Phil's Chieftain Armoured Squadron

Phil and his helmet

 Iron Maiden

Phil’s Iron Maiden British Armoured Squadron

Part 1: 8 October 2016

When I build a wargames force, I usually pick a theme and go ‘all in’. For me, the options for Iron Maiden were a mixed force with a little of everything, relying on having the right club in my golf bag for every occasion (and hoping each was in the right place at the right time), or Chieftains, lots of Chieftains.

Despite the temptation of all the wonderful stuff the British have, the Chieftains won. In part because a Chieftain force would be quicker to get finished, and once I had that, I could add other stuff as the mood took me.

My first draft had 11 Chieftains in three troops and the HQ, plus some support. Then I realised that another troop and I’d have a whole squadron painted, so I switched to 14 Chieftains! As I said, ‘all in’. Sure they have no support, but 14 Chieftains with Stillbrew (there’s no such thing as too much armour if you’ve got a big gun) they’ll make a mess of most things. Hopefully, they’ll do it fast enough to avoid too much trouble from pesky aircraft and helicopters.

Once the Chieftains are done (and they are a great kit to put together, so assembly and painting shouldn’t take too long), it’ll be time to add more stuff. The first up will be some Swingfire missiles, Scorpions, and an infantry platoon. The Swingfires are a must. Such an ugly looking vehicle firing gigantic missiles at long range sounds fun. The lack of armour just adds to the challenge. The Scorpions are just as vital. They are so cute and tiny, plus they’re one of the first tanks I ever saw. The PBI (Poor Bloody Infantry) are there because I’m an infantryman at heart, despite my love of tanks. A good solid infantry platoon gives the tanks a secure position to manoeuvre on or clears out terrain that would otherwise cause problems with nasty missileers hiding where my tanks don’t want to go.
Chieftain Armoured Squadron HQ
2x Chieftain Stillbrew

14 points 
Chieftain Armoured Troop
3x Chieftain Stillbrew

21 points
Chieftain Armoured Troo
3x Chieftain Stillbrew


21 points

Chieftain Armoured Troop
3x Chieftain Stillbrew


21 points

Chieftain Armoured Troop
3x Chieftain Stillbrew

21 points
Total 98 points
Once that lot’s done, there’s everything else. A couple of helicopters because they look so cool. Some Harriers because they’re jump jets. The rest of the mechanised company with machine-guns, and mortars for a little terrain clearing fun and lots of Milans annoying tanks. Oh, and more Scorpions, Scimitars, Strikers, and Spartans. Oh yes, I better not forget about the Blowpipes and Abbots, and maybe even some Tracked Rapiers and M109s eventually.

Iron Maiden