20 November 2023

It's All Greek to Me! (Part 3 - Bren Carriers done!)

 

As described in my previous post, I was indeed fortunate enough to get time to myself free from family responsibility this weekend and so I managed to get on with some more hobby.

 

The result? A pair of Bren Carriers for my Greek force painted up and ready for a little weathering, that will be done once all the vehicles in the force are done.

 

With their big/little brother, the FT-17. 

Prior to the Italian invasion of Greece in 1940, the Greek government seeing the crumbling political situation in the Balkans with Italy on their doorstep after taking over Albania petitioned many countries for arms and armour to prepare for a possible invasion. The UK promised to send over a large amount of tanks and munitions, but only came through (For many reasons, lack of time being one of the main ones along with having to supply their conflict in North Africa.) with a limited supply of extremely light pieces, including the excellent Bren Carrier. (I intend to add a Vickers mkVI light tank to this collection at a later date.)

 


That’s a brief history on these things. I found these 3D-printed models for a very reasonable price on Etsy. They came crew-less and “Bren-gun-less” though so I cut up some spare Soviet infantry as driver and gunner (Soviet helmets are close enough in style to Greek ones imo) and added the pintle mounted Bren-guns using a paperclip and metal casted gun by The Assault Group. (Looking at the models now, I realise I could have added a little stowage too – maybe something I’ll attempt at a later date.)

 


Like the FT-17, I went with a straight forward “green” scheme as that is likely the one they received them in upon delivery. I found this reference image online (The ONLY one I found) for markings, etc – simple stuff. Used the designation number in the pic on one and then a made up one on the second. Free hand is wobbly as usual, I think that’s more due to the expected degeneration of my eyesight (Darn you old age). LOL


You might notice that these two carrier models don't match! Thats because I didn't realise that the "great deal" I found was for a mk1 carrier and a mk2, not two mk1's as would have been delivered to Greece. No matter. They basically do the same thing. 


I'm pretty happy with how they came out and with these two done, I'm able to get on with the final vehicle in my planned Greek army - a captured Italian CV33 tankette. Although the following pic doesn't show it (As I took it prior to getting some paint on) there actually has been some paint applied, along with a wash. No idea when I'll get more time for hobby what with holidays impending though. 

Such a tiny tank, but so cool for it!

And with the Carriers done my Draxian Painting Chart gets a little more green! Encouraging stuff. 


No idea when the next update will be, or if that will be before the end of year. Regardless, I hope all reading this are well out there!

- Dai

21 comments:

  1. Excellent work on both Bren Carriers, and your converted crew and guns fit in seamlessly, you wouldn't know they weren't supplied with the vehicles. Hope you find some more time to carry on with this project soon mate.

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    1. Thanks Dave! Took a little extra work to get them ship-shape but I am mostly happy with how they came out.

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  2. When left without interruptions, you are very productive. Your latest vehicles look terrific. Hope you find some time to keep plugging away on this interesting project.

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    1. I try Jon, I try. Thanks for the encouragement!

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  3. Nice. Prince Phillip would have approved.

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    1. I like to think he would if he could have seen this stuff through his dementia prior to his passing. :)

      Cheers mate.

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  4. Fantastic. I love the research and the good job you made here. You certainly made the most of these!

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    1. Very kind of you to say so Suber! Here's hoping I can get some more done on this project soon.

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  5. They look good Dai and like others, I have my fingers crossed for you getting some more hobby time in the next 4-6 weeks prior to Christmas!

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    1. Kind of you to say as much Keith! Fingers crossed indeed!

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  6. The carriers are well done and the planned addition should be a grand finish. Here's to a couple good days to finish painting soon.

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    1. Thank you sir! Hope those days become available too.

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  7. Splendid work, Dai. Those Bren Carriers look the business, and great work fashioning some crew and guns from other sources. Looking forward to seeing your weathering once the rest of the armour are completed.

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    1. Cheers Simon! Enjoyed putting these together and I am happy enough with how they came out, so no complaints.

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  8. Nicely done Dai carriers look great, interesting approach to planning your painting schedule. I’m far to random to have a chart but it looks great 👍

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    1. It's something I took from an old blogger who sadly moved on from blogging. But it does help keep me motivated and organized, else, like you've described yourself, my hobby efforts end up rather haphazard at best and nothing gets finished. :)

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  9. Excellent looking universal carriers, conversion works really well and who doesn't like a tankette? What does the yellow box signify if green is finished?
    Best Iain

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    1. Well that’s me going ahead and forgetting to include the key again - doh!
      Green is complete. Yellow is Painting in Progress. Orange is assembled and primed. Red is unassembled/unpurchased.

      Thanks Iain!

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  10. I fully agree with the damn the old age and weakening eyes.
    Great job on the Bren carriers. Hope you’ve found some time for hobbies. 😀

    Happy new year!

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