Lead Adventure Forum
Miniatures Adventure => The Conflicts that came in from the Cold => Topic started by: CarlLeyland on December 09, 2015, 04:07:37 PM
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Hi,
I was wondering if the Alouette helicopter from AMERCOM magazine would be OK for Rhodesia? These can be picked up on ebay and maybe someone has used them? Any advice or tips would be good as I am no kit builder....this was my lazy option.
What other pieces of kit would you recommend for a start up Rhodesian force?
Thanks
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Hi Carl,
the Amercom Alouette looks quite nice, and being a diecast kit, will induce much less swearing than the Heller kits I used for mine. lol
Generally, if you want to do Rhodesia proper, Sandsmodels (http://sandsmodels.com/)do a nice-looking range of resin kits, especially useful for the more unique, homebrewed MAPVs. I haven't actually built any of those, but will definitely get a number of their Unimogs at some time.
In injection plastic, there are far less useful kits around these days. The AML armoured cars by ACE are getting increasingly hard to find and are no easy kits when it comes to assembly.
For civvy vehicles, I've mentioned the Oxford Diecast stuff, although they are quite short on the Japanese types which, AFAIK, were rather common in Rhodesia in the 1970s. Depends on how focused you want to be - one of the reasons I went "ImagiNation style" is that I wanted to use what I liked rather than painstakingly reconstruct a historical precedent.
Essentially, though, it should be more of an infantryman's war, and although I'm aware it sounds strange coming from me, one shouldn't overdo it in the vehicle department. That said, a flight of Alouettes dropping RLI troopers at the start of the game will certainly look the part.
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Thanks for the info Chris, it is good to know the helicopter will be acceptable...finding a door gunner etc will be a challenge but I may buy a couple anyway.
SandS do seem to have the Scorpions ( I have wanted one since I saw a pic on here). I also have an Oxford die cast bus on order which is I believe due to one of your pics on here...a pattern is emerging.
An imaginary nation may be the way I end up going as even google seems a little sparse on photos and the book list is not huge-the best source so far has been on here and the FoF Bush Wars book.
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Truth told a Bedford RL with a couple of sections of RR reservists, or two Landrovers and some Intaf guys, versus half a dozen 'Terrs' and you've covered about 95% of the actions in the War.
;)
The more sexy stuff was largely confined to cross-border ops and of course Fireforce. In 20mm Sands has or will have almost everything you need before long, they seem to have gone on board with this in a big way.
As you can imagine in a fifteen year conflict things changed... most of the unusual vehicles appeared from about '75 onwards, along with the Unimogs and Mazda trucks etc to replace the Bedfords. 'Plain vehicles' started to disappear from ops in about '74 after land mine use became a pandemic, rather than an occasional hazard. Even plain vehicles had doors removed and a 'lid' replaced roofs, so that blast wouldn't be contained in the cab.
JWH has a 'Rhodesian wargaming blog (https://johnwynnehopkins.wordpress.com/)' which is well worth a look. He was a subaltern in the RAR at the end of the war and has shared a load of pictures and other info. Nice guy and very approachable, as I'm sure Ash will confirm.
There are a few more guys out there with blogs relating to Rhodesia and their service, usually with loads of stories and photos. As with any vet, some tales are taller than others... but nevertheless well worth digging around for.
The 'Imagi-Nation' route is the low-drag option of course and does indeed give you a get-out as regards the hard-work (and it is hard-work). I'd offer the alternative of the ZDF in Mozambique's Civil War, fighting alongside the MPLA versus Renamo if you fancy something different, or even the 'Congo War' of the late '90s if you really want a diverse range of vehicles and forces to include.
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If you're serious about Rhodesia you need Peter Cooke's book Fighting Vehicles and Weapons of Rhodesia 1965-1980 http://www.rhodesia.com/book.html as it covers literally every variant of every vehicle and weapon system in use.
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Thanks for the pointers and especially the links Arlequin and Travelling man! It looks like this "period" will be the one I settle on....the Blog did it for me-and the SLRs on the figures, I used one of these back in the early 80's and it is so nice to see them well depicted in miniature.
The Bedfords will be easy enough to find as will the 25 Pdr but what crew would you use? I did not see any on the Under Fire website though it was just a quick look.
Thanks again for the information.
