"Minifigs 1/144th WWII Hvy Wpns Packs Question" Topic

I'd like to know if the Minifigs, WWII, tripod mounted machine guns for the Germans and Americans come separate from the troops, especially the shooter directly behind it?

The reason I ask is if so, I could use them for Cold War Danish and Bundeswehr troops, who wear American-style, WWII-like helmets, and I suspect whose uniforms can pass for any of the above in this scale, given the right colored paint job.

Any chance the WWII German bipod gunner and his assistant can be used as BW troops too, if I swap some heads/helmets with Americans, remove their gas-mask cylinders, and apply a little green-stuff to cover up those knee-high boots (if they're wearing those instead of the shorter ones)?

Also, while I'm asking, it appears to me that their WWII US Marines don't have any backpacks on their backs, which might be a plus too, for representing 1950s and even perhaps, slightly later Cold War Americans, Danes, and Bundeswehr troops as well, in the absence of early to mid-Cold War West Germans.

Am I right about that?

Apparently, some US troops were still issued with the M-1 Garand rifles and BARs up until the early 1960s (possibly even the mid-1960s in some cases), before they got their M-14s, and M-16s.

Rumor has it BARs were also used by some in Vietnam, too, though I suspect that probably wasn't common practice.

Obviously, I can go with their Vietnam pack for a bit later, and/or some of the Pendraken troops, which are supposed to be pretty compatible in size as well, e.g. Falklands Argentinians for West Germans are a reasonable substitute too, though none of the above have the MG3, which is why I'm wanting to use the MG42s, since they look virtually identical.

The WWII tripod mounted MGs all are cast with the gunner firing the weapon. It is possible to swap heads (if you have a way to keep from supergluing your fingers together!)

Agree in principle with your suggested use of the WWII US Marines- not sure about the Danes. Just now looking at 1950-60s Bundeswehr troops. Found a pack of vietnam era US and plan to use them for 80's European based troops. Lots of LAW being carried. Was told they were issued as "ammunition" and were to be tossed after use.

Thanks Tom. I suspected that might be the case.

I saw a pic of some early Bundeswehr, circa 1960, in their multi-colored camo uniforms (very similar to WWII), and with M-1 helmets on.

Both were prone, and one was holding a LMG. Either an MG3, or MG42 with a bipod – not sure which. A 3.5" bazooka was lying under a tree nearby, and an M47 tank was cruising down the road in front of them.

Lo and behold, they were wearing tall boots, and some small packs on their backs – looked like US kit, perhaps. The guy holding the MG3 (or MG42) had a gas mask cylinder case on his back too, so no need to file those off I guess, if they have them on, as well, which is nice to see.

Yep, LAWs were apparently one per soldier, and some even carried two, if enemy armor was expected nearby. The FM book said for them to fire those in volleys of at least three at an enemy tank, at once, in order to try to ensure a hit.

Seems like a little styrene rod cut to length would do nicely for those.

Heads swaps in 1/144- you are crazy!!! ( or perhaps very skilled?).

Probably crazy, since it does seem like a real challenge.

Less so on prone troops.

No doubt, considerable on the others, since all will have to be pinned to keep them from being bumped off during play, I suspect. Of course, maybe that could be an "in-battle" combat effect for the tabletop, to add a little realism during game play.

Hmmmm, may not be necessary at all.

Just ran across a few pics of some Bundesgrenschutz in the 1950s, wearing WWII German kit, including helmets, all in what looks to be a nice Wehrmacht gray. They were carrying WWII-style rifles, with wooden stocks too.

Check out Pithead Miniatures. Their US 30 cal MMG team has the gunner separate and no backpack. They will work with most US-equipped troops through the mid-60s.