Crete Games

[Colonel Kilgore]

I've just emailed out Warning Order #03 to all those who have so far signed up for the playtest day in September.

If you were expecting a copy but have not received it, do please shout!

Simon

[Wardy64]

As it was dry yesterday, took advantage of the weather to spray Peter Pig and Flames of war British and Commonwealth figures for my 'digger' force for Crete. Twenty five pounders, Matilda's, and command will be done during the week, then on with the painting. Have dug out some other 8th army vehicles, to develop more of a British force for Ben and I to do a British v Italian PBI set up. The Italian tanks are taking shape, as are their support vehicles although the infantry are lagging behind!

Has anyone a picture of the Crete Olive Oil factory? Can't find one on line or in any of my books.

Dave and Ben

[Colonel Kilgore]

Dave,

I'm afraid not - will have to check my books again.

I did find this blogspot with a building they'd used for the Olive Oil Factory, which looks plausible: http://cirencester-wargames.blogspot.com/2018/12/crete-1941-week-6-attack-on-dzs.html?m=0

My guess is that no-one is going to argue too much with a substantial building - probably broadly rectangular with some Mediterranean tiles on top!

I'll post here if I find anything else.

Simon

[Colonel Kilgore]

How are other folk getting on with their Crete preparation (I know we have until September, so no immediate panic!)?

Simon

[Wardy64]

Simon
I agree a rectangle shape with the med tile look is about right.

Dave

[Wardy64]

Just starting the Flames of War 25 pounders, its a really nice box set with resin bases, forward observers, command and even a despatch rider with message. Will add in a few macho Peter Pig gunners to vary the crew.

Does anyone know if the Matilda tanks had any specific camo, or just a plain desert yellow?

Dave & Ben

[Colonel Kilgore]

There was a camouflage scheme (relatively subtle in black and white!) on the photos I've seen.

I'm struggling to insert links here, but if you Google "Matilda Crete" you'll see many of the images that crop up on books on the battle - looks like a bit of green sprayed over desert yellow to me, although others are no doubt better informed than me!

Simon

[Wardy64]

Hi Simon
Managed to find a colour picture, its sand/light green and an olive green. Not quite the 3 colour pattern used in the desert, given the terrain in Crete it must have been adapted!

Dave & Ben

[Colonel Kilgore]

Well, the first planned date in September may or may not go ahead as intended, depending on The Virus, but planning and preparation continue.

Thanks to Bob (Antioch) - he has posted today on the wonders of 3D printing - we should soon have Cretan buildings for Tables 1 and 3 (sorry Dave - the Olive Oil Factory is still with you!) and a rather fab bridge for Sean for Table 1.

How are others getting on with figures and scenery?

[John Watson]

Think I'm good for my share of desert rats. I have repainted the bases on all that I have and ordered a few extra figures which will get painted up if I can spare time from my busy schedule of thumb twiddling!

[Big Mike]

I have my Mountain (DAK) troops ready for the 3rd scenario. Colin and I are comparing notes on who has transports, guns etc.
For the terrain, I am experimenting with the winter snow fields converted to olive groves.
Simon, please remind me of the Valejo paint colour to use?

[Colonel Kilgore]

Michael,

The recommended basing colours are Vallejo Iraqi Sand, with some Vallejo Ivory dry-brushed, please.

I used this approach for my Western forces and terrain, and was pleased with the results.

Thanks!

Simon

[Stewart 46A]

I think I have enough 8th army to act as Australian and I have Matilda 2's. I halos have a pair of 25lb guns and tows if any body needs to borrow them.
Need to buy some German Paras , waiting to see if any new sculpts turn up.

Stewart

[Colonel Kilgore]

Need to buy some German Paras , waiting to see if any new sculpts turn up.

Likewise. Anyone on here know a good sculptor? 

[John Watson]

I have Afrika Korps, mainly in tropical green, which will pass as German mountain troops if required.