1/48 Scale American Airmen figures_ ETO/Mediterranean

RedBird wrote:

After finishing a 1/48 scale P-47 I`m now seeking 1/48 scale piolt and ground crew peices appropratiely dressed for a ETO 8th A.F. and Mediterranean 15th A.F. air field diorama. My search has turned up a few German and British crews but no American. Secondly, my research pics show that the tarmac and runways were construted out of a sheet metal kind of decking...what is the correct name for this stuff and how do I best replicate it.  Any and all assistance is welcome. Thanks in advance.

The panels you're refering to are known as Marston Matting, or PSP (Pierced Steel Planking). Here's a source:

http://www.discountmodels.com/toms_model_works_48_aircraft.shtml

and another:

http://www.track48.com/products-hauler/index-hauler.html

Once upon a time I had a set of four resin USAAF ETO/MTO pilots in 1/48th scale, all in casual poses and different flight gear/headgear combos, but for the life of me, I can't remember the manufactuer.  I remember they came in a small camouflaged box with a photo of the finished figures on the front.  I'd like to say that they were Verlinden figgies, but I'm just not sure...  You can also look for the ground crew figures from Monogram's B-17, B24, B-25, B-29, and P-61 kits.   I've got a bunch of those guys, and they're quite good.  If you want to tell me what you want, and how many you need, I might part with a few... 

Thanks for giving me the correct name of the Matting as well as a source where I can aquire it! As far as the figures go I have no idea what is available so  it difficult to say however; since none of the fuselage panels are open figures  loading ammo are wrenching the engne are most likely out. Maybe ground crew handeling drop tanks, pilots doing a per-flight way-around etc.

Sounds good.

You got mail.

Many Thanks

RedBird.