The T2K Model and Miniture Thread!

[DCausey]

Hi guys, we were talking in the intro thread about my modelling hobby and ideas for T2K miniatures both for gaming and in standard 1/35th scale model kit displays and dioramas. I think both ideas offer a lot of scope for creativity and individualization of otherwise "standard" Cold War and Modern model kits.

I have in mind 1/72 scale figures and kits for actual RPG play aids, do to cost and size/playability issues. Plus, 1/72 offers a lot of scope for tanks, soldiers and IFVs for gaming.

My other big interest is "traditional" 1/35th scale displays just for sheer scope of detailing and customizations. The larger size allows for extreme detail, down to rifle scopes and knives, and there are many,many tanks, trucks, IFVs and soldiers available.

What do y'all think? Is this something you'd be interested in discussing? Got any ideas for dioramas?

[Raellus]

I dabbled in military modelling as a kid. My brother got really good at painting them. As we got older, we kind of gave it up. I regret that sometimes.

I'd love to see other people's work, though. Please post your pics here.

[atiff]

I used to wargame and model-make in scales from 1/35 to 1/300, although not for diorama purposes. I admire dioramas, but rarely make them myself.

For T2K games, I have used 1/72 plastics for battle depictions before. I've also used Lego, since you can has together your own vehicle representations

For a T2K diorama idea, here are a few:
- Gun trucks. Check out the thread active on the forum at the moment.
- Going Home. A US soldier sitting down reading a hard copy of the order.
- Acquisition. A soldier performing the age-old method of acquiring arms and ammo - from the body of a fallen enemy.

Would like to see any work that people do like this.

[raketenjagdpanzer]

I want to build my LAV-25 from Paper Tiger...'course I got no T2k game and am entirely unlikely to *have* one

[DCausey]

Atiff, those are great ideas for dioramas.

rakete, I hear ya' man. I have no idea when,or if, I'll ever get to run T2K. I'd love to see that LAV-25.

My idea right now is a party of T2K characters with a M1A1 Heavy Common tank and a captured Russian truck with a still. I see lots of stowage and battlewear on the tank, a mix of US and Russian-made weapons, and at least 1 female figure in the diorama.

[B.T.]

Well, I'm not shure, if this will work. But I'll try to show you a miniature, that I've done for T2k about 14 years ago.


Just a minute later:
As you see, it did not work. Can anyone give me a hint, how to upload jpg-pics? Nevertheless, I'll keep on trying. I'd really like to show some of my minis.

[raketenjagdpanzer]

Has anyone here ever kitbashed a LAV-75 together?

I'm thinking you could do it with a cut-down M113 hull, then use the bitz to build up the turret and custom-build a gun.

DCausey, here's the Paper Tiger Armaments LAV25



They've dived into the Cold War stuff recently, producing some oddball type vehicles that should really appeal to T2k gamers because they're unusual ones. Let's face it: anybody can say their team has an Abrams or LAV25 or what-have-you, it takes guts to say that your group was afoot until they overran a Soviet category-C unit and now has a BTR-50-PU as their main track!

[boogiedowndonovan]

cool stuff, I never had the fine dexterity to paint miniatures, wish I did.

I like the dude with the BDUs and tiger stripes.

along with Rae's suggestion, the big red diamond on the back of the helmet makes a good target as well.

[B.T.]

Thanks a lot!

Some of your comments are very true. If I were that captain, I'd never paint something that bright to my forehead, for shure!


The captain was the first of the miniatures. I went a little overboard with him, that's true. It was the first attempt, to build and paint a T2k character. In the later miniatures I did not paint the full-colored US flag, because it is very bright.
The sniper with G3/SG1 was a mini, that shows some conversions; The vest was done using greenstuff, and the helmet is actually a PASGT helmet. I just scraped off the strap and made it look, as if the whole helmet cover was made from one single piece of clothing. But he shows some unusual features: a French made protective mask carrier, a WWII vintage (Bitish) pistol holster. His jacket has some piece of flecktarn sewn to his right elbow-region.
The story, I had in mind: He is one of a former SpecOps unit, now serving with the 5th Inf.Div. His weapon is a standard sniper rifle, but painted in camo. I think, the camo paint in his face is convincing.

