Axis and Allies: War at Sea Flank Speed

The next release in the Axis and Allies: War at Sea collectible miniatures game is now available and has already got me reaching for the fleet lists to see what is on offer. For the RN we at last see HMS Repulse (gonna need a pair of them!) and HMS Belfast (gonna need a pair of them as well!) as well as an S class destroyer and, best of all, a Flower class corvette. There is also a Martlet for the Fleet Air Arm. I have not mentioned the KGV as we already have one as do we the Leander class cruiser. The KM get the Schleswig Holstein (a really lovely model), an Elbing class TBD, U47 and best of all, a JU 88. This will give the RN something to think about! The Pacific stuff also gets some reinforcements - the Japanese especially do quite well - Nagato, Soryu and an Oi class cruiser is not to be sniffed at! The USN get an Intrepid class carrier and sundry other items including the Arizona - I can't quite figure the rationale behind that one though. The set also sees the first of the Russians and some extra bits for the Italians and the French. A full list is available through the forum on the WOTC site (although it may have changed slightly).

I am pleased as it means that the Bismarck North Atlantic Breakout will at last have some meaningful opposition. It also means that the German plan to send out Bismarck, Tirpitz, Scharnhorst and Gneisenau (Gulp!!) may also see the light of day..........................;-)