For those who add 1/16 weaponry to their models and diorama, rctank.de have quite a few bits on offer. Here's the redoubtable Lee-Enfield.303 in 1:16. Arguably, it was the best full-power (i.e. non-assault rifle format) battle rifle ever made. Though it was no tougher or reliable than its main rival, the German K98, it had the massive advantage of having a 10-round magazine, paired with a silky smooth (if well-maintained
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)
) bolt action. The Mauser K98 had a five round magazine
So effective was the .303 (SMLE in 1914), that at the Battle of Mons, the Germans thought they were being scythed down by British machine guns.
![:icon_e_surprised: :O](./images/smilies/icon_e_surprised.gif)
In reality, regular soldiers of the BEF had been trained to fire at least 15 aimed shots per minute with their Lees. In various forms and Marks, the Lee-Enfield was in service between 1895 and 1965. It was used by a host of countries (even the Volkssturm used captured examples in 1944-45), and especially by Commonwealth countries in the World Wars. It also made an excellent sniper rifle, as witness Coalition troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, when- ironically- Taliban and Mujahideen used the Lee to take pot shots at our boys.
Here's the 1/16 version:
![Lee-Enfield model version.jpeg (184.14 KiB) Viewed 4732 times Diorama weaponry](./download/file.php?id=59317&t=1&sid=0dbd37e5a3c91d97b2b96ea51986433a)
- Diorama weaponry
Luckily, I was in Switzerland in January to try out my Family's latest acquisition, a MK 4 ( stamped 1943) Lee-Enfield. There's a good chance this saw action in WW2.
![Shifty :shifty:](./images/smilies/icon_shifty.gif)
My son has added it to his collection of (functional) WW2 pistols and rifles. A year or so ago, I did a piece here on Tanker's personal weapons (Luger, Walther P38, PPK, Tokarev etc..). Here's a Lee fitted to Bren Carrier (often had 3-5 fitted, in addition to the Bren and or/ 3in mortar):
![Lee-Enfield .303 on Bren Carrier.JPG (342.98 KiB) Viewed 4732 times Mk 4 Lee on a Bren or Universal carrier](./download/file.php?id=59318&t=1&sid=0dbd37e5a3c91d97b2b96ea51986433a)
- Mk 4 Lee on a Bren or Universal carrier
Here's me with our Mk 4:
![Lee-Enfield bolt open.JPG (336.14 KiB) Viewed 4732 times Lee receiver with bolt open](./download/file.php?id=59319&t=1&sid=0dbd37e5a3c91d97b2b96ea51986433a)
- Lee receiver with bolt open
And with the iconic .303 round:
![Lee-Enfield with .303.JPG (336.46 KiB) Viewed 4732 times Safety on..](./download/file.php?id=59320&t=1&sid=0dbd37e5a3c91d97b2b96ea51986433a)
- Safety on..
Now at the Range near Schwyz:
![Lee-Enfield chambering round.JPG (192.8 KiB) Viewed 4732 times Putting a .303 up the pipe](./download/file.php?id=59321&t=1&sid=0dbd37e5a3c91d97b2b96ea51986433a)
- Putting a .303 up the pipe
Finally getting to fire the weapon my Dad (WW2) and his siblings trained on, as well as my Grandfather and brothers in WW1. With my son using it..that makes 4 generations
![Lee-Enfield muzzle blast.JPG (336.54 KiB) Viewed 4732 times 43RR blasts away...on elderly rifle..older than I am](./download/file.php?id=59322&t=1&sid=0dbd37e5a3c91d97b2b96ea51986433a)
- 43RR blasts away...on elderly rifle..older than I am
Just in case we have any anti-Terrorist Police or Special Branch on the Forum, these weapons are all registered and legally held in Schwitzerland, so don't come knocking my door down!
Oh, and I also got to try this Glock 17 with red dot sight. Currently used by the British Army, and the Police...It's a bit top heavy, given that the lower half is all plastic. Still...good fun
![Glock 17 with Red Dot.JPG (322.87 KiB) Viewed 4732 times Current army handgun..](./download/file.php?id=59323&t=1&sid=0dbd37e5a3c91d97b2b96ea51986433a)
- Current army handgun..
The red dot proved very useful for my ageing peepers, and scored a pile of 9s (dead centre). The Iron (peep sight) on the .303 was also dead accurate, although in low light conditions it was a bit of a strain at first.
![Glock 17 muzzle flash.JPG (327.53 KiB) Viewed 4732 times Glock around the clock...](./download/file.php?id=59324&t=1&sid=0dbd37e5a3c91d97b2b96ea51986433a)
- Glock around the clock...
Playing with diorama is one thing, but getting to use the objects they represent is also pretty fulfilling. Now for the Garand, the MP 40..and hopefully some day a ride in Tiger 131
![:icon_lol: :haha:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
"Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please"- Mark Twain.