Perry Desert Rats Frames

[Cholly]

These may finally tempt me into WW2. I have to admit I've avoided historical mini's in the main as the accuracy of uniforms has always been a worry for me. Does anyone know if these will have a uniform/insignia guide like the majority of Perry plastics?

[Atheling]

These may finally tempt me into WW2. I have to admit I've avoided historical mini's in the main as the accuracy of uniforms has always been a worry for me. Does anyone know if these will have a uniform/insignia guide like the majority of Perry plastics?

I would imagine so. All the plastic box sets have had a similar guide.

Darrell.

[former user]

accuracy of uniforms has always been a worry for me.

WOW! what would You say about napoleonics if WWII khaki and olive already worries You? 

[Cholly]

@Atheling: Cheers!
@former user: That's why these are such a temptation. I reckon if I can get these guys right (accurate at least) then maybe the I can try my hand at more varied uniforms.

[Atheling]

@Atheling: Cheers!
@former user: That's why these are such a temptation. I reckon if I can get these guys right (accurate at least) then maybe the I can try my hand at more varied uniforms.

The thing to bear in mind when painting up WWII Brits in North African is that there would be some degree of difference between hue and tone of the various parts of the kit. This would be due to slight variations in the hue and tone of the dye not to mention the replacement issue and the bleaching effects of the sun etc.

So, not so much to worry about if you see what I mean? I've got some pretty good recipe's for the Desert Rats. I can post the up here if you're interested?

Darrell.

[Cholly]

@Atheling: That would be aces. The Perry Kits look like a lot of fun to build and paint but as my first foray into hsitorical uniformed mini's I'd like to get them at least vaguely right so any recipe's, guides etc would be a great help.
Cholly

[former user]

Also take into account that Germans would wear Italian uniforms too
French would wear british uniforms
And also both sides wearing non tropical issues and older uniforms

and what other crossovers are possible You better ask specialists

so everything very distinct and precise, like the French army on retreat from Moscow 

[Hildred Castaigne]

Also take into account that Germans would wear Italian uniforms too
French would wear british uniforms

Any reason or just for a bit of fun?

[former user]

I read about it, so partially source, partially educated guess:

firstly the logistical situation of the Axis meant that anything would be worn, including captured British stores (after the fall of Tobruk e.g.).
Then, the Italians had more experience with tropical wear and the Sahariana shirts were sought after - this kind of shirt looks very special compared to other tropicals, with no collar and the shoulder part elongated into pocket flaps in one piece.
There were no tropical greatcoats for the cold night, so greenish for the Axis. Plus the Germans at first were unprepared for NA.

The Free French were cut off from the Vichy supply. Even after conquering stores from Syria and Lebanon, they were part of 8th Army and incorporated into their logistical chain. Pictures show British battledress and French/British tropicals, french/british helmets depending on units, etc. French weapons only in combination with Syrian ammo stores.
What the British had to use from US lend and lease supply I don't know. After the conquest of NA French units were resupplied with US kit, so by the time they were back in France apart from details almost indistinguishable from US troops (save irregulars like Goumiers)

etc

[Keith]

I've some original large-format photographs of German POWs stored away somewhere, and the range of clothing they are wearing is amazing.

Lots of British trousers etc.

[Atheling]

@Atheling: That would be aces. The Perry Kits look like a lot of fun to build and paint but as my first foray into hsitorical uniformed mini's I'd like to get them at least vaguely right so any recipe's, guides etc would be a great help.
Cholly

OK, from memory, but I have painted some up quite recently. I'd post up pics but I don't normally do that unless i have permission off my client- just polite really.

Uniform A- shirt and pants- (all Vallejo Model Color): Desert Yellow as a base. Iraqui Sand as a medium tone (vovering most of the Desert Yellow. Finally a highlight of Dark Sand. With this 'traid' of colour, I varied by adding a little dark grey to all the colours to darken some of the Khaki and a little Off White to lighten some. This gives you a nice variation.

Uniform B- as above- Foundry American Tan (A), Foundry American Tan (B) and finally Foundry American Tan (C). This will give you a different hue than that of the above. A word of warning- when using the Foundry WWII range apply the paint in very thin coats as it is very translucent and if applied too thickly it can blot out some detail.

Uniform C- as above- this is where I got a little experimental- German Pea Pattern (B), German Pea Pattern (C) with a highlight of German Pea Pattern (C) and Vallejo Off White. Don't add too much white!

Jumpers- Vallejo US Field Drab/English Uniform lightened in two more layers with Vallejo Flat Earth.

Webbing- this I left a little darker than it would have been in reality to create some kind of contrast to the uniform. Nothing wrong with a little artistic license. Vallejo German Cammo Beige Highlighted with Vallejo Off white in two more layers.

Anklets/Gaters- as above.

Socks- US Field Drab, highlighted with Flat Earth in two progressive layers.

Helmets- a mix of the Khaki's that I have described above.

If you're not familiar with the weaponry it's a good idea to run a quick google search to get pics of the actual weapons to make sure that you know what's metal and what's wood.

That's about it really  .

Darrell.

[Cholly]

Atheling, thanks muchly for that. It will definatly help me out when I pick these little beauties up.
Cholly

[Atheling]

Atheling, thanks muchly for that. It will definatly help me out when I pick these little beauties up.
Cholly

No probs. 

Darrell.