US Command Vehicle M577

I've had some little pointers from a friend, about using Nylon Bristles from a Normal domestic Paint Brush and using them to make "Whip Aerials". They look pretty effective.

This M577 is from the expanded Battlefront Vietnam Range. I've done it in the same camo as my earlier M113's.

I really like these models and the 4 for £19 is pretty good value. I will buy another box of these, so I will have a pair as 4.2" Mortar Carriers and an extra one to make the Command M113, this will leave me one spare but I will no doubt use that another NATO list, or making another US Platoon in future.

I'm trying to find out what markings these things had back in 1986 - Specifically the Cavalry. I think I have seen Charcoal coloured Stars rather than the older style White Stars. If anyone can help or has a decent reference or URL available if you could share it in the comments section.

Additions to my US forces in the next 6 months

1. 3 x AAV's
2. 2 x LAV
3. 4 x Abrams M1 or M1A1
4. 6 x BRADLEY
5. 3 x M109
6. 2 x M106
7. 2 x VULCAN ADS

I will look at the ZVEZDA Stuff when it arrives (God knows when?) and will decide at that point whether I will use that stuff or buy others...

Kharasan has an interesting M1A2..I might buy those because despite being the wrong mark, they look AMAZING.

BRITISH RE-VAMP

I've also started re-doing and neating up my Brits, adding the aerials and re-varnishing them (the original Varnish didn't work so I've gone back to Polyurethane Varnish rather than Model Varnish, and then I spray it with DULLCOTE once the Varnish has cured approx 48hrs).

I will be adding to this shortly with the following:-

1. 2 x FV Spartans
2. 3 x FV432 ( 1 Extra FV432 for HQ and 2 x FV432 Mortars )
3. 3 x FV Abbots
4. 2 x Tracked Rapiers
5. 3 x Scimitars

This will give me a nice rounded out, force

My Painting Table Update....

Okay so I'm clearing my Painting Table for a reason I will detail below...

 Finally my half finished Brits & some Soviets....

Oh and a prize to the first person who spots how I completely ***ked up the 2S3's (Really embarrassed about this but it's glued and painted now.....might change it in future.)

IRISHSERB

I'm trying to order some AAV7's and HMWWV's from IRISH SERB and will stick up and if possible paint them up before the Move. 

The Future - I'm Expanding!

I'm not talking about my waistline here (although it is time to do more Phys and get out doing some running), my wife and I have decided to move house. This is great in the long term, bad for the blog in the short term.

Disadvantages

1. I'm putting away alot of my stuff ready for the Move.
2. I won't be doing anywhere near as much painting.
3. The Blog might go quiet for a few weeks at a time.

Advantages

1. I will keep buying stuff and posting reviews.
2. I will keep updating the Blog.
3. Alot of other people will be invited to contribute to keep the content ticking over (RKelly, Fjodin etc)
4. I'M GETTING A GAMING BASEMENT!!!!!!

We are having a house Built (should be finished in Jan 14 but we are moving into Rented Accom for 6 months so we can sell our current house), which means she's getting the house she always wanted and I'm getting a full on Gaming Basement!!! And I mean a Basement....9 metres by 6 metres. So I will be able to build a little Studio, several 6x4ft tables, a couch and a Bar....

I will be moving more towards Private Invitational Gaming, with my Friends. It means I can build full on Tables like Berlin, or Fulda, or Tutenbergerwald, Hanover etc.

Quick Picture of the M113's

Just a quick update, they are now 75% done. Need decals, varnish, highlighting and a Dullcote.

But they are starting to look right. 

Alternative Angle....

A Challenge to the Southern Hemisphere

I have challenged Fjodin who runs several Wargaming Blogs including a very good 15mm one here.

http://15mmworld.blogspot.co.uk/

To see what he can do with the QRF M113's, I mercilessly slagged off in an earlier review. He's pretty confident he can make them look good, and to be honest who am I to say he cannot...

So I sent a Free-parcel of them to him in Australia, and I also decided that making him pay the postage was a bit off as well.....So first come first serve, however there is more to this than Egalitarian, Philanthropy.

So much like "The Ashes"....This is a bit of Gentlemen's Wager, I've put my money where my mouth is !!! - I'm looking forward to see what he can do and you can have your say when he comes back with some pictures. 

Keeps things Interesting don't you think?