic and subsequent internment of soldiers fleeing Franco's revenge in France.


And lastly the second of those two Sergent-Chefs, a rather fatherly figure by the looks of it. This time armed with an obsolete Lebel Model 1886 rifle, he probably already carried during the previous war given de Croix de Guerre he's wearing on his left breast. The Lebel was being phased out at the time of the outbreak of war. But given that its successor, the MAS-36, was not in sufficient supply to equip all units, it was still in widespread use. Especially in reserve formations.



So with that, I'm done for today. All that's left for me to do is wishing all of you a Merry Christmas.

Total:
4x 28mm figures = 20 pts

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First, welcome back to the Challenge Nick! As usual you tease us with some of your absolutely stunning painting. Your brushwork it typically on-point, with rich colours, clean lines and smooth shading. Truly wonderful stuff. Of the group I particularly like the veteran senior sergeant with his aged rifle and trusty pipe. Such great character!

20 Points to put you up on the roster. Well done my friend - let's see some more, thank you!

- Curt



53 comments:

  1. That is some lovely brushwork Nick - fabulous shading on subtle tones!

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    1. Thank you so much, Paul! I quite enjoy the figures

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  2. Beautiful painting as always Nick! I can't remember if you started the French before, but I figured you would eventually get around to doing them.

    Christopher

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    1. Thank you Chris! I started with the French some time in November. As of yet I've got two squads plus these SLs finished. Wanted to go 20mm initially, but given the load of 28mm I already have for EW I dropped that idea

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  3. Lovely brushwork on those that showcases a real talent with the brush

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  4. That chap with the pipe is excellent.

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    1. Thank you very much! I quite like the figure as well

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  5. Excellent brushwork! I envy your bright colours, smooth blends and beautiful photos. Good to have you back in the Challenge.

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    1. Thank you Teemu, it felt good to be back again

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  6. Beautifully painted as always Nick! The smoothness of your blends never ceases to impress.

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  7. Very nice work. All lovely sculpts superbly painted with great stories attached to them.

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    1. Thank you so much, Robert! They're fun to paint ad I think it shows, despite the rather drab colour scheme

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  8. Love your painting style Nick. The figures look brilliant.

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  9. They look splendid, Nick! My favorite is the grizzled old man, I know that sort! ;) very fine brushwork on the fatigues and web gear!

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    1. Thank you David! He's my favorite as well. Probably inwardly groining about the foolishness of youth all the time

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  10. Fabulous work as ever Nick. All of the figures look great but my favourite has to be the Sergeant-Chef with the pipe - full of character!

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  11. Lovely work on these leaders. Great to see your brushwork again. I love the make do and mend weapons the NCOs are carrying.

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    1. Thank you Peter! Well, it shows the financial restrictions the French army faced in the 1930's very well.

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  12. What a great paint job Nick! I love the smooth transitions and the hard edges, its a great look and amazing brush control.

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  13. Lot of character to these well painted figures.

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  14. Superb brushwork Nick, I really like the colour you have achieved, do you have the recipe on your blog?

    Cheers
    MattW

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    1. Thanks Matt! Indeed I have : https://moitereisbuntewelt.blogspot.com/2024/11/early-war-french-colour-guide.html

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  15. Absolutely lovely to see your work in the challenge again, it is stunning as always.

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  16. Oh my goodness that is some beautiful paintwork, colors really pop, just gorgeous

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  17. Stunning work Nick. Love the pipe chewing officer.

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    1. Thanks Bruce! He seems to be a crowd pleaser ;-)

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  18. Hi just sharing that really impressed with your painting - I think the figures have a really unique look that is perfect for that period. I especially like the really clean lines on the equipment and clothing. Great stuff!

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  19. This is gorgeous brushwork - so inspiring, I could almost get back into WW2!

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  20. WOW! Superb looking French! Nice work.

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  21. Love these, very glad to have you in this year’s challenge!

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  22. So great to have you back painting with us Nick - and your smooth brushwork is awesome as usual! Looking forward to all of it!

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  23. That's some very crisp and clean brushwork Martin with excellent pictures!

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  24. I saved these pictures in my "Inspiration" folder. Not a metaphor. Love your style.

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  25. Wonderful painted figures!

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  26. Excellent painting i like the crispness and brightness of your style here

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