Mig 15 UTI Midget -Wip Wednesday

 A quick hobby boss Mig15 UTI midget build over the weekend in between battlefield tours. A very basic kit and simple rapid build kit. I completed the build on Sunday. I am planning a stationary build that I can use for a special forces raid. Hoping for paint job on Thursday or Friday as I need to complete another Mig 21 in the same camo!

Cheers

Matt

MiG 17 PF WIP

  MiG 17 PF WIP

As the summer sales are on at the moment I have gone a little crazy and pickup a number of kits for my collection from early war ww2 through to current. With that I continue my MIG obsession at the moment, another MIG15 and two MiG 17s purchased as commenced. Simple Plastyk builds, one will join my Egyptians and Iraqis.

Syrian Airforce - Yom Kippur MiG 17

 Syrian Airforce Yom Kippur

MiG 17PF

Another addition for my air cover for my Yom Kippur war collection first up a MiG 17PF from Plastyk models. A simple build from very old KP models kit, not the greatest kit, it had very bad fit on the body and wing mounting and the tail is incorrect along with the canopy. Still painting the pilot though which I used a 3d print, hard to find a pre 60 pilot so I ended up using a tank commander. 

Quite happy with the results, I think I will purchase a Eduard kit and do another model of a MiG 17 as I really enjoyed the build. I used AK real colours enamel and weathered it heavily with a brown ink wash. Decals were supplied in the kit, the tail Chequers were hand painted along with the nose. 

Cheers

Matt

Arab Israeli wars -Able Archer - Cold War Wargame Rules part 1.

Able Archer - Arab Israeli Wars 

The Arab Israeli wars loomed large on my TV as a kid, the Yom Kippur, the Iran Iraq war, then the Civil war in Lebanon, this sparked my lifelong interest in the Middle East wars. I have been using the Able Archer Rapid Fire rules for a the last ten years for the conflict starting originally with converted with plastic figs and now slowly switching over metal ranges. 

I was hoping for Ospreys ww3 rules were going to be published last year, but they held off due to the war in Ukraine. I thought I had better transfer my paper Able Archer Arab Israeli wars document to a digital location and share it along with my thoughts.

Able Archer is the Cold War fan version of the popular WW2 Rapid Fire second edition rules. All of these additional rules for Cold War gaming are of course optional for your rules. We generally fight on a 4.6m or 15.1ft (181 inches) long table at my house or at the club a 12ft table x 6ft, although the games can be played on a smaller table if required, it really depends upon the scenario. I prefer to play down the length of the table as the opportunity to fire the long ranges really comes into use with modern weapons, so ground and terrain becomes very important. 

Upcoming blog articles will cover the Cold War Arabian peninsula Army vehicle lists I use. These lists cover the Israeli, French, British, American, UN Peace keepers, plus all of the Arab armies from the suez crisis 1956 all the way up to 1991, which is my cut off for most of my armies including the Iran-Iraq war and the first Iraq war. 

I regulary play scenarios that are linked, a special forces strike to commence with,  then attack, counter attack games, the losses carry over to the next game. The changes I have made to the Able Archer European and Arabian peninsula rules reflect weather, MBT ranges, Air to Air combat and campaign system. The changes come from my experience serving in arid and desert areas during my military career.  

Weather rules

Weather has changes from Able Archer 2019 set and Rapid Fire :- these are optional rules

Wind storm - Dust being a major problem in the Sinai and the southern Arabian peninsula we often have line of sight blocked by dust storms. This can be settled at the beginning of a game with a five rolls. 

• Turn arrival - roll a D10 or D12  depending upon number of turns for the scenario. This is the turn the storm arrives. 
• GW direction dice,  roll the direction dice from the centre or a table edge this gives the wind direction on the table for dust. 
• Storm width - roll using a D6, the roll is the number of Dust sections. (East section is 4 inches)
• Wind strength - roll on a D6 +2 this is the movement per turn (unless stationary roll on GW direction Dice). The storm can blow off the table edge. 
• Duration - roll a D6 turn duration dice. This is the number of turns the dust storm remains on the table. 

You will need to make some dust markers, I used sofa stuffing that has been airbrushed in a khaki colour 4 inches long and two inches wide. 