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Sorry to spam this with questions but did the Rhodesians use the French armoured car AML 60/90? I see pics here and there but I am not sure what I am looking at...also does anyone make these in 20MM? I have seen the Peter Pig one which looks amazing but never one in 1/72 1/76.
Again, thank you.
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Crew from S&S- generic with separate heads including bare heads and caps, beards etc
http://sandsmodelsshop.com/product-category/172-modern-figures/
AMLs produced by ACE- hard to obtain but not impossible or in much higher quality by Model Miniature
http://www.model-miniature.com/product.php?id_product=369
http://www.model-miniature.com/product.php?id_product=73
Good review of ACE kit here;
http://coldwargamer.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/review-model-ace-172-aml-90-armoured-car.html?m=1
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Well if you are doing it in 20mm the Amercom Alouette is probably the way to go. In 28mm there's no need to swear at the awful 1/50 Fujimi kit, there' a diecast from Solido available. Eureka do produce a resin, metal and vac formed Alouette but it's back in swearing territory. Pretty much everything you want for Rhodesia can now be found for 28mm, including pookies.
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I'd also stay clear of the diecast helo- very difficult to hack away the canopy for the doorgunner and needs a respray anyway (only one I've seen is in red?).
The Heller kit is not too difficult to put together and you really only need one. Use either Elhiem crew or check with S&S who are producing a doorgunner kit with weapon system variants.
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Thanks Chaps-it had not occurred to me that a door gunner would ever be available? Amazing that this niche is being catered for....
The helicopter I have found is this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/371111543607?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&var=640272838249&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
I could be on the wrong track as there are two types of Aloutte on the page.
Just out of curiosity what do you Chaps base your artillery on? I usually use rectangular mdf but may try circular as the 25pdr is pretty small-any preferences?
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Yeah that's a II. You need the III.
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Re the Heller Alouette III: these used to be quite hard to find and then old and a tad brittle. There are currently a shed load of new kits on eBay, various versions (Gendarmarie, Sécurité Civile etc) essentially the same kit. Also available on Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Heller-80286-SA316-Alouette-Gendarmarie/dp/B0002HZYIE)
You can use them straight out of the box or festoon them in RhAF upgrades.
ie 'elephant ear' dust filters over the air intakes, anti Strella cowling around the engine exhaust, removal of the port side doors (replace the side support strut), don't bother with the port side controls, attach front chairs facing backwards, side steps just below the doors, port side twin .30cal browning mount (G-car) on side step, bench seat in cabin.
If you want to get really pedantic then pilot seat armour and instrument panel shroud. For the K-car remove port side door, again no co pilot controls and rear facing front seat (1), no need for bench seat as space taken up by 20mm cannon and gunner (+ seat).
For crew; personal favorites are the generic pilots from Elhiem (http://www.elhiemfigures.com/ourshop/prod_3065578-FP08-Early-helicopter-pilots-can-be-used-as-modern-civilian-pilots.html), I like them as they don't have a ton of kit such as life jackets etc to file off, just the odd head swap for helmets and then door gunners from SHQ (http://www.shqminiatures.co.uk/Ranges/Vietnam/Vietnammain.php?UID=2015120922280590.206.145.52)
I've had a go at a few: 20mm Rhodesians (http://leadadventureforum.com/index.php?topic=53230.0)
For 25pdr, I really like the look of the empress (http://www.empressminiatures.com/userimages/procart81.htm) 20mm 25pdr as it has the right mussel brake.
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Might be a daft question, but is it just the port side door that ought to be removed or both sides?
(I have a 1/100 Heller kit that might have been overly hacked about... whoops.)
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Thank you Ash and Travelling Man for the help regarding the helicoptor....this is just the sort of thing I was looking for. The Kit on ebay has been found and I will certainly have a go at putting the gun and crew into it. Amazing work Ash, absolutley what this hobby is about-only far more difficult when the subject is Rhodesia rather than Panzers!
Who would have guessed that Empress had a 20MM line?? I like the gun but I can buy two Airfix guns and prime movers for the price of just one gun, given my budget Airfix wins out, maybe I can sort the barrel out?
In just a few hours you guys have helped me prepare a list of books, correct kits and figures that I would never have worked out myself, thanks for this. The bruising my bank account is about take is far easier to justify now! Ordering begins tomorrow!
