Hi folks,

Does anyone know if the Australians ever worn putties during the desert campaign?

I have the Dragon Commonwealth Infantry Italy 1943 set and I want to used them as diggers coming back from or going out on a patrol during the siege of Tobruk. Time period would be 1941, so I'd switch out the rifles and alter the kit accordingly.

Pity DML got the putties around the wrong way, but some creative cutting might solve the problem!

Cheers

Al

Hi Alan

Would this help ? :



This figure can be found at the Australian War Memorial shop, so I guess it should be accurate

http://www.awm.gov.au/shop/item/100030124/#.UYaWPKJ7J8s


I've noticed in many period pics the use of cloth anklets secured by three buttons. AFAIK they were standard home service items taken by units to the Middle East to replace putees.



H.P.

Hi Henri,

Thanks for those.

The other annoying thing about the DML set is the rear buckles all need moved onto the belt.

Cheers

Al

This has a general outline of the Aussie uniforms, but they also have their own forums if you wanted to ask -

http://thediggerslivinghistorygroup.blogspot.co.nz/p/uniforms.html

This is a good site for the history of the 9th

http://9thdivvy.blogspot.co.nz/

Hi Dean,

Many thanks for the links.

Al

Is there anything Frenchie doesn't know? Holy smokes.
Alan,I was wondering if there are any PE figure details sets for Commonwealth troopies? I know of 3 different brands for German sets. Do any exist? Or can't you use any set of PE buckles? I assume you are referencing the ones on the back of the web belt?
J

Hi Jerry,

ITA do some PE cap badges and slings. The Cap Badges are neat, haven't tried the slings as I tend to use lead wire.. Resicast have some buckles but they are not to figure scale.

I've wanted to do some digger since I saw this set. Like many I was a bit annoyed DML got the basic detail wrong. For a trial run I've opted to remove the plastic buckles, added some new web strap and replace the buckles on the belts. This is tiresome but as I don't have any suitable PE ones the next best option. The figures lack backsides like many British Troops, most probably because of the kit at the back so I'll add a bit more to those too.

To fix the reverse putties I've trimmed off the offending bit and will see if I can add a small seem going in the correct direction (or not!) lol.

The MiniArt tank riders would fit well into a trench so I might incorporate some of those too and I have the other DML set so plenty of body choice now available.

The chap with the helmet is the first effort.



I do like the Firestorm heads and hats



Cheers

Al

Here are the buckles used with the 1937 webbing :



Too bad these are for 1/6th scale figures...

Aber, Black Dog and Eduard have released 1/35 buckles sets. Many some would be usable with your diggers ?

H.P.

Hi HP.

Yes, bit big lol. No worries I can re-used the plastic ones, they have to come off anyway.

Cheers

Al

I hope that you keep posting progress on this one as we don't get to see much in the way of Aussies in the desert dios. One of my first "turn ons" to military history was watching"Waltzing Matilda" on TV on the Sunday night movies,laying on the floor in my PJs.
At least,that is what I remember the title was. Cool shots of an anti tank piece brewing up an Italian afv.
J

Rats of Tobruk period pics, footages and testimonies on Youtube :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkNRwlPwSH0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgQjuPUL5vY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhKInFO1gm4

H.P.

Hi Jerry,

I'll keep you updated on progress.

Thanks HP,

Good footage.

Cheers

Al

Hi Jerry,

Here you go.

The chap in the tin hat has a Hornet head, Tamiya Ammo Pouches, Ultracast Mk I Bayonet and the bandolier if from Accurate Armour.

I have moved the buckles on another figure and hope to get that part of the first 4 done this evening.







Cheers

Al

Looking good Al! I love the aussie hats and the tin pot guy is haoing up nicely as well. If you may,I discovered a quick fix for the diagonal straps. I used to carve them out and replace the whole strap with led foil. Now I leave the strap on and just cut a notch in it at the place it would leave the body and go into air. I then connect the notch with the canteen(or whatever)with a piece of led foil. Saves a lot of work.
I am strapped in for this build for sure.
J

Hi Jerry,

I've only replaced the missing portion, so we must be thinking along the same lines.

Here's the first 3 with some paint on.





Cheers

Al

I am diggin those diggers,
J

Hi Jerry,

Thanks, for a bit of variety I'll used a couple of sets of BD Trousers in the mix too.

Cheers

Al

Have you seen the new MB machine gun crew in the desert? I have one and it is pretty nice.
J

Hi Jerry,

Yes, I know of them but haven't picked up a set yet although I do have their British Infantry in Action set and the Hand to Hand fighting set. There is also a Digger in the Allied Forces selection they did.

Cheers

Al

Well,I am itching to build the gun crew. I must discipline myself though as I am trying to get into the habit of finishing things that I start.
J

Hi Jerry,

Enjoy. Here they are with some weapons.

Cheers

Al

Coming together now. Lookin good. That is a tough lookin bunch.
J

Al

Looking very nice. The only problem is that NOBODY would carry a Bren like that - the thing weighs around 30 pounds and if carried in the position shown would not be able to be balanced - it would fall over backwards (and so, probably, would the poor bloke carrying it!)

From personal experience, the best way to carry a Bren is by the carrying handle. If it is to be carried on a shoulder (poor shoulder!) the weight needs to be a lot further forward. Believe me, those things are HEAVY.

Regards

Rob

Hi Rob,

Thanks for looking in and the comments. Not sure I'd agree with you that nobody would ever carry the weapon like that. The Bren is lighter than the modern GPMG and it was easier to carry a GPMG over distance on the shoulder. Your shoulders can support a lot more weight than a dead weight on your arm and the webbing strap acts as very basic pad.

Would agree that that's what the carry handle is for and that it would need to be a bit further forward, just as well it's not glued in then. It also needs a sling and removing the magazine would help with the balance.

Don't know about WW2 but on longer marches during the 70/80s we would share the gun around the section so no one had to carry a heavier load then anyone else.

Thanks for the input, we'll agree to differ most probably.



Cheers

Al

Bonjour Al,

Great work!




Before you do that, I suggest you do some research. I believe I read somewhere that BD was never issued to Australian soldiers but I cannot remember where I read that.

Salutations du Canada,
François