From LeeH: Last of the Winter War Soviets

My Soviet forces for the Winter War have taken rather longer to finish than I originally planned. That, I should admit, is entirely self-inflicted. Taking on several projects at once seemed like a splendid idea at the time—right up until I discovered the universe had stubbornly refused to add extra hours to the day. Still, today’s additions mark the final figures for the force and give me a healthy range of options for my Soviet army in Bolt Action.

First up are a pair of Light Machine Gun teams. Some of the LMG squads I painted earlier are sculpted advancing between positions, and I wanted the option to swap them out for deployed figures once they reach cover. These crews are operating the 7.62mm DP-28 light machine gun, a gas-operated weapon that became the Red Army’s standard squad support gun and remained in widespread service until an improved version appeared in 1944.

I’ve also completed another 50mm mortar team, armed with the M1938/39 mortar. The main reason for adding this crew was flexibility: I now have the option of fielding a second mortar in support of the infantry when the scenario calls for it. In reality, the weapon had its limitations. Its range was fairly modest and its explosive charge was roughly comparable to that of a hand grenade, which meant its battlefield impact was often underwhelming. As a result, it was gradually replaced by the far more capable 82mm mortar.

Finally, there’s some much-needed anti-tank capability in the form of the 45mm M1937 anti-tank gun. Finnish troops nicknamed this weapon the Piiskatykki (the “whip-gun”) because of the sharp crack produced by its high-velocity rounds. It was the Red Army’s standard light anti-tank gun during the Winter War and proved effective against the limited armour available to the Finns. Ironically, when Finnish forces captured these guns, they were more than happy to turn them around and put them to good use themselves.

With these final additions completed, the Winter War Soviets are finally ready for the table... assuming, of course, I can resist the temptation to start yet another project before the paint on them has properly dried.

5x28mm Prone = 12.5pts
7x28mm Foot = 35pts
1x28mm Gun = 10 pts
Total = 57.5pts

From DaveD . Another project gets to table ready state . A useful top up in capability there too Lee.