Blitzkrieg Miniatures have just released a host of small armoured fighting vehicles on the world, in this case three for the allies and three for the axis. Chances are even if you don't know the name you may have seen Blitzkrieg's work before as they supply AFVs and soft skins to many companies including Perry Miniatures.

The first of the vehicles is the M3 'Stuart' production of the vehicle started in March 1941 and continued until October 1943. Like its direct predecessor, the M2A4, the M3 was initially armed with a 37 mm M5 gun and five 30 cal Browning machine guns: coaxial with the gun, on top of the turret in an M20 anti-aircraft mount, in a ball mount in right bow, and in the right and left hull sponsons. Festooned with machine guns it's a great fast anti infantry vehicle for the North African Conflict.

The second variant is the M5, it was named M4 in testing but changed on production to not be confused with the M4 Sherman. The core reason behind the development of the M5 was probably the rapidly growing demand for radial engines, which were in short supply. The vehicle required a lower temperature starter, was quieter and more compact, freeing space inside because of the lower drive shaft. It also benefited from both simplified maintenance and training and 2000 were produced between February and December 1942.

Finally the M5A1 the second production version of the M5 was mainly an improvement in the radio communications, as such the most distinctive change is the turret to allow the extra equipment to be fitted and the turrent .30 cal shifted forward meant it could be fired by the commander from the turret hatch.

The Allies aren't the only ones to be receiving reinforcements and the Italian desert war forces get a much needed boost with three vehicles.

The Camionetta Sahariana was an Italian reconnaissance car. The AS 42 Sahariana was developed by SPA-Viberti using the same chassis as the AB 41 armoured car, including its four-wheel steering, but with a 2x4 transmission specifically for desert operations, primarily in a reconnaissance role. Its origins trace back to requests stemming from units operating on the North African Front for a long range recce vehicle. Speaking of the Autoblinde (@warzan's favourite Bolt Action Vehicle) three versions are available. The AB 40.

Only 25 were made and saw action in southern France and Libya. But with their poor performance they were quickly supplanted by the upgunned Autoblinda 41/43

The majority autoblinde were the AB 41 pattern with 20mm cannon, but some 120 or so AB 43 were built by the Germans after the Italian armistice and continued to see service in panzerspah sections in German colours.

As you can see all of these resin kits are crisp and well detailed offering you an excellent way of getting these vehicles on the tabletop for your mid war gaming. All of these vehicles are ideal for the North African campaign and add a unique and distinctive look to your forces that mark them out from a more generic army, and as you would expect of a company that supplies to people like the Perry's, Blitzkrieg have captured these 1:56 AFVs perfectly, so why not enjoy the sun and sand for your gaming with these excellent additions.

Do you agree with Warren that the Autoblinda was the best AFV of the second world war?