Team Tankee - British Chieftain Tanks

More than five years after starting them, I finally painted up and finished my British Chieftain tanks from Battlefront Miniatures.  These guys have seen the battlefield a few times in an unfinished state, but it is nice to have them finally done.

I primed the tanks black for a solid base, then used silly-putty as a masking agent to create a camo pattern. After that, I sprayed a light green base coat over the masked areas.  Five years later, I dry-brushed them with khaki paint to add texture and reduce the sheen of the light green. Finally, I applied a dark tone for depth and weathering in some places.

With these bad boys painted up, I'm ready for some more battles in Team Yankee; these Chieftain tanks are sure to make an impact on the tabletop.  I finished the FV432s at the same time as my Chieftains, and plan on finishing up my British Infantry next, which will complete the army.

Team Yankee - Soviets vs. British (100 Points)

Clash at Holle's Outskirts: Free For All, September 9th, 1985

As the first light of dawn bathed the outskirts of Holle, Germany, a pivotal clash unfolded between British and Soviet forces in the chilling theater of the Cold War. The British, having thwarted the Soviet advance the preceding evening, assumed a defensive stance within the town. Entrenched with Chieftain tanks, mechanized infantry platoons, and poised Swingfire guided weapons, they awaited the impending Soviet offensive. On the opposing front, the Soviet commander strategically deployed formidable T-72 and T-80 tanks, flanking the battlefield with calculated precision. Meanwhile, Soviet infantry held a strategic vantage point within a two-story building, overseeing the road.

Surveying the battleground, Lieutenant Colonel Atticus Harrington, the British commander, bore a blend of determination and apprehension. Hidden Chieftain tanks and Swingfire missile teams occupied crucial positions, their barrels aligned along the town's main road. 

As the Soviets surged forward, the initial blasts instilled a surge of confidence in the British ranks. The powerful 120mm L11 gun of the Chieftain tanks proved devastating, decimating an entire squad of T-72s and even claiming the demise of an advanced T-80. Yet, triumph was fleeting. The Soviet retaliation was swift and overwhelming. Four Frogfoot aircraft streaked across the sky, unleashing salvos that wreaked havoc among the Chieftain tanks. The once formidable British right flank started to crumble under the relentless assault, with artillery barrages transforming defensive positions into scenes of chaotic destruction.

In a pivotal juncture, one of two remaining T-80 tanks from the Soviet ranks was hit, and its crew hastily bailed out. The British forces hoped for a turning point, but the experienced Soviet crew swiftly remounted the tank, while the remaining T-80 crew held firm.  They later both continued their assault against the odds. It was a testament to the resilience and training of the Soviet forces.

As the battle unfolded, the effectiveness of concentrated fire became evident. While the British Chieftains initially showcased their firepower advantage, the relentless Soviet onslaught gradually wore them down. The successful Soviet flanking maneuver on the British right side, despite eventually being down to just one T-80 tank, overwhelmed the entire right side of the British force.

The remaining Milan 2 teams needed a minimum distance to engage effectively, and the sole T-80 was dangerously close. Recognizing the dire situation, a desperate maneuver unfolded. Two Carl Gustav anti-tank teams, positioned on the flanks, attempted a daring move to get behind the T-80 for a critical rear shot. Despite the chaos, the British infantry executed the flanking maneuver with precision, aiming to exploit the vulnerability of the Soviet tank.

Tension gripped the air as the Carl Gustav teams closed in on the final T-80. The British soldiers, driven by a mixture of fear and determination, took aim and fired. The shots echoed through the war-torn streets of Holle, but to their dismay, the rounds merely pinged off the resilient armor of the T-80. The desperation of the British infantry was laid bare as their last-ditch effort to disable the Soviet tank fell short.

Seemingly unfazed by the futile attempt, the T-80 turned its attention to the remaining British infantry and the Milan 2 team. With the right side of the British force overwhelmed, the Soviets pressed their advantage, closing in for the final, decisive blows.

On the left flank, the British infantry fought valiantly, mowing down advancing Soviet forces. However, the combined might of BMP-80s, T-72s, and Soviet infantry eventually turned the tide. The British infantry, like their tank counterparts, faced the unrelenting pressure of the Soviet advance.

Amidst the chaos, Lieutenant Colonel Atticus Harrington, witnessing his forces being whittled away, experienced profound frustration and disappointment. The promising dawn assault had devolved into a desperate struggle for survival. The loss of each Chieftain tank felt like a blow to the heart of the British defense, and the realization that the battle was slipping away, despite initial successes, weighed heavily on his shoulders.

Conversely, the Soviet commander, General-Major Alexei Petrov, reveled in satisfaction as his forces gained the upper hand. Meticulous planning and execution of flanking maneuvers had paid off, and the concentration of fire had gradually eroded the British defenses. The town of Holle was now firmly in Soviet hands, marking a significant victory in the ever-shifting Cold War conflict.

