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Local Resistance Teams (VPA821) Spotlight

VPABX12 Includes 6x Resistance teams.

Free World forces in the Republic of Vietnam faced the day-to-day paranoia of dealing with a civilian population whose loyalties could not be guessed.Any man, woman, or child of the local populace could be working for the resistance, reporting on troop movements, providing false information, or sniping at the enemy.

Check out the Local Resistance in the online store here…

With the Local Forces came three advantages for the regular North Vietnamese force. Firstly local knowledge of the terrain; secondly, local supplies to be had; and third, numbers to bolster any prolonged attack or campaign. Local Forces lacked the equipment of the regular forces but were inventive and used their local knowledge to lure Free World troops into traps and ambushes.

Designed by Gary Morley
Painted by Bob Pearce

VPABX12 VPABX12 VPABX12 VPABX12
VPABX12 VPABX12 VPABX12 VPABX12
VPABX12 VPABX12 VPABX12 VPABX12
VPABX12 VPABX12
Local Resistance Teams in Nam
 

VPABX12 Contents

Contact the customer service team at [email protected] if you have any issues with any of the components.


Assembling the VPA821

Local Resistance teams. Assembly of the Local Resistance teams is easy. Just choose any two civilian figures to glue into each base, as you can see below.
VPABX12 VPABX12
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Local Forces Anti-Air Company (VPA534) Spotlight

Local Forces Anti-Air Company (VPA531) Includes 3 Type 54 12.7mm AA MG teams & three Medium four-hole bases.

The Type 54 machine-gun weighs in at 152kg (346 lb), but breaks down into small enough loads to be carried anywhere, then set up ready to ambush Imperialist helicopters, driving them from the skies of Vietnam.

Check out the Local Forces Anti-Air Company in the online store here…

Local forces set up ambushes for enemy aircraft by placing three Type 54 12.7mm anti-aircraft machine-guns in a triangle formation. They would hold their fire until the target was in the centre, then open up with lethal effect.
Designed by Gary Morley and Evan Allen
Painted by Aaron Mathie
Local Forces Anti-Air Company (VPA531)  Local Forces Anti-Air Company (VPA531) Local Forces Anti-Air Company (VPA531)
Local Forces Anti-Air Company (VPA531)
Local Forces Anti-Air Company (VPA531)
Local Forces Anti-Air Company (VPA531) Local Forces Anti-Air Company (VPA531)
Local Forces Anti-Air Company (VPA531) Local Forces Anti-Air Company (VPA531)
The Local Forces Anti-Air Company in ‘Nam
 
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BTR-50PK (VPA221) Spotlight

BTR-50PK Company (VPABX04) includes one BTR-50PK Armoured Personnel Carrier

The three companies of a North Vietnamese armoured battalions were often equipped with different types of tanks. At first this was due to a shortage of modern tanks, but later combinations of tanks, amphibious tanks, and armoured personnel carriers allowed a battalion to undertake whatever role was assigned it without further support.

Check out the BTR-50PK Company in the online store here…

Most armoured battalions include a đại đội cơ giới bộ binh
(pronounced dai doy kur vay boh beeng), or mechanised infantry company. These operate Soviet BTR-50PK xe thiết giáp chở quân (pronounced ser tee-et harp chur kwun) armoured troop carriers. Their role is to use their mobility and armour to advance close behind the tanks, then dismount and assault on foot covered by fire from the tank’s guns. Their high proportion of B41 anti-tank weapons means that they can defend themselves if attacked by enemy tanks.Designed by Evan Allen
Painted by Blake Coster
BTR-50PK Company (VPABX04) BTR-50PK Company (VPABX04)
The BTR-50PK in ‘Nam
 
BTR-50PK Company (VPABX04) BTR-50PK Company (VPABX04)
Most armoured battalions included a mechanised infantry company operating Soviet BTR-5OPK armoured troop carriers. Their role is to use their mobility and armour to advance close behind the tanks, then dismount and assault on foot covered by fire from the tank’s guns.
BTR-50PK Company (VPABX04) BTR-50PK Company (VPABX04)
BTR-50PK Company (VPABX04) BTR-50PK Company (VPABX04)
BTR-50PK Company (VPABX04) BTR-50PK Company (VPABX04)
Contents of the BTR-50PK Company Box Set
Contact the customer service team at [email protected] if you have any issues with any of the components.
BTR-50PK Company (VPABX04)
Description of Components
a. Tank commander sprue.
b. Hatch sprue.
c.
.50cal AA MGs
d.
 Mudguard sprues.
e. Right-hand side tracks.
f.
 Left-hand side tracks.
g.
 Resin BTR-50PK hulls.
Assembling The BTR-50PK
Follow the diagram below to assemble the BTR-50PK correctly.

