Inspired by Matt's call to a March kit building challenge (see Mad March), I decided to dip my toe into the challenge. As mentioned in the previous post, I have a Tamiya 1/48 Matilda kit laying unbuilt for several years. This challenge would provide sufficient motivation to actually unbox the kit and get on with it. Likely little surprise to regulars, I also have a tall stack 1/100 (15mm) Zvezda models similarly laying around unbuilt. Since there are Matildas in this stockpile, why not make the build a trio of Matildas? The Zvezda Matildas are both Mk I and Mk II models. The little Zvezda models only have six or seven pieces so they can be put together in a flash. The larger Tamiya model contains considerably more pieces and took much more time to build. However, all three models took less time than I expected. While Matt's challenge required only the raw build, I forged ahead and painted my offerings as well. The paintwork was kept simple using bronze green. Decals were omitted from the Tamiya build since I just did not like the look of them. For me, unmarked AFVs on the table are fine. Perhaps one day, the 1/48 Matilda will actually see tabletop action with a complement of support troops? She is ready when the call comes!
Since building these models put me into the WWII gaming spirit, I downloaded Chain of Command 2 to give the rules a look.
Very nice Jonathan. Ready to drive on Berlin!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ben!
DeleteWell, the 1/48 was put together in short order - I tend to labour on such things, usually the track assemblies get me! though the 7 part Zvezda tanks are very wargamer friendly to build and the vehicle range pretty substantial and well presented.
ReplyDeleteThe extra stowage / detail on the 1/48 does grab a few extra points.
CoC2 ….. you are getting drawn in :-)
Norm, the track assemblies were quite fiddly on this model too. I played CoC when it was first released years ago. We played a few games but then we stopped. I am not sure why, exactly. I am drawn to it by George and Matt's marvelous BatReps. Who know, I may try it again?
DeleteOne of my favourite WWII tanks (well, the Mark II at least). The only one I have ever built was an Airfix model. Great work on them Jonathan and three at the same time is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lawrence! I think the Matilda has an elegant design only appreciated after I built one.
DeleteAbsolutely waltzing along really well, lovely work.
ReplyDeleteAlan Tradgardland
Waltzing along, indeed! Thank you, Alan.
DeleteNeat trio of tanks! I remember assembly of an Airfix kit back in the early 1970's. Looking forward to your WW2 games. You have a good start on the armor.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Not sure when I will get the WWII collections to the table.
DeleteHa! Great work Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michal!
DeleteNicely done Jon and speedy too….simple paintwork works for me, I have more than one Matilda too
ReplyDeleteThanks! Not as speedy as you! Happy to see that the single-color paint scheme works.
DeleteNicely done Jonathan, the Zvezda kits are great for quick buids
ReplyDeleteThanks, Neil! You are correct. The Zvezda models are quick builds, for sure. I may turn out a few more.
DeleteThey have come out very well indeed. As you know I'm a big fan of the Vezda kits, which comprise the bulk of my 15mm Matildas fleet (the rest being Peter Pig and QRF).
ReplyDeleteThanks, Martin! I like the Zvezda kits too. The Zvezda Matilda Mk II is really a nifty model.
DeleteWell I did like the post title, which made me smile! Excellent work on the Matilda II and finished much more quickly than I would have done, that's for sure. Nice to see some of your WWII chaps too, which I can't remember seeing before? Fingers crossed you can get a game in at some point with them.
ReplyDeleteWhen CoC first came out, we gave it a try, but it just didn't click for us, for multiple reasons. I bought Bolt Action II but that never even got a run out!!! These days Battalion plus level games tick all the boxes for me:).
Steve, I did wonder if anyone would catch the wordplay in the title. Extra points to you and Alan for mentioning it. I am sure some of my 28mm WWII figures have been posted on the blog. I will have to go back and look. I may need to provide an update with a parade?
DeleteI tied CoC years ago too and we only got in a few games before moving on to other things. I would like to return to CoC for a refresher which Matt has kindly offered up a test. BA I have played with Matt on several occasions. For the 15mm collection, I am still in search of rules. Something akin to the old Squad Leader I think I would enjoy. I did like the battalion-level rules "1943". I may wheel those out for a refesher as well. My main problem is that my WWII collections are relatively small with many gaps.
Nice to see the Matildas. Always had a soft spot for them but never built one. Plain green does allow you to use it with Russian or Australian support too. Do we get any more early war British armour. Something quirky like an A9 or Morris CS9 armoured car, perhaps?
ReplyDeleteThe Matilda is a nice model. i can see why you have an attachment to it. The only other early war British tank I am considering is the Vickers Mk VI. Still need to procure some of those.
DeleteThe BEF's most common tank, IIRC. Could be interesting to build (they're pretty small) but a challenge to use effectively on the battlefield
DeleteI will need to source some.
DeleteNice models Jon. I've not built a tank like that since I was about 10!
ReplyDeleteWell, daylight is burning. Give it go!
DeleteGreat looking tanks. I built Tamiya's 1/48 Sherman many decades ago and loved it. It even had a motor in it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Richard! I have two of the 1/48 "non-motorized" Shermans built.
DeleteA terrific trio of tanks there Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Phil! Nice alliteration too.
DeleteThe Matildas have turned out very nicely Jon, I like the sound of the Zvezda kits....Armourfast do the same for 20mm, great to be able to put them together in about ten minutes!
ReplyDeleteI like the infantry too, are they Pulp Miniatures...they look nice and chunky.
Thanks, Keith! The British infantry are BTD.
DeleteAh ok - they are very nice - shame that supplier has such a poor reputation for unreliable service.....
DeleteGood thing I loaded up years ago when service was good!
DeleteAll three look good; interesting to see the Mk 1 Matilda. I seem to remember that the earlier mark was the one used in the famous British counter-attack near Arras in 1940 that gave the Panzers some worries. You might be able to find on-line the historian Richard Holmes' BBC documentary (I think in the 'War Walks' series), made in the 1990s which looked at that battle, and featured one of the tanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks, David! The Mk I is an odd looking contraption to my eye. Tiny too! I will investigate the battle of Arras. I think I have a wargame on that battle around here somewhere. Maybe by Revolution Games?
DeleteNice tank building Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteI find constructing models often gives an insight into the real thing.
For example, that frontal armour had to be cast in specialist workshops, whereas the Valentine could be built in any converted vehicle factory, so replaced the Matilda as infantry support.
The MkI and MkII were used at Arras, supported by Royal Northumberland Fusileers on motorcycles among others.
The "Matilda" name came from a cartoon duck; the MkI apparently "waddled" when moving.
Neil
Thanks, Neil! I enjoyed seeing your armor expertise on full display. Interesting!
DeleteGreat looking tanks Jonathan!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteVery nice - the Matilda II is one of my top three "great looking tanks ever"!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Matt! It is a good design.
DeleteO they all look great Jon! Lack of markings is fine. Not like you have to worry about tourney restrictions or rules when playing the thing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dai! Happy to see your approval of no markings!
DeleteLovely work on these classic early war tanks Jonathan…
ReplyDeleteDefinitely some of my favourite WW2 vehicles..
All the best. Aly
Thank you, Aly! One of my favorites now too!
DeleteLovely trio of matildas!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks!
Delete