We have a saying here in Germany: "Mit Kanonen auf Spatzen schiessen", literally translated as "To shoot with cannons at sparrows", meaning something along the lines of cracking a nut with a sledgehammer.
And that in my opinion nicely sums up the 8.8cm FlaK, when used in an anti-tank role in a Spanish Civil War setting. Shooting high velocity armour-piercing rounds at targets with paper thin armour could be considered something of an overkill by some, but that's just what happened.
Popular believe has it that the first use of the famous German eighty-eight against tanks took place during the invasion of France in 1940 at the battle of Arras. Instead it was used as early as the Spanish Civil War in just this capacity by the Condor Legion. In fact it was used more often in a anti-tank and direct-firing artillery gun role than in its intended role as
an anti-aircraft gun.
The model is made by Empress Miniatures for their Spanish Civil War range and comes complete with six crew which could, when painted accordingly, be used as Luftwaffe crew for WW2. The gun itself was not exactly a joy to put together, but after contacting Empress Paul provided me with instructions which saw me trough the build well enough.
I had an eye on this kit for quite some time already but as of yet was able to resist the temptation. But as soon as I read the theme for this fortnights Bonus Themed Round I simply knew I had to get it. I'm weak, I know.
Points wise we have six miniatures (30pts), a FlaK (10pts) and the two parts of the Sonderanhänger. The latter put together are roughly the size of a 15mm tank, so 6 to 7 points maybe?
Artist: Toxpack
Song: Cultus Interruptus
Exceptional!
ReplyDeleteI’ve resisted one of these knowing I’d never get the big piece finished, but yours is a work of art.
That is tremendous Nick, just awesome. Great work!
ReplyDeleteVery nice work!
ReplyDeleteSieht sich großartig aus ;-)
ReplyDeleteSuperb work Nick! When I heard you were going to do this I couldn't wait to see it and you did not disappoint!
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Terrific work on this iconic BFG, well done Nick!
ReplyDeleteThe shading work on the gun is a thing of beauty, great work all round!
ReplyDeleteAwesome subtle and hard contrast shading in combination. One of my favourite entries. Great work!
ReplyDeleteLovely bit of modeling and very nice subtle paint work!
ReplyDeleteHaha! I had to smile when I saw this entry from you Nick as we had just talked about this set from Empress and how we were trying to be strong in not getting it. I was actually going to cave and do one up for our SCW duel, but you've beat me to the punch. Beautiful work my friend - that thing is going to be an absolute BEAST on the tabletop. You may have to make a scenario where the objective is to simply take it out by covert means.
ReplyDeleteImpressive brushwork on an impressive gun! Grand work on the cannon, Nick! I really like seeing the attendant support gear for artillery. Ammo carts, hasty/rigid emplacements, travel gear, tractors...so much needed just for one arty piece! ;)
ReplyDelete