Undercoating the Flames of War Renault FT-17

The Renault FT or Automitrailleuse à chenilles Renault FT modèle 1917, inexactly known as the FT-17 or FT17, was a French light tank; it is among the most revolutionary and influential tank designs in history. France still had several thousand First World War Renault FT tanks in 1940. Over 500 of them were still in service in independent bataillons de chars de combat (BCC) tank battalions in the front lines. Although adequate for infantry support, they were totally outclassed by German tanks in a mobile battle.

Having constructed the tanks the next stage was a white undercoat.

Underneath the Flames of War French Hotchkiss H-39

Despite having been designed from 1933 as a rather slow but well-armoured light infantry support tank, the type was initially rejected by the French Infantry because it proved difficult to steer while driving cross-country, instead being adopted in 1936 by the French Cavalry. From 1938 an improved version was produced with a stronger engine, the Char léger modèle 1935 H modifié 39, that from 1940 was also fitted with a longer, more powerful 37 mm gun.

Having made up the models, and having given the models a white undercoat, the next stage was to basecoat the models. In order to add shadow I gave the underneath of all three models a spray of Warpaint German Armour.

Flames of War French Hotchkiss H-39

Flames of War French Hotchkiss H-39

See the workbench feature on the Flames of War French Hotchkiss H-39.

The Dark Knight Rises

I have quite enjoyed Christopher Nolan’s reboot of Batman with the first two films, The Dark Knight and Batman Begins. As a result I am looking forward to The Dark Knight Rises the conclusion of the trilogy.

As you can see in the trailer there is a fair bit of hardware in the film and lots of ideas for gaming.