OLa everybody.

I am a WW2 modeler. "What else is new" I hear the people who know me a bit saying. Well this is my point. There is going to be a new contest and the subject iw post WW2 as I actually don`t know Jack about everything after WW2 I`m asking for your help. I want an American vehicle that was used in Vietnam but I only know the Huey and the M113. What Kind of vehicles were used besides the two I mentioned above.
And if people could recommend any good kits that are not too expensive but are good OOTB then I love to hear that too

I hope someone could help me with this I really would appreciate it

M48
M107
M41 (viet used a lot of them)
M24
V100 I think....
Sheridan
Jeep
mule
the usual trucks, and guntrucks.

That's just out of my mind right now.

See, I know a little about non-german, modern, OD clad stuff too!

I Also Believe they where Testing the Mutt in Vietnam. But The mutts mine MINE ALL MINE MWHAHHAHHAAHH!

mule would be a very good choice for a diorama..DML had a good kit with mule and 3 marines.

The mule isn`t that the big motorized skateboard with the big gun on it??
I believe I saw that one a time ago in the modeling shop is that an expensive kit???????

Ontos... have you seen that one? It is a beauty. I also think M88 wasn't mentioned. There are lots of kits to pick up from..
When you decide to do a particular vehicle post a specific question and I'm pretty sure someone here has built it.

Mario M.

There are two DML Mules available. One with a recoilless rifle, the other without. I have the without version and it runs $7, with RR is like $15. Both come with several Marines and 106mm rounds. Completed kit is around 3" long. As far as the Mutts go (a Ford produced post-WW2 Jeep, we never called them "Mutts"), the new Academy M151A1s were in use and not the older Tamiya M151A2 (and older Academy copies).

There were several M113 variants in use during Vietnam in kit format. All of the ones Tamiya produces are good for this era which include M113A1, M106A1 mortar track, M113A1 ACAV, M577 command post, M113A1 fire support vehicle (turreted version used by the Aussies). Academy also makes several M113A1 and A2 variants used during Vietnam like the M163 Vulcan ADA track. AFV Club makes the M548 ammo carrier that was in use during this era. Italeri makes an M113A1 kit and Vulcan as well.

Tamiya also makes the M42 Duster ADA vehicle based on the M41 Walker Bulldog chassis. The main tank in use was the M48A3 Patton tank made by Tamiya (and Academy copy) and the M551 Sheridan as well. Ironside produces a variant of the M48 called the M67 flame thrower tank. It is basically the Tamiya kit with resin and PE parts used to convert the kit over.

If an unusual vehicle is more your cup of tea, AFV Club also makes the LVTP5 AMTRAC (amphibious tractor). This is a bus-sized personnel carrier. They also make the M88 Medium Recovery Vehicle, which is a superb kit. Make sure you get the version that specifically states Vietnam version.

Italeri makes the M108 105mm SP howitzer and the short-barreled M109 SP howitzer as well. Both the M107 and M110 SP howtizers by Italeri were in use (same vehicle different gun). Both AFV Club and Italeri make towed artillery that was used in Vietnam.

Eastern Express has just released a PT-76 Soviet light amphibious tank used by NVA forces. Also the T-54 was in use as well. Trumpeter makes a T-54.

Gun trucks, deuce and a halves, fuelers. Lots of Korean War leftovers as well. French used old US equipment like M29 Weasels and M8 HMC, US half-tracks. ARVN used M-24 Chaffees and M-41 Walker Bulldogs. Aussies used Centurion tanks.

I know I've only mentioned a chunk of what was used and is available in kit form.

There is always the M60 CEV and the Aussie Centruion too!

Man, Sabot, what a thread killing post. Not a lot to add to that list...

Ok guys thanks for all the comments Especially you Rob That`s one heck of a starting point.
thanks for the list. Now I know in what kinda direction I have to look for purchasing a Vietnam vehicle.
And I think I`m going for the Mule. If I can find it somewhere..
Does anybody know this: Was the mule a vehicle that could drive fast or was it more for towing loads. What was the use of the Mule in Vietnam??

Anyway thanks guys you were all a great help for me. beer for everyone


By the way Keenan I love your new banner. I`ve always been a big fan of the pythons and I thought that search for the holy grail was brilliant

The Mule was basically a carry-all around fire bases and rear areas. All it is is a motorized platform, no suspension, seat and steering wheel. Something to haul small amounts of ammo to the guns, carry other supplies around the base. It was easily transported under a helicopter. The RR was mounted so it could be deployed fairly quickly in defense of the fire base. Current US forces in Afghanistan are using the John Deere Gator (looks like a beefed up golf cart/ATV cross breed) for basically the same thing.

Oh yeah, no towing hooks and it was probably as fast as an old golf cart.

I love finding pics of deuce and a halfves outfitted with all sorts of wierd defence guns for a truck,be it miniguns,50 cals,etc.

Great source for this is Squadrons Gun Trucks book. I don't know if it's currently in print, excellent resource on these, IMHO. Gunnie may have a better opinion and I will defer to his expertise.

Yes, Squadron's book is currently the best reference available on early Gun Trucks used in Vietnam. James Lyles' upcoming book The Hard Ride will superseed the Squadron reference. Jim is a formerr NCOIC of a Gun Truck and as part of organizing the surviving Gun Truck Veterans, had access and authorization to photos and information much broader and deeper than previously available. The release date of the book probably will not coincide with the upcoming Campaign being discussed - but Squadron's book ain't shabby to use!

Gunnie

Don't forget the M56 "Scorpion", used by D Company, 16th Armor, assigned to the 173rd ABN BDE. Poor guys that had to man that vehicle. The M114 was used for a while by ARVN cavalry units.

There were also V100 armored cars (rare Verlinden kit).

Look for the movie where all the trucks came alive and were killing people. They had a mule in it though it packed an M-60 on it. Sorry I can't remeberthe blsted name for the movie but it was great.

Maximum Overdrive with Emilio Estavez and Jamie Lee Curtis(?).

BTW, when I listed kits, I tried to name ones that are readily available in 1/35 scale injection plastic. I list the Ironside M67 Zippo since I see it everywhere. The reason is probably the $60+ price tag.

I also just picked up the Eastern Express PT-76B, nice looking kit.

Thanks for all the info guys

Next week I`ll go to the hobby shop to see if they have the mule still available. I inow I have seen it there a couple of weeks ago. I`m thinking of a lovely scene right now but I don`t know it for sure. First get the vehicle I want and then go thinking further.

Right now I have to celebrate your help with some beer (it`s two o`.clock and I have a puaze from the bar :-) ) Really guys I appreciate your help it was really good

I believe the Pershing and, correct me if i'm wrong, the Willy's Jeep.

Jamie Lee Curtis wasnt in that movie Rob . The truck with the Green Goblin on the front was the best.

Check out this link Faust... it maybe of some help to you!
http://www.vietnamodels.com

Was the film you guys talked about ..... A Stephen King movie about all the trucks taking control. Ac/dc did the soundtrack for that movie. Cant remember the name either!

It was Maximum Overdrive like Rob stated.