1/1250 Blitzkrieg River Crossing Diorama

Description

This is my (probably over-ambitious) attempt to do an ‘animated’ demonstration of a 1940 German river crossing during the Blitzkrieg in 1/1250 scale. This is still a work in progress and I haven't printed every file yet. Scenario : The French are retreating and have blown the river bridge in the local town and are holding the far bank. The German commander has detached battlegroups to either flank to find a place to cross the river and outflank the French. Terrain : Each terrain tile is numbered according to its location. The first digit is ‘depth’ so 0 = German Rear Area, 1 = German Forward Area, 2 = River & banks, 3 = Far Side of River. The second digit is ‘width’ so 1 = Right Flank, 2 = Centre, 3 = Left Flank (all from the German perspective). Tiles are also given a time designator so an a,b,c etc is added to indicate that the tile should be replaced by a later version. Initial Set-up : A 3*3 layout with the blank river tiles in the centre [Tile 22] and plain terrain tile with poplars either side [Tile 12]. The plain terrain tiles are reversed on the other side to give a row of trees nearest the river bank. Move 1 : Reconnaissance elements of Major Bergmann’s battlegroup arrive at the riverbank looking for suitable crossing sites [Tile 12a]. (Also neatly crediting the excellent Bergmann range of vehicles mostly used in this scenario). In front of them they see a wide river lined by fairly steep banks but no sign of the enemy. Move 2 : Reporting back by radio, reconnaissance elements of Captain Centvrio’s Bridging Company are summoned to assess the area as a crossing site [Tile 12b (so replace tile 12a with Tile 12b)]. (Again, crediting the gorgeous Centvrio range of bridging vehicles). Move 3 : The area is reported as suitable for a crossing and the far bank is very similar to the near bank [use Tile 12 (no suffix)]. Bergmann’s Battlegroup moves up to cover the crossing : a composite tank platoon moves to hull-down positions on the right flank [Tile 21], an anti-tank section moves to positions on the left flank [Tile 23] and anti-aircraft moves up in support [Tile 12c]. Move 4 : The Battlegroup’s Infantry arrives at the crossing [Tile 11 & Tile 13] and Bergmann and his HQ along with the main units of the Bridging column arrive at the riverbank [Tile 12d]. Move 5 : An Infantry Platoon assaults across the river in Sturmboote to secure the far bank. [Tile 22a] Move 6 : The Bridging Unit commences building the bridge. [Tile 22b] Move 7 : The Bridging Unit completes the bridge. [Tile 22c] Move 8 : The Bergmann battlegroup starts to cross the bridge. [Tile 22d].

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