Normandy themed StuG G platoon.

I wanted to give this platoon of Sturmgeschütz a specific Normandy campaign theme, late model StuG G with remote controlled machine gun and the' pigsnout' gun mantlet. Photos of the period often depict them covered in foliage and with rear decks stacked up with stowage. These are Battelfront models and fit together very quickly and easily. I added a few shot holes to the Schürzen standoff side armour, and also a few dings and scrapes. I'm pleased with the overall finish, although I need to improve the foliage (can't find my Noch leaf) and add aerials (run out of Superglue).

I also completed the last 2 models for my Panzer mk4 platoon, again Battlefront models. These are the late war model H with Schürzen and turret stand off armour. 5mm thick, it was designed to deflect armour piercing shot, reducing it's ability to penetrate the main armour.

Bases require finishing.

I decided that I wanted to add an additional platoon of Shermans to my US 2nd Armoured Division list and then to expand into Brits. I looked at the plethora of plastic shermans on offer on eBay before spotting the old 'Open Fire' sets on offer for £31.00 with free postage. This represents superb value as it contains 8 Shermans, 3 StuG's, two pak40 anti tank guns, a platoon of US Airborne plus 2 platoons of German Grenadiers. It also includes the v2 rocket and launcher, dice, bases and starter rules. I note that the V3 Flames of War rules have been removed with the imminent arrival of V4. The plastic figures are very good indeed and a match for my Peter Pig metals so all will eventually get used. For anyone looking to get started in Flames of War I can't recommend this set highly enough, especially at it's current low price to clear.

Casting around on eBay, I spotted these 4 resin and metal Firefly's as I'll be needing a couple for my planned Brits, and was amazed to get them for the Princely sum of £7 the lot!

And still on the Flames of War theme I added the village/town squares as seen below to my collection, I really like the representation of the cobbles and I'm looking for a suitable 15mm fountain or statue to place in the centre.... any ideas? These of course tie in with my cobbled road sections. I also ordered a damaged church from 4Ground in MDF, a lovely little model to 4Ground's usual high standards, very detailed kit.