Unfinished Business: Quad Convoy Pt 2

Bit of a misnomer really, as this isn't just about a Quad convoy but a section of 25 pdr artillery. It's been a while since progressing this build as I had to order further models and then finish existing projects which I commenced in the intervening period. I won't discuss getting in the 'mood'.

For me to deploy a gun section I needed four kits to represent the battery in tow as well as deployed. This is particularly the case for these models as I wanted to show the deployed guns on the traverse plate which travels hitched underneath the carriage which is dropped when deployed with and the gun dragged back onto it for stabilization when firing and quicker traverse. As it happens, I have rarely seen the 25 pdr in this deployed configuration within wargaming armies.


The Airfix kit comes with crew figures of which I only intend using the single seated figure for each model. He would look ludicrous riding along on the gun at full speed when towed which is just another reason to have separate models for deployment. I wanted to have my guns look as actively manned as possible - hence the need to include the seated gunner.


I also observe that the Airfix kits essentially provides the Mk I or II variant of the 25 pdr (without muzzle brake). As my section is for winter 1940 this is ideal for me as the Mk III didn't appear until later in the war (1943).

The gun and ammunition trailer have been based separately to allow for variable positioning amongst table-top terrain. This is another reason why I'm no fan of Flames of War style basing conventions as for me, the fewer models or figures per base in this period of wargaming allows for more realistic posing on the table. On that subject, I am building sangers for each gun but on seperate base extensions for optional cover/concealement.


As this artillery troop is to support my emerging 'Jock' Collumn it represents elements drawn from either C or F (Sphinx) batteries of the 4th Royal Horse Artillery Regiment which supported the 7th Armoured Division in the winter of 1940. The 4th was raised from independent companies based in India in 1939. The third battery (G) had been pulled out of Egypt before the Italian push estwards and the remaining batteries were to go on firing in support of Operation Compass in December that year.

In marking my troop up, I have dispensed with the bridging numbers and have provided the 74 unit number as the premier artillery regiment for the division at that time. I have to say that in building this unit, it really was fun and it really has developed into something more than just a couple of supporting models. With the additonal models to depit 'hitched' and unlimbered variants and given the ten figure crew, this really has become for me a unit in itself. Next I will be 'kit bashing' the two spare Quads for a travelling and deployed observation section.