Rain Storm

Rain storms were also a feature, particularly on the Golan heights ( Yom Kippur war heavy rain was experienced on the Golan for three days and in the six day war a heavy rain storm prevented an Egyptian counter attack on the eastern side of the Nile) they roll in from the coast and can often drop a large amount of rain in a short period particularly on the Golan heights during wet season. 

• Rain storm - Roll a D10 on a 8, 9 or 10 a rain storm and heavy downfall arrives. 
• Duration - Roll a D6 this is the length of the storm. 
• Turns arrival - D10-12 depending upon scenario length, the number is the arrival turn of the storm. 

The storm prevents any air cover arriving, halves effective observation distance except if vehicles are using ISS or TTS. Halves effectiveness of mortar fire less than 81mm size after the first turn of rain until the storm ends. Smoke generation impossible unless generated by white phosphorus artillery rounds. 

Main Battle tanks and vehicles.

Observation rules

The changing technology of image assistance equipment changes a lot over the 40 odd years covered from the 1950s to the late 80s. Each tank is listed with its options on the tank equipment card. 

Search lights (SL) - gives normal visibility up to medium range during the night, however enemy can also spot you. 

Illumination shell (IS) - illuminates a 12 inch area, normal target rules apply HE for dropping illumination shell. 

IR sights (IR) - grants enhanced observation during the night, however can be spotted by IR detection and IR users. 

Image intensive sight (IIS) -gives enhanced observation in daylight, dark or dust storms, but not through white phosphorus smoke or smoke generators.

Tank Thermal Sight (TTS) -  a temperature based system normal observation in all conditions day and night, +1 observation chance for hull down vehicles, cannot see through phosphorus smoke shell but can through smoke generators. Only available on Magach 7 and Merkava after 1981. 

Gun Values 

Each main battle tank or vehicle has a main armament, a secondary machine gun and possibly a mortar or smoke discharger also. Gun values are treated similarly to a rapid fire, however main difference is D10 chart for firing and of course the technology changes to sights, rounds and gun stabilizers. The gun values from 1 to 7 with 1 being the highest value. New antitank rounds also different from ww2 and are APCBC, APDS, APFSDS, APHE & HEAT. The respective army MBT chart and data card will list variants for each army and its dates it comes into use. 

Gun Modifiers 

• - 2 Extreme Range + 60 inches.
• - 1 long range 42-60 inches
• - 1 to hit vehicle in hull down position, full cover or rough ground (shrubs and rocky rough ground etc)
• - 1 moving target except Magach 7 and Merkava post 82. 
• - 1 firer moving except if gun stabilized
• -1 if moved firing ATGM
• - 1 APHE Armoured Piercing High explosive, SAPHC Semi Armoured piercing High  Explosive, APCR Armoured Piercing Composite Rigid  vs ERA or Blazer armour. 
• + 1 short range under 12 inches
• + 1 firing at rear
•  +1 recoilless rifle if spotting round fired previous turn (eg recoilless M40 rifle with rifle round)  
• +1 APDS Armoured Piercing discarding sabot. 
• +2 APFSDS Armoured Piercing Fin stabilised discarding sabot. 
• + 1 Elite crew
• - 1 poor crew

Armour 

Effectively the armour values are still rated from A to F, A being highest rating, Each vehicle has variants of additional armour that may be added. Main battle tanks fitted with Blazer or ERA armour upgrade receive better protection. All modifiers are listed in the main battle tank or the armoured vehicle in the lists.

Blazer spaced armour. A negative 1 on the D6 damage roll for vehicle, ground mounted anti-armour weapons, guided missile, and hand held anti tank weapons. 

ERA armour. A negative 1 on the D6 damage roll for vehicle, ground mounted anti-armour weapons, guided missile, and hand held anti tank weapons.  RPG can only cause heavy damage and disable a Tank, not destroy vehicle unless it is at point blank. 

Fuel 

A optional rule we use is fuel type as we tend to play linked games in a small campaign. Early in the wars petrol was common particularly in the Sherman’s, M48a1, M48a2 and the armored cars, then diesel motors then became more common by Yom Kippur. Petrol motor vehicles and tanks have a -1 value on the armour chart, later in the wars due to the problem of even a light hit by rpg or bazooka can lead to a catastrophic kill. 

Campaign effects 

When playing campaigns we like to record MBT losses, light damage return to action next game, heavy damage two games to repair, destroyed no recovery, however destroyed vehicles become Propaganda Victory point to opposing player. 