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Might be a daft question, but is it just the port side door that ought to be removed or both sides?
(I have a 1/100 Heller kit that might have been overly hacked about... whoops.)
I took off the starboard side doors as well, but left the pilots door intact. Seen pics of K-car with starboard cabin door closed. All G-car pics I've seen have both sets of cabin doors removed inc port side front door.
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Carl I am like you,I have both the Diecast and Heller kits,I will dremel the door away ,slap on a gun,spray and play. I like the diecast ,I have Aml 90's from S&S models ,but I don 't know if they still make them. I bought four years ago.,they are very nice. Model Miniatures are real nice ,but a little pricy. Again I try to do a nice job,but again I am the only one inour group who knows or cares about these things in Africa.
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I like your approach Jeurgen! The die cast looks like a good model and if stripped down the paint can be removed using caustic soda and boiling water...I will try the plastic version first though as I have ordered one already. The AML 90 is a great looking kit and it is such a shame that so few people manufacture it in 20mm.
The only problem left for now is a few buildings and huts to scratch build...
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The armoured cars were 'Elands', licence-built in the RSA, but cosmetically the same as the Panhard AML. The bulk of them were 'loaned to Rhodesia' and were 90mm versions. RhAF Regiment had the 60mm version for airfield defence, some of which were loaned out on at least one external.
I've read in at least one source that the Brandt 60mm gun-mortar was much more useful than the GIAT F1 (90mm) for the bulk of asymmetric warfare purposes, although they would have been useless had any tanks been encountered. Given that Denel subsequently made its own longer-ranged version of the Brandt 60mm, it clearly has its uses.
The Portuguese apparently used only the AML 60 in Angola and Mozambique... or at least what I've read so far indicates.
Shaun from S&S has said numerous times that older models can sometimes be found in stock and if the mould is up to it, doing a run of models might not be an issue. Worth an e-mail perhaps, presuming he doesn't spot this thread and pipe up himself.
As for the 25pdr, do you really need one? Their use was somewhat limited day to day and finding them actually on the battlefield, as opposed to miles away, would be extremely unlikely unless ambushed in transit. The Rhodesians didn't use the Quad tractor, or the limber, but used Bedfords in the early days and MAPs etc, later on.
As said the Empress model has the muzzle-brake though, which the Airfix one does not... and from memory I recall the Airfix gun was quite a primitive kit. If it's a 'must have' for your collection, splashing out on the Empress one might be worth it.
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You may have a point about the 25Pdr Arlequin! I keep forgetting that this is not a Rapid Fire game, maybe the cannons will have to wait a while. The AML is indeed tricky to find, just one on ebay at the moment, this too may be pushed onto the "to do" list.
So far the only item easy to acquire has been the infantry and the helicoptor. I can hardly wait to acquire some of the odd anti mine vehicles and even the old 152. If nothing else this period is good for the oddball gear.
Can I ask which door gunners you Chaps use? Is it the SHQ M60 armed figure? Aircrew will be Elheim but I cannot spot any twin mgs anywhere.
Thanks
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I know S&S models makes resin Shantys and Tinned Fruit makes 20 already built Shantys and such ,usually available on E-Bay UK. I even just ordered some,I also have the S&S models shantys real nice.
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If you are going for small operations of platoon or company size I would not bother too much about artillery unless your rules say you have to have the models off table to use them.
I went down the imagi-nation route because I had quite a lot of stuff from various nations that I had been given or bought over many years. If you would like a look at my imagi-nation it is on our club website:
http://www.morvalearth.co.uk/Morvalonga/Morvalonga_Intro.htm (http://www.morvalearth.co.uk/Morvalonga/Morvalonga_Intro.htm)
And the various armed forces
http://www.morvalearth.co.uk/Morvalonga/Morvalonga_Armed_Forces.htm (http://www.morvalearth.co.uk/Morvalonga/Morvalonga_Armed_Forces.htm)
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Massu! Your website is amazing.
I HAVE LIVED.
Now that I have read a little of your efforts I feel I can say the above statement! The leopard girls!!! Haha total brilliance in miniature and probably one of the best miniature wargame sites that I have ever visited. If you don't mind I will put a link on my blog because the wargaming world needs to see this.
