I am working on a Korean War dio with the Tamiya M-26 Pershing, DML T 34/85, and DML US Marines at Chosin Resevoir figures. My question is on the accessories I am looking at to use as debris. Question: Was the AK-47 used by Chinese troops when they entered the war in Nov 1950 in the Chosin area? I thought I saw one in a photo from Chosin area. The dio is nearing completion and I will post photos when complete. The T 34/85 has a complete scratch-built interior and engine/trans compartment (same one I posted in Rivet Review Board a couple of weeks ago).

Hi Gino,
Good to see someone doing a Korean war project,got a few in progress myself,interesting subject material.
As for the AK-47 no the weapon you probably saw was the SKS rifle as some were in use with the NKPA and the Chinese at that time.
Can't wait to see your dio when finished.

Grizzly

The Griz is correct -- no AKs in the Korean War. The North Koreans used lots of SKS rifles and PPSh submachineguns, as well as a host of old Japanese and Soviet bolt-action rifles. I have also seen several photos of North Korean and Chinese soldiers carrying captured weapons -- Garands, M1 carbines, Thompson SMGs, etc.

They also had the different models of the Chinese copied mauser rifles, my grandfather brought a 1888 Hangyang mauser back from that war;the chinese copy of the German 1888 commision rifle,though the chinese one had been rechambered for the 8mm instead of the original 11mm.

Grizzly

A diorama idea that I have always wanted to do comes from a photo that I saw once. A tank crew (M-46) I believe had erected a basketball goal on the back of the rear deck. They were shooting some hoops. I think it would make a great diorama and one could have some Chinese or North Korean equipment laying off to one side as if discarded.

Hi! I'm just starting serious armor modelling (after building those Aurora kits of the '70s). One project is a diorama of a M26/46 with 'tiger face' markings, as seen in the old Squadron/Signal book 'Armor in Korea'. Being hand-applied in the field, what is the best way to paint/mask these colorful markings, which had a short life ( I believe none saw action before 1951, correct me if I'm wrong)? I plan to use the new Tamiya M26 and Eduard PE set. Should I use an aftermarket gun barrell also? Thanks for any help.
Al Stagnaro