British Motor Battalion - North Africa 1942

Having completed the Infantry and the Portees, I also repainted the remaining vehicles required to make up a complete Rapid Fire Motor Battalion. The Carriers are a complete rework as they had been part of my NW Europe forces until now. They particularly showed their age when several fell apart when cleaning off the old paintwork and needed a bit of TLC. Crews were added in most cases. The Arm of Service number number was a particular isue as the Middle East Command used its own numbering system so I was desperately searching for red 60 decals, First Alan from the Guild came to my aid and then Steve from Baggage Train created a complete set.

Spot the incorrect vehicle - the Tilly need to be replaced by another Jeep!

I also repainted the transport for the MG company. but this needed an AOS of red 51 so it was no problem. On the right a reworked Crusader from Dennis, with no markings as I've still to decide how to mark up most of my desert armour.

Off to Vapa in the morning

An early start tomorrow to get across to the Vapnartak show in York. Should be a great start to the wargaming year, hopefully the weather will be OK. If you want to stay hello I can be found on the Lance & Longbow stand.

If keen you can refight the battle of Hexham 1464, which will be played using Lion Rampant Rules, or you can buy some of my rummage, the proceeds from which will go to the Army Benevolent Fund.

Bedford QL 6 pdr portees finished

It's a nice feeling when a conversion gets completed. I can always spot bits that could be improved, but these are certainly good enough for wargames use.


For those that like to see a comparison, here is one alongside the Britannia version (Resin/Metal)

Three of the models will be used for the Motor Battalion and the other will be used with the others as needed.

Egyptian Artillery

More for the Sudan, but compared to my last batch of Egyptian Artillery this pair of guns have limbers. Gunners and guns are the Strelets Turkish Artillery 1877.


The limbers are from the venerable Airfix Waterloo RHA Artillery, off which I still have quite a number, but these are the last of the limber horses. Outriders are some of the "spare" Strelets turkish cavalry, quite well armed, but the Sudan isn't the safest place to be!

More Egyptian cavalry for the Sudan

Back on track and some more Strelets Turkish cavalry painted up as Egyptians, just like before the officer has been promoted, this time to the Egyptian CinC hence the Khedival flag.

Portee - last WIP picture

Last few bits added, loading ramps and the side and front screens. Some more parts are now painted.

Thanks to input from Charles, the 6 pounders have had their muzzle brakes removed

Another distraction - Italian M13/40s

I picked up another pair of the Italeri fast build version, while buying another bargain They were assembled and painted almost at the same time as the Shermans.
Now I have enough M13/40s to play the RF scenario "death of Ariete"