Hi folks

I'm planning a small 1:35 diorama based on the 101st Airborne defence of Bastogne and I'd really like it to be an 'at rest' scene rather than combat action. I'm thinking 2-3 figures + assorted equipment in a slit trench on the edge of woodland, at rest (smoking, eating, checking equipment, or maybe with a medic in attendance).

Now, the thing is I've not worked out which figures I'm going to use for this. I'm aware of the Dragon figure set (No. 6163) which could be used with some modifications, but can anyone suggest other figures that would fit this scene?

Thanks for any help (comments/suggestions on the concept also welcome)

Hi
You could also try Dragons 6377 set of US Mountain Division figures, theyre all in relaxed poses and in winter gear appropriate for the cold Bastogne scene. Im sure any modifications from Mountain troops to Airborne would be easy enough.
Hope this helps
Regards Paul

I would be careful using the mountain troops since I don't believe the parkas and mountain rucksack included in that kit were issued to airborne troops...someone correct me if I'm wrong!

As for other kits, there are several "bulge" options, though not sure if all are still in production...

Custom Dioramics 4029 Battle of the bulge all have the wool overcoat but no weapons. Dragon's "remagen" set would work as well, but you might want to sculpt some cargo pockets on a few of their trousers. Dragon also has the "Airborne Varsity" set which are in the correct basic uniforms. Jaguar 63139 "good to see you" set is a creative one and could work well for you. Warriors also makes a bulge kit 35226. Basically anyone wearing a M1943 uniform, wool overcoat, or mackinaw jacket should work for your dio.

good luck, Chris

Some good suggestions there and a big help as I'm pretty sketchy on the different variants of uniform.

Thanks guys

I think one thing to take into consideration is that the Airborne in Bastogne went in without the appropriate kit, uniforms and ammunition. Im sure you would have seen a real mishmash of clothing of all varieties on the soldiers on 'the line' that they had begged, borrowed and stole from various sources to keep warm.
Thats my tuppence-worth anyway

The mountain troops would indeed be a poor choice. The anoraks that they wear are very specific to the 10th Mountain and the 1st SSF, and were only used in Italy. I bet you could kit-bash some DML GIs and the Tamiya "Combat group" (included in the old M3 half track kit) to come up with something like you envision.

The basic uniform would have been pretty regulation as they were deployed from the rest areas around Mourmelon. Overcoats and additional field jackets may have been somewhat improvised but remember, Bastogne was cut off shortly after the 101st went in. Scrounging was limited by the simple fact that there wasn't all that much to scrounge. One of the primary things may have been blankets, etc. wrapped around boots, although the jump boot was considered one of the better pieces of footwear in the US Army. Also remember that the US Field jacket was designed to allow the soldier to wear several layers of sweaters, etc underneath it.

Hi There
If I were you get hold of the Band of Brothers part 6 Bastogne.
Plenty of ideas etc etc etc

Chris

There are a couple of paratrooper figures in the dragon weapon support team which might prove useful they are firing a recoiless rifle but could be converted to boiling a mess tin maybe

Hey here is a link that may prove useful

https://www.mk35.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=20&Itemid=1&lang=en

As mentioned, there was very little to give away that these were recognisable as AB troops in the timeframe/location stated...

Brad