Aviation  

Major changes for aviation compared to normal Rapid Fire. The jet age was in full swing, and some prop aircraft were in use for artillery spotting and target acquisition plus ground attack role. Air superiority was a major factor however so was anti aircraft missiles. I am a big fan of jet aircraft and possibly have too much really for the games we play. I also enjoy commando type operations or reserves arriving via helicopter so to give that uncertainty I like to roll for their arrival and ability to be shot down or driven off.  

Air Sorties

The air war was mixed with results of local or sector control, and I like to have air superiority rolls for each turn therefore I use these rules five dice rolls commence at the beginning of each game. This includes helicopter support, helicopter assaults, spotter aircraft, ground support and fighters. You require four coloured D10 dice for this, or roll separately for each type.  

Types 

Prop driven Fighter.

Prop driven fighter bomber 

Jet Fighter 

Jet Fighter bomber 

Bomber

Spotter 

Helicopter attack ground support 

Transport helicopter 

Rules 

• Roll 1 - Scenario attacking side Roll a D 12 this is your number of sorties possible. Allocate your aircraft types and number of each type. Single or multiples of type may be taken ie two fighters,  three fighter bombers, three helicopters, four fighters etc. 
• Roll 2 - The Attacking side uses a D10 or D12 (depending upon scenario length) for each aircraft type in support. The Dice should designate a colour ie Red fighters, Blue ground support, white helicopter, green artillery spotter, black bomber or roll separately for each aircraft type. The attacking player then rolls the allocated D10s, each number corresponds to the turn the aircraft may be over the table to support the ground troops. Mark this down on a piece paper 
• Roll 3 - Defending player rolls a D10 only, this is your sorties available. Allocate your aircraft types and number of each type. Single or multiples of type may be taken ie two fighters,  three fighter bombers, three helicopters, four fighters etc. 
• Roll 4 -  The defending player then allocates aircraft type. Rolls D10 in corresponding colour, this is the turn arrival of air support. Mark on paper
• Roll 5 - Players compare notes, turns may occur were opposing aircraft meet, then follow these guidelines 

Air Superiority Guideline 

This is used when each side rolls the same arrival sortie. 

• Fighter vs Fighter - D10 roll highest wins if difference more than 8+ enemy fighter shot down, no more fighter sorties unless two fighters elected in Air support. 
• Fighter vs bomber - D 10 roll highest wins, on 6 plus by  bomber shot down, no more sorties from that aircraft type unless two elected. If failed the bomber may drop bombs on ground target. 
• Fighter vs Fighter bomber - D 10 roll highest wins, on 8 plus fighter or fighter bomber shot down, no more sorties from that aircraft type unless two are taken of that type Fighter bomber May drop bomb or fire rockets at ground target if it is successful in the combat. 
• Fighter bomber vs fighter bomber D 10 roll highest wins, on 8 plus fighter or fighter bomber shot down, no more sorties from that aircraft type unless two are taken of that type. Fighter bomber May drop bomb or fire rockets at ground target if it is successful in the combat. 
• Fighter/fighter bomber vs spotter - fighter rolls a D10, shoots down spotter on 7 plus, other result the spotter is driven off otherwise. The Fighter bomber May drop bomb or fire rockets at ground target if it is successful in shooting down the spotter. 
• Fighter/ fighter bomber  vs Helicopter - fighter vs helicopter, helicopter shot down on a 6+, if not shot down the helicopter is driven off. Fighter bomber May drop bomb or fire rockets at ground target if it is successful in the combat. 
• Ground attack Helicopter vs ground attack Helicopter shot down 6+ ,  if not shot down the losing helicopter is driven off. Helicopter may fire rockets or machine guns ground target if it is successful in the combat. 
• Ground attack Helicopter vs transport Helicopter shot down 5+ ,  if not shot down the losing helicopter is driven off. Helicopter may fire rockets or machine guns ground target if it is successful in the combat and has them. Transport helicopter may drop troops if not shot down. 

Aircraft Movement 

In a turn a aircraft arrives on the players table edge then must fly from that point to the target, we have limited prop aircraft and helicopters to speed, so they will be over the table for two turns in some cases to reach the point of entry to the target. Jet aircraft have full table entry and exit ability in one turn but must enter from your own lines to attack the target flying directly over the enemy anti air or ground fire which had the option to shoot down or drive off the air attack. 