One thing that really interests, me is the question, how a soldier in the gritty world of T2k would cloth and equip himself. On the one hand, low visibility is a must. If someone can spot you, he can kill you. On the other hand, unit identification is a hard thing: Soldiers from different nationalities may serve in the same unit in 2000. Therefore it might be wise to clearly show, who's side you're on. Most of the minis, I did on that subject till now, wear the symbol of NORTHAG (A yellow throwing hatchet on blue background) on their right arm and the diamond of the 5th Inf.Div. on their left. The idea, to put the diamond-shaped divisional sign on the back of a helmet, was inspired by pics an sketches of Rangers during the D-Day battles.

Right at the moment, I'm trying to put some more minis together. When I'll paint them, I will try to do the colors more realistic, although the minis will look very dump, because they will show no bright-colored details. But I'm quite convinced, to stay to the NORTHAG emblem.

Thanks for the input. Whoever wants to point somethimg out, please let me know. It can only make the minis better and more "realistic"

[B.T.]

A former member of the Bundeswehr, now in service with the 5th Inf.Div.

This mini was really fun. Armed with a AKM and outfitted with PASGT vest, he still wears his original uniform in flecktarn. The big pouch fixed to his left leg is the only way, this guy can transport the mags for his rifle.
In the pictures you can see, how I envision the markings of individuals: Division emblem on the left shoulder, NORTHAG emblem on the right.
The soldier has camouflaged his German steel helmet with grass and twigs (Hemp and parts of an old shaving brush IRL!). The lower pouch on his back had been issued to a British soldier, when the war started - a nice opportunity to paint British DPM. Some of the pouches are American issue, but part of them is really old, the MLBE canteen cover, for example.

[Webstral]

Gorgeous work! Really, really gorgeous work!

[DCausey]

I just ordered a 1/35th M48A5K. I'm planning on building it for T2K as a US Army vehicle in CENTCOM around the year 2000. I'm going to keep the ROK-style upgrades assuming the Army would do similar when re-issuing the M48s. I hope it looks as good when done as B.T.'s models are looking!

Does it make sense that some M48s would be sent as replacements to 24th Mech?

- Dave

[Raellus]

Originally Posted by DCausey

I just ordered a 1/35th M48A5K. I'm planning on building it for T2K as a US Army vehicle in CENTCOM around the year 2000. I'm going to keep the ROK-style upgrades assuming the Army would do similar when re-issuing the M48s. I hope it looks as good when done as B.T.'s models are looking!

Does it make sense that some M48s would be sent as replacements to 24th Mech?

Yes, as long as they're available and easily put back into operation. Looking forward to seeing the fruits of your work.

[Legbreaker]

Anything with 5mm of metal plating and a weapon is likely to see service later in the war. Although the M48 is woefully outdated, by 1998-99 they'll only be facing third rate vehicles on the other side of the battlefield anyway. Chances are the M48's would spend most of their time as infantry support anyway, which reduces their obsolescence to a minor concern.

[Twilight2000v3MM]

I use 15mm stuff from Peter Pig and Irregular Miniatures.

[B.T.]

I just wanted this thread not to be forgotten!

Has anyone some newer pictures (or older ones, if you like)?

I'd really like to see pics of T2k related minis or dios.

Hey, Dave, anything new from your M48-project?
And, Nate, have you ever made photos of some of the "big boys"?

Right now I'm working on some WH 40k Space Marines - the planned Hummer-diorama had to be delayed. But I'm really looking forward to it.

[Tegyrius]

I've done injustice and injury to a couple of Empress figures recently:



And some Devil Dog KSK operators:



And a random Reaper survivor-type figure:



- C.

[weswood]

Well, here's some really bad photos of my version of the Wisla Krolowa in 1/72 during the in process stage: