The first renders we have for today are of a much requested (primarily by one person) piece of German equipment. I am talking of course about the Lafette Tripod for the MG34 and MG42. This tripod was modeled by McGibs and skinned by Toddel.
The Lafette Tripod created a stable platform for the German MG34 and MG42 machineguns. Not only did this tripod take care of much of the recoil, it was also equipped with a scope for extremely accurate and sustained fire. The tripod (including MG42) weighed as much as 32 kilograms and required 3 to 6 people to move and operate. You can find the MG34 tripod on maps in 2.15 and the MG42 version will be available in Normandy.
Today's second render is of the German Nebelwerfer 41, made by K96.
The Nebelwerfer 41 (fog-launcher in English) fired six 150mm rockets, which each carried an explosive charge comparable to the projectiles of the 105mm howitzers of the time. The six rockets were fired in quick succession by the 4 man crew, which had to take cover from the rocket back blast in a small trench further away. Although a very potent weapon, the Nebelwerfer had a big drawback - the rockets it fired left a large smoke trail in the air, which could be visible from miles away. This meant that the Nebelwerfer batteries could only stay in the same place for a short time after firing, before the enemy artillery would have zeroed in on their position. When the rockets were fired they made a howling pipe-organ sound, which led the allied soldiers to nickname them 'screaming mimis'.
That's all for this week, but be sure to come back next time for another update. Until then, feel free to visit our IRC channel and our public forums to discuss this update and other news.
Nebelwerfers are awesome
Excellent... my favourite two German weapons from WWII... superb as usual guys...
I thought Nebelwerfer ment Smoke-Launcher. Oh well, now i know.
der Rauch is smoke, but what's funny is for smoke grenades and such, the Germans use the word Nebel, I guess because they conceal troops like a fog.
GREAT work guys!!!! Just love all the stuff from WW2!