Anti Aircraft fire 

The period seen a huge growth in anti aircraft ability for foot troops and an anti air umbrella. Four types of anti aircraft fire for the Arab Israeli Wargame rules. 

• Infantry Fire - Infantry battalion fire can use personal weapons on low flying ground attack aircraft, attack helicopter’s and transport helicopters. Roll a D10 on the roll of 9 aircraft driven off, on a D10 possible kill. 
• Heavy weapons on vehicles - roll a D10 on the roll of a 9 aircraft driven off, on a 10 possible kill. 
• Dedicated anti aircraft cannon systems ground or self propelled. Roll per Barrel a D10 on the roll of a 9 aircraft driven off, on a 10 possible kill.
• Missile system - roll a D10 on the roll of an 7 aircraft driven off, on a 9 or 10 possible kill. 

If a successful hit is scored on a D10, roll a D6 

1-3 no effect

4 light damage, if transport helicopter must put down within 12 inches of strike

5 heavy damage trailing smoke, if transport helicopter must put down within 8 of strike location. 

6 spectacular destruction of aircraft, if helicopter all lives lost. 

Modifiers to result of D6 

-1 using non dedicated anti aircraft weapons if target aircraft fast jet. 

-1 if firer is target of aircraft attack 

+ 1 if second missile fired at enemy aircraft that turn 

+ 2 if missile battery fired at enemy aircraft that turn (three missiles or more) 

Campaign effects 

When playing campaigns we like to record air losses, light damage return to action next game, heavy damage two games to repair, destroyed no recovery, but Propaganda Victory point to opposing player. 

Propaganda Victory points

The rise of media has also lead to propaganda victory’s, the news media sways public opinion which can lead to support for your cause,  cease fires or pressure from foreign nations or the UN. I have written some rules relating to propaganda victory points predominantly for campaign games but can be used in a regular game also to determine victory points. 

• + 2 points for a destroyed tank
• + 2 points for destroyed aircraft 
• + 1 point for each surrendered enemy company. 
• + 2 points enemy rocket battery 
• + 2 points for removing enemy commander 
• -1 destroyed buildings 
• -1 to damaged or destroyed ambulance 
• -2 destroyed or damaged hospital. 
• -2 refugee or civilian casualties. 

Conclusion 

Hopefully that has been of some interest, coming up are data cards and vehicles for each nation. 

Cheers

Matt

Mad March WIP 1

  The kit building commenced this week for my mad march entry on the Wargamers Forum. 

First up some 1/72 resin and plastic bits for my Egyptians and a Star Wars X wing Revell model. 

Resin Armo BTR 50 model

A had to add new plastic bits as the model I purchased second hand was knocked around not looking forward to the wire grips and fitting the resin tracks this weekend. 

ACE models BTR 50.

Like all ACE kits a bit of a challenge, single track links are driving me nuts, plus I need to add wire grab handles. 

ICM BTR60 

Lovely kit, lots of detail bits, careful when sanding as I broke sone of the finer parts.

Ural 375A radio truck 

Another ICM kit the Afghanistan four vehicle box, a little tricky so follow instructions, dry fit everything and you will be fine 

Hopefully all of these completed this weekend for the entry 

Cheers

Matt

Birthday Haul

  Last week was my 55th birthday, as a treat we visited the champagne district of France, we stayed in Épernay then visited a number of champagne house (17), Reims cathedral and Museum and managed three 1814 Napoleonic battle locations. When I returned home I had a number of packages awaiting pick up.

The most exciting was the Old Guard band by Warlord Games, some books on Stalingrad, French Indian war bits, French Waterloo uniforms, American airborne medics in Normandy, six T54 for my ongoing Egyptian project for Yom Kippur war, a new gardening trowel and sone zinnias for my garden. 

Very blessed with great gifts from Vanessa, Allison, Mum, and my mates. 

Cheers

Matt

Egyptian BM-13NMM Katiusha

 

BM-13NMM "Katiusha" 

Next unit for my Egyptian army is a multiple rocket launcher mounted on a American truck. I actually need to paint my BM21 Grad launchers too.

 I have only seen these in use for the 56 parades, they are listed in the 18th battalion but not used in combat use for 6 day war or Yom Kippur that I am aware of. I will use these in support of my infantry mechanised brigade.

The kit is from ICM models. The kit was missing the Armoured flash shield, I should actually build one!  

