So, temptation is the theme of Perelandra, and this post represents further giving into it, and the start of the infantry painting for a new project - the Western Desert. First up is a 10-man section of Perry Miniatures DAK infantry.
The models are from the Perrys' plastic box, of course. I usually shun multi-part plastic models like a social disease, mainly because of the time and fiddliness in assembling the models. However the Perry stuff is only moderately time-consuming and fiddly... they come with head, torso and legs as one piece, and you stick on arms and weapon (usually as one piece), field gear (also one piece), and headgear. That's it, unless you need to assemble a machine gunner or NCO, then you need to also stick on a tool pouch or MP40 ammo pouches. So not a ton of work, and they're way more cost-effective than metal or even the Warlord/Bolt Action DAK box.
You can pick headgear from three variants - the early sun helmet, the steel helmet, or the iconic "Afrika" peaked soft cap. It's a good idea to trim a bit off the top of the model's head (ouch) before sticking on the cap, just to help it sit down a little lower over the eyes.
Once the dudes are assembled, it's time to paint 'em... I stocked up on shades of khaki for these guys. The trousers are all painted GW Zandri Dust with an Agrax Earthshade wash and re-highlight with Zamesi, and the jackets and caps are a variety of shades, including Vallejo Khaki and Yellow-Green, GW Rakarth Flesh, AK Deck Tan, etc... the webbing and helmets are Zandri Dust and breadbags are GW XV-88. Rifle stocks are GW Mournfang Brown highlighted with Skrag Brown, as are the wool covers on the waterbottles.
Most of the poses are pretty good. In a few cases I had to do some greenstuff work around the joins between the arms and torso, but most were good.
The one-piece field gear is good too, there's a water bottle, breadbag, gas mask canister, entrenching tool and bayonet all attached. The tropical boots are cool too - I painted them with GW Doombull Brown and Vallejo German Uniform as seen here.
So points... as noted I'm gonna try and cram this into Perelandra as I've fully succumbed to temptation to start a new WW2 period. The DAK and Eighth Army will join my 28mm NW Europe British/Canadians, British Commandos, BEF/Home Guard, US paratroopers, US winter infantry, winter Finns, Soviets, German Heer, German Waffen-SS, German Fallschirmjagers, and early-war French in the cabinets.
8x 28mm infantry = 40 points
2x prone 28mm infantry = 5 points
Perelandra planetary bonus = 20 points
Total = 65 points
See you again soon!
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I am very excited to see these Dallas! Some 28mm gaming in WW2's desert theatres will be a ton of fun, and will also look awesome. I totally support your approach to multi-part-plastic historical figures, but the results here are excellent. Even the prone machine gun crew looks awesome (although prone 28mm figures are always a bit of a tragedy). I loved the variety of shades you have used to achieve the "same-but-varied" look that fits so well with DAK uniforms. Great work dude!
GregB
Nice work, Dallas! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely work Dude! I really like your assortment of shades for their weather beaten uniforms and the simple things like making sure the soft caps sits low over their brows (otherwise it looks completely naff). A great addition to your collection!
ReplyDeleteNicely done with great variation
ReplyDeleteThese are so well done! I appreciate your opinions on the Perry models. I’ve been contemplating a purchase and this was valuable information.
ReplyDeleteGood looking unit, Dallas, and great variations on the theme!
ReplyDeleteSplendid looking Africa korps,lovely variety of colours!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
You DAK look AOK to me Dalles
ReplyDeleteNice work, I like the MG team!
ReplyDelete