(COMMERCIAL) Empress Miniatures' NEW Vietnam Range

[Paul @ Empress Miniatures]

I have come across references to them being used in action. One was for an ambushed Marine unit with a wounded Marine playing dead when the VC checked the bodies and he makes mention of them wearing the hats. Have the full quote somewhere.

However I agree its illogical, despite Hollywood, that a trained jungle wise VC would go into action with such a bullet magnet however these guys are designed as village / local VC, the lowest of the low in military terms and so the hats work.

Also surprised that no one ever comments on OTHER, both plastic and metal, ranges that have front line heavy core figures wearing them?       

[carlos marighela]

Don’t worry, I have. I also get what you are doing with these and it’s fine. They are locals, defending their village, it’s clearly going to be a come as you are type party invitation.

Iffy are the Rubicon ones. Armed to the teeth with AKs and RPG-7s yet wholly clad in black peasant attire. Admittedly the hats are optional but one of the styles included is one that’s common to southern China, not so much Vietnam. Who knows, as they are Hong Kong based maybe it’s a wry but subtle political comment, in tiny bits of plastic?

[Andrew_McGuire]

It makes sense as the nón lá would not be a very practical item to fight in.

On the other hand, a floppy hat or scarf won’t readily double as a saucepan.

[carlos marighela]

Double post

[carlos marighela]

Not sure I would try using a woven hat as a saucepan and I wouldn’t advise anyone else does either.

 Just in case you didn't read that particular product safety guideline. 

A floppy hat makes almost as good a bucket on the other hand.

[AlexM]

In my opinion, and rough understanding of it all, VC would wear these hats to blend in in villages and countryside, and likely just pull them off to fight for practical reasons. I don't think it's much of a stretch to imagine these "villagers" quickly dropping their hoes and pulling out their shooting irons as a marine platoon advances into the killzone!

[Andrew_McGuire]

Not sure I would try using a woven hat as a saucepan and I wouldn’t advise anyone else does either.

Sorry, I must have been thinking of ashigaru. Their hats were the same shape but not the same material.

With regard to the VC’s conical headgear, in view of the frequently putrescent state of their rice rations, at least according to Sir Max Hastings, it seems reasonable to suppose that the woven hats were both tastier and more nutritious. This may in part account for the guerillas being frequently bareheaded.

[Paul @ Empress Miniatures]

Nothing like the splish splosh of cute little Otters.

 

[tomrommel1]

nice vehicle

[88D]

...early ARVN militia, Ruff Puffs...

did these have female fighters, too? Or male and female mixed?

Yes, you can see them in the background of the attached picture of Madame Nhu and also in this post on the RVNHS blog http://rvnhs.blogspot.com/2015/12/nhan-dan-tu-ve-peoples-self-defense.html also some very late war examples from around 3 miniutes onwards in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gL9bZymg0QY

[Ultravanillasmurf]

Apologies for my site search fail, but do you do an NVA sniper/sharp shooter?

I am after one (or more) for an "point of interest" result.

Of course I could be the victim of too much film and television and they would be rare.

Thanks.

[Paul @ Empress Miniatures]

Not yet.

They are on the to do list. 

[Ultravanillasmurf]

Not yet.

They are on the to do list. 

Thanks.

In the meantime the bare headed chap kneeling and aiming with an SKS has gained an Anvil Industries 'scope (sniper carbine anyone?).

[Paul @ Empress Miniatures]

Some Vietnamese Civilians from The Empress Miniatures 28mm range.

One of those conflicts in which civilians seem to play a crucial role.

Look out for a big release of new packs after the weekend 😉

[Paul @ Empress Miniatures]

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