Tip: Use the figure of your choice from the tank commander sprue to identify the platoon command tank.

Below: The assembly diagram for the BTR-50PK.

BTR-50PK Company (VPABX04)
PAVN Tank Painting Guide
BTR-50PK Company (VPABX04)
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ZSU-57-2 (VPA161) Spotlight

ZSU-57-2 Anti-air Company (VPABX05) includes one ZSU-57-2 SP Anti-aircraft gun and one PAVN head sprue

The ZSU-57-2 was a Soviet-built self-propelled anti-aircraft gun that first came into service with the Red Army in 1955. The acronym ZSU stands for Zenitnaya Samokhodnaya Ustanovka, which when translated means anti-aircraft self-propelled mount; 57 designates the calibre of the weapons and 2 states the number of gun barrels.

Check out the ZSU-57-2 SP Anti-aircraft Gun in the online store here…

Built on the chassis of the T-54 tank, the twin S-68 57mm cannons were mounted in an open-topped turret which only offered the crew inside a minimum level of armour protection. Manned by a crew of six (driver, commander, gunner, dedicated sight adjuster and a pair of loaders), the ZSU-57-2 was limited to only engaging aircraft that the crew could actually see.  Once an aircraft was spotted, the sight adjustor had to correctly calibrate the gun sight before the target could be engaged; making the vehicle virtually useless during nighttime operations.
ZSU-57-2 ZSU-57-2
The war in Vietnam was the first recorded service for the ZSU-57-2 in a combat zone. But the North Vietnamese quickly learnt that the ZSU-57-2 was just as effective in providing fire support for infantry attacks as it was sweeping the air of enemy aircraft.

Designed by Evan Allen
Painted by Blake Coster
ZSU-57-2 ZSU-57-2
The ZSU-57-2 in ‘Nam
 ZSU-57-2
ZSU-57-2 ZSU-57-2
ZSU-57-2 ZSU-57-2
The ZSU-57-2 anti-aircraft tank is the chassis of a T-54 battle tank mounting twin 57mm anti-aircraft guns in an open-topped turret. Its rate of fire makes it deadly to aircraft and helicopters, while its high-velocity, long-barrelled guns punch through light armour with ease.
ZSU-57-2 ZSU-57-2
Contents of the ZSU-57-2 Blister
ZSU-57-2
Contact the customer service team at [email protected] if you have any issues with any of the components.
Assembling The ZSU-57-2
Follow the diagram to the below to correctly assemble the ZSU-57-2.
ZSU-57-2

 

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Assembling The K-3 (PT-76) (VPA031)

Step 1. Begin assembly with the tracks.

Tip: Each track is stamped with the letter ‘R’ or ‘L’ to indicate correct orientation.

Step 2. Attach the tracks to the resin hull.

Tip: When referring to left or right-hand side in regards to a Flames Of War miniature, the orientation is determined as if looking at the vehicle from the rear.
K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03)
Step 3. Next, attach the mudguards to the front and rear of the hull.

Tip: The mudguards are generic so can be used in anywhere on the hull.

Below: Both front mudguards attached to the hull.
K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03)
Step 4. Attach the mudguards to the rear of the hull. Below: Both rear mudguards attached to the hull.
K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03)
Step 5. Next, attach the main gun to the front of the turret. Below: The main gun attached to the front of the turret.
K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03)
Step 6. Attach the turret hatch to the top of the turret. Step 7. Finally, attach a AA machine-gun the rear of the turret.
K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03)
Adding A Tank Commander
Step 1. Attach the commander’s hatch to the turret in the open position. Step 2. Add the tank commander figure of your choice. Tip: It may be necessary to reposition the AA machine-gun to accommodate the tank commander and the open hatch.
K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03)
Below: The fully-assembled K-3 (PT-76) with and without a commander.
K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03)
PAVN Tank Painting Guide
K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03)
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K-3 (PT-76) (VPA031) Spotlight

K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) includes one K-3 (PT-76) Armoured Personnel Carrier and one Tank Commander sprue.

The People’s Army committed their armour into battle in battalions, Tiểu Đoàn Thiết Giáp (pronounced thee-ow doh‑ahn tee-et harp), and grouped these into entire regiments.

Check out the K-3 (PT-76) in the online store here…

As aid from China and the Soviet Union increased, their armoured strength grew rapidly from a single battalion in 1965 to three armoured regiments in 1971. This gave them a significant advantage over the puppet forces as each battalion had more tanks than an entire ARVN armoured brigade.

The Vietnamese term xe thiết giáp (ironclad vehicle) is used to refer to tanks. However, the influence of the English word ‘tank’ has also led to the use of xe tăng (pronounced ser tung), or simply tăng as well. Confusingly, tăng itself means increase or up.

Designed by Evan Allen
Painted by Blake Coster

The K-3 (PT-76) in ‘Nam
 
K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03)
Built as a amphibious light tank, the K-3 (Soviet designation PT-76) was ideal for operations in Vietnam where its light armour and mobility allowed it to manoeuvre through terrain that would stop other vehicles. Armed with a 76mm gun it could knock out enemy gun positions, but was less reliable against enemy armour.
K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03)
K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03)
K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03)
K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03) K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03)
The K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company Advance
Contact the customer service team at [email protected] if you have any issues with any of the components.
K-3 (PT-76) Ironclad Company (VPABX03)
Description of Components
b. 1x Tank commander sprue.
c. 5x Turret hatches.
d. 5x Main guns.
e.
5x .50cal AA MGs.
f. 5x Mudguard sprues.
g. 5x Left-hand side tracks.
h. 5x Right-hand side tracks.
i. 5x Resin K-4 (PT-76) turrets & hulls.
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Assembling The Centurion Mark 5 (VAN040)

Step 1. Begin assembly by attaching the tracks to the hull of the Centurion.

Note: Each track has been keyed to correspond with a particular side of the hull; this aids in ensuring the correct orientation of the tracks when assembling the miniature.

Below: The correct alignment for the left-hand side track. Below: The correct alignment for the right-hand side track. Below: The left-hand side track attached to the hull.
Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01)
Tip: When referring to left or right-hand side in regards to a Flames Of War miniature, the orientation is determined as if looking at the vehicle from the rear.
Below: The right-hand side track attached to the hull. Step 2. Next, attach the front mudguard to the front of each track. Below: The left-hand side front mudguard attached to the track.
Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01)
Below: The right-hand side front mudguard attached to the track. Below: Both front mudguards successfully attached to the tracks. Step 3. Next, attach the rear mudguards.
Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01)
Note: The left-hand side rear muguards has a small cylinder on it. Below: The right-hand side rear mudguard has a plane surface. See the examples below.
Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01)
Below: Both rear mudguards successfully attached to the tracks. Step 4. Next, attach the additional fuel tank to the rear of the hull.
Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01)
Step 5. Attach the main gun to the front of the turret. Step 6. Next, attach the turret stowage rack to the rear of the turret.
Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01)
Step 7. Attach the loader’s hatch to the top of the turret. Step 8. Attach the commander’s cupola to the top of the turret.
Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01)
Step 9. Attach the .30 cal AA MG to the mount on the cupola. Below: The fully-assembled Centurion ready for the painting table.
Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01)
Adding A Tank Commander
Step 1. Replaced the closed commander’s cupola with the open cupola. Step 2. Add a tank commander figure to the open cupola. Tip: The .30 cal AA MG will need to be attached on a slightly different angle with a tank commander. Below: The fully-assembled Centurion Mark 5 complete with tank commander.
Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01) Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01)
ANZAC Vehicle Painting Guide
Centurion Mark 5 (VANBX01)
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Centurion (VAN040) Spotlight

includes one Centurion Mk 5 tank

Of the many nicknames that the tankies of the 1st Armoured Regiment acquired from the infantry, the most unkind was probably ‘koalas’ (a reference to koalas being a protected species, not to be sent overseas, and not to be shot at), a reference to them not being sent to Vietnam until 1968. The ‘turret heads’ dealt with that nickname in their first battle, and after that the infantry requested tank support whenever contact with the enemy was expected.

Check out the Centurion in the online store here…

The regiment’s flag bears the colours brown, red, and green, based on the Royal Tank Regiment’s motto: ‘From Mud, Through Blood to the Green Fields Beyond.’ They certainly found plenty of mud and more than enough blood in Vietnam, although their losses during their rigorous training were higher than their losses in Vietnam itself.

Designed by Tim Adcock
Painted by James Brown

Centurion Tank Centurion Tank
The Centurion in ‘Nam
Centurion Tank
Centurion Tank Centurion Tank
Centurion Tank Centurion Tank
Centurion Tank Centurion Tank
Centurion Tank Centurion Tank
Contents of the Centurion Blister
Contact the customer service team at [email protected] if you have any issues with any of the components.
Centurion Tank
Description of Components
a. .30 cal AA MGs.
b. Loader turret hatch.
c. Right-hand side rear mudguard.
d. Left-hand side rear mudguard.
e. Right-hand side front mudguard.
f. Left-hand side front mudguard.
g. Closed turret cupola.
h. Open turret cupola.
j.
.30 cal ammunition can stowage piece
k. Jerry can stowage piece.
l. Tank commander figure.
m. Main gun.
n. 2x Spare road wheels.
o. Additional fuel tank.
p. Turret stowage rack.
q. Left-hand side track
r. Right-hand side track.
s. Resin hulls & turret.

 

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Assembling the M41A3 Walker Bulldog

Step 1. Begin assembly of the M41A3 Walker Bulldog by attaching the tracks.

Tip: Ensure that the drive sprocket is towards the rear of the vehicle.

Step 2. Next, attach the 76mm main gun to the front of the turret.
M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
Below: The 76mm main gun has been keyed to match the front of the turret. Below: The 76mm main gun correctly attached to the turret of the M41A3 Walker Bulldog. Step 3. Next, attach the commander’s cupola to the top of the turret.
M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
Below: The commander’s cupola correctly attached to the turret of the M41A3 Walker Bulldog. Step 4. With the commander’s cupola in place, it’s time to add the loader’s hatch to the opposite side of the turret. Below: The loader’s hatch correctly attached to the turret of the M41A3 Walker Bulldog.
M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
Step 5. Finally, attach the .50 cal AA MG to the mount found near the commander’s cupola. Below: The .50 cal AA MG correctly attached to the turret of the M41A3 Walker Bulldog. Below: With the .50 cal AA MG in place, the M41A3 Walker Bulldog is ready for the painting table.
M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
Adding a Tank Commander
Step 1. Replace the closed cupola with the open cupola included on the hatch sprue. Step 2. Add a commander into the open cupola. Below: The M41A3 Walker Bulldog fully-assembled with tank commander.
M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
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Walker Bulldog (VAR001) Spotlight

Includes one Walker Bulldog Tank

Each armoured regiment fielded a Chi Đoàn Chiến Xa (pronounced chee doh-ahn chee-an sah), a squadron of M41A3 Walker Bulldog light tanks.

Check out the M41A3 Walker Bulldog in the online store here…

Given the Republic of Vietnam’s limited technical capabilities, the American M41A3 Walker Bulldog light tank was well suited to the war in South Vietnam. They were armed and armoured well enough to deal with most Viet Cong forces, while being easy to maintain.

When the ARVN cavalry faced North Vietnamese tanks for the first time during Operation Lam Son 719 in Laos, they discovered that tactics could compensate for their light armour, while their long 76mm guns could penetrate any enemy tank they faced.

Designed by Tim Adcock
Painted by James Brown

M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
The Walker Bulldog in ‘Nam

M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01) M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
Contents of the Walker Bulldog Box Set
Contact the customer service team at [email protected] if you have any issues with any of the components.
M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)
ARVN Tank Painting Guide
M41A3 Walker Bulldog (VARBX01)