USN012 US Navy Steam Launch (1 Viewer)

[mestell]

Being a former Marine, ever since K&C introduced their "1927 China Marines" I have been very tempted to purchase some of these interesting figures. In fact, ever since I saw the K&C "Shanghai" diorama with the USS San Pueblo and the new US Navy figures at the 2008 Chicago OTSN, I have been tempted to begin this range. I remember on more than one occasion watching the movie The Sand Pebbles (Steve McQueen) with my father (one of his favorite movies). My father is a Pacific Fleet Submarine veteran of WWII. Although he never served in China (he was too young), everytime we watched that movie he would tell me stories about the "China" sailors and Marines he had met and known. His stories painted a very colorful portrait of these "brown water" sailors and grunts - I always felt that deep inside my father wished that he could have been one of them. When USN012 Navcy Steam Launch was introduced I was impressed and also tempted to make the purchase. But I stayed the course and fought against my inclinations . . . after all, I collect Wm Britain ACW sets.

Well, late last week I succombed to temptation - I called Mandi at Treefrog Treasures and bought USN012. It arrived this afternoon and I am very plesaed with it. Its 13 inches long and approximately 3.5 inches wide at its widest. Both sailors are removeable. Here are some photos. Next - a Jetty or two, perhaps a sampan - oh my here I go again . . . . . . . . . . . Mike

 

[Leadmen]

Nice report and story Mike on the Navy and Marine service in China. I also enjoy the Sand Pebble Movie.

What is a former marine? I always thought that once a marine always a marine. Sempter Fi John

 

[mestell]

Nice report and story Mike on the Navy and Marine service in China. I also enjoy the Sand Pebble Movie.

What is a former marine? I always thought that once a marine always a marine. Sempter Fi John

Hi John. You are right, once a Marine always a Marine. Its been so long since I was on active duty I just get in the habit of saying "former Marine". Don't you just hate it when you hear somebody say "X-Marine" though. From a crusty old "O331" machine gunner . . . . . . . . Mike

 

[Lewey Gun Vick]

Very nice Mike! I know this range is very tempting to get into, I really tempeted about getting some of those marines!

Best Regards, Vick

 

[jazzeum]

Mike,

Great story and nice looking launch. Very tempting.

Your line about a "former marine" reminded me of a few years ago. I was getting some therapy on my back by a fellow whose wife had been in the Marines. I casually said, "oh, an ex-Marine?" John said to me in his souhtern drawl, "Brad, there ain't no such thing as ex-Marine. Once a Marine, always a Marine."

 

[lenswerks]

Looks great Mike!

Donnie

 

[amhuff1]

I saw this the last time in Gettysburg and it is a great set. I am tempted to start this range.

 

[PolarBear]

Mike

You will not be sorry that you have started this terrific series.

I predict the following:

1. You will want to add it all

2. You will also add sets and sampans from the Streets of Hong Kong Series

3. You will add 1 or more of the K&C docks

4. You will commission a new diorama setup from Ken

5. You will paint a great backdrop for it

6. It will eclipse your Civil War setup

Glad to have you aboard!

Randy

 

[Jagdpanther]

It looks very good Mike!

 

[UKReb]

Mike

You will not be sorry that you have started this terrific series.

I predict the following:

1. You will want to add it all

2. You will also add sets and sampans from the Streets of Hong Kong Series

3. You will add 1 or more of the K&C docks

4. You will commission a new diorama setup from Ken

5. You will paint a great backdrop for it

6. It will eclipse your Civil War setup

Glad to have you aboard!

Randy

Mike

Great purchase but you cannot expect me to concur with Randy's sixth comment

Reb

 

[mestell]

Thanks one and all for the kind comments.

Mike

You will not be sorry that you have started this terrific series.

I predict the following:

1. You will want to add it all

2. You will also add sets and sampans from the Streets of Hong Kong Series

3. You will add 1 or more of the K&C docks

4. You will commission a new diorama setup from Ken

5. You will paint a great backdrop for it

6. It will eclipse your Civil War setup

Glad to have you aboard!

Randy

Mike

Great purchase but you cannot expect me to concur with Randy's sixth comment

Reb

I am in the process of having Ken Osen make me 4 more custom diorama bases for my ACW collection. Randy, I believe your first five points are fair statements, but I will have to agree with Bob on the sixth point. My plans are to have a very nice "shelf" diorama to showcase my Yangtze River/Shanghai collection as it is acquired . . . . . . Mike

 

[PolarBear]

Thanks one and all for the kind comments.





I am in the process of having Ken Osen make me 4 more custom diorama bases for my ACW collection. Randy, I believe your first five points are fair statements, but I will have to agree with Bob on the sixth point. My plans are to have a very nice "shelf" diorama to showcase my Yangtze River/Shanghai collection as it is acquired . . . . . . Mike

Mike

I am glad to hear this but since you are an ex-Marine your USN/USMC China display will likely have an honored place in your man-cave. You won't be disappointed in this series.

You will also want to collect WB's new USMC Museum collection too

Randy

 

[thebritfarmer]

Very nice Mike, I for one hope you also continue with your ACW dio One of my favourite threads on here.

I was toying with the boat to add to my Zulu dio or maybe the new Sudan series. :0)

 

[PolarBear]

Very nice Mike, I for one hope you also continue with your ACW dio One of my favourite threads on here.

I was toying with the boat to add to my Zulu dio or maybe the new Sudan series. :0)

Let's hope that WB or JJD come up with an affordable Sudan gunboat

 

[thebritfarmer]

Let's hope that WB or JJD come up with an affordable Sudan gunboat

That would be an even better idea Randy, hopefully they will.

 

[marco55]

Let's hope that WB or JJD come up with an affordable Sudan gunboat

I'm Sure at least one of them will.Mike good luck on your new venture.
Mark