This is the start of my next diorama in 1/35 scale of US Marines in Hue, during the Tet Offensive as they try to implement their infantry combat doctrine. Unfortunately, the PAVN(NVA) and Vietcong learned quickly of Marine tactics and the Marines had to improvise their combat doctrine in urban warfare to close in and destroy the enemy. I’m using MasterBox’s NEW kit “Shootout” along with AFV 106mm Recoilless rifle, Hobby fan’s recoilless rifle crew and 1 kit bashed figure from my parts box along with parts from Bravo6. Right now, they’ve been partially put together and primed for painting, which I am in the process of doing. More WIP pics will follow.
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Hey Tiger II glad you found your way over.
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Thanks Tojo. I know the going is slow, but here are my figures, although they are far from finished. I have to pin them, paint their helmet covers and attach them, attach fragmentation & smoke grenades and then weather them down. Then onto the recoilless rifle and then the groundwork and cityscape. Enjoy the WIP pics and all comments and critiques are greatly appreciated.
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Thats outstanding Manuel!
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Thanks, 68GT. Sorry for the tardiness in my work. Last month I had cataract surgery in my right eye and although I’m trying to take it easy with the close-up work, I probably relapsed a little bit. But I got some work done on the figures as I painted their helmet covers, dark washed them and then highlighted them. The actual weathering comes next, so they’re 3/4 of the way done. I’ll post some more WIP pics as I progress. Enjoy.
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Well, went to the eye doctor, got some eyedrops and I’m back to having fun. I just finished my 106mm recoilless rifle and some rounds. Now I’m planning the layout of the diorama. I’ve got some decent ideas, and I’ll post more WIP pics. Here are the recoilless rifle pics. Enjoy and as always, all comments and critiques are greatly appreciated.
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I’ve begun the base of my diorama. I’d say that it’ll probably be 90% scratchbuilt. So, this is what it looks like, so far. More work to follow. Enjoy.
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Great work! I’m excited to see what’s coming next!
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Well, I’ve started my preliminary build of the diorama base. There is more to follow and more WIP pics too. I put the trees into the prepared ground turf along with a sidewalk edge and a weathered wall and Shell gas station sign and power cable tower. Enjoy.
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Great work on your diorama, Your figure painting is so good and that vegetation looks so realistic too. Can’t wait to see more updates.
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Thank you for your comment Mr Schry. I added the particular weathering associated with the Battle of Hue. I took the pics while it was in my paint spray booth because I was working on the figures and recoilless rifle. I’m almost nearly done. But enjoy these WIP pics.
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Well, I can honestly say that this diorama is finished.
The Marine Corps infantry mantra was to “close in with the enemy, then kill or destroy their will to fight.” In the battle for Hue, the Marines liked to pop smoke to conceal their movements and maneuvers. The Vietcong and NVA(PAVN) knew this and would open fire when the Marines did this, which caused casualties. A LCpl came up with a solution. He told the CO of 2/5 that since the 106mm recoilless rifle lets off a big plume of smoke and dust from its backblast but also sends a big round at the enemy which kills them or forces them to keep their heads down due to the explosion of the round, that it could provide the cover the Marines needed to conceal their movements. With the CO across the street, the Marines popped white smoke. Once the enemy commenced firing the recoilless rifle was shot and the Marines spring into action. BTW, the M60 machine gunner is based on an actual Marine who fought in Hue. According to my research, his nickname is ‘Lurch’. Enjoy the finished project and as always, all comments and critiques are greatly appreciated.
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Looks great, Manuel! Especially the M60 machine gunner.
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