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Getting back into models after a long, long, long time.

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  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Winston, GA
Getting back into models after a long, long, long time.
Posted by Algol on Friday, February 11, 2011 6:18 AM

I'm now retired and served with Charlie Company 2nd Battalion 7th Cavalry 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. I was a sergeant in charge of an M-60 Machine gun squad (Grunts).

What I would love to do is create dioramas of what I saw over there. I have experience in dioramas as I dabbled in taxidermy for several years and am now an artist (oils and computer art).

Would love to get back into things and have my sights set on an 8-inch gun, M-110A1. But as luck would have it, I understand these are now discontinued. I have searched all over the internet to no avail.

Another pet project I would like to do is a complete Firebase (LZ Jeannie up in I-Corps area in a place known as "The Street Without Joy"). This LZ had six 105mm and was usually guarded by a single Company of grunts. I have an upstairs area to build it in and as it was a small LZ, at 1/35 scale it will take some room, but I do have it.

 

Jerry

  • Member since
    September 2007
  • From: Truro Nova Scotia, Canada
Posted by SuppressionFire on Friday, February 11, 2011 6:34 AM

Welcome aboard Sergent Algol!

The 8" gun was a tracked vehicle? If so there is a older kit in 1/35 scale.

The Firebase sounds like a great project! Dragon just released a newer kit of the 105mm gun that is getting excellent reviews.

I would start out smaller by modeling just one emplacement in a vignette before tackling the entire LZ.

Verlinden made really cool 'character' Vietnam soldiers in resin that will add life to your LZ. Check them out as they should be affordable as they are older sculpts.

Keep you head down, socks dry & you may just return States side one day! *oh you are home, well happy modeling!

 

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y211/razordws/GB%20Badges/WMIIIGBsmall.jpg

 

 

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Philadelphia PA
Posted by smeagol the vile on Friday, February 11, 2011 7:40 AM

Welcome to the forums and back to the hobby.

I was unable to find a M-110A1 at the shops I use but I found some links that may works for you.

Vietnam Figures, US and NVA

http://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagories/Scale_Figures/browse.php?s=0&t=5&pg=1&ppp=24&sb=stocknumber&so=a&era=7&ct=1&sc=35

http://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagories/Scale_Figures/browse.php?s=0&t=5&pg=1&ppp=24&sb=stocknumber&so=a&era=7&ct=15&sc=35

I couldnt find much that wasnt backordered for artillery or SPGs but I did find a small selection of Air cav in 1/35th

http://www.scalehobbyist.com/catagories/Model_Aircraft/browse.php?s=0&t=0&u=3&pg=1&ppp=24&sb=stocknumber&so=a&era=7&ct=1&sc=35

 

I hope that helps, and thank you for your service over there.

 

  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Poland
Posted by Pawel on Friday, February 11, 2011 7:41 AM

Hello Sarge, maybe you would like to check my web page about a Vietnam diorama here

It has some tips about building, and then if you look it up and spot any inaccuracies for me I would appreciate it. Good luck with your projects and have a nice day

All comments and critique welcomed. Thanks for your honest opinions!

www.vietnam.net.pl

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: A Spartan in the Wolverine State
Posted by rjkplasticmod on Friday, February 11, 2011 8:21 AM

Welcome to the Forums Sarge Welcome Sign.  Thank you for your Service.

Regards,  Rick

RICK At My Age, I've Seen It All, Done It All, But I Don't Remember It All...
  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: Democratic Peoples Republic of Illinois
Posted by Hercmech on Friday, February 11, 2011 8:46 AM

Welcome to the forums, welcome back to the hobby.  However more importantly I would like to pass along my thanks for your service and tell you...Welcome Home!


13151015

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Carmel, IN
Posted by deafpanzer on Friday, February 11, 2011 3:23 PM

Welcome Sign to the forum!  Thank you for your service.  M-60?  I'd love to try one of those... Big Smile

Andy

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Winston, GA
Posted by Algol on Friday, February 11, 2011 3:49 PM

Yes, I agree. That's why I want to do an 8-inch gun first. I'll tackle the LZ at a later date. I still have lots of photos of the LZ with bunkers, gear, artillery etc. It even had a small steel bridge over a shallow stream where we went to cool off.

Jerry

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Jefferson City, MO
Posted by iraqiwildman on Friday, February 11, 2011 3:50 PM

From one sergeant to another, welcome back to modeling and to this forum.

My unit was assigned to the 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry in Iraq in 2004. Helicopters frecking everywhere.

Did you do air assaults in Vietnam?

Working with oils before will really help painting figures and doing weathering.

Tim Wilding

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Allentown, PA
Posted by BaBill212 on Friday, February 11, 2011 3:57 PM

Welcome back to the hobby Algol

Quite a project you have planned.........  all the best with it.

Hopefully you will find all the proper ingredients,,  keep us posted

 

Bill

Enjoy the ride!

 

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Winston, GA
Posted by Algol on Friday, February 11, 2011 4:48 PM

Yes, so true, helicopters everywhere, Cobras, Loach, Slicks, Sh--t Hooks, and Cranes. Did 73 Combat Air Assaults (Charlie-Alphas). Never did like the Chinooks (see above as to what we called it), hated that blasted hot exhaust coming down from the engines due to the tail rotor, it's like walking up to a furnace up that ramp. Made the move south to War Zone D aboard a Caribou.

Also, need to welcome you home from Iraq as well, Garryowen.

Jerry

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