Posted on

K-2 Ironclad Battalion Army Deal (VPAAB01) Spotlight

K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01) Contains nine plastic T-54 Tanks, two ZSU-57-2 Tanks and one decal sheet.

Maoist doctrine calls for three phases in a revolutionary war. In the first phase, the revolutionaries gain the support of the population. In the second phase, guerrilla forces attack military and other vital targets. In the third phase, the revolutionary forces switch to conventional warfare, defeating the military, seizing cities, and taking control of the country. By 1971, with the ‘Vietnamisation’ of the war and the withdrawal of Free World forces, the Nationalists believed that the time had come for the third phase. They started forming large conventional forces including armour and artillery and conducting combined-arms operations.

Check out The K-2 Ironclad Battalion in the Online Store…

K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01)
T-54 Tank (plastic) (x9)
K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01) K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01)
K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01) K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01)
ZSU-57-2 (x2)
K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01) K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01)
K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01) K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01)
K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01) K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01)
K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01) K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01)
K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01) K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01)

The K-2 Ironclad Battalion In ‘Nam
K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01) K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01)

Assembling The K-2 Ironclad Battalion In ‘Nam
K-2 Ironclad Battalion (VPAAB01)
Posted on

Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop Army Deal (VUSAB01) Spotlight

Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01) Contains two plastic AH-1 Hueycobras, two plastic UH-1 Slicks, two plastic OH-6A Loachs, three M60 MG teams with M72 LAW and three decal sheets.

The ‘Skysoldiers’ of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) proved the concept of an entirely airmobile division to be not only feasible, but also highly effective against elusive guerilla forces in Operations All the Way and Silver Bayonet. Their unparalleled mobility allowed them to locate and engage the Vietnamese B3 Front in a series of battles in the Pleiku area of the Western Highlands culminating in the Battle of Ia Drang.

Check out The Airmobile Cavalry Troop in the Online Store…

Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
AH-1 Hueycobra Helicopter (plastic) (x2)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
OH-6 Loach Helicopter (plastic) (x2)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01) Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01) Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01) Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01) Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01) Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
UH-1 Slick Helicopter (plastic) (x2)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
M60 MG Team With M72 LAW (x3)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)

Decal Sheets
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01) Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)

The Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop In ‘Nam
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01) Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01) Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)

The Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop In ‘Nam
Airmobile Air Cavalry Troop (VUSAB01)

 

Posted on

Sampan Boats (VPA822) Spotlight

VPABX12 Contains two Sampan boats and two crew figures

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…


Sampan Boats

Sampans were shallow-draft boats generally used for transportation of goods or people, usually in rivers or coastal areas. It was unusual for a sampan to sail far from land as they did not have the means to survive rough weather. They strived in areas normal boats couldn’t easily sail in.

Designed by Evan Allen
Painted by Chris Townley

VPABX12
VPABX12
VPABX12 VPABX12
VPABX12
VPABX12
VPABX12
VPABX12 VPABX12

Contents

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

VPABX12

Assembling the Sampan Boats (VPA822)

When assembling your sampan boats you have the option of using a rower or an engine operator. Below I will show you how to add either one.

Rower. Glue the feet of the rower to the back right of your Sampan boat as shown below. 

Tip: When assembling your models it’s always a good idea to dry fit your parts before glueing.
VPABX12 VPABX12
Engine operator. Glue the bottom the the engine operator to the back of the boat. Don’t forget to dry fit!
VPABX12 VPABX12

 

Posted on

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)
Posted on

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

 

Posted on

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.
Posted on

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.

 

Posted on

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)

 

Posted on

Assault Support Patrol Boat (VUSBX15) Spotlight

 

ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15) Includes one Assault Support Patrol Boat boat.

The Assault Support Patrol Boats (ASPB) were known as Alpha boats, owing to the A-designation on their hull numbers. They were the only boat in the MRF purpose built for the riverine mission.

Check out the Assault Support Patrol Boat in the online store here…

The Alpha boat entered service in September 1967 and became known as the Brown Water Navy’s “destroyer”. It was lighter and faster than the Monitor, the MRF’s “river battleship”, but it still packed quite a punch, with two .50-calibre heavy machine guns, 20mm cannon and multipurpose 81mm mortar for indirect fire. Each river division could rely on eight ASPBs to lead patrols upriver.

Designed by Evan Allen
Painted by Aaron Mathie

ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15)
The Assault Support Patrol Boat ASPB

Length:

50’ 1” (15m)
Beam: 15’ 2” (4.6m)
Draft: 3’ 6” (1m)
Displacement: 58,500lb (26.5 tonnes)
Speed: 16 knots (30km/h)
Crew: 6
The Assault Support Patrol Boat in ‘Nam
ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15)
ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15) ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15)
ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15) ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15)
ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15) ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15)
ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15) ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15)
ASPB (Assault Support Patrol Boat) (VUSBX15)
Posted on

US Monitor Boat (VUSBX13) Spotlight

 

Monitor (VUSBX13) Includes one Monitor boat with optional zippo turrets and command tent .

The Monitor was based on the ATC, but the boat’s ramp was replaced with a blunt-shaped bow and the forecastle extended. Known as the MRF’s “battleship”, it could carry a large number of weapons. A river division had up to three available for operations to provide serious firepower to patrols.

Check out the Monitor in the online store here…

Monitors were heavily armored, and normally mounted the largest guns of all riverine warships. The name originated from the US Navy’s USS Monitor, which made her first appearance in the American Civil War, and being distinguished by the use of revolving gun turrets.

The Monitor could call on some formidable weaponry, including a powerful turret-mounted 40mm gun, three 20mm cannon, and a multipurpose 81mm mortar. And that’s not even mentioning the Zippo variant, with two fearsome flame-throwers.

Designed by Evan Allen
Painted by Aaron Mathie

Monitor (VUSBX13)
The Monitor Monitor

Length:

61’ (18.5m)
Beam: 17’ 6” (5.3m)
Draft: 3’ 6” (1m)
Displacement: 169,000lb (76 tonnes)
Speed: 8.5 knots (16km/h)
Crew: 11
The Monitor in ‘Nam

Monitor (VUSBX13)
Monitor (VUSBX13) Monitor (VUSBX13)
Monitor (VUSBX13) Monitor (VUSBX13)
Monitor (VUSBX13)
Monitor (VUSBX13) Monitor (VUSBX13)
Monitor (VUSBX13) Monitor (VUSBX13)
Monitor (VUSBX13) Monitor (VUSBX13)