In the aftermath, as smoke cleared and gunfire echoes faded, both commanders reflected on the cost of war. Lieutenant Colonel Atticus Harrington mourned the loss of his men and the strategic setback, while General-Major Alexei Petrov celebrated the success of his forces and the territorial gain. The battlefield, once again, bore witness to the harsh realities and consequences of a world at war... in 1985.

Team Yankee - USA vs. Yugoslavia (50 Points)

Skirmish of Kranj's Fuel Depot: Dawn Assault, September 1st, 1985

As Yugoslavia mobilized its forces, the US military forces launched a bold pre-emptive strike in the country's northern region, setting the stage for a high-stakes skirmish at the strategically located town of Kranj, Slovenia. The objective of the US forces was to defend a critical fuel depot and gas station recently captured by NATO forces, essential for the continuation of their operations in the region.

Two seasoned warriors found themselves pitted against each other: Daro Petrović, a skilled Yugoslav tank commander, and Lieutenant John Baker, the resolute American in command of Bravo Company. Both men had faced prior engagements that had shaped their resolve and understanding of warfare. The stage was set for an intense showdown between American and Yugoslav forces, with both sides determined to achieve victory.

Under the cover of the early morning light, the Yugoslav forces approached the outskirts of Kranj. They launched a surprise attack with Gazelle helicopters, aiming to weaken the American defenses. However, the thunderous roar of American anti-aircraft fire filled the air, swiftly decimating the helicopters and leaving the Yugoslav attackers without air support. Undeterred, Petrović led his T-55 tanks and mechanized infantry in a relentless assault on the fuel depot and gas station.

Lieutenant Baker and his platoon braced for the coming onslaught, their hearts pounding in anticipation. When the Yugoslav T-55s engaged, the American forces unleashed a hailstorm of fire and fury, initially gaining the upper hand due to their superior firepower and formidable armor. However, as the battle raged on, the relentless numbers of T-55s started to wear down the American forces. The smell of smoke and the cries of the wounded filled the air as the defensive perimeter around the gas station began to crumble.

Sensing the opportunity to turn the tide of the battle, Petrović quickly maneuvered his forces toward the more undefended oil depot. Skillfully using the forested terrain and roads to their advantage, the remaining Yugoslav tanks closed the distance and partilly negated the Americans' technological edge, despite raining down of artillery from the Americans. The T-55s swarmed the defenders like a relentless tide, their cannons roaring and engines rumbling as they inflicted heavy casualties and pushed the American forces to their breaking point.



Despite their best efforts and tactical prowess, Lieutenant Baker and his battle-weary company were defeated, leaving the fuel depot in Yugoslav hands. Though the two Abrams tanks in his forces had proven to be nearly invincible, the overwhelming number of T-55s and the unyielding determination of the Yugoslav soldiers allowed them to recapture this critical objective, and seize victory.

In the aftermath of the battle, both Petrović and Baker reflected on the human cost of their victory and defeat, respectively. Petrović took pride in the bravery and tenacity of his men, while Baker mourned the loss of his fallen comrades and the strategic setback. Amidst the smoldering ruins and the heartache of loss, both sides counted their losses and steeled themselves for the next inevitable confrontation in a somber reminder of the consequences of a new world war... in the year 1985.

Team Yankee - Yugoslavian Aérospatiale Gazelles

My Team Yankee JNA (Yugoslavian) force is now complete after recently painting up two Aérospatiale Gazelle attack helicopters, which will join the T-55s, BTR-60s, and infantry that I have already painted.

Soko was a Yugoslav aircraft manufacturer based in Mostar. The company was responsible for the production of many military aircraft for the Yugoslav Air Force. Originally, twenty-one French-built Aérospatiale Gazelle were bought by Yugoslavia, but after that, the Soko factory started serial production. 

I plan to use the Iraqi rules in Oil War for them....

Team Yankee - Yugoslavian Army Infantry

My quest to make a JNA (Yugoslavian) force for Team Yankee is getting closer to completion.  I recently completed painting up the infantry.  I painted them up quickly, using a dark gray-green spray primer and then dipping them using MinWax PolyShade: Tudor after adding some detail.  These will join the T-55s and BTR-60s I have already painted up.

I ended up using Plastic Soldier Company's 15mm Modern Russians, although they are not the best match historically, at 15mm they were close enough for my purposes.  Originally, I was going to use Battlefront's own East German miniatures as those more closely matched the helmet style used in Yugoslavia at the time.  However, I decided to create a larger force and instead painted those up a blue Cobra force from GI Joe.

I plan to use the Iraqi rules in Oil War for this force when finished, and I hope to get them on the table as soon as I add some Gazelle helicopters to round things out.

Flames of War 'Nam - Hot LZ

Due to Covid, it's been almost two years since playing a miniature wargame on the tabletop.  And, it's been almost five years since our last Flames of War Vietnam game, (back from before even the 'Nam book was released).  In 2016, we played the Fair Fight scenario, with Strom playing the Local Forces.  This time, it was my turn to take my (now fully painted) VC Local Forces army into battle for the first time.

