introduction

BRAVO-6 , producer of the high quality Vietnam War figures , keeps adding more unique subjects to the series. After US Infantry , Viet Cong and Australian SAS figures, they lately released a two-figure kit representing US AFV crew.

The kit B6-35012 US AFV Crewmen, Vietnam 68 includes two figures; a commander in vehicle’s cupola in communicating pose and a driver operating the vehicle. Though the kit can be used in many US armored vehicles, I think it fits exactly to the legendary vehicle of Vietnam War ; M113 ACAV.

box

The figures come well packed in standard BRAVO-6 light brown 50x80x25 mm cardboard box . The front part of the box shows a photo of the assembled and painted figures which can be helpful as a painting reference. On the other side of the box; e-mail address and website of the company are noted.

Each figure comes in a seperate transparent zip-lock bag . Inside these bags, the main part-body and other small parts like arms and accessories of each figure are also seperately inserted in a small plastic bags to avoid unexpected damages during transfer. Parts are represented with the casting blocks.

A water-slide decal sheet including uniform details is added into the box. This is a good service for the painters who has no desire to paint small details. It includes breast U.S Army tags and individual name tags , sleeve rank insignia for staff sergeant and sergeant and unit badges of 1st Cavalry and some Infantry divisions served in Vietnam.

parts

Both of the figures are sculpted by Vladimir Demchenko and come in medium grey resin. The resin quality is good and details are very crisp. No air bubbles, excess resin or any casting mistakes on the figures. The junctions between figure parts and casting blocks are well placed and the parts can be easily removed from the blocks with no damage. There will be a small need for a cleanwork for the slightly visible seamlines inside the arms of the commander figure. The body parts need no cleanwork , just wash,prime and paint.

Commander

The figure comes in 4 parts. The main part is Body with head and legs. It shows nice facial details and moustache is well defined. He wears a CVC Helmet - Combat Vehicle Crewmen helmet which was a lightly padded crash helmet for wear inside all US armored fighting vehicles during the Vietnam era providing head protection for the bumps and jars. It was composed of plastic-resin coated ballistic nylon and gave almost equivalent protection as the M1 helmet. The details on the helmet like Exterior draw string which allows the wearer to snug up the earphone cup allowing a better fit and Send/Receive switch box are very nice represented. Over the helmet, he carries a M44 Goggles which protects eyes from sun, wind and dust.

His uniform is typical jungle fatigue with 4 flip-top cover pockets jacket and trousers with 2 flip-top cover cargo pockets on the sides. As the footgear, he has leather-canvas jungle boots. Over the uniform, he wears a M1952 Flak vest. Developed during Korean War,it saw continuous service during the Vietnam War despite being officially superseded by the improved M69 armor. It was fabricated from 12 piles of ballistic nylon, weighed approximately 8½ pounds and featured epaulets; a zip front closure and adjustable elastic draw cords on each side. The jacket and also had grenade hangers over both cargo pockets, the left one of which contained a pen compartment.During the Vietnam War, many soldiers, Marines and Airmen received vests that would stop shrapnel, rocket fragments, snake bites, fire ant bites but not a bullet. In the Vietnam climate they were hot and uncomfortable, and felt heavy and bulky. Nonetheless, they were widely adopted and the Soldier in his flak vest became a symbol of the war. Cloth folds of the uniform and flak jacket, pocket details, side laces of flak vest are all well defined.

Other parts are;

Right arm : Cloth folds,rolled up sleeves and bracelet are well defined.

Left arm : Posed to grab the handset.It shows nice cloth folds .Wrist watch and ring are nice details.

Holster : He carries a Colt M1911A1 in leather holster on the right side.

Driver

The figure comes in 3 parts. The main part is Body with head and legs posed sitting on the driver’s seat putting his feet on accelator pedal. He wears CVC helmet and helmet details are well defined as in commander’s helmet. He wears US Army standard tropical uniform/ jungle fatigue with a M-1956 Pistol belt on his waist. Inside the uniform, he has a OD military T-shirt and a necklace with peace symbol is a nice touch. Trotters of his jungle trousers are stuffed into his jungle boots.

Other parts are Left arm and Right arm posed to grab the steering levers. Upper parts of the levers are sculpted on the hands.

reference

Osprey Publishing - Men at Arms 104 - Armies of the Vietnam War 1962-75 (1) by Philip Katcher & Mike Chappell

Osprey Publishing - Men at Arms 104 - Armies of the Vietnam War 1962-75 (2) by Lee E.Russell & Mike Chappell

Osprey Publishing - Elite 043 – Vietnam Marines 1965-73 (2) by Charles D.Melson & Paul Hannon

Osprey Publishing - Men at Arms 157 – Flak Jackets by Simon Dunstan & Ron Volstad

Vietnamgear.com

David Brubakers Vietnam Equipment and uniforms - Very useful reference site !

M113 Interior photos

Mannie Gentile-Combat Helmets of 20th century - Excellent site !

conclusion

Useful kit especially for Vietnam US Armor and diorama fans. Nice sculpt and high quality casting in crisp details.

Highly Recommended