1930 s U.S. AFVs/figures

[thebunkergames]

Hi All
Does anyone know of a source of AFVs/figures for a 1930s U.S. force?
These will have to be in 20mm

Regards
Shaun

[carlos marighela]

Quite a large number of companies make Ft-17s in 1/76, 1/72, 20mm. The US M1917 was near identical and that was the most numerous US AFV into the early 1930s.

Where you will find prperly uniformed an equipped US troops in temperate uniforms in this or any other scale I have no idea. Someone did suitable troops in 20mm for tropical settings. Was it Platoon 20? Not sure.

[thebunkergames]

Thanks Carlos
I know that Platoon 20 have a small range for Wake Island etc & Tony at Raventhorpe can also supply figures that fit the bill. Is Cavalry an option and are the National Guard uniformed as regulars?
Shaun

[fastolfrus]

I'd probably mix in WWI doughboys for national guard.

In 20mm, 1930s uniform might British infantry in helmets might be passable.

Check Abbott & Costello "Buck Privates" (1941 film so slightly late, but pre-war US and footage of tanks etc, plus "state-of-the-art" military kit for 1940)

[carlos marighela]

The problem with temperate dress for the period is that the US Army switched from a stand collar to an open lapelled collar worn with a tie in 1927 IIRC. They probably didn't complete the changeover for a few years but by the 1930s the old Great War era uniform isn't really appropriate. The hot weather dress didn't change much, at least not in a manner noticeable in small scale.

[carlos marighela]

vs

[Cory]

During the maneuvers of '41 many of the national guard units were still wearing surplus uniform coats, so as as has been pointed out WWI could be used for NG, but the regulars uniform had indeed changed.

Of course one prewar soldier told me that the '41 maneuvers was the first time in his time in the army Corp of Engineers he had worn a uniform in the field, most of the time they wore cheap jeans and jean jackets or CCC furnished clothing. He even mentioned being mistaken for a chain gang at one point, so civilians might work too.

[fastolfrus]

Abbott & Costello "Buck Privates" is probably as good a source as any.
There are lots of clips of it on Youtube.

Part 13 shows the military excercise, with assorted artillery, planes & tanks (about 2½ minutes in):


The tanks are quite a mix, including twin-turretted tankettes.

Some of the officers are wearing riding breeches.

If you want uniform details try part 9:

[thebunkergames]

Thanks chaps
I will put this info to use
Regards
Shaun in the Bunker