A Cromwell and Panzer Join in Plastic Bolt Action Battle
July 30, 2014 by dracs
Warlord Games have put out previews of a couple of new plastic tanks that will be coming out later this year to get you ready for the Tank Wars.
First up, the Germans will be getting the Panzer IV, described by Warlord as the workhorse of German armoured formations.
There are three assembly options in this kit; players can either build the Panzer with a short-barreled F2, or the long-barreled G. Alternatively, they can take the H with those distinctive schürzen side skirts. Whatever you may choose to model it with, the Panzer IV will no doubt be a welcome sight for any German tank commander.
The Allies aren't undefended though as the first test shots have appeared for the new British Cromwell Cruiser.
The Cromwell tanks were reportedly quite fast, meaning you will be able to bring these mechanical menaces to wherever they're needed.
If you can't wait for these though don't worry as the Panther Ausf. A will be coming out next week and Warlord have just put out a preview of its box art.
Which of these three tanks do you think is best? Can you tell us anything more about each of them?
Nice tanks can’t beat more nice tanks.
Great news, Plastic FTW !
That Panzer IV is tempting.
Panzer IV – the only tank that began manufacturing before the war that was still in production right up to the end, though it went through many models and the chassis was the basis of many other weapons. Cromwell – late war British cruiser tank, went like the clappers trading armour for speed Panther – another flawed big cat but nonetheless one that most Allied tanks preferred to avoid. The long barrelled 75mm was one of the best tank guns of the war. Panther’s weaknesses included overstressed transmission, lower mantlet shot trap on the A and D models (fixed on… Read more »
That Panzer VI is going straight on to my wishlist for when I start on Jerry.
Pretty much want them all. I dare say that will happen eventually. I think the Pzkpw IV will be useful addition to start with.
Good call, @hurscarle . Leaving aside for the moment which tank is “best,” what caught my eye in your post was “useful.” Especially since the kit seems to come with pieces for F2, G and H variants, these mid- and late-war Mark IVs can be used for the most amount of time and are the only one that can be used in all three “classic” theaters (Russia, Europe, and N Africa). F2 – fought in N. Africa with 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions, starting with real strength at Alem Halfa, August 42. G – First battalion-strength use started in Russia… Read more »
@oriskany I think the game will mirror real life and this model will be the main workhorse in a lot of tabletop forces. As you the amount of varients in the one box will cover most needs.
My actual favourite is the Panther. I already have the resin one but I will wait until the tank book comes out to see if I get him a hunting partner.
Certainly, @huscarle (hopefully I spelled your name right that time). If it’s a one-on-one comparison, “pistols at dawn” tank duel kind of thing, the Panther G hands down. 🙂 Just so long as the game doesn’t care about production cost or have any rules for mechanical breakdown (of course, on a real battlefield or realistic gaming table, if you pick Panthers . . . this is why you’re always outnumbered. 🙁 ) I’m wondering what the movement rate for the Cromwell is in Bolt Action. At this scale, and at the speeds Cromwells moved, that thing should just about be… Read more »
The Cromwell as far as I know is classified tracked with no special movement rules in the game. So it will move 9″ per turn or 18″ on the road. It does have a particularly effective gun when it comes to HE shells though.
The Panther is my tank of choice when I want to field one of the big boys. Although it is classed as a medium tank it’s frontal armour is equal to a heavy tank with a gun to match and it’s also cheaper.
I have just picked up the starter set looking forward to playing as soon as i have finished putting it all together and painting it!
I’m sticking with my panzer III J. Only because I’m cheap and I love my howitzers and mortars. Plus my puma, veteran grenadiers, pioneers……….