This is the first model I’m building for some one else. My girlfriend’s uncle served in Vietnam in 68 in the Marines. He wants me to put together a M35A2 6X6 2/12 Ton cargo truck from AFV Club.
First this is the most detailed kit I’ve put together thus far and it’s frustrating because I’ve been spoiled by Tamiya models.
Second, the kit only comes with decals for U.S. Army and the Korean (ROC) Army.
I’m wondering where I might find some graphics for the Marines in Vietnam. My “mother in law” has a way to make the decals so I can use them on the truck. I’m also looking for a paint scheme that is unique to the Marines.
Since I am ex-Army, I’m clueless on these points and would appreciate some advice. Thanks!
PS Thanks to Lizardqing2 for telling me to try in the Armor forum.
Although I am sure there are plenty here who know, the best source I know of for trucks is GunTruck and he frequents www.armorama.com more than he does here…
For the paint, Testors Model Master Medium Green is a pretty good match for Marine Green during the Vietnam war era. For markings, they are pretty basic, on the sides of the hood would be a USMC and a serial number. There would also be a serial number on the front bumper and on rear panel. The markings would be in yellow. There may be more that were specific to your girlfriend’s uncle’s unit.
Actually, if he served in 1968, he might have actually been on an M35A1, M35A2 wasn’t introduced till 69 and later. Visually, it had a different light set up; instead of the amber turn signals and large red brake light/turn signal combo, it had black-out lights in their place both front and rear. It also had a different muffler set-up. The muffler ran along the frame and exited between the right side rear wheels. Check here to see Gun Truck’s build of Nancy, an M35A1 Guntruck. http://www.guntruck.com/Nancy.html
Here are USMC markings from Vietnam on an M35A1: Not sure what all the streaks are, mud I guess.
I am not an artist but since I’m doing this for a Vietnam vet and a friend, I’m trying my best to put the right colors and decals on this truck. I’m at that state where I should start painting the wheels and am still a bit lost.
Once again, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Best bet is to leave the rubber tires off till after you paint the wheels. I leave the wheels off and paint them separately, the same color as the truck, then add the tires and add the whole wheel assembly to the truck. As for decals, you can find sime USMC deslas that would work form the Tamiya M48A3 tank kit. It has markings for USMC and US Army. What else do you need to know. The kit is quite detailed, but engineered well and goes together pretty easily. Good luck.
I already weathered the tires a little with two shades of gray simulating gravel. Unfortunately, I did the wheels a dark green and the canopy as OD Green. They look exactly the same and I was trying for some kind of contrast because I was planning on doing the body a dark green because the trucks weren’t used with a camo pattern until circa 1976 and I’m trying a 1968/1969 Vietnam era one.
Also trying to figure out how to make it appear worn in some places (the canvass top)
The OD on the canvas should be fine. To simulate wear on canvas or any surface, depending on the coor you use), use a technique called drybrushing. Wipe the paint almost completely off a wide, flat brush. Next use a scrubbing action to lay down just a light coat of paint that makes it look worn or dusty, depending on the color you use. For a worn look, use a slightly lighter shade of OD than you used as your base. For a dusty look, use a sandy color.
Also , for your vehicle color. Testor’s Model Master Medium Green Enamel is a good USMC Vietnam color. I too have some Vietnam era USMC decals that I could send you if you still need them.
Not sure what all the streaks are, mud I guess.