US Tank commander from TSSD (1 Viewer)

[binder001]

Here are some shots of a US tank commander done mostly from TSSD parts (one Conte arm) withy some extra effort to build the M1942 tank crewmans' helmet

I based this figure on a recent movie character. Note the German assault rifle, the Colt .45 revolver in a commercial pattern shoulder holster over a tanker jacket and the Cavalry boots. That might make him familiar to some readers

 

[The Katzie Kid]

Best job I ever had.

 

[Plastic General]

At first, I thought he looked like a modern tanker with a flack jacket.
Nice work, but the problem with doing a tanker in TSSD scale, is that at will only look right with BMC Shermans.

Plastic General

 

[binder001]

At first, I thought he looked like a modern tanker with a flack jacket.
Nice work, but the problem with doing a tanker in TSSD scale, is that at will only look right with BMC Shermans.
Plastic General

I probably should have put a few wrinkles in the jacket, but the tanker jacket isn't very "wrinkly" even on my dumpy frame. It's one of the most comfortable jackets that the US Army deployed in WW2. The M1943 jacket is comfortable and has better pockets, but the WW@ production had button front without a zipper, so the tanker jacket is better in the wind. I could also have made the collar thinner, but that was the trade off between scale appearance and making the figure too delicate. My primary customer likes the figures in one color, so you can't pick up the light OD jacket with brown/OD collar, cuffs and waistband.

I agree about the scale problem. The BMC Sherman is a real POS as far as accuracy and appearance without a MAJOR rebuild. I just let the customer worry about where and how to set up his display. Another problem in "TSSD scale" is the lack of conversion parts. I would really have liked to add some goggles but the ones I have available look too small to be the M1944 Polaroid goggles that I wanted to represent.

Gary B.

 

[Plastic General]

OK you Bastards!
I'm now inspired to make a US tanker of my own!
Will post soon!

Plastic General

 

[Denver]

Good Morning Gary
Your Tanker looks terrific.
Did you do the Sculpting with Green Stuff ?

 

[binder001]

Did you do the Sculpting with Green Stuff ?

Yes sir, I like the two part epoxy (blue+yellow+green). The basic figure was a TSSD cavalry trooper, holsters and cartridge pouch were cut off, jacket added with epoxy. It doesn't show well in the photo but I added some texture to the collar cuffs and waistband of the jacket while the putty was soft. The sides of the tanker helmet were also made from two-part epoxy, as was the strap for the shoulder holster.

Gary B.

 

[Denver]

Gary
This should be a good method to make
Flak Vests for Vietnam Marine Figures.
Thanks for the information and instructions.

 

[binder001]

Gary
This should be a good method to make
Flak Vests for Vietnam Marine Figures.
Thanks for the information and instructions.

That had occurred to me also. My primary customer was interested in some Vietnam troops at one point. This might make an appearance on them

GB

 

[gk5717]

That had occurred to me also. My primary customer was interested in some Vietnam troops at one point. This might make an appearance on them

GB

Gary, you have my approval on the VietNam figures, proceed!
Gary

 

[Denver]

We need figures with M16s.
Somebody is making army Vietnam figures.
Some pictures are posted somewhere.

 

[gk5717]

Denver, message me your email address and I will send you pics of the VN GI,s I had done by Scott. He uses the m-16,s from those cheap soldiers that you could buy for 100 for $4.00 a bag. , you know what I,m talking about.
Gary

 

[nmrocks]

Looks great Gary, Nicely done, not a pretty boy, Nasty is obviously part of his nature.
Ray

 

[Denver]

Gary
Thanks for the reminder.
I will get some from EBay.

 

[THE SHOOTIST]

Excellent conversion! Love the StG44. The "scale problem" shouldn't be too troublesome, the old Monogram 1/32 Sherman kit is still available....
(Just saying... )