Can anyone point me at suitable figures for the Airfix Ferret please?
I’m currently in the early stages of building two. The first is for a British Army one during the Aden conflict, using SMM parts for this version. The second is yet undecided but probably early Cold War British, or perhaps a French one.
I’ll probably start a build thread soon for both, meanwhile, any help on good figures available as crew would be gratefully received!
Might be one for you here @BootsDMS !
Well, off the top of my head (I haven’t completed a long ago-started build of a Ferret using the Cromwell Models version) for Aden you might be able to utilise some of these:
Whatever you use for the Driver figure won’t be visible much in any case, so shirt-sleeve order may not be relevant. Don’t forget an appropriate headset though.
For early Brit Cold War then you could, conceivably go down the 1944 Tank Suit route - including the camouflaged version, readily available from several manufacturers which I’m sure you’re aware of, or the green combat kit - which wouldn’t really be much more than a repaint of any figures in DPM such as purveyed by Valkyrie:
If you select Valkyrie you might have to double-check the headset.
I’m a tad unsighted on the French use; they may have used their own comms set up so that might mean a French helmet array such as provided by Blast; Olivier Carneau is probably the chap to ask.
That is VERY helpful, Brian. Thank you so much!
Olivier @Bison126 , any further ideas for French Army Ferret crew during the 50’s and 60’s?
Thanks
As a postscript, I believe the French also fitted a recoilless rife to some of theirs; readily available whatever type in 1/35 I would have thought. I’m not too sure what model at the moment; anyway, would add some interest - not that I’m micro-managing your project Terry!
Sorry Terry, look what happens when one Googles:
1/35 Ferret Mk2 w/ M20 Recoilless Rifle Conversion – FoxHopp Models
FC Model Trend has released 2 sets of Indochina war tank crews
H.P.
HP beat me.
For more info have you tried chars-francais.net?
There you will see that most of the crews wore a beret and not a armored car helmet.
Olivier
Very tempted by that Recoilless Rifle conversion, Brian. They also do a set of 50’s/60’s AFV crew, duly ordered along with the MiniArt crew you showed above! You can see the FoxHopp crew here ….
Very interesting link, thanks Brian.
@Frenchy Thank you for that link also HP. I’ll be ordering these when I decide on the exact Ferret to build.
@Bison126 That site is very interesting indeed, and will help in my research on the French Ferrets. There are so many reference pictures. Thank you Olivier, very much apprceiated.
Just look what happens when you ask!
The FoxHopp ones will need a bit of work I feel; 50s and 60s is pushing the envelope a bit. God knows what those attachments are on the rear of the shoulder straps - unless I’ve been outflanked by something - not entirely unknown(!)
But as I say, a good enough basis.
If I was to use the FoxHopp figures I’d shave off the webbing straps as there are no ammunition pouches etc. to warrant them being attached. The headsets however are a fair approximation of a Larkspur headset and microphone. Larkspur came into use in the mid 50’s and stayed in service until the 70’s when Clansmen was introduced so the figures could be used. Our Ferrets in Cyprus were full clansmen fits but the Saladin and Saracens had Larkspur intercom (IC) fits while the sets and antenna systems were Clansmen as they were designed to be interchangeable.
Larkspur Headset and separate Microphone.
I’d be inclined to leave the straps; there is evidence that they were worn to assist in crew removal when injured (certainly in WW2) - or more likely because the Army wanted its personnel looking smart, and unless you have a freshly Blanco’d (and gleaming brasses) set of webbing that just doesn’t happen,
The straps (“Braces, L and R” were to be attached to the ‘37 pat belt by the use of Brace Attachments, specifically when ammo pouches were not worn:
Bizarrely perhaps, I had to use these as a Royal Artillery Army Cadet in my local force, but blackened with boot polish
So, I think I’d leave the straps but remove the sort of buckle-like things on the rear, just south of the shoulder, but horses for courses as always(!)
I think the figures will look good enough once emplaced in a turret or similar.
I have asked FoxHopp about 70/80s British figures and the response I got was watch this space
Interesting. In addition to the 1950/1960’s ones I ordered I also found these, representing British Cold War AFV figures.
I also noticed they offer their figures in eight different scales.
When my others arrive, I’ll post some pictures.
As promised, the FoxHopp crew members arrived, within a few days of ordering actually, so excellent service.
Five crew members, in various poses. This one shows what in my opinion is the high quality of these prints.
On arrival…
And after a session with the knife to remove the figure from the “trees”. Still need to properly clean him up.
While I was on the site, I noticed they did some Ferret replacement parts, and additions, so thought I’d order up a turret to see what they were like.
I have to say, I was pretty impressed, especially with those turret grab handles.
And while I was in the mood, I also ordered up a pack of these.
No excuses now for crewless AFV’s!
Good Man Terry, good man!
FoxHopp are quite willing to listen to ideas as well,I have mentioned to them figures for NI/BAOR etc and apparently there is work going on! I especially mentioned figures for the upcoming Saracen and the answer was ‘stay tuned’