It has been such a pleasant surprise to uncover some amazingly skillfull and knowledgeable people on here. What started out as just asking about a fairly obscure conflict has uncovered some of the best models I have encountered in 30 years of gaming and now one of the most entertaining websites ever.
I am off to sands to have a look at their shanties....this company seems to be highly regarded (and used) on here!
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Found some WIP pictures of some Alouettes I made a few years ago, in the deepest recesses of my Photobucket. If they are of any use I post them in this thread.
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Ash your work would be really useful to see, I have ordered a kit and will acquire the crew this week...it would be really useful to see how you went about your work.
I have to admit that I may have saved a lot of your pics for inspiration and reference already!
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Here you go:
(http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp115/Ash-2-photos/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/AllouetteLayout.jpg) (http://s403.photobucket.com/user/Ash-2-photos/media/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/AllouetteLayout.jpg.html)
(http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp115/Ash-2-photos/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPAlouettes.jpg) (http://s403.photobucket.com/user/Ash-2-photos/media/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPAlouettes.jpg.html)
(http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp115/Ash-2-photos/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPAlouettelineup.jpg) (http://s403.photobucket.com/user/Ash-2-photos/media/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPAlouettelineup.jpg.html)
(http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp115/Ash-2-photos/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPAlouettestepsL.jpg) (http://s403.photobucket.com/user/Ash-2-photos/media/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPAlouettestepsL.jpg.html)
(http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp115/Ash-2-photos/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPAlouettestepsR.jpg) (http://s403.photobucket.com/user/Ash-2-photos/media/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPAlouettestepsR.jpg.html)
(http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp115/Ash-2-photos/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPKcarflightcrew_zpsca000a41.jpg) (http://s403.photobucket.com/user/Ash-2-photos/media/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPKcarflightcrew_zpsca000a41.jpg.html)
(http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp115/Ash-2-photos/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPKCarguns.jpg) (http://s403.photobucket.com/user/Ash-2-photos/media/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPKCarguns.jpg.html)
(http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp115/Ash-2-photos/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPGCargunmounts_zpsb346872a.jpg) (http://s403.photobucket.com/user/Ash-2-photos/media/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPGCargunmounts_zpsb346872a.jpg.html)
(http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp115/Ash-2-photos/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPGcarSAMshroud_zps0e168917.jpg) (http://s403.photobucket.com/user/Ash-2-photos/media/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/WIPGcarSAMshroud_zps0e168917.jpg.html)
(http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp115/Ash-2-photos/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/AllouetteIIIrotormagnet1LR_zps2eecd2d0.jpg) (http://s403.photobucket.com/user/Ash-2-photos/media/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/AllouetteIIIrotormagnet1LR_zps2eecd2d0.jpg.html)
(http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp115/Ash-2-photos/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/AllouetteIIIrotormagnet2LR_zpsc87f56a3.jpg) (http://s403.photobucket.com/user/Ash-2-photos/media/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/AllouetteIIIrotormagnet2LR_zpsc87f56a3.jpg.html)
Ignore the ammo feeds on these, I got them the wrong way round. Belts fed up between the guns, with brass catchers on the outside.
(http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp115/Ash-2-photos/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/PIPG-car3detail_zps24b4e950.jpg) (http://s403.photobucket.com/user/Ash-2-photos/media/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/PIPG-car3detail_zps24b4e950.jpg.html)
(http://i403.photobucket.com/albums/pp115/Ash-2-photos/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/PIPG-car2detail_zpsba2aa1dc.jpg) (http://s403.photobucket.com/user/Ash-2-photos/media/Rhodesian/WIP%20Rhodesian%20models/PIPG-car2detail_zpsba2aa1dc.jpg.html)
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Cracking work Ash!
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Massu! Your website is amazing.
I HAVE LIVED.
Now that I have read a little of your efforts I feel I can say the above statement! The leopard girls!!! Haha total brilliance in miniature and probably one of the best miniature wargame sites that I have ever visited. If you don't mind I will put a link on my blog because the wargaming world needs to see this.
It has been such a pleasant surprise to uncover some amazingly skillfull and knowledgeable people on here. What started out as just asking about a fairly obscure conflict has uncovered some of the best models I have encountered in 30 years of gaming and now one of the most entertaining websites ever.
I am off to sands to have a look at their shanties....this company seems to be highly regarded (and used) on here!
Thank you very much for your kind words.
By all means link to your blog all comments and ideas welcome
Alan
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Ash, thank you for sharing your work with the conversions on the helicoptors...simply amazing and very very useful as I intend to make a Heller kit into one of these! Can I ask where did you get the double MG? I do hope you did not scratch build it otherwise I am doomed.
Again, thank you amazing work now saved to its own folder for later reference...
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Just to let you guys know I am blown away by your work. The web must be huge because I have never chanced on your work before despite searching many times. In a bid to spread the word I have included a couple of links on my blog. A few of you chaps on here are dragging the hobby (OK me at least) up by the boot straps.
Thanks
http://solowargamingintheuk.blogspot.co.uk/
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Can I ask where did you get the double MG? I do hope you did not scratch build it otherwise I am doomed.
Guns are from Elhiem (http://www.elhiemfigures.com/ourshop/prod_3067791-GUN02-US-30cal-Air-Cooled-MMG.html), the mount and ammo box/support was scratch built from plasticard. The bit holding the guns is very basic, a piece of brass rod runs through the whole thing, one end pins it all to the side step, the top end simply has a bit of right angle strut attached, onto which the guns are glued.
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Thanks Ash, it looks like it was store bought-top quality! Once I have the model at the right stage I will attempt something similar...s and s and Underfire seem to be the go to guys re Rhodesia.
Again thank you for the help.
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Can I ask what colour Rhodesian vehicles were painted? I imagine Humbrol 30? Or Vallejo??
Also the base colour of their uniform?
Later this week I will purchase some Rhodesian infantry and make a start scratch building some heavy MGs...thanks for any suggestions as the info is simply not out there
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Can I ask what colour Rhodesian vehicles were painted? I imagine Humbrol 30? Or Vallejo??
Also the base colour of their uniform?
Later this week I will purchase some Rhodesian infantry and make a start scratch building some heavy MGs...thanks for any suggestions as the info is simply not out there
It depends on when and where - https://johnwynnehopkins.wordpress.com/2014/03/03/rhodesian-vehicle-camouflage/ (https://johnwynnehopkins.wordpress.com/2014/03/03/rhodesian-vehicle-camouflage/)
The site has lots of useful pictures of his models and is worth a look.
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Can I ask what colour Rhodesian vehicles were painted? I imagine Humbrol 30? Or Vallejo??
Also the base colour of their uniform?
Later this week I will purchase some Rhodesian infantry and make a start scratch building some heavy MGs...thanks for any suggestions as the info is simply not out there
Humbrol 30 as a base is pretty good, I tried it on one of S&S's PUMA MPVs, then used Vallejo 'japan uniform' for the splodges:
(http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r89/Ash-1_photos/20mm%20Armour/Puma%20D%20gunner%20LR_zpspovfvbpr.jpg~original) (http://s142.photobucket.com/user/Ash-1_photos/media/20mm%20Armour/Puma%20D%20gunner%20LR_zpspovfvbpr.jpg.html)
For Rhodesian camo; Vallejo 'dark sand' looks the part.
Which HMGs are you after?
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Thanks for the colour tip...it is really useful to find out what others have done and what works. The Japanese brown makes for a very effective camo colour.
What is the base colour that matches the Rhodesian uniform please? I have sent for an Osprey 1965-80 but as a time saver any advice on this would be great.
What is everyone using for Landrovers? Airfix or resin? Is there a type that was used that is available in model form?
For the MG I may try the twin barrel as you have done or I may whimp out and buy the Platoon 20 (?) door gunner with M60. Having said that another Heller kit is on the way so maybe both or the troop transport that you kindly posted a plan of....that one looks interesting.
Can I ask what became of these helicoptors once Mugabe took over? Is there a national museum or doers the present government want all this forgotten?
Thanks for the help...my postie will be busy in the coming days. I look forward to seeing other peoples work-so far it has been an awesome learning curve
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Most of the helicopters were on loan from the SADF, so they went back there before 'independence'. Those that actually belonged to the former RhAF now-ZDF stayed in service, as did the former Rhodesian MAPs and other vehicles.
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What is the base colour that matches the Rhodesian uniform please? I have sent for an Osprey 1965-80 but as a time saver any advice on this would be great.