Cheers

Matt

Egyptian Army part 1 Transport

 Egyptian army 67-73 part 1 transport

First up some transport for my Egyptians, I have a mix of plastic, Diecast and resin models from grubby tanks, some 3d printed models. The plastic kit include trucks, APCs, midsole trucks, artillery, plus T55s, T34/85 and SU100. I do need to add some more detail bits to them, but good to get them done for our club games next month. 

First up my first troop transport trucks. 

Cheers

Matt

Yom Kippur Egyptian Order of Battle Operation Badr 1973

Yom Kippur War Egyptian Order of battle 

Egyptian Organisation 

The Egyptian army during the fifties and early sixties was based on the English model of Divisions, brigades and regiments. After the revolution in 1952 the country removed much of its ties with the old and drifted towards the Russian Divisional structure, and was fully changed over by 1965. Two armoured divisions, one mechanized division, four infantry divisions were the main force for the invasion.  

Armoured Division 

Structure was two or three regiments per division, each Armoured regiment had up to 31 tanks, with 3 companies per regiment,  each company 10 tanks per company, including a command vehicle for the company commander, the company operated in three platoons. 

Each Tank regiment had a company of one platoon of four  ZSU-57-2 twin barrel 57mm anti aircraft vehicles on a T54 chassis. The majority of the tanks were the T54 or T55 with infrared searchlights, (no white light was possible from these). The T55 were fitted with the latest Soviet stabilisers so they could fire on the move, some of the T54 were also were retro fitted. The 25th independent tank brigade had latest T62 tanks with three battalions, the 21st Armoured division in reserve had a mix of T34/85 and IS3M tanks. 

Mechanised Division

Structure of a division was 3 mechanized infantry battalions. A battalion was formed of 5 companies each mounted in btr152 personal carriers. The division armour was one battalion of 31MBT a HQ coy and three coys, the first and second coysT55 and T54 and the 3rd company was T34/85 (280 with upgrades).  Anti air assets had a Praga AA for the armour and towed assets 40mm bofors and russian ground mounted 30mm ZSU. A recon battalion in BDRM 1 or BDRM 2 and jeeps. A battalion of three companies of 6 tanks each were attached infantry Divisions and consisted of Czechoslovakian  SD-100 assault gun, (they had 148 delivered by 1956, the SD-100 is based on the SU 100) a anti tank company with 9M14 Malyutka sagger jeeps and towed recoilless 82mm were also attached to each battalion of infantry. Other division assets included a Signal company, military police, medical coy and engineer coy. 

Infantry Division 

Structure of the division 2 infantry battalions in trucks and two mechanised battalions along with one tank battalion of three companies a mix of T55, T54 and T34 tanks. 

Each infantry company consisted of a HQ coy and three rifle cots mounted in BTR152, Soviet RPD machine guns, Belgian bazooka, and B-10 82mm recoiless gun in the HQ. A battalion of three companies of 6 tanks each were attached infantry Divisions and consisted of Czechoslovakian  SD-100 assault gun, (they had 148 delivered by 1956, the SD-100 is based on the SU 100)

130th Amphibious Brigade 

This mechanized brigade was loosely based upon a soviet naval brigade. It had three company’s consisting of a BTR50pk and one of two companies of three PT76’s with an infantry platoon. At the start of the war the brigade had seventy-four BTR-50 or OT-64 SKOT armoured personnel carriers and 24 PT-76 amphibious light tanks.

Artillery (Muqhadem) 

The Egyptian artillery were supplied with soviet 122mm M30 or the 152mm D1. The HQ had a defence platoon, radio exchange and observer element and could be concentrated, six guns made up a battery and three battery’s made up a regiment 

Some armoured infantry artillery regiments were supplied the Frankenstein T34/122 Self Propelled 122mm mounted on the T34 chassis, with two battalions of 18 vehicles in each were in service. 

BM-11 and the BM21 rocket artillery (100 in service)

12 surface to surface misfiles were in service Frog 7 and nine surface to surface Scuds were also in service. 

The Soviet M240  heavy mortar is used upon the positions of the bar ev line, 24 were in service 

Air defence 

Sam 2, Sam 3, self propelled Sam 6, handheld Sam 7, and ZSU 23/4 

12 Commando battalions also took part in the offensive and were divided amount various divisions. The played a reinforcement roles after the Israeli counterattacks successfully crossed the Nile. 

