15mm Sci Fi - Khurasan Red Faction Motor Rifle Platoon

The Red Faction range of miniatures was one of the first sets of miniatures I painted for 15mm Sci Fi well over a decade ago.  Since then I have changed as a painter, and I dare say have gotten slightly better at painting these ridiculously small soldiers.  In any case, I decided these guys needed a bit of an update (every model needs a makeover now and then).

Since I prefer the Stargrunt (and to a lesser extent the Tomorrow's War universe) I use these guys as Eurasian Solar Union regular army forces (vs GZG's own ESU Regular Army models, which came out years later).  These could also make an appearance in the Traveller universe as Terran Confederation forces fighting against the Vilani 1st Imperium.  Only half of the platoon is currently present.  The remaining are back at the barracks along with their associate tank company.

ESU forces patrol the vast tundra of New Siberia.

I added some highlighting to various areas where I could and gave them a light brush with Tamiya Weathering Pigments Light Sand.  This gave them a slightly worn look and tied a lot of the features together.   Ten years ago I did not do much in the way of highlighting, so this was a huge improvement.  

Lieutenant Sergei Vlassov confers with his Political Officer Lieutenant Nadya Petrova and Senior Sergeant Ivan Potemkin.  The platoon medical Droid, Sasha is always ready to assist wounded comrades.  The platoon technical officer also doubles as a field medic.

Squads are currently organized in a Tomorrow's War fashion, with the Squad Sergeant leading two fireteams of 5 men.  Stargrunt squads have a different loadout. 

Motor rifle troops are well equipped with AK-200 Assault Rifles and optical targeting systems.  Light composite body armor protects against shrapnel and light small arms fire.  Support weapons include the RPK-80 Plasma Gun and the RPG-100.

Sergeants are always ready to provide suitable motivation when the advance stalls.

The platoon is well equipped with heavy machineguns, snipers and a small mortar battery.

The platoon is equipped with BMP-5s, a rugged if unsophisticated combat vehicle, well suited to off-world environments.  ATGM teams deal with enemy armor with efficient AT-21 laser guided missiles.  Snipers are armed with the SVG-1 Gauss Rifle, suitable for engaging personnel and light vehicles.

Light combat mechs accompany the platoon when heavy armor is not available or the terrain would prohibit their employment.

I actually did camo on the snipers back then (first time ever).  It is hard to see.   :-) 

  

I could certainly do a better job today than ten years ago.  But everyone starts somewhere and it is often helpful to look back on previous projects to see just how far you have come skill wise.

Long live the People’s Paradise!