G'day everyone

Here is Tamiya’s M41 “Walker Bulldog”, which I have built to represent a vehicle operated by the IV Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) Armour School, Thu Duc, South Vietnam 1971.

In 1964 the M41 light tank was selected to replace the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) M24 Chaffe light tank, which they had inherited from the French (who originally got them from the U.S.) The first M41A3s arrived in January 1965, equipping five ARVN squadrons by the end of the year. Apparently the M41 was an instant success with South Vietnamese armour crewmen, who found its interior to be just perfect for their stature, which had been a principal criticism by US crewmen who had been assigned to the vehicle.

References - Dunstan, Simon. Vietnam Tracks-Armor In Battle 1945–75. 1982 edition, Osprey Publications and various info I stumbled across on the net.

Scratch built items included:
- Mantlet cover made from a piece of cloth - soaked in pva glue / water mix.
- Ancillary generator exhaust system (brass tubing & card board)
- Kit’s plastic grab handles replaced with wire
- Tow cable made from string
- Aerials made from round styrene rod
- Jerry’s, water bottle and Ammo liners were from my spares box.

It was painted with Italeri acrylics (O.D & Medium Green II) and weathered with chalk pastels and MIG pigment (‘Vietnam Red Earth’) mixed with a little bit of turps, allowed to dry and then the excess brushed off with the wife’s...I mean an old toothbrush.

Vehicle decals were from ‘Decalcomaniacs’ and .30 cal liner markings from ‘Arms Corps Models’

Thanks for looking!

Hey Greg, nice job on an old dog. I like the way it turned out, good color to it also. I did one years ago as a transfer from the U.S., put on the stars but then covered them with O.D. painted tape. When I got divorced I left it in the main hobby shop in Orlando, Fl. by accident. But lucky me, (maybe) still have one in the stash. Hope that my skills now will make it look as good as yours came out.

Thanks Bob

Excellent work Greg , liket lots , nice little diorama .

I built the Skybow kit , that was a good kit , you have done a wonderful job

Greg You showed that the old kit can still be done in a respectable way. Only two things I would do is to change the old Jerry cans for new ones and also to secure the ammo boxes on the front hull with some string or tape since they would fall off in steep terrain.

Thanks for all your comments and tips gents. I appreciate it.

It looks good indeed. I have Glencoes Bulldog and I wonder if I have what it takes to bring it up to standards. Pipe dream I know.

I have this same kit and now after seeing yours, I cant wait to build it!