D-DAY
THE CAMPAIGN FOR NORMANDY
JUNE-AUGUST 1944
Battlefront/Flames of War
The book represents Battlefront’s first publication of a “campaign book” to allow Flames of War gamers connect individual battles into a series of games. Like all other Battlefront publications it is beautifully presented with a brief history of the D-Day landings and Normandy campaign, lots of inspirational color photos, a new mission (“Hit the Beach”), several new rules that are specific to Normandy (like the infamous bocage) and “How to” sections that give tips on building beaches and bocage. There are descriptions of Allied and German armored vehicles specific to the campaign to include “Hobart’s Funnies”. Two scenarios give British and American players the opportunity to breach Hitler’s Atlantic Wall as well as two campaigns: “Breville Gap” pits a German counter attack against the British near the vital Orne River bridge and “Cutting the Cotentin” allows American forces, at the other end of the landing beaches, the opportunity to move across the Cotentin peninsula, thus isolating the port of Cherbourg. 61 pages, ownership of the 2nd edition rules is required to fully use this book.
My first impression of this book was: “Wow!” In my opinion, it is one of the best books produced by Battlefront. It is highly polished and very professionally presented. One of the nice things I like about the text is that is gives specific references to pages in other Flames of War books. This small thing significantly speeds up reading and preparing new games - a very nice touch.
The introduction of a book that supports campaigns has been definitely needed. Commanders now will have to weigh their options more closely – as each battle affects the forces involved in the next battle, as well as where it will be played, players will have to decide whether the risks of losing units is worth the gains they would produce. Battles and games may not be fought to the very last stand as thoughtful commanders pull battered forces back to save them to fight another day. This truly opens new opportunities to develop different strategies and tactics! I have yet to play or watch a campaign played to a conclusion but when I do, I’ll be sure to have it published! This book is a must for the Flames of War gamer.
http://www.flamesofwar.com/

SUTTON SKUNK (HOLT ARMORED TRACTOR)
Company B
Company B makes a wide range of 1/56th scale vehicles for WWII (at this time most of their vehicles are for the WWII period). If you are tired of looking for hard to find – and in the case of the Sutton Skunk – or obscure vehicle, Company B needs to be the first place you search. After doing some research, their design team identified the AFVs that were missing in the market and decided to produce them. Their current line has vehicles primarily for the Pacific War and North Africa but if you check out their website you can see there is a wide range things intended - and you can see where these vehicles are in their stages of production. The Russian Civil War trains look intriguing!
The Sutton Skunk is intended to support the Russian Civil War and the back of beyond. Francis Sutton was an engineer who lost his right hand at Gallipoli during WWI. He became more famous as an inventor and designer of weapons and was an advisor to Chinese warlords. While this AFV works perfectly for this period of fighting it shouldn’t be limited by it. It is suitable for type of wargaming, from historical to even sci-fi, where unique looking vehicles are needed.
I had a chance to play with this before it was released at Cold Wars 2007. Made of three pieces of resin, the treads fit snugly into the sides of the tractor, guided by two male/female plugs/receptacles. Some very minor filing may be needed because the fit is very precise (remember that the wheel with the metal bits over it goes to the front). The casting and sculpting are top notch; while this tractor is a must for anyone who likes to game in the back of beyond, it is also one of those very cool vehicles that works for other wargames as well. A driver, specific for this vehicle is in the design stage, so look for it! The initial plans were to produce only about 40 of these vehicles on a limited basis - FYI!
Company B vehicles and drivers, riders, stowage and decals that support these vehicles are available through the Brigade Games website.
http://www.companyb.biz