The second and third  Egyptian armies on the Bar Lev line had SU152 in static dug in positions for anti tank positions after the capture of a number of positions. 

Order of Battle Operation Badr

General Command – Anwar Sadat, President of Egypt

War Minister and Commander in Chief, Ahmad Ismail Ali
Chief of Staff – Saad Mohamed Al Hussani Al Shazly

2nd Field Army, General Saad Mamoun/Genl. Abd el Munem Halil.

2nd Infantry Division, Brigadier General Ali Hassan Abu Saada:

4th Infantry Brigade
117th Infantry Brigade
120th Infantry Brigade
24th Armoured Brigade (attached from the 23rd Mechanised Division)

16th Infantry Division, Brigadier General Fuad ‘Aziz Ghali: (Chinese Farm)

3rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade
16th Infantry Brigade
112th Infantry Brigade

18th Infantry Division, Brigadier General Abdel Rab Al Nabi Hafez: 

134th Infantry Brigade
136th Infantry Brigade
15th Independent Armoured Brigade (attached and equipped with T-62)

135th Infantry Brigade (assault force for fort Budapest) brigadier General Salah Abe el-Halim

128th Sa iqa Commando battalion 

Six T34 with flails  

Six OT 64 skot

21st Armoured Division, Brigadier General Ibrahim Oraby 

1st Armoured Brigade

14th Armoured Brigade (detached initially)

18th Mechanised Brigade

23rd Mechanised Division, Brigadier General Ahmed Aboud el Zommer :

116th Mechanised Brigade

118th Mechanised Brigade

129 Commando Brigade 

182nd Parachute Brigade

3rd Field Army, Major General Mohamed Abd El Al Monaam Wasel

Chief of Staff - Maj Gen Mustafa Shaheen

Chief of Artillery - Maj Gen Munir Shash

7th Infantry Division Brig Gen Ahmad Badawi Said Ahmad 

2nd Infantry Brigade 

11th mechanised Infantry Brigade 

8th mechanised infantry brigade  

19th Infantry Division Brig Gen Yusuf Afifi Mohamed

5th Infantry Brigade 

7th Infantry Brigade

2nd Mechanised Brigade  

 4th Armoured Division Brig Gen Mohamed Abd el Aziz Qabil

2nd Armoured Brigade T34/85 & SU 100

3rd Armoured Brigade

6th Armoured Brigade  

6th Mechanised Division Brig Gen Mohamed Abul Fath (southern reserve Suez Canal) 

22nd Armoured Brigade (attached from the 7th Mechanised Division)

113th Mechanised Brigade 

1st Mechanised brigade 

Commando battalions

130th Independent Marine Brigade, Col. Mahmud Sha’ib (northern sector) 

At the start of the war the brigade had seventy-four BTR-50 and some OT-64 SKOT armoured personnel carriers and 24 PT-76 amphibious light tanks

Commando battalion 

30th Independent infantry brigade Col. Mustafa el-’Abassi 

Brigade is tasked with capturing Fort Lahtzanit

Two battalions of infantry

One company of commandos 

25th Independent Armoured Brigade Col Ahmed Helmy Badawy 

96 T-62 tanks

GHQ Reserve, 1st Field Army (West Bank of the Nile)

3rd Mechanised Infantry Division

21st Armoured Division T34/85 and IS3M tanks

Republican Presidential Guard “Brigade” (divisional strength):

Also included:

3 Parachute Brigades:
Western Command (Libya Border) & Southern Command (Aswan/Nile Valley/Sudan Border)
3 Armoured Brigades
2 Mechanised Brigades

Egyptian Air Force 

104th Air Wing 

3 squadrons of Mig -21MF

26th squadron interceptor 

Mig-21 F13 (black raven with a white ’26’ on at least two of their MiG-21s)

Cheers

Matt

1. 350 T-54s were ordered in 1960 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1961 and 1966 (the vehicles were probably from Czechoslovakian production line). 150 T-55s were ordered in 1963 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1964 and 1966. Egypt lost 820 vehicles in the Six Day War  including 82 T-55.  
2. 800 T-54s were ordered in 1967 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1967 and 1972 (some of the vehicles were probably from Czechoslovakian and/or Poland production line). 550 T-55s were ordered in 1967 from the Soviet Union and delivered between 1969 and 1973. 50 T-54s were ordered in 1972 from the Soviet Union and delivered in 1973 (the vehicles were previously in Soviet service).

