I’ve been tossing around a diorama idea, but it requires SWAT officers preparing to breach a building. Of course, the only option in 1/35 scale is the 90’s Dragon kit, and these figures need to be either current or a few years down the line.
So my new approach is going to be taking a few modern infantry figures and working from there. I’ve selected Masterbox’s Iraq Kit 1 for this purpose.
Would anyone happen to know in what ways their gear would differ? I already know that I’ll be taking off anything strapped to the figures backs, and I know I need to add PlastiCuffs, but beyond that, changing the paint colors, sculpting on some basic masks, and swapping some weapons, I can’t think of anything else that needs to be changed.
I’m not going for total accuracy here- the piece is a bit of a ‘what if’ so it wouldn’t be unreasonable in my scenario for the police to have further militarized.
Any insight anyone might have would be greatly appreciated.
It all depends upon the law enforcement agency. Equipment can be military surplus or from one of the multiple companies that makes such gear. Helmets can be the original K-pot type, or the new MICH style. Some agencies use black BDU type uniforms, others use Olive Green (my old department), and other use various types of camouflage patterns. Body armor can range from simple plate carriers to the full later type Interceptor design with all the add on areas. Do an image search for SWAT teams to get an idea the variety to be seen.
I looked up the figure set that you chose. There are pretty good. I would suggest that getting them a gas mask case to wear. Although gas masks are usually only worn when gas is used, not all the time. Also each team member should have protective eyewear of some sort, knee pads, gloves, and a pistol in a tactical holster, as well as magazine pouches for the pistols. At least one member should have breaching tools such as a ram or a prybar/pick. Ballistic shields are frequently carried. Each member will have a portable radio worn on the gun belt or tactical vest. Tactical vests will have the agency type (Police, Sheriff, etc.) in large lettering, either full color or subdued, across the back.
Of note, the SWAT load-out is considerably lighter than military. For example, a standard SEAL load-out is minimum 10 magazines for your rifle and four for the pistol. CERT teams carry half that. They have a closer engagement range and resupply comparitively nearby. Additionally, CERT guys don’t carry a lot of med gear. Again, assistance is near.
Again that depends upon the agency. Our guys had medic with an aid bag on the entry teams. Medical assistance may or may not be nearby depending upon location. X amount of guys on our SWAT are certified paramedics. Ammo load out will vary depending upon the situation.
They aer not universally called “swat” for that manner, Emergency Responce Team, Special Reaction Team, Emergency Services Department–all sorts of handles for the groups.
Those initals are often spelled out large on the raid gear, too.
Uniform colors run from Black to Navy, to Slate Blue, Olive Green, forest Green, Brown and Khaki. The raid gear over the uniforms sometimes matches, sometimes doesn’t
Footwear is more of an elaborate running shoe than a stif leather boot. Knee and elbow pads are virtually required. Only old/remote units still wear k-pots, it’s MICH, and ever more, now, the Crye helmets optimised for commo and video gear. “Lipstick” video cam is pretty common set up on the left side of the helmet.
“Bat belts” have been eclipsed by load-bearing gear built into the raid vests. Ammo load outs are lighter than military ones. Water is usually by camelback, although loops for clear plastic water bottles are also seen.
Gloves, with or withut fingers, are very typical, although seen frequently of late with purple or blue nitrile gloves underneat.
Glove case and at least one handcuff case wil lbe worn, with FlexKuffs or PlastiKufs in a pocket or the like.
Goggles or some sort of vision protection will be worn (lots of Oakleys).
I was looking for something else and stumbled across this and, remembering your post, thought it may be of help. I know it’s 1:24 but the images may be of use?