Nice move MB. Hopefully this isn't just a response for figures for the Academy Ontos. I am hoping that this may encourage a trend from other manufacturers. I'd love to see Dragon re-issue alot of their old Nam Series kits...and dare I say maybe even update some of their Nam Series molds.

.... Thanks for the link. Excellent figures. Delicacy in the details and poses. ... Jorge.

Hey Walley! It's good to see you here. I sent you a PM/IM (whatever they are called) with my email addresses in it. GAB, I can assure you that MasterBox's entry into Vietnam subject matter has nothing to do with Academy's release of the Ontos. This kit is supposed to represent Army personnel. The Ontos is a Marine Corps vehicle. As with all of their figure kits, MasterBox's aim is to tell a story with this kit and make the figures in such a way that they are compatible for use in larger scenes or as single figures. Cheers, James

@James, I was referring more to sales than subject matter. I'm hoping that this just isn't a one or two set by them for Vietnam, but a serious attempt to provide figures for that conflict. Sorry for any misunderstandings.

GAB, Sorry, I guess I misunderstood your comment about the Ontos. At various sites I've seen all sorts of comments about needing figures to go with the kit, so I thought this was one of those kinds of comments. I think you will see alot more from them in the future. The thing that will make it easier for them to come out with more Vietnam kits will be positive feedback/demand for their Vietnam kits and subject matter ideas. They already have some very good ideas on the drawing board that they are in the process of developing. It's not going to be a quick process, but it will definately be worth the wait.

Too cool for school. I hope they release more Vietnam themed kits *cough Australian Infantryman on Patrol cough*

James, no problem. I actually have plans on building an Ontos after Christmas. I'm planning on using DML's old US Marines Khe Sanh & Tet figure sets for a dio. I haven't given any thoughts on the crew yet.

The basic uniforms on these figures, especially the trousers and the cargo pocket details, are very poor. The Vietnam jungle utilities fit was much more baggy than today's BDU, ACU or whatever the current designation is. The flap over the thigh cargo pocket was actually cut at an angle, not straight across. The legs did not taper at the ankle, but were wider to the point that one could pull them on over the boots--I could, but I wore mine a bit larger than "normal". The flak jackets are also Marine M-55 jackets and are much more bulky than depicted, especially the hard Doron plating around the midriff. Flak jackets in general are not reproduced as bulky as they are in real life. The Marines were more strict about wearing the flak vests closed up, though this is not to say one would not see them unzipped. The helmet covers are also pulled pretty tight, aren't they? The overall fit of the uniforms seems a bit too "tailored" and do not have the baggy appearance that was common. Personally, these figures do not impress me too much; DMLs 1st Cav set 3312 had more accurate uniform outlines, though detail was still "soft" and not as crisp as it could have been. We do need more Vietnam figures in plastic, but these need more work before they are acceptable.

Yes, a RTO would be a good idea instead of the M16 shoulder guy. Best, J