Rhodesian Bush War

TheAngelKing47 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 15:19

A bash I've pondered for quite some time and threw together. I always thought a soldier/mercenary from the Rhodesian Bush War would be a fun bash to do. I didn't have the rifle for it, or the camo until they both showed today.

Figure - Dragon Terry Davies which is a Neo 3 body.
Rifle - 21c G3
Uniform - 21c Villains Auz
Socks - Hasbro Adventure Team Tiger Hunt
Boots - SOTW from their later Vietnam line
Canteen - 21c later production Vietnam
Ammo Pouch - 21c later production Vietnam

Special thanks to Big Dave for selling me the Rhodesian camo that was probably the biggest hurdle in making the bash, thanks to Pistol Pete for selling me the G3 without it I wouldn't have had as suitable of a rifle, and thanks to Mark Drake for selling me the 21c Vietnam figures from which I took the ammo pouch and canteen.

BrotherMatthew · #2 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 15:33

Love it, looks really good. And the photos are great, the weathering on the head looks pretty good too, or is that how he was made? I really like it though, I think its your best work so far. I'll have to look I might have some parts or pieces you can use laying around, I'll let you know.

Glidah Drivah · #3 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 16:21

Great bash!!

I'd been pondering doing a Rhodesian Bush War figure as well (either a Selous Scout or RAR trooper

and managed to score a 21st mercenary uniform (same as Auz's, except with long sleeves and pants) recently.

uramegak · #4 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 16:25

Awesome bash, man! Love your choice of gear!

Big_Dave · #5 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 18:04

Looks great Ak! Glad I could help in the completeion of a dream.

Tatuued1 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 18:19

Yet another original idea. This is why I love this site.

dic07046139 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 19:27

looking good!

germansoldiermp40 · #8 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 19:40

Simple figure but great I love it.

TheAngelKing47 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 22:32

I weathered the face. I tried to make him look not too bloody and battered but just the standard issue scrapes, and redness you get from working hard, being in the woods, getting snagged by tree limbs, etc.

I hope to give him an L1A1 when I can afford it and find one.

1/6th happy · #10 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 00:35

Very nice.

Socrates187 · #11 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 15:22

Great work! Interesting subject.

major.rod · #12 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 22:51

Cool. What did you use for reference material?

TheAngelKing47 · #13 (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 22:58

A google image search and a web search of the Rhodesian Bush War. I found some images of guys in short sleeves shirts and shorts. They had a lot of Vietnam era gear, I also made sure they had the plastic canteens and not just metal ones. Wikipedia also mentioned the firearms that were used most, and the G3 was on the list just under the FAL and L1A1.

Sixth Scale · #14 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 22:30

Lookin' good, really good! Keep up the good work!

steviedoubleu · #15 (**permalink**) 07-24-2010, 12:58

Well done, I am ex RLI (3 commando) & am trying to build some Troopies for nostalgