Today's release is a bit disappointing for us. We had planned to release 24 ANZACS in one release so that the gamer had the option of two sections of a platoon plus command and medic with casualty. This was all timed for Salute. However as the virus has pulled the wheels of everyone's life this will not now be possible.
However we thought that we would show you the sculpts as they are all done and we have been constantly asked to release the two packs which are now in the shop today.
The ANZACS are an interesting force as they had a superb reputation in their areas of operation as well as going through weapons changes over a short period of time. Initially the old WW2 vintage Owen SMG was used and much loved by the old hands. This was used by NCO's and scouts within a section. The riflemen used the British SLR. Once arriving in Vietnam the American M16 was introduced and started to replace the Owen. The M60 became the section LMG. Then came the introduction of the Blooper grenade launcher. Thus the weapons make for an interesting mix. Radios were the US AN/PRC-25 (AKA “Prick-25”)
Kit was a mix of ANZAC, British, and US kit with some in theatre modifications. One of the most obvious looks to the ANZAC soldier was the Jungle hat. These hats were from three specific sources. British, Australian and New Zealand as well as ones produced locally in theatre. They looked pretty much the same but were different. They also got 'changed' by the wearer as well as looking different depending on how the wearer wore it or the wearers head. If you look at original pictures soldiers in the same unit can be seen wearing the same hat but they are all shapes ad sizes. Then the brim gets folded up, or cut down. Or the top of the hat gets stitched down to show a shallow version. I happen to have an original British one from the period (which I use for gardening) and trust me it never looks the same each time I wear it.Thus we have modelled our guys to all look individual as we felt that was not only accurate but showed the true character of the ANZAC soldier.
The pictures below show the released figures in metal and those awaiting their chance to go into a mould in a few weeks or so.
Ladies and Gentlemen I give you the Empress Miniatures 28mm Vietnam ANZACS.
Cheers, Paul