Nazi's at Normandy (1 Viewer)

[Mitch]

I think with the little variation of units offered in the toy soldier world by manufacturers there seems to be little chance of mixing wrongly historically accurate units.

We are bombarded with the same SS units LAH, Das reich, HJ sometimes Totenkopf and, a few army panzer lehr, the leaping horsemen and, windhund.

It would be nice to see some other units addressed though I can see why for sales they are not done but, its frustrating that only the same units get visited IMO.
Mitch

 

[lancer]

And we are really only talking about vehicle markings. Whan infantry are involved, there is little to distinguish different units within organizations. Army units wore very little to distinguish units (that could be seen on toy soldier scale, anyway) and Waffen SS were also hard to tell apart when in their camo uniforms. Cuffbands were worn by most SS but for the most part the bands were not on the camos and thus wouldn't be seen (and again, are hard to read in TS scale) anyway. Obviously some units like the FJ's have their unique helmets and Luftwaffe markings but small unit ID is difficult. Knowledge of Order of Battle for a given action is the best way to ID, so reading and knowing what battle the collector is going to dio is best. -- Al

 

[Mitch]

Lancer...

Thats what I am talking about mate. It would be nice to see some different units represented in vehicle for and agree that apart from units which wore cuff titles or, as you say Luftwaffe or FJ's etc they are almost impossible to tell apart and, could be used by a collector as any unit they so require.
Mitch

 

[lancer]

Lancer...

Thats what I am talking about mate. It would be nice to see some different units represented in vehicle for and agree that apart from units which wore cuff titles or, as you say Luftwaffe or FJ's etc they are almost impossible to tell apart and, could be used by a collector as any unit they so require.
Mitch

Yes, many units to choose from. The white helmet of the GD or the mailed fist of the 17th SS could be a nice start. -- Al

 

[johnnybach]

Hi Aggie - me again. As you can see from the discussion you kicked off - there's a lot of stuff out there! My suggestion that you read "The Longest day" - was suggested as an "easy" way in to the minefield!

Also, watching a DVD of the film after you have read the book - could possibly suggest ideas for your diorama. It all depends what you want to portray. Is it going to be for a museum - or just for your enjoyment?

I too, look to "get things right" wherever possible - but don't let it spoil your fun doing it. After all, if you want a para hanging off a Church - and a guy in an SS smock taking a pot at him - well, why not?

Just because that may - or may not - have happened in the village you choose to portray - doesn't mean to say it is wrong. It may have happened somewhere else. ( I know - I've seen the Church - and a dummy is still hanging off the corner!).

My advice is - go with what you like. Your building it for your own enjoyment first and foremost. Have fun chum - and a thumping good read along the way! Good luck with any exams - johnnybach

 

[Aggie99]

Johnny and everyone else,

Thanks for all the info. It is all helpful and I enjoy reading all the info you guys have to share. I have really stepped up my research and my reading (when I can) in this area, and am trying to learn as much as possible. However, with a forum like this, that is full of so many knowledgable people, it seems a little crazy to "re-invent the wheel" every single time. If nothing else, the info that you all have supplied has given me many "starting places" from which I can continue to read and research. Without a starting place, I would be limited to starting my initial search with the key word "Nazi" or "D Day Forces." All of your info gives my research a "jump start," and for that I am very greatful!

I intend on reading the longest day (if for no other reason, it just sounds like a good read).

As for adding an element of "historical fiction" to my historically accurate dio, well Johnnybach, I couldnt agree more. No matter how much I read, I cant know every specific shot taken and movement of every foot-soldier, etc. So there is an element of artistic license that must be taken. I like to get as much correct as possible, but as long as I get the basics right, I am happy. Plus, I can correct from there as I learn more.

I agree with the idea that NOT working on my diorama (and thus not having any fun) b/c I haven't read enough is a never-ending argument. Due to the fact that I can never know enough, I would never start the diorama if I were to wait until I knew all there was to know!

haha....thanks again!!