MODELLING FALLSCHIRMJÄGER FIGURES
MODELLING THE ME109F AND EARLY G SERIES
Osprey Publishing
Modelling Fallschirmjäger Figures (Osprey Modelling 31)
Modelling the Me109F and Early G Series (OM 36)
A departure from the usual reviews of the Osprey MAA Series, this review looks at two books from the “Modelling” manuals. I chose two from completely different topics – one discussing how to paint humans and the other machines. Both books are 80 pages long; the Me109 book has an extra page insert with RLM color swatches with a description on the other side – a very nice touch! If you are looking for books with full color photos describing construction and the painting process, these books are exactly what you need – each one has over 200! full color photographs detailing each part of the particular process and finished figures/aircraft. There are no black and white photos to be found in either book! The Fallschirmjäger (FSJ) book also references some color drawings from other Osprey MAA books as well as drawings of camouflage schemes (Luftwaffe splinter, marsh 1943 and splinter reverse colors). The addition of color/color blending suggestions from the Vallejo line of paints is a nice touch to speed up the painting process for wargamers.
The FSJ book shows how four different vignettes were designed using 1/35th scale figures. Each chapter discusses, in detail, how to paint certain parts of FSJ figures. The chapter that covers the complex and difficult task of painting the face provides 16 different photos from the base color to the finished figure. Other chapters cover such things as painting the 1941 uniform/jump suit, later war camouflage patterns, white winter uniforms, scratch building/conversions and building groundwork (basic and more complex) or basing. The way in which each step is clearly discussed and photographed significantly increases the opportunity for gamers to successfully reproduce these techniques! Each chapter lists the subject and project overview, names the modelers, the skill level, the make of the models used, scale, any additional materials used and the colors of paint used (listing the Vallejo paint colors used while painting is a definite plus, as previously mentioned). The skills in each chapter run from intermediate to master, however, this should not put any reader off – personally I intended to use the book for the painting, not converting ideas and I anticipate that I will be able to use their recommendations easily.
The Me109 book shows off five different planes from the Mediterranean to Finnish model and a model in white (always a difficult color to paint well) to a “Wilde Sau”. It starts off with a photo chapter showing “hidden details” of the Me109 – there are parts and places I didn’t know that I didn’t know! The first part of the book discusses different types of scales and the manufacturers who produce them. It also talks about the advantages and disadvantages of each type; a full page listing of scale and manufacturer – there are 34 different 109F and G models available from 10 different companies from 1/144th to 1/24th scale! Each chapter that dealt with a plane noted the subject, modeler, skill level, base kit, scale, any additional detailing sets used, paints (airbrush) and decal markings. Paints suggested were Model Master enamels, Gunze acrylics and Tamiya acrylics. (editor – Polly S makes an excellent line of German RLM colors as well) Something in particular that I liked about this book – the author talked about his mistakes and even photographed them. He showed how he worked around each one and even how he went back to the drawing board when not completely satisfied with the current project.
Both books come with extensive references and bibliography for those who wish to learn more. For wargamers who like their Osprey books full of pictures and easy to understand “how to” instructions, the Modelling Series may have the exactly the books you need!
http://www.ospreypublishing.com/

RUSSIAN CIVIL WAR SUPPLEMENTAL BOOKS
Osprey Publishing
The French Army 1914-18 (MAA 286), The German Army in WWI (1) 1914-15 (MAA 394), The Austro-Hungarian Forces in WWI (2) 1916-18 (MAA 397), The British Army in WWI (3) The Eastern Fronts (MAA 406), Ukrainian Armies 1914-55 (MAA 412) and The German Army WWI (3) (MAA 419)
Like all Osprey books in the Men at Arms (MAA) series, each is 48 pages with 8 color plates and multiple black and white photos. While only one of these books deals specifically with Russian Civil War units, they are very useful if you are considering building forces that fought in that conflict, especially in western Russia.
After the end of WWI, most countries lacked the funds necessary to supply their armies with standardized uniforms. Therefore, soldiers fought in the uniforms they had been issued during WWI. Soldiers fought in a mix of ex-Russian (see the HMGRS review of RCW/Russian armies Ospreys on 3 January 07), German and Austro-Hungarian uniforms. Polish armies, for example, fought in uniforms supplied by France (Haller’s army fought in France and was transferred east to Poland in 1919), Russia, Austro-Hungary, Great Britain, early war (1914) and late war style German uniforms. Great Britain and France sent troops (termed “Interventionists” by the Bolsheviks) to fight in Russia and, initially, generously supplied the White cause with uniforms. Though WWI was primarily an infantryman’s fight, cavalry units were of major importance in the RCW, likely due to the vastness of the areas covered. Uniforms from “foreign countries” were also present; these books help with the correct colors for the uniforms, leather, battle gear and more.
Each book is beautifully illustrated and the eight color plates show off a variety of WWI uniforms/equipment that are appropriate for armies that fought in the RCW. The artwork of Mr. Rudenko and Adamenko (Ukrainian Armies) does not compare to other Russian artists like Andrei Karachtchouk (Osprey RCW Reds, Whites and WWI Russians); still, each book fills a very necessary spot in my wargaming library. I know I will need them all and I am pleased that I have them.
For the WWI period these books discuss a wide variety of topics: the specific national armies, the evolving strategy and tactics, organization, unit battle insignia, rank insignia, operations, specialist troops, gas warfare, primary and secondary theaters, some history and uniforms and equipment (of course – the primary reason for getting these books in the first place!) For the study of the RCW, the uniforms and equipment information is essential though the rest of each book is a great read and worth the time. As always, Osprey books form the first line of any “attack” on a new period of study! Couple these books with those from Gauntlet International and you will have an awesome amount of information at your fingertips.
Additional Osprey books about armies from Japan and China would be useful sources when addressing the civil war fighting in Siberia. A future topic, perhaps?
http://www.ospreypublishing.com/