We decided on the Hot LZ scenario, with Strom playing his US Air Mobile force.  My 50 point Vietcong force included:

• Two (maxed-out) Local Forces Infantry Companies (with rifles),
• One Anti-Air Platoon,
• Front Artillery Unit (with six guns),
• A Front Artillery Observer,
• Six Local Resistance Teams,
• Three Machine Gun Bunkers, and
• Five Booby Traps.

For the Hot LZ scenario we each placed one objective, and the winner was the player to capture the opponent's objective.  Strom placed his objective near the road and I placed mine in the village.  Some of the US forces started on the table (defending their objective), while the remaining units would come onto the board as reserves, delivered by helicopters.  The VC forces would enter the game, randomly, using Guerrilla Reserves.

 

 

My first Local Forces Infantry Company entered the table in the dense jungle, and engaged the US forces near their objective.  The forces traded fire, and each side took casualties.  The US forces called in artillery, and the strength of my force was slowly winnowed down over the course of the game.  Later, they would launch a futile assault on the objective. 

 

Meanwhile, my other Local Forces Infantry Company entered the table and secured my objective within the village.  

 

They were attacked by two US helicopters - a Huey and a Loach.  They took a few casualties before finally digging in.  They were later joined by the Anti-Air Platoon, which scored a victory by taking down the Huey with anti-aircraft fire.

The US touched down three transport helicopters, which soon landed a sizable US force outside the village.  It was a short slog into the village, and the VC forces would do their best to delay their movement toward my secured objective.  The village was now also occupied by Local Resistance (villagers), with questionable loyalties....

 

 
 

 

With the villagers observing for the VC artillery, fire rained down on the US forces as they marched toward the village.  We traded artillery fire back and forth, and both forces slowly took casualties.  The Loach avenged the destroyed Huey by eliminating my artillery observer unit, (which had unwisely tried to get a better view at the advancing US forces).

Booby traps delayed the US force's attempted march into the village, and then the VC machine gun bunkers entered the game....  The machine guns further complicated the US's efforts to attack.  My opponent's Navy SEALS would attempt to neutralize one of the bunkers, silently advancing in the jungle flanking around its firing arc.

Finally, my Local Forces Infantry Company which attempted to overtake the US objective after a failed assault finally failed its morale roll, and was destroyed.  It failed its roll to recycle and re-enter the game.

With both forces now well dug in around their own objectives and only limited ability on both sides to formulate any competent attack, the game could have lasted many more turns just trading artillery strikes until one force had the advantage.  But instead, we called it a draw, as dusk fell over the battlefield....

All in all, it was a fun game, and helped us become re-accustomed to the rules.  Unfortunately, we found the 'Nam rulebook to be not very well organized, but we soon had most of the special rules for our forces memorized.  Many of the rules questions we had were addressed in the official "Our Man in Saigon" FAQ document.  Although we will likely play Team Yankee ("World War 3") for our next Flames of War game, we are looking forward to future 'Nam games.

15mm G.I. Joe Cobra Infantry (and H.I.S.S.)

Once I changed my mind about which miniatures I wanted use for my 15mm Team Yankee Yugoslavian infantry force, I had a few extra metal East German miniatures that I didn't know what to do with.  I decided to prime them blue and then quickly paint them up as Cobra infantry  I didn't dip these models, but instead used Army Painted washes as there were so few bases.

These miniatures may come in handy as a small group of generic bad guys for 15mm Superhero gaming, as NPCs in a game of 15mm "What A Tanker!", or as something else I haven't yet considered.   The H.I.S.S. Tank is out of scale, but close enough for my needs - it was produced by Running Press and released back in 2014.

Flames of War: 'Nam - Viet Cong Local Forces Infantry Battalion

After almost four years of working on them off and on, this weekend I finally completed my Viet Cong Local Forces Infantry Battalion for Flames of War: 'Nam.

Since I started the force, the new 'Nam book was released which changed some options.  I custom created a sniper model that can't be used, and a few of the command stands are no longer needed. In all, with off-table artillery and Guerilla Booby Traps, I can assemble just over 50 points under the new rules.

I built the machine gun nests out of toothpicks and greenstuff, but most of the miniatures are a mix of Battlefront's miniatures and the Viet Minh offerings from Eureka Miniatures.  Although the Viet Minh miniatures are not ideal for this time period, I found that they sized better for the 15mm scale look I was going for, and they mix in with Battlefront's official miniatures well enough.

The Eureka miniatures are more based on the traditional pith helmet, and I wanted to go more with the look in this photo, as opposed to the conical leaf hat so predominately featured in Battlefront miniatures.

Looking forward to putting on some Creedence and getting in a game soon.  I'm also hoping to be able to leverage some of the miniatures for some 15mm Superhero gaming, perhaps in a time-travel capacity.