Praga 53/59/70 30mm Anti Aircraft gun - NB models kit review

Praga 53/59/70 30mm AA Lizard

History Praga 53/59

The Praga M53/59 was developed post ww2 and entered service in 1959, mounted on a armoured cabin, the cabin armour was quite thin 10mm on the front and 6mm on the sides making it small arms fire proof only. The vehicle was the Czech V3S 6 wheel drive truck chassis. The chassis, engine and electronic components were upgraded and improved in 1970, these vehicles became the M53/70. Further electronic additions were added in the eighties so electronic air tracking was available via connection to a battery command vehicle using the M85 Zirafa radar allowing it to remain in service for some time in the Czechoslovakian army until 2003. A large number of both models were exported during the Cold War and quite a number still remain in a number of armies today. 

The 30mm cannon was originally designed by Bruno for the kreigsmarine during ww2 as a submarine anti aircraft design. The Czechoslovak designation was the 30mm PLDvk viz.53. The top mounted magazines for the gun held 50 rounds, however weighed a hefty 85 kilos when fully loaded. The guns had a practicable rate of fire of 150-200 rounds per minute, AA effective range was 3500m and on ground targets 2000m. The gunner had optical sights only and manual trigger and hydraulic assisted traverse and elevation, until the 1980s when the upgraded system appeared for targeting. The twin guns could also be dis-mounted from the chassis into a fixed ground position. The vehicle had a crew of five, Commander, driver, two loaders and a gunner, and normally operated in a division of 6 vehicles, plus a command vehicle for the battery of two divisions. 

The Praga had the nickname the lizard due to its code name during its development and was widely used in the ground role during the Yom Kippur war and the Yugoslavian wars, where Praga became the nickname for all anti aircraft SP cannons. 

Review NB models Praga 53/59

A superb offering of the Praga 53/59 30mm SP AA gun by NB models. This is the 1/72 version, there is also a 1/35th scale available too. 

A very crisp 3d print with very little clean up, a bit of light filing and sanding where the supports were, predominately on the underside of the pieces and on the back of the Gun. A little sanding and it was ready to assemble. Assembly was simple and straight forward and  every thing nicely together with no problems, I used super glue gel for assembly giving me time to square up wheels and the gun assembly.

My only critiques are, I would of liked the tyre treads on the wheels to be more detailed, a posable gun for the deployed AA role with removable and spare ammunition drums plus the racks and finally the crew compartment to be open so I could add crew, a gunner and loaders. 

I will mount this on a base to prevent it being knocked about whilst it is on the game table as I can see the mirrors and rear steps becoming detached quickly.  I also left off the clear canopy for painting as it can easily be placed after painting. One will join my Egyptians the other my Iraqis, and I will possibly get them painted before Christmas! 

The Praga 53/59 NB models kit fully laid out, a very crisp kit

Cabin detail is excellent, a few delicate parts…. A few bits to clean up but overall great

The NB models Praga 53/59 Guns and cabin front, the light mounts and mirrors are superb

NB models Praga cabin side, the tools are superb, as are the lights, handles and mirror

The Armoured glass cupola and gun sight…. 

Cheers

Matt 
References 
AK interactive- vol III Arab revolutions and border wars. 
You tube training clip of the Praga 53/59 
Praga 53/59 walk around 
Yugoslavian wars use 

Egyptian Army Part 1 Infantry

 Egyptian Army 1967-73 -Infantry 

The infantry for this project are from Elhiem miniatures. The figures are from the middle eastern range which will work for most middle eastern nations during the period. They have a good variety of poses and I am really happy with my results. 

Painting guide Egyptian Infantry Arab Israeli wars

I have researched the uniforms and decided to go a little darker than the sand colour recommended in battlefront fate of nations guide. I use a black undercoat, a base colour, the wash, then Highlight the same colour. 

Flesh Vallejo dwarf flesh, highlight about 10% elf flesh, Warpaint brown flesh wash. 

Tunic and trousers Vallejo panzer aces French tanker uniform

Webbing AK khaki webbing

Helmet Vallejo Russian uniform

Wood Rifle Furniture Vallejo mahogany

Weapon metal work Vallejo German grey 

Boots Vallejo German grey 

Support weapons and RPG is Vallejo German camo green

Airborne Berets Vallejo dark red, then blood red highlight. 