For Rhodesian camo; Vallejo 'dark sand' looks the part.
You might also want to get Osprey Rhodesian Light Infantryman 1961-80 (warrior 177),
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Thanks again for the help, this is making life easier. It is a pity that there is no permanent place for people like me to gawp at the equipment.
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What is the base colour that matches the Rhodesian uniform please? I have sent for an Osprey 1965-80 but as a time saver any advice on this would be great.
What is everyone using for Landrovers? Airfix or resin? Is there a type that was used that is available in model form?
The Osprey MAA 183 is free to download as a pdf from Osprey
https://ospreypublishing.com/blog/free-ebook---to-celebrate-the-return-of-our-modern-african-wars-series/ (https://ospreypublishing.com/blog/free-ebook---to-celebrate-the-return-of-our-modern-african-wars-series/)
I use Airfix Landrovers that I got when they were very cheap on the Airfix "Last Chance to Buy" section on the website - always worth checking http://www.airfix.com/uk-en/shop/last-chance-to-buy.html (http://www.airfix.com/uk-en/shop/last-chance-to-buy.html)
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Thanks again for the help, this is making life easier. It is a pity that there is no permanent place for people like me to gawp at the equipment.
There is military museum at Gweru that has aircraft, vehicles and what not, covering the army, air force and police. I would imagine that it is themed towards the 'liberation struggles' and has been 'de-colonised' in terms of how it is presented, i.e. it will follow the ZANU PF version of history... but does not necessarily mean it's entirely biased and indeed the hardware is the hardware after all.
What is actually there I couldn't say though.
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Massu what a great link! Thanks for that, I ordered the same osprey....typical but now I can read it early. What I would not give to visit the museum in Gweru...that just made my bucket list. I was randomly passing Loei airport in Thailand when I chanced upon an open air and free museum full of Vietnam war era vehicles mortars and even a Sky Raider, it is so good to see equipment other than British stuff for a change.
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It is a pity that there is no permanent place for people like me to gawp at the equipment.
This may help:
http://www.newrhodesian.ca/viewforum.php?f=84&sid=db29f3906943089dfd21e50b9741170c
Have a look in 'personal kit'
.. & here:
http://www.newrhodesian.ca/viewforum.php?f=45
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Wow they are fantastic links Ash! I search around but never find stuff this good. I will print out the manual I actually love it! The uniforms and equipment are really useful as a painting guide as well.brilliant, thank you.
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"As for the 25pdr, do you really need one?"
..being 'devil's advocate' here...you do not need one in a traditional platoon 'real scale' game like Force on Force, Chain of Command or similar.
However if you wished to play the game using a rules system such as Bolt Action (which has more in common with a company level game really) then its 'feasible' that you could have one available for play on table.
The comments by Arlequin stand however that the weapon was used in a largely indirect fire role though IIRC there was some 'direct fire' operations in support of cross Zambesi incursions by Rhodie guns....still the guns were on the Rhodie side of the river!
Frankly it's a wee bit fanciful to include such a weapon on table but if you want it and it looks good then there is no reason why you shouldn't use it...but to maintain some limit on 'sensibleness' I'd allow one type of heavy asset like this to be employed...call it a 'special mission' with an attached gun section/weapon if you need to justify in your mind...it really depends on how you perceive your games to be ..more diorama with minimal scale distortion or representational with a larger scale distortion...your choice ;D
In what represents a shameless plug you can get some ideas here.
http://agrabbagofgames.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/chain-of-command-modern-bush.html
Oh, just because he posts erratically don't think he's not busy..he is! :D
Happy W
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Thanks for the link Happy this is a really interesting blog. One can never get enough information and one of the most interesting aspects of this hobby for me is discovering how others approach a game or campaign. I now have another excellent source-thank you!
I agree with what you say entirely about the 25pdr. I simply do not need to field it on the table at all but it is just a habit of mine to collect and paint artillery pieces....it just completes a collection in my view. The correct piece from Empress is £13 so this time I may skip the process altogether!
I have just ordered from Elheim and Under Fire miniatures, these are new companies for me and it will be exciting to see what their products are like. The Alouette and BTR 152 are on my desk awaiting crew....I have never been much of a kit builder so this is a great learning curve made possible I have to say because of the great Chaps on here.