can anyone tell me what colors (tamiya if possible) i should use for the camo uniforms on vietnam era LRRP figures? i did a search and came up with just one pic (and one painting in watercolor )

Well the colors vary. Most used tiger-striped cammo. That cammo in most cases was actually made in country by locals. The dyes were natural and after a while faded. I am not sure if the US gov ever issues tiger-stripes to soldiers. My uncle served in Vietnam with the MAC-V in 1967 I believe. His cammo (he still wears it on occasion) is a mix of 3 colors I think. It is Olive drab originally then it is striped with black stripes and tan slashes.

www.suasponte.com/vietnam.htm -some pics there

-Mike

If you want a good starting point for some color examples I would pick up Osprey titles:

Vietnam Airborne
Armies of the Vietnam War (1 & 2)

As far as colors go it depends on the uniform. For regular issue I would use a dulled down (faded) Olive Green. For the ERDL camo I would use a mix of Dark Green, Light Green (Cockpit Green works well also), Flat Brown and Flat Black. For the regular Tigerstripe pattern I would use Dark green or Khaki Drab, Khaki, Flat Brown and Flat Black. There were many variations of Tiger stripes so you can be a little more free with the colors. Also, when you start to think about fading and wearing the colors can be adjusted further for both camo patterns. As far as equipment goes it varies. I usually stick to Olive Drab or Khaki drab for web gear, pouches, etc., Flat Green for the canteen tops. Boots I usually paint Nato Black or Nato Black and Olive or Khaki Drab for jungle boots, it gives them a nice dull fadded look before weathering. All of the above colors are Tamyia standard colors, sorry that I can not remember the numbers off hand.

I hope this helps.

thank you guys for the really great info and the link. you're probably right about the fact that fading and just normal wear and tear would mean that color accuracy shouldn't really be such a big problem. now i'm off to start on the figs!