WWII SAS project (start)

lsc1002 · Post by **lsc1002** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 1:37 pm

My new project is going to be a Desert Rat Willy with three SAS guys on board. This is the start of my first figure, he has not been painted, retooled or anything like that yet. He is made of an NVA torso, P-51 legs, USMC head, and a Sahara turban. Can anyone think of another combination of figures that will work just as well or better; I still have two other figures to make, and don’t want to use the same base for the rowdy bunch individuals. Also, any ideas on which Willy’s would be the best for the job? I know there are four or five companies that make them in 1/18 scale, which is the easiest to work with. Besides the willies did the SAS use the Dodge Command car in N Africa? Thanks for any help and comments. Sorry the pictures are so bad my good camera is MIA

steelbonnet · Post by **steelbonnet** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 2:14 pm

That looks promising mate

I`ll be watching how this comes along

One thing about our guys in the SAS in the desert during WWII was they wore Arab headwear,Berets,Officers would wear officer peak caps,commando hats (Both officer Peaked Caps & Commando hats can be found in the Original Action Force line SAS & Z force figures had the commando hat,Officer Peaked cap would be The Black Major or Action Force Officer).

Maybe also a DAK field cap,as it was used to fool German Aircrafts sometimes by one wearing it & waving to the aircraft. Bet you didn`t know that did you

As for body,rolled sleeves or long sleeves,SAS wings on the torso (back then). Body parts Shorts & trousers,socks & boots.

maybe also a Great coat or local robes??? As it`s bloody cold in the desert at night.Maybe the German Great coat?

Well there`s a few suggestions mate

As for vehicles,the SAS like the LRDG used a chevy based truck to partner up with the jeeps. Though like anything in the Military & War time,whatever they can steal,beg & borrow too

The US were there in the desert towards the backend of that campaign so yes a dodge command car is possible i suppose though from a practicle point it`s the best for behind the lines ops. It`s not suitable for stock or cargo.

Maybe the WC 51 though. Though most certainly a Chevy truck. Also captured German stuff too

Weapons,Lewis guns,Vickers guns, Thompsons (Drum mags & stick mags),Stens,SMLE .303 rifle,Bren,M2 .50cal,.30 cal & captured German weapons too.

Hope any of this helps mate

ja
Steel Bonnet

lsc1002 · Post by **lsc1002** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 4:29 pm

Ja, it all helps

I will keep you posted on how the "project" is coming along. Thanks again
Lance

Post by **aferguson** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 5:09 pm

Solido actually makes an SAS jeep in 1/18.. comes with Lewis gun, lots of jerry cans, extra water condensor etc.

There are green and sand versions; the sand is pretty rare but the green isn't. It would be a good starting point. The only trouble is it's diecast and as such if you want to make the mods that the SAS did, removing radiator grill bars, sideboards etc for lightening the vehicle, it will be tougher to do because it's metal. You'll also need to replace the way undersized .50 cal it comes with...no biggy.

If you're looking for bare legs, to represent guys in shorts, the best source i know of is old 'Clash of the Titan' figures. 2 of the figures (i can't remember the characters names) have great tanned bare legs with short boots on. I've used them many times for customs....they look really good. You can usually find them on ebay for a few dollars. Do a search under 'clash titan figure' and you'll probably see some.

lsc1002 · Post by **lsc1002** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 5:41 pm

aferguson, you are "DA MAN!" Thanks for the Info!

Post by **aferguson** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 5:43 pm

yes, yes i am da man..

Razor17019 · Post by **Razor17019** » Wed Apr 12, 2006 8:05 pm

My KB Outlet had the SAS tan jeeps on sale a month ago...Buy 1 get another for 50% off. There were 15-20 bucks each.
If you want one, I can check for you- just pm me.

grockwood · Post by **grockwood** » Sun Apr 16, 2006 8:00 am

I would stick with the jeep as a SAS vehicle. The Command car is too large, too slow, and would use too much gas for the quick and moble SAS operations. I also have the Solido in tan. Unfortunately, the four gas cans are molded as one so they can't be rearranged. I fyou want to see a picture of the jeep, email me and I woud email some to you.

steelbonnet · Post by **steelbonnet** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 11:12 am

Some fine points there centone

Also thank`s for the heads up for the Fireengine too

I`ll have to see about nabbing a couple sometime.

Must admit i`m looking forward to what Lance is going to do next

Ja
Steel Bonnet

Post by **aferguson** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 12:06 pm

i'm surprised there hasn't been a 1/18 chevrolet truck come out by now...there seems to be every other vehicle known to man out in 1/18 diecast. The closest so far is the 1939 chevrolet woody wagon, similar front end and better size but lots of detail differences and the wheelbase would need a stretch:

http://cgi.ebay.com/1939-Chevrolet-Wood ... dZViewItem

Post by **aferguson** » Sun May 07, 2006 1:09 pm

FYI, i just found this Solido 1946 Chevrolet truck on Ebay. It's 1/18 scale. Slight difference around the fenders, otherwise it looks just like the '41 to me. Closer to scale and cheaper than the 1/16 Highway 61 1941 Chevrolet but the Solido will require more work (stretch the wheelbase, new wheels etc).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... RK:MEWN:IT

grockwood · Post by **grockwood** » Thu May 11, 2006 8:03 pm

I haven't done any research or measuring but I wonder if the cargo bed from the 21st 3/4 ton Dodge could be used with Solido Chevy cab for the LRDG .