looks at another D-Day: German set for Flames of War.
For a limited time only, we're making your options even better, if you're wanting to expand into Bolt Action Tank War. Launch into epic Armoured Fury clashes with some of our favorite AFVs.
In Tank War, you organize your Armored Platoons around three vehicles: your commander and two others. For a limited time, if you choose three or more from the following vehicles, you'll get a great start to your forces with 20% off!
Note: While this deal is on, these vehicles will be temporarily removed from our usual Wheels of Steel 10%-off promotion.
Panzer IV D
The Panzer IV was the only German tank to earn the distinction of fighting from the beginning to the end of World War II. The mechanically reliable tank was the backbone of the German war machine throughout the war, despite the heavy Panther and Tiger tanks often getting all the glory and press.
The Ausf D variant was the first real production model – with over 200 being built between 1939 and 1941. Remaining in service until 1944, the Pz.Kfw IV ausf D featured new front-hull plate design (harking back to the design of the Ausf A) to accomodate the return of the hull-mounted machinegun and a new external gun mantlet.
Panzer IV F2/G
The F2/G variant was equipped with the long 7.5cm KwK 40 L/43 main gun as a direct result of the emergence of the Soviet T34 tanks on the battlefields of the Eastern Front and dominating most of the German armor.
The long-barreled gun was due to be installed into the Ausf. G version, but events in the east brought that plan forwards. The F2 was more than a match for Soviet and British tanks of the time – and the British were to refer to the new German tank as the Mark Four Special, out of respect for its performance against their armored formations in the Western Desert campaign.
LVT Buffalo
The LVT4 Buffalo was an integral part of the U.S. Marine operations in the Pacific campaign (and also used by the Commandos in Europe!). This amphibious troop carrier could carry 30 troops ashore, and mounted a pair of .50-cal machineguns to return fire against the defending Japanese!
Why not take this opportunity to pick-up one (or three! or more!) of this icon of the Pacific campaign, in preparation for the release of our Empires in Flames Theater Book for Bolt Action?
Marder III Ausf M
The Marder III was one of a series of German tank destroyers built on the chassis of the Czech-designed Panzer 38(t). Produced from 1942 to 1944, they served on all fronts until the end of the war.
Even in the early stages of Operation Barbarossa, the Wehrmacht was aware of the need to field a more mobile and more potent anti-tank weapon. This need was further highlighted when, in June 1941, Geran anti-tank shells failed to penetrate the armor of new Soviet tanks such as the T-34 and KV-1.
The Marder III was armed with the 75mm PaK 40 anti-tank gun. This was the final variant of the Marder series, and was a significant improvement over previous models, with its lower silhouette, sloped armor, and much more functional fighting compartment. This superb resin-and-metal vehicle comes with two crewmen.
Humber Scout Car
When Daimler couldn't keep up production of the Dingo, Humber stepped in to build their now iconic vehicle. It was used primarily by British armored units for scouting or liaison duty, and was armed with a Bren mounted to the roof that could be operated from inside the vehicle if necessary.
Production of the Humber continued throughout the war – and the vehicle was featured in the classic movie A Bridge Too Far – in which Brigadier J.O.E. Vandeleur, played as he was by Michael Caine, sat atop his Humber Scout Car as he leads XXX Corps to relieve the Airborne forces in the ill-fated Operation Market Garden.
J.O.E. Vandeleur is included in our boxed Humber Scout Car set!
Valentine II
The Valentine Mk II appeared in 1941, and around 700 were built. Armed with the QF 2-pounder gun in a two-man turret, its low silhouette made it less of an easy target for enemy gunners – especially when compared to the taller U.S. tanks such as the M3 Lee and M4 Sherman.
The Valentine was a very dependable tank, easily capable of running 500 miles without much maintenance – Valentines of VII Royal Tank Regiment crossed 3,000 miles of desert before arriving in Tunisia!
The Valentine was extensively used in the North African Campaign, earning a reputation as a reliable and well-protected vehicle.
Autoblinda AB-41 Armored Car
During World War II, the Autoblinda AB-41 operated in North Africa, the Balkans, Italy, Hungary, and on the Eastern Front. It proved highly suitable for reconnaissance, escort and security duties. The AB-41 could be quickly adapted for operation on any terrain. Sand tires could be fitted for desert work, and it could even run on railway tracks.
Armed with a 20mm Breda gun, and backed up by a co-axial machinegun and a further machinegun mounted facing rearwards. It also featured a secondary driving position, which allowed the driver to quickly switch seats and get out of harm's way.
The iconic-looking vehicle also served the German armed forces well – after the Italian armistice, the Germans captured over 50 AB-41s and went on to build a further 120, giving them the designation Panzerspähwagen AB41 201(i)
