"QRF VDV update" Topic

Now that the Canadians have gone off to the production line (with enough additions to widen the range suitable to be used for Dutch, Belgians and probably a few others!) I am just looking at replacing our existing Soviet VDV (paras) and Air Assault infantry as a little side project while I work on the next batch of vehicles… and it seems good to ask you guys for some input.

This will be very much European theatre, mid 1980s. Range wise we are looking at packs with:

AK74

AKS74U

AK74 with GP-25

RPK-74

PKM

SVD

RPG-7

RPO-A

RPG-22

SA-18

M-37 mortar with crew

AT-5

AT-7 (not sure how different it will look in 15mm!)

AGS-17

Generic VDV crew to go with the SD-44, D-30 and RPU-14 (we have these already).

Of course we also already have BMD-1, BMD-1P, BMD-2, BMD-3, BTR-D, ASU-85, 2S9, Gaz-66 (various versions), ZU23-2, Hips, Hinds and the massive Mi-6 Hook…!

So… the question is…

1. Uniform? Motor rifle, style?

Or the more casual fatigues style?

I'm not planning on going 1990s-Crimea at this stage.

2. Beret, helmet (or dare I say both?) or do you just want berets to mix in?

I was thinking of doing just a pack or two in the padded helmet with AKS-74U to use as dismounted vehicle crew

3. Which way does the beret go?? Photos are inconclusive, showing it sloped both ways, sometimes at the same time!

Anything else to put on the list?

Geoff,

With all this 80s Cold War love, any chance you'll dust off the old 'modern' US troops?

V/R,
Jack

Yep, they are on the cards for a complete revamp and expansion.

Helmets for most, for me (type "foe me" first – obviously, a Freudian slip).

Perhaps a pack of berets to mix in, as needed.

Personally I like the berets. I have some of the old ones which I have in my AK47 Soviets in Afghanistan army.

Fred. Did you see the Leo 1A5 turret is with Chas? ;-)

Excellent, I can't wait!

V/R,
Jack

Yum-yum-yum!

I'm probably weird, I'd like the VDV in cold-weather gear (to go beat on some Swedes).

Yes you would. I haven't done the Swedes yet :-)

Actually, as I'm working on more Swedish vehicles (and looking at Norwegians) that may be a possibility too.

Norwegians!

🙈

Tell me what you need for Norwegians then ;-)

Yes I saw the Leopard 1A5 thanks. For Norwegians the NM135 APC, NM116, BV-202 and 206. That should cover most of it.

And presumably NM142

Yes any Norwegian M113 variants.

So anyway…. back to the VDV… so far I have one for helmets, one for berets, no comment on the uniform or proposed weapons list. :-)

And which way does it go??

What about the leather jump helmets or boonie hats,and the two-tone camo blouse and trousers. Folding stock AK's could give them a classic look.

I quite like this look. :-)

I take it you are referring to the beret Fred

Indeed Geoff! :-) Oh and don't forget the snow shoe holders on the front of the NM142.
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Still trying to find some decent guidance as to that turret.

Well, if cold-weather gear isn't in the cards, I'd vote for the more casual uniform, not Motor Rifle uniform.

Mostly in helmets, maybe some dudes with beret for marking command stands.

I wouldn't say not in the cards… after all if I'm also looking at Norwegian ski troops and Swedes I may have to think about adding them too at some point.

After all, we already do troops in arctic jackets with M16

M41 variant for the Norwegians would be nice. Can't recall the designation.

Ooooo, yes, definitely ski troops and those with snowshoes.

Gonna need USMC, and British with those too, I suspect, in addition to some Soviet/Russian opponents.

Do you mean the NM116, the Norwegian Chaffee?

It's the Danes who had the M41DK

(Both of which are now on the table)