The grass tufts are my own using either Noch or faller flocks. 

I am really happy with these chaps and they will also double for my Iraqis. 

1st Motorised regiment

The motorised truck units had a structure of ; One  HQ company and two rifle companies and one support company. I have 6 trucks almost completed for these chaps, plus two command Zil 157 vans. I also need to print some Soviet jeeps for the Sagger crews to complete the regiment.

1st Battalion

2nd Battalion 

Armoured infantry battalion 

I need to add a sniper to this battalion and some heavy weapons. I am having trouble finding a decent order of battle for these with conflicting sources for the structure of the battalions. I have followed the Russian structure for them. A HQ and two rifle companies, with two in the BTR 152 or BTR 50. I have ordered extra vehicles so I can depict 1967 and 73 formations. 

Airborne battalion 

The Egyptian airborne infantry chaps need a few more figures to complete them, this will include some head swaps to get more variation and radio op and heavy weapons. I need to do another order with elhiem shortly. 

Cheers

Matt

Arab-Israeli War project

As the 50th Anniversary is coming up in a bit over a year and a half,  I thought I had get my finger out and complete my Arab-Israeli war project over the next twelve months. I currently use Able Archer for my rules and have played a few games back in Australia with my collection, but Fred and I mostly played with armour rather than much infantry and air cover. Now I have decided to complete my Israelis over the next two months or so. I then basically need to build all of my Egyptians and Syrians, I predominantly have all of the figures purchased and all of the vehicles, plus most of the aircraft,  I just need to crack on and paint it all.

The Plan

I want to build decent sized battlegroups for both the north Golan heights and the south that can be used for the 67 war and the Yom Kippur war in 73. The Egyptian and Syrian infantry and armour could also be used for other middle eastern nations as subs. I will probably use Able Archer modern rules based loosely of Rapid fire.

Israeli Army

M60 A1 btn of 6 tanks

M48 a3 Btn 6 tanks 

AMX 13 recon coy 2 tanks 

M50 and M51 Sherman two coys of 4 tanks

M5 battalion 

M113 half battalion

AT coy jeeps armed 105mm recoilless

1 motorised battalion inf

1 armoured battalion inf

1 parachute battalion 

188th brigade Golan Heights

M48A3 battalion 4 tanks

Centurion Sho't Kal 105mm x 4

2 paratroop battalions

1 SF coy

artillery battery armoured 

jeeps and trucks

Air support

1 A4 Skyhawk

1 F4 phantom

1 Iai Kfir

2 huey choppers 

Egyptian Army

T-55 battalion 7 tanks

T-62 battalion 7 tanks

armoured recon battalion PT76

2 battalions armoured infantry BTR 152

1 battalion motorised inf trucks

1 commando battalion

Air Support 

MIG 21

MIG 17

Syrian Army

7th Inf division elements

T55 tank batn 9 tanks 

2 inf battalions in BTR 152

artillery battery

Republican Guard independent 70th Armored Brigade

T62 battalion 9 tanks

BMP 1 armoured Inf Regiment

Artillery battery

Anti Tank battery

Air Support

Mig 15

SU 22

so quite a build. I hope to get the Israelis completed this year I hope

cheers

Matt

#30daykitchallenge part four

 Wrap up

Well thirty days of putting 1/72 kits together, completely over it actually, still have ten kits to go that have been started up to three years ago, but very happy with my results. A total of 56 kits assembled ready for undercoat, I hit my goal of 50, but run out of steam in the last week. 

Ok so more resin and plastic plus a few metal guns 

Airfix scorpion, the tracks were a pain in the A

Wespe resin Dutch Paag trekkers, fiddly kits

Mirage 2000 a nice fitting Helier kit

Skyhawk starfix kit a very old kit 

T55 enigma a mixed resin and plastic kit

DD Sherman’s Britannia I think 

SHQ 15cm Howitzer 

T-62b Britannia for my Egyptians 

Para motorcycles 

PT76 plastic a very nice kit for my Egyptians 

Airfix bofors 40mm for my Dutch 

More T-62b these need the Syrian upgrades 

British airborne locust and 6pdr SHQ

Britannia Churchill funny, I want to scratch build the which and add cable after painting 

Airfix Buccaneer awaiting pilots 

Total 25 kits 

Cheers

Matt