Recommendation for suspension of K&C descending Paratroopers (1 Viewer)

[Arnhemjim]

A possible alternative to using cup hooks for the suspension of the parachutes of K&C descending paratroopers is the use of fishing line snap swivels (ball bearing type are best) attached to the end of the black line coming out of the top of the canopies. This facilitates the use of very small screw-eyes (long shank) which provides an aesthetically cleaner, less visible, attachment to the ceiling or other point of suspension.
Arnhemjim

 

[CelticDave]

Have you done this??
If so could you post some pictures.
My Paras are still in the box.

 

[thebritfarmer]

They would also work for connecting the para to the chute.

 

[NielsVV]

I would also like to see a picture. My para's are still unopened in the box, waiting till 6th of june

 

[Arnhemjim]

Gentlemen,
I also forgot to mention that this method facilitates taking them down for periodic cleaning/dusting, without having to untie/retie the black threads. Am enclosing a couple of thumbnails which hopefully will give you a better idea of the detailed suspension. I've had to go through several iterations on the image/file sizes to conform to site limits, so don't know exactly how they will show up. Please be aware that the flash camera produces a shadow of the black thread that goes off at an angle.
Arnhemjim

 

[jules118]

Thanks for the pix! As a former military parachutist I have always been tempted to buy these guys, but they're a bit out of my K&C collecting area.

One tiny thing that I always wondered though, is why they are jumping 'clean skin' i.e. without their weapons/equipment dangling from suspension ropes? Figured it may just have been too difficult to include this on the models in a way that would look realistic.

I must admit that your frames of insignia on the wall really got my attention, particularly the board with the para wings. Collecting airborne and special forces insignia has been my hobby since the late 70's. Pre 1945 para/SF is one of my main interests as is Australian (I'm co-author of the book, "ANZAC ELITE: The Airborne & Special Forces Insignia of Australian & New Zealand" btw). Would be interested to see a pic of that frame if you have one. My email is juleswings@hotmail.com

Jules

 

[Arnhemjim]

jules 118,
Very much appreciate your comments. Have a copy of your book acquired during a visit to 'Australia Fair' in 1997. An excellent reference, and oviously a labour of love. Want very much to come back, particularly to Cairns and Canberra. As you may recall before the airborne kit bag was perfected by the Airborne Forces during WWII, the normal routine was to jump essentially clean with a Sten machine carbine disassembled in your harness, and upon landing recover weapons and ammunition from a CLE container which was dropped with the 'stick'. I fully expect Andy to come out with the kit bag as an accessory which can be added to the basic paratrooper. Even as a 'straightleg' (Naval Intelligence 29 years, retired CAPT, USN) I have developed a significant appreciation of the Parachute Regiment and 1st Airborne Division at Arnhem (Market Garden), from the specific aspect of errors in both intelligence acquisition, distribution and utilization (honorary member of the Parachute Regiment Association, Liverpool Chapter). Have particularly benefited from my long term friendship with both Bob Bragg and Roy Turner, and that's how I was able to acquire a lot of the UK and Commonwealth special forces insignia I have. Apologies, I will have to send you by private e-mail some jpgs. due to size limitations of this site.
Regards,
Arnhemjim