Peter Pig 15mm FT-17 Tanks

If you follow this blog, you know that our group plays a lot of WWII historically based scenarios using Flames of War rules. Every so often we do the esoteric early war period fight. This sometimes causes challenges, as we don’t always have enough of various tank types. The best example of this is the FT-17 (and its various types and descendants). This is a vehicle that shows up in a number of militaries during the war.

I decided I wanted to get a full company of these to cover the hole. As I wanted to use these for different armies, I opted to go with a nondescript gray green that would allow me to use them most anywhere. Being a unique tank design, no one will get confused what army they are supporting in a given scenario!

So, decision made, now I had to buy some. I looked online at the various options. I found most models to have some size issues (too big) or bad mould lines that would be hard to clean up without wrecking too much detail. I opted to go with Peter Pig, as these seemed the nicest to me. It also help that the pound/dollar exchange is good now, so the price ends up being very competitive.

I ordered ten of them online and awaited their arrival. They come in three metal pieces. You get the hull, the turret (you can order different types) and the rear trench plate. Three was very little clean up, so assembly was a snap with some super glue. I got them in about ten days and started working on them. Since I was going with a simple scheme and they are all metal construction, I figured I could crank them out.

I sprayed all the models with Vallejo Field Grey as a base coat and prime. I then hit the treads with a gray wet brush to show wear. A little brown on the muffler pipe. I hit the models with a black wash from GW. Once that dried I hit each area with a highlight of the base color and then wrapped it up with a tan drybrush all over. Since these are intended to be generic, I skipped decals. Most pictures of these show them without markings, so I think that works.

The next time we need some FT-17s for a scenario, we will be covered! I am happy with the models and glad I chose the Peter Pig models.

• Manteuffel