From JamesM: 15mm Polish and Canadian tanks [History] (84 points)

Hi folks,

I've been picking away at the lead pile recently, having struggled a little with painting motivation since the start of the challenge. I decided to pick a few things I really wanted to paint, in an effort to get me going. So I returned to my roots, and decided to paint some tanks. 

First up, some 15mm Battlefront resin and metal Sherman DD tanks. I'd had some of these on order from Battlefront back in July 2021, and the order got cancelled. I needed the last two tanks in order to make up a full squadron, so spent a long (long long) time scouring Ebay. Thankfully at the end of last year I got lucky and picked up two new kits, while the last two unpainted models were also dug out.  

The Duplex Drive Sherman was equipped with propellers and a inflatable canvas screen, allowing it to 'swim' very slowing through water. Unlike the rest of my vehicles, these have been based with a beach style scheme. These tanks will be part of my Fort Garry Horse squadron, although markings are light due to the placement of the screens. 

The last image shows the four recently completed tanks, with the central vehicle being one I'd finished quite a while ago. 

While waiting on decent weather to be able to spray varnish the DD tanks, I started work on some A30 Challengers for my previously completed C Squadron, 10 Pulk Strzelcow Konnych (10th Mounted Rifle Regiment), 1st Polish Armoured Division Cromwell force. While these tanks weren't used in Normandy, the Poles did use them later in the NWE campaign. Adding these vehicles to my collection was a bit of a no-brainer, allowing me to represent other Cromwell forces, or use this Polish force later in the war. 

These are some of the new 15mm Battlefront plastic kits. I added a range of stowage and other bits to them, deliberately spreading the amount between very little and a lot. Some of the images from the Netherlands make these vehicles look like wild west caravans, loaded down with 'stuff' and uparmoured with various tank tracks. As my Cromwells are pretty lightly stowed, I've gone for a spread. 

Decals are my normal mix - using the last of my Polish Armoured Division markings. Otherwise, I matched the decals to my Cromwells. 

Lastly, the above photos show the new Challengers alongside one of my older, previously painted Cromwells. 

This entry marks my first 'withdrawal' from the Library, specifically from the History section. Awarding an additional 20 points. 

The eight tanks contribute 64 points (8 x 15mm vehicles). This gives a total of 84 points. 

TeemuL: 84 points it is! The new tanks look very good and if painting those has helped you with your motivation, then all the better! I've been thinking about basing my 15mm tanks, too, but so far I have not. The tanks vary so much in size, that finding a proper base might be difficult. What is your secret, do you use ready made bases or do something yourself? Are all the bases the same size or are they different for different tanks?

Back to tanks and painting, you have done a great job picking up the edges, they really pop up nicelym but still do look real. Good selection of colours, probably due the experience, I guess. I hope your motivation stays up and we see more from you!