Author Topic: Central American Banana Republics? (Read 6499 times)

answer_is_42 · « **on:** July 23, 2009, 10:04:22 PM »

Hey all,

I've been running this idea around in my head for, oh, going on three days now, and the little research I've done would suggest very few figure options. Basically, I'm looking for figures that could be used to represent revolutionaries, regular troops, American ‘advisors’, etc for games in Central/South American 'Banana Republics' (Honduras, El Salvador et al) in the 70's-80's. I’m looking for 28mm’s, as I want to be able to use Mongrel Miniatures’ new ‘European Mercenaries’ (which look perfect for such a setting).
I’ve pinpointed Eureka’s ‘Musorian Infantry’ as possible for regulars, but that’s about it. Although, really, I’ve very little idea what I’m looking for...

So, any ideas?

AKULA · « **Reply #1 on:** July 23, 2009, 10:25:02 PM »

Millions of figures options!

First of all have a quick game of Junta to get in the mood.

I'd recommend US weapons for "government" troops - the usual M16 for standard troops, MP5 for elite bodyguards, and even M1 Garands for militia. Rebels (presumably commies!) would be anything soviet. Drug dealers, could favour a real mix from G3 assault rifes to FNFAL, M16, Ak47, Uzis etc etc

Special Forces for US Interdiction - use...US Special Forces
Cubans advisers....use cubans....(or Mongrels Syrians)
Those Government troops - anything from WW2 Americans, to ARVN would be good.
Rebels - anything that suits - greater the mix of different companies the better - TAG, Mongrel, Mofo
Drug Cartel - guys in suits - Copplestone or Foundry Street Violence, guys in combats - use the TAG eastern Europeans!

Jeeps armed with .30 cals, antiquated tanks, blackhawks in the night.....

Poliorketes · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2009, 10:50:55 PM »

Take a look at Brigade games Banana Wars. It's 1930ies, but for guerrillas in the 70ies some minis might still work (perhaps with a weapon swap).

rjandron · « **Reply #3 on:** July 24, 2009, 07:06:12 AM »

You may also want to look at 28mm Vietnam troops, both US Army and ARVN as AKULA suggested. The uniforms and kit would not have changed too much from Vietnam to 1970s Central America. There would be a lot of mixed weaponry among the more ragged militaries, and either standardization on M16/M60 or AK/RPK for militaries which were sponsored by the US or Cuba/USSR.

Cowboy hats and wide-brimmed boonie hats seemed to be popular in the photos I saw in the era. So, you may want to do some conversion work.

answer_is_42 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 24, 2009, 11:14:57 AM »

Thanks guys, it would seem I need to think up a bit of background first (I'm still unsure as to whether It'll be a US or Soviet backed country). Anyone got an idea as to where I might find a figure to represent a president chap? Preferably with a large military hat...

white knight · « **Reply #5 on:** July 24, 2009, 11:35:32 AM »

Excalibur Miniatures?

Col.Stone · « **Reply #6 on:** July 24, 2009, 01:33:38 PM »

Here's a nice one from BTD, he's even got a cigar

Colonel General Katukov
http://www.blacktreedesign.com/uk/product.php?productid=24781&cat=2536&page=1

answer_is_42 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 24, 2009, 03:27:00 PM »

Quote from: Col.Stone on July 24, 2009, 01:33:38 PM

Here's a nice one from BTD, he's even got a cigar

Ah! Fantastic! Thanks for the link.

Do any of you chaps know a company that sells ARVN troops? They seem to be my best bet for government soldiers, but I'm dashed if I can find any...

v_lazy_dragon · « **Reply #8 on:** July 28, 2009, 12:08:49 PM »

Baker company does 2 packs, but that's about it. What you could do is use Nam era US infantry for the govermental forces, and the 1980's Mongrel USMC figures for the Advisors?

(Whilst you're on the baker co site, I can heartily recommend their Nam special forces figures, and some of the Viet Cong could work as Rebels as lots seem to be in floppy hats... Some of the local force figures would also work quite well)

http://www.bakercompany.co.uk/Store/Scripts/default.asp

answer_is_42 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 28, 2009, 02:45:08 PM »

Wow! Thanks for the link, I've never heard of them before. Do you know how their stuff scales up to Mongrel etc?

commissarmoody · « **Reply #10 on:** July 28, 2009, 04:43:59 PM »

IIf I was useing them to make a banana Republic I would use this ones from Bakercompany, USMC with M-14s, M-60s and M-79s with the SF being some kind of Para-commando force with some crazy macho sounding name. From my studies into south american SF units they usealy have some name like the Panthers or Cobra force or some such thing.

Also if you what a historical force you could use the Mongrel miniatures to represent Government forces in lots of countries dearing the late 70s and 80s. I think Honduras used israeli kit for its para troopers dearing the 80s, Nicaragua Guardia civil had Israeli uniforms and helmets before the Sandinistas took over.
Also you could us some of the cleaner, parade ready WW2 americans to represents the local police force. I have put lots of thought into doing this some time for myself

.

v_lazy_dragon · « **Reply #11 on:** July 28, 2009, 06:59:35 PM »

The Baker Co figures scale up really well to Mongrel, as they are both 'true' 28mm

Like commissarmoody, I have thought about doing my own project along these lines for quite a while!

BaronVonJ · « **Reply #12 on:** July 28, 2009, 07:03:28 PM »

Me too, just in 15mm using AK-47 Republic.

Chairface · « **Reply #13 on:** July 28, 2009, 08:04:38 PM »

Quote from: AKULA on July 23, 2009, 10:25:02 PM

First of all have a quick game of Junta to get in the mood.

Such a good game! One of my favourites.

Ernesto here recently came up on a recent Cuban Revolution topic and should fit the bill.

http://www.thewarstore.com/product43863.html

answer_is_42 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 28, 2009, 09:16:32 PM »

Quote from: v_lazy_dragon on July 28, 2009, 06:59:35 PM

The Baker Co figures scale up really well to Mongrel, as they are both 'true' 28mm

Awesome, thanks.
I suppose I couldn't really do a project like this without these chaps;
http://www.wargamesfoundry.com/collections/SV/3/index.asp
(bottom centre)

Lotsa good ideas, thanks for all the replies.

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