VBCW: Boy Scouts

When I started my VBCW forces, I made a BUF Youth Corps unit from Studio Siberia Boy Scouts. As it turns out, Hitlerjugend uniforms looked like Boy Scout uniforms with a side cap. (Note that they would also be perfect for a ‘Blackshorts’ Youth Corps.)

So I figured I’d make a unit of Boy Scouts for the Good Guys too.

 Studio Siberia has armed (Polish) Boy Scouts in their RCW range. They are available with several choices of head, so I just chose the lemon-squeezer style.

The troop leader has a hiking banner showing his authority, and identifying the Troop.

I went online to look up the colours for a 1930’s Scout uniform. The blue shorts make for a nice splash of colour.

 

There are two HMGs available, both Austrian Schwarzlosses: One is on a tripod, the other is mounted on a handcart. I had already used the other for the BUF Youth Corps, so I went with the handcart.

There was a third crewman with the BUF Youth HMG. He will be useful as an observer, a scout, or a runner.

I bought the figures directly from Studio Siberia, and the service was fast and friendly. They also sell single figures from sets if you ask. The figures themselves were cleanly cast with no flaws.

VBCW: BUF Youth Brigade

When I was starting my VBCW forces, I wanted something unusual. I decided to make a BUF Youth Corps unit. (I have no idea if there really was a BUF Youth Corps)

The Hitler Youth uniform looked very much like the Boy Scout uniform, so I used that as a basis.

Studio Siberia has armed Polish Boy Scouts in their RCW range, and they have a choice of heads. I chose the wedge cap to match those on the BUF uniforms.

The officer figure does not come with a separate head, but they included a spare so I could do the conversion myself.

The uniform colours are based on Hitler Youth uniforms.

There are a couple of Machine guns available: Both are Austrian Schwarzlosse guns, one on a tripod, and the other mounted on a handcart.

I bought the figures directly from Studio Siberia, and the service was fast and friendly. They sell single figures from sets if you ask. The figures themselves were cleanly cast with no flaws.

Women’s Battalion of Death

During the Great War the Russians formed fifteen all-female units for service on the German Front. It was felt that they would revitalize the Russian forces, and inspire the men to further valour. It is unlikely that any of these units was ever fully-equipped or recruited, although 500 women were sent to the front, where they saw no combat.

Like many other gamers, I don’t really care, I just want an interesting unit for my Russian forces.

There are two companies making suitable figures for this unit: I chose the figures from Studio Siberia Miniatures in Russia. Size-wise, both makers are about the same, but Siberia are far superior sculpts. They have a total of six poses plus a dog. (The Siberia website lists them as a pack, but they will sell any singles you want) I chose all-advancing figures for my unit.

They are not’sexy’ versions of normal soldiers as you often see in female gaming miniatures, these are sturdy peasant stock, and actually look like the troops in period photos.

They are cleanly cast, in good metal, and I have had several orders from them, shipped to Canada, with no problems whatsoever. 

The other manufacturer is Minifigs and they have two figures available. Their officer is quite nice, energetic and well-sculpted. I am not so fond of their charging infantry woman.

For more information: Wikipedia