Dien Bien Phu Vespa scooter

Crazy Kraut · Post by **Crazy Kraut** » Tue May 04, 2010 11:36 am

I´ve found some 1:18 scaled french military (paratrooper version) Vespa scooter.
Researched that building year of those vehicles was 1952. The french army used them in several versions. Maybe in Dien Bien Phu?? Someone interested in pics?

Post by **aferguson** » Tue May 04, 2010 12:21 pm

i've got one of those. As i recall they were used by the French in Africa, but i don't think they ever used them in French Indo China. I could be wrong though.

CENT-ONE · Post by **CENT-ONE** » Tue May 04, 2010 2:04 pm

http://www.gunslot.com/pictures/french- ... pa-scooter

Threetoughtrucks · Post by **Threetoughtrucks** » Tue May 04, 2010 3:16 pm

I don't doubt Centone's source but I've never seen any pics of this rig in Vietnam use. The 75mmRR, yes, in French service and Viet Cong captured use against us but the scooter mounted, no.

The 75mmRR takes a gunner and a loader so were both guys on this cute as a button bike? Normally the 75mmRR would use a heavy .30cal MG tripod.

I've fired the 75mmRR from a tripod and with the backblast and dirt thrown up, I just cannot imagine this gun fired from this scooter on the move. Amazing.

TTT

tmanthegreat · Post by **tmanthegreat** » Tue May 04, 2010 3:54 pm

This was a real vehicle and Maisto has made a nice one in 1:18 scale. Thats the one I believe Crazy Kraut has... It can hold a 1:18 scale figure (sort of) and the vehicle itself is nicely detailed, including even stowed ammo rounds. The vehicle I got came in a four-pack of Maisto Vespa scooters and was sold at Wal Mart. The OD green bike with recoilless rifle stood out among the more fruity red, blue and silver bilkes in the package and and was an interesting choice.

Post by **aferguson** » Tue May 04, 2010 4:10 pm

that source says they were used in Indochina so it's possible. It would make sense they were, if the terrain was suitable but i've never seen a picture.

Ask here: www.missing-lynx.com in the modern era forum and you'll get the answer for sure.

As i recall they were used in pairs, one carrying the 75mm and the other vespa carrying ammo. So the team consisted of 2 vespas and one RR.

Threetoughtrucks · Post by **Threetoughtrucks** » Tue May 04, 2010 9:19 pm

That would make sense, two scooters and one RR. I also have the Maisto Vespa 75mmRR and there are six rounds strapped on the bike.

One RR and twelve rounds makes sense between two scooters.

TTT