Hemmbalken beach obstacles

Hemmbalken, or log ramps, were employed on the Normandy beaches as obstacles for landing craft.

They were positioned with the ramp facing down to the beach, so that a landing craft would ride up the ramp and hit a mine or shell attached to the top end. It’s interesting to see how many wargamers make the mistake of setting them up facing the wrong way!

These log ramps from Early War Miniatures come three in a pack for £3.50, and are two part builds in white metal.

They’re straightforward and quick to fix together with superglue. Mine have been painted for quite a while, but as the EWM version doesn’t come with Teller mines I’ve got some 3D prints and added them today.

Really simple paint job of AK Field Grey Base with a Nuln Oil wash on the mines.

Now they look even more the part for Sword 80.