Hi,
As this is a build, I wanted to show the US Armored Cav figures i have created before the painting and final assembly phases.
Building one 1/16 figure kit is already something, so imagine building six into various conversions, and try to make them look natural sitting/standing on a APC. This is a risky proposition on its own. There is no cold war or modern US tank crew or riders available. Even Tamiya did not produce one with their latest M1A2. There are tons of 1/16 German WW2 tank riders now available, few US WW2, even a couple of modern Israeli chicks, but no American.
So, here they are;
Heads and some arms to be painted flesh color and later detailed with a magnifier are into position, this is why you do not see them attached to the body until fanal assembly, whenever possible. This is not some kind of ritual...
- 1/16 US tank crew and riders
The commander/M2 gunner (SOL Vietnam Marine) and the driver (Dragon Seal) are within their armored position and do not show too much without their heads. I am still trying to figure how if I can manage to do a crew helmet.
- Commander and driver
Overview of the riders position in the back.
- 1/16 US tank crew and riders
This M16 rifleman is the PMC Cav trooper with Dragon seal legs and arms. I put the M-16A1 there just to show how the figure will hold it once the arms are in place. This transformation was quite difficult to achieve because the bridge between the torso and legs was non existant. Various equipment from the source kits were mixed in with all figures.
- 1/16 US tank crew and riders
- 1/16 US tank crew and riders
The M79 gunner is the Verlinden torso with Dragon seal legs. This was a simpler arrangement.
- 1/16 US tank crew and riders
- 1/16 US tank crew and riders
Those Vietnam style helmets are a must.
- 1/16 US tank crew and riders
This ACAV M60 gunner crewman is the Mitches M60 Vietnam gunner. I had to modify it because it was way too big compared to the other figures. He was a giant and I must have removed at least one scale feet in height by shortening the legs a lot, then a bit of the torso and neck. He's still tall but tall guys are ok as long as they are realistic compared to others. I modified the sculpting as well because the towel around the neck was not to my liking.
- 1/16 US tank crew and riders
The M16 rifleman riding inside the vehicle is a modified Dragon seal kit. Human anatomy is not as easy as an armor plate so I am still fine tuning this one to make his seating position more natural.
- 1/16 US tank crew and riders
Next steps is to polish them a bit more and then start painting. Painting faces is a nightmare and I am usually not really good at it, so I will do my best and see what happens. I am not the kind of guy who will take a week to paint a face and I have six. Whatever the results, these converted figures will be something you have not seen before.
Regards, Louis
