I want to work up a diorama of the '59 Cuban Revolution and along with the Engineer Basevich "command" set I'd like to have a number of additional rebel troops. I've been trying to find suitably attired figures with patrol caps but have only found the old Auburn US infantry sets which are pretty scarce. I'm wondering if anyone has come across any dimestore figures that would fit the bill or if any older companies had made any for bootcamp or headquarters playsets.
For a seated figure, or a head and cap for swapping, the "MPC" seated infantryman (10 for 8 bucks at Hobby Bunker). Nice sculpt, very good head (that doesnt sound good :O )
Also, that guy who only sells heads, like hundreds of sets of five, in every style cap. Forgot his name, but a search for "54mm heads" will get it.
I was looking for patrol cap figs as well for my playsets. Check out Toy Soldier HQ's site, US made figures list, for Andy Guard, Auburn, MPC and such. He has quite the collection of obscure and vintage figures, and sells them individually (I bought some Auburn, Lido and other vintage figs for a buck or two a piece. Make sure to check the civilian categories for each manufacturer, I found many "Gas station attendant" "pit crew" "workers" and "farmers" figures with the right cap.
I also found various navy, air force and rocket ship base figures with caps, and they were wearing basic uniforms so adaptable to many periods. There were a lot of "radar/missile" vehicle sets, with figures in basic fatigues and caps, from many manufacturers.
What did Cuban insurrectos in '59 wear? I assume simple civilian garb, and also some militia in basic fatigues, and probably military units that turned rebel? What weaponry did they use? I'd guess US surplus M-1s and carbines, Spanish 7mm Mauser carbines, grease guns, Thompsons, etc? Serious Question. I dont know. My only knowledge comes from Godfather II, where the rebels were civilians. Maybe good police figures would be in order for the Batista forces, if you plan to have them in your diorama.
For poor rebels, would Weston Mexican pheasants work? Most of the sombreros are seperate and/or can be removed (did Cuban farmers and workers wear sombreros?) and they are using simple shotguns and machetes.
Let us know what you find, and good luck
BTW, I have two Castro stories, I never get to tell. My Mom and Dad were at the U of Miami during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The army put AA guns in sandbag redoubts on some of the dorms, LOL. Well, the local Sears ran a quick sale on surplus guns, hyping the "Invasion!" theme. . My Dad picked up a M-1 Carbine, and a FN-49 semi auto 8mm, and one in 7mm Mauser, for like 18 bucks a piece! And thousands of rounds of HORRIBLE, WWII vintage 7 and 8mm Mauser ammo. LOL! Some of the bullets fall out of the casing, and one time, a 7mm didnt fire. I pull back the bolt of the semi auto, the round pops out, and explodes in my face! I had powder on my face, like Elmer Fudd.
I own them now, along with a set of what was back then top notch fiberglass Spalding golf clubs, which were on sale to make room for guns. Its my "Castro Clubs". They suck, very whippy.
Second story. Two years ago, my GF and I are staying in a Miami hotel the night before the Miami vs Free Shoes game. We were up all night, and suddenly, we hear a massive celebration in the street, banging pots and pans, whistles, yelling, singing, et al. I said "The stadiums going to ROCK! EVERYONE is getting pumped for the game!" Turns out, Castro died. LOL!
