RAM Kangaroo

The Tank, Cruiser, Ram was a cruiser tank designed and built by Canada in the Second World War, based on the U.S. M3 Medium tank chassis. Due to standardisation on the American Sherman tank for frontline units, it was used exclusively for training purposes and was never used in combat as a gun tank. The chassis was used for several other combat roles however, such as a flamethrower tank, observation post, and armoured personnel carrier. 

RAM Kangaroo

The armoured personnel carrier version was known as the Ram Kangaroo.

RAM Kangaroo

I remember buying some of Heroics and Ros 1/300th scale Ram Kangaroos back in the 1980s for my Late War British army.

War Mûmak of Harad

The armies of Harad often employ Mumakil, massive war-beasts trained by the Mahud, to trample their enemies under colossal hooves. A Mumak is nigh unstoppable once is begins its charge, tossing aside enemies like broken dolls.

War Mûmak of Harad from the display cabinets at Warhammer World.
War Mûmak of Harad from the display cabinets at Warhammer World.

A Mumak can break through an enemy line while Haradrim warriors rain deadly arrows from atop the howdah on its mighty back.

War Mûmak of Harad from the display cabinets at Warhammer World.
War Mûmak of Harad from the display cabinets at Warhammer World.

The miniature is based on those seen in the film version of Lord of the Rings, and is seen in the climatic battles in Return of the King.

See the Mûmak Miniatures Gallery.

Dark Angels Primaris Repulsor

This Dark Angels Primaris Repulsor was on display at Warhammer World.

The Repulsor is an Imperial anti-gravitic main battle tank intended to provide armoured support for the Primaris Space Marines of many different Chapters.

More photographs of the Primaris Repulsor.

Valentine Archer

The Self Propelled 17pdr, Valentine, Mk I, Archer was a British tank destroyer of the Second World War based on the Valentine infantry tank chassis fitted with an Ordnance QF 17 pounder gun. Designed and manufactured by Vickers-Armstrongs, 655 were produced between March 1943 and May 1945. It was used in north-west Europe and Italy during the war; post-war, it served with the Egyptian Army.

This Valentine Archer was on display at Bovington.

Valentine Archer

This vehicle was unusual in that its gun faced the rear of the chassis instead of the front.

Valentine Archer

The Valentine chassis was soon chosen, as it was in production but obsolescent for British use and was also one of the few chassis that could accommodate the size of the Ordnance QF 17 pounder.

The Archer served with some units of the Royal Armoured Corps in the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) in the early 1950s. This makes them a possible unit for scenarios based in the world of Turtledove’s Hot War alternate history. Reading the Hot War books from Harry Turtledove has inspired me to think about gaming some scenarios from the books. British Comets and Centurions versus Russians T34-85 and T54 Soviet tanks with American M26 Pershing and M48 Patton tanks. In the book there are also Sherman manned by (West) German forces.

Lord of the Rings: Rohan Stronghold

Under the orders of Saruman, the forces of Isengard have begun their assault on the Kingdom of Rohan. Bands of ruthless Uruk-hai and vengeful Dunlendings have not just come to raid villages and destroy farms, but also to eliminate the people of Rohan. With the Westfold in flames, the Legion of the White Hand turn their attentions to the strongholds of Rohan. Yet these strongholds are well defended and the Rohirrim inside are ready to face overwhelming odds and defend their walls against the onslaught of Uruk-hai and Evil Men that now bear down upon them.

War has come to Rohan…

From the display at Warhammer World.

Created in 2019.

Dark Angels Gladiator Lancer

This Dark Angels Gladiator Lancer was on display at Warhammer World.

Dark Angels Gladiator Lancer

With pinpoint accuracy, the Gladiator Lancer picks off the heaviest enemy armour, the laser destroyer punching smouldering holes in their hulls. Such is the range of its heavy cannon that it can eliminate threats to the Space Marines before they encounter them, storming past burning wrecks to claim their objectives.

Dark Angels Gladiator Lancer

Like the Predator is to a Rhino, the design of the Gladiator is based upon that of an Impulsor’s chassis, and has been designed to serve as a front line battle tank rather than a transport vehicle.

May the 4th be with you….

Today of course is Star Wars Day, it’s 4th May, as in May the Fourth be with you….

You can now buy the complete Star Wars Saga in UHD 4K as well as Blu-Ray and DVD.

I have a few sections and pages on the website for those who are interested in Star Wars.

We have a section on Star Wars: X-Wing.

X-Wing Boxed Set

X-Wing is a miniatures game from Fantasy Flight games that recreates the dogfights in the Star Wars universe between X-Wing fighters of the Rebel Alliance and the Imperial TIE Fighters.

Here are some blog posts about X-Wing.

Rebel Scum

Red Leader, Red Leader, Cheaper Leader

Red Leader, Red Leader, Still Cheaper Leader

Transports away…

I also have a section on Star Wars: Legion.

Star Wars Legion Boxed Set

Star Wars: Legion invites you to join the unsung battles of the Galactic Civil War as the commander of a unique army filled with troopers, powerful ground or repulsor vehicles, and iconic characters like Darth Vader or Luke Skywalker. While innovative mechanics simulate the fog of war and the chaos of battle, the unpainted, easily assembled miniatures give you a canvas to create the Star Wars army you’ve always wanted to lead into battle—whether you fight for the monolithic, oppressive Galactic Empire or the ragtag Rebel Alliance.

The boxed set contains thirty-three sculpted, easily assembled figures (including Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Rebel Troopers, Stormtroopers, an AT-RT, and 74-Z Speeder Bikes).

Star Wars Legion Workbench

First game of Star Wars: Legion

Battle of Scarif

M24 Chaffee

This M24 Chaffee was on display at The Tank Museum.

The Light Tank M24 was an American light tank used during World War II and in postwar conflicts including the Korean War and with the French in the First Indochina War and war in Algeria.

In British service it was given the service name Chaffee, after the United States Army General Adna R. Chaffee, Jr., who helped develop the use of tanks in the United States armed forces.

 

The Battle of Osgiliath

This amazing diorama was on display at Warhammer World.

The Battle of Osgiliath in the War of the Ring occurred at the ruined city of Osgiliath, shortly before the Siege of Gondor.

The Orcs in East Osgiliath had been secretly constructing massive numbers of boats and rafts, and swelled with reinforcements from Harad they swarmed across the River Anduin to Gondor’s positions on the other bank.

After heavy fighting, the garrison under Faramir and his troops were forced to flee, first to the Rammas Echor, which held out for a day and then to Minas Tirith itself.

LVT-4 Buffalo Amtrac

This LVT-4 Buffalo Amtrac was at the Tank Museum at Bovington.

The Landing Vehicle Tracked (LVT) is an amphibious warfare vehicle and amphibious landing craft, introduced by the United States Navy. The Marine Corps and Army used several LVT models during World War II. Five hundred were provided to the British Army.

Originally intended solely as cargo carriers for ship to shore operations, they evolved into assault troop and fire support vehicles.

I have a Bolt Action LVT-4 Buffalo Amtrac on the workbench.