Thanks! I too considered that they might just have gone the extra mile and whitened the slings; however, it looks like the RMP decided against it:
Now it’s difficult to discern if there’s any sling in this pic, but if it was white it would certainly stand out more.
If enlarged one can just make out some details of a sling in this one; and again, if white it would, I feel, stand out a bit more. Of course, it may have been the practice not to bother with slings but that seems a bit counter-intuitive - even for our Monkey brethren(!)
Just for completeness’ sake - a later pic:
As these patrols were representational even quasi-diplomatic in their tasks, I’ve decide to leave the jerrican in gloss black too; normally I’d finish it in bronze green or similar, but feel that in this case they may well have gone with that train of thought.
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The first pic in your latest post would make an excellent diorama Brian. I think I have that kit in my stash, from Trumpeter.
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It would indeed - but more figure converting!
It’s also languishing in my stash; I always fancied doing a Bepo version action packed akin to this quite well known photo:
Obviously figure conversions required but the ancient Tamiya set of Panzer Grenadiers de-bussing might be a start.
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Yes I hear ya Brian, figures would take some work.
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They would indeed; some time ago, with a view to undertaking the above, I experimented on one of those ancient Tamiya figures just to scope the art of the possible. The great thing is the Bereitschaftspolizei were wearing – in the pic - a Wehrmacht -type uniform so no need to faff around converting to a collar and tie (which I’m actually not that good at – see my RMP Driver above!).
I used a Hornet Head, an Italeri AK, modified a water bottle, added a strap (too thin for the respirator so I’ll have to re-visit that), made an ammo pouch from Milliput, ditto a respirator case; modified a bayonet to an AK type, and similar to the entrenching tool, and that was about it. I’m not actually sure if the Bepos were ever kitted out in full battle-order but I imagine maintaining order in the Socialist Republic of Workers and Peasants when beset all around with imperialist aggressors is demanding work, so that’s what I went with.
Shown here but all Blu-tak’d together:
I never got any further as I went off at another tangent. To be re-visited at some time(!)
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I’ve just realised I’ve sort of hijacked my own thread(!)
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That’s a very nice job Brian. I’m too lazy and would look to buy ready made figures but there are none really, at least none in action poses. But you’ve definitely shown it can be done.
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I’m sure the OP will forgive you!
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I’m not so sure; he can be harsh!
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I wouldn’t want to get on his bad side….I hear he’s a Cold War Warrior !
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Right Chaps, I give you Corporals Dusty Miller and Smudge Smith, ready for a hard day’s patrolling in the best posting ever of 1960s Berlin; their aim will be to map the recently closed-off areas of the city, and to garner as much intelligence as they can - not least by baiting any NVA they come across:
If you’re wondering why Smudge (the driver) has a first-aid box glued to his boot it’s because his position in the Munga demands that his foot is resting on something. The original Ultracast figure was designed for a Jeep so unless I was committed to major surgery (I wasn’t) he has to rest his foot on something when I wrestle him into the vehicle.
I regret I cannot paint the details fine enough that are really required these days so they will have to do. They’ve received a coat of matt varnish and will, hopefully cure overnight in the airing cupboard. Their boots will be restored to their normal shiny state post the curing. The eagle-eyed may just notice the General Service Medal ribbon adorning Corporal Miller’s chest.
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Excellent figures, very sharp 
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Bloody hell Tim, if only you knew, if only you knew(!)
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A pair of great looking figs Brian. Earlier in the build I imagined they would be quite eye catching with the white equipment and red cap tops and indeed they very much are now they are all painted up and ready to go. I also like your rather thoughtful solution for the fit using the aid kit.
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They look excellent Brian- very neat job!
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Thanks Karl - your comments are always welcome - insightful that they are(!)
I too always thought they would carry the day as it were, but there’s still a range of other colour contrast to come; whilst the cobbles and the wall may well be in a rather monochrome grey, there will, hopefully, be the NVA soldiers in their particular camouflage, the officer in his quasi- Wehrmacht uniform, and possibly some red/white barriers/posts when I get around to the barbed wire obstacles.
All this to showcase a small, shiny black vehicle What was I thinking of?
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Thanks Richard - God knows they took some doing(!)
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Looking very nice Brian. Some excellent work on the 2 monkeys !!
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Thanks John! Still some tricky work ahead but I’m getting there - I think.
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The MP’s really look the part Brian, well done!
Happy Christmas!!
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