MORE PROJECTS PAINTED and Old Corgi Toys

SPANISH Home-Made MORTAR

Decided to clear some bits and pieces by constructing an 1880-1914 type mortar-howitzer. I'm quite pleased with the result and decided to add it to my small collection of converted Spanish, the crew are Marine Artillery. 

Spanish 1885 model

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More Americans are Completed

7th NAVAL BEACH BATTALION

On the D-Day landings there were units styled 'naval beach battalions'. They appear to have been formed to assist in coordinating the landing of men and supplies, They are also referred to as 'Shore Parties', 'Joint Assault Signal Companies' or Amphibious Corps Signal Battalions'. 

These units appeared in army or navy uniforms, or a mixture. Have noted some units painted a grey band round their helmets, but others just painted red unit numbers.

Here are some 1/32 figures in Coveralls, which is confirmed. Some time back I repaired a Starlux bazooka figure. As I now have a surplus of bazooka figures, decided to convert this figure into a signalman using a 'Blinker Tube'.

 'Blinker Tube'

US NAVAL CREW and CORGI DIECAST RADAR

Painted up some more of the figures in coveralls (I still don't know who made them) to complete a small crew for a modest naval gunboat, or a landing craft. Strictly, they should have two shirt breast pockets, and no patch pockets on the denims. I decided not to alter these figures, let the paintwork do the job.

The Radar is a 1957-61 Corgi toy, listed as No 353 Decca Airfield Radar. It is missing a small antenna but 'DIECAST RECOVERIES' can supply replacements! Picked up the Radar for £5 (originally £6) from the collectables shop.

121st ENGINEER COMBAT BATTALION (Normandy)

Recruited this unit from a mixture of 1/35 scale figures. Some were missing weaponry so decided to construct some extra equipment indicating they are engineers. Some plastic sprue was used to make the Bangalore Bangers.

MILITARY POLICE (AIRBORNE) and a STAFF OFFICER

Many US military units had their own police that could be identified by the armband and 'MP' on their helmet. The helmet also included a painted band usually in white, but some surviving helmets use bands in yellow or red (confused?). This odd figure (don't know the make) will be serving with my Airfix Airborne unit, its a similar size.

CORGI JEEPS ENTER SERVICE

Have completed the two Corgi 1/36 scale jeeps, constructed a M2 50cal HMG, and painted the crews..... not bad for £5 in total.

140th INFANTRY REGIMENT

These old lead figures were painted some time ago, but I have now added a figure to command, and a bazooka team. The 140th was stationed on the American West Coast during WW2. 

MGB

★★★★★★★★★★ REPLIES TO COMMENTS ★★★★★★★★★★

Hello Brad,  I had to make it a good run to clear several tabletops. It is too easy to drift...  and I am back to wall plasterwork soon. Yes, the blinker gun is a nice way to utilise a surplus figure, an easy job with miliput. The Corgi jeeps have turned out quite nicely, was a bit concerned if the 50cal HMG would be a strong model..... but it is securely drilled into the die cast using a steel rod, and my gaming does not need it to swing round. 

Hi Q, It has been a successful week, and another marine battalion got sorted on Monday. Good luck with your Australian Toy Fair..... best wishes to our brothers and sisters in the southern hemisphere.

Thank you Donnie, I don't mind admitting, had all the newly completed stuff on the table and it was a morale boost to see it all completed! Problem is, can't lay out the gaming table at the moment, but might be able to fight some skirmish games soon! 

Hello MJT, I feel the same about that Corgi Radar, I saw it in his shop for £6.... on the second visit I said yes, and I love it. I don't want to paint strip as it still has 60% original. But I will get a replacement antenna, but it will cost another £5. It deserves it!!!!