"LRDG Boys Anti-Tank unit conversion?" Topic

Hi guys. Building a small LRDG force for Bolt Action, I've decided on a unit armed with a Boys anti-tank rifle (historically accurate to the kit they carried on operations). Unfortunately I'm having trouble finding suitable models. Apparently the Perry Miniatures "Desert Rats" box includes an anti-tank unit but I would ideally like to keep my troops metal (I've been using the Artizan Designs minis which are fantastic).

The closest miniature I've seen are the Pulp Figures Sikh team, who all have uniforms that would work well with my guys. But their heads all have turbans and large beards that would be a pain to try and headswap, especially as I've never tackled any conversions before. Looking for options and advice.

Thanks in advance!

Apparently the Perry Miniatures "Desert Rats" box includes an anti-tank unit but I would ideally like to keep my troops metal (I've been using the Artizan Designs minis which are fantastic).

Perrys also do WWII in metal, here is a link to a platoon command pack which includes anti-tank rifle:

link

Edit: also there is an LRDGE truck with optional anti-tank rifle mounting:

link

No idea how they would look next to Artizan figures, though.

Footsore do a VBCW/1930s British Militia Boys that will fit in with LRDG, smaller than Artizan but Perry metal would be way too small to match up

I headswapped the Pulp Sikhs using heads from Woodbine: link A number of the heads have large mustaches, but that should be OK for LRDG. Some of the Sikh's beards protrude onto their chests, but not the ATR gunner.

Crusader does a good ATR team; I had to remove the e-tool to make them Early War: link They have long trousers and unrolled sleeves.

Thanks for the responses everyone.

Jeff, do you have any photos of the headswapped sikhs? How was the conversion process?

Find a poorly-lit shot of the headswapped ATR and Bren, plus another possibility, a Battlehonors Gurkha ATR. I believe Bob Murch is now or will soon be selling 8th Army versions of his Highlanders and Sikhs. i.imgur.com/FzP2RWD.jpg

It's very nearly the easiest conversion there is: take fine wire cutters and remove the heads. Drill a hole in the neck, drop of Krazy glue, insert floral wire. Now cut the wire off short, drill mathing hole in head, another drop of Krazy glue, and that's that.

After writing all that, I find that yes, you can just buy the desired figs: link Although you have to get 17 minis for USD50. They're delightful though.

Thank you so much. Headswapping still seems my only option, as I'm wanting either a keffiyeh or commando watch cap on the ATR.

The Perry plastics will give you the heads you need if you can't find any metal ones.

The Perry plastic heads are going to be too small on the Pulp Figures bodies. Take a look at: link and link

I would encourage you to try the conversion, it's satisfying knowing you have a really unique mini. If the cutting makes you nervous you can "metal fatigue" the heads off my rocking them back and forth, bending the neck, until until it snaps.

Make you sure you share when finished!

Those shemagh heads are absolutely perfect. Thank you very much all, I'll definitely throw up some images when I'm done. A little nervous on the converting since this is my first ever attempt at building an army and I've only been painting for a few months, but I'm having a hell of a lot of fun with it all.

A quick update. I got hands on with the Sikh heavy weapons team minis (beautiful sculpts indeed) and unfortunately the anti tank gunner's beard is moulded into the chest of the mini. Beyond my converting skills (for now) however I will be adding greenstuff facial hair to some Artizan commando minis to flesh out my LRDG infantry.