During Market Garden my old Regiment the 504 Para Inf made a dramatic contested crossing of a large river in Nederland. Famously portrayed in the movie “Bridge Too Far”.
First off I had to scratch a British “Goatley” collapsible assault boat. I used stock plastic for the frame and them putty for the canvas.
I added carry ropes, stowing tie downs and bow and stern tow ropes as per pics I found from museums,etc. Then the roller and pan was found and a few coats of Sherwin Williams was applied.. Here is the damage so far.
504th actually was at both bridges. Elements of the 504 landed near the Grave bridge and captured it intact during the opening phase of the battle on the 1st day. Other elements of 504th made the daylight river crossing on the 20th and captured the railroad bridge and north end of the roadway bridge.
Thank you sir for the kind words. It has been my experience that the more difficult and rare subject I scratchbuild the less interest there is for some reason. Maybe I should stick with pointing figures and Tiger tanks ?
Oh hell the fk no.. the fact you made this totally validates its creation. It’s a piece of History. Maybe I forgotten piece but now people will remember to look for it if they watch that film again. I remember it well. From the film I mean. It looked goofy as hell to me but hell it made somebody want to build it I guarantee you there’s going to be other people to follow why because it’s obscure as hell keep up the great work
Looks like an amazing project Jerry. I don’t think there are many US Paras from that specific time period with regards to the uniform they wore. Although I did a figure from Stalingrad Miniatures of a US Airborne Officer and they make a few others.
Yeah man right on the money with those Dragon kits.I have used them several times for abn subjects later in the war like the BoB era. Also much more afordible than resin guys. Plenty of Normandy era guys on the market in resin and plastic but not too many with the later OD fatigues.
The last three figures in this set could be modified as well by adding the trouser cargo pockets… and doing other upgrades. But they are wearing the correct M1943 base uniforms and boots worn during Market Garden.
