Flames of War is a great "portal" game for people who don't play historic wargames (like me). I've learned a huge amount more about WW2 than I did before. And I know that some of the details are unrealistic (artillery on the table) and they can make some of the rarer units seem commonplace, but thanks to them, I know my Tiger from my T-34, know roughly how good each tank was, who fought whom and where and know a great deal of the background of individual units through the briefings they provide.
One of the forces that really struck me was this one, the Soviet navy, all dressed up in navy uniforms.
My understanding is that they were pressed in during the early German advances and they were given guns, but no new uniforms (these came later, when they looked more like your traditional Russian troopers). They were clearly effective as they earned the nickname "the Black Death" from the Germans and were loathe to give up a position once they held it.
Not the most exciting of paint jobs, black base, dry brushed with successively lighter greys (then a black wash where this was too bright, then more highlighting when this was too dark, then a black wash when this proved again too light, etc.......) and natty blue trousers for the commissars, so the troops know who to shoot if they rebel!
54 total figures across the bases and they'll go alongside a few other bases I painted to make an early war company.
Great work Jamie! These fellows look great, and I can sympathize with your description of the process of painting black - it's too light, then too dark, then too light...I've been there many times! And you describe the experience of Battlefront very well - there is a lot to pick at, and they can be a frustrating bunch, but overall they really do facilitate a lot of interest - and gaming - in the periods they opt to tackle. And while artillery on the table is dumb, the overall game is a fun excuse to push toy soldiers around and blow stuff up!These Soviet naval lads will be part of just such an exercise, I'm sure. Well done Jamie! That will 108 points for your score!
Very nice Work! I tried to pairnt this force once and gave up in frustration so I salute you for getting them done.
ReplyDeleteLooks good and true FOW does act as an entry way into historical wargaming for many.
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Nice looking naval infantry unit there! In my opinion one of the coolest Soviet units for Flames of War!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking naval lads Jamie.
ReplyDeleteWell done!
ReplyDeleteNice work on an unusual unit Jamie :)
ReplyDeleteGreat wirk.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on these, I agree FoW has been a great bridge for GW customers to go historical
ReplyDeleteIan
Nice to see another set of these Jamie! I painted some for the Challenge a couple of years back too. Or maybe it was one? :-)
ReplyDeleteThey look mighty fine, Jamie! I have been resisting FOW for awhile now, too many other projects on the go! The Russian Navy looks great and you included the banner too! ;)
ReplyDeleteVery nice! My go-to technique for quick black is dark grey, then black wash.
ReplyDeleteFOW goodness all over the place. Very nice unit and very nice work.
ReplyDeleteThose are great work Jamie!
ReplyDeleteVery good, love naval units on land
ReplyDeletenice russian unit, well done !
ReplyDeleteExcellent work in producing these heroes of the Soviet Union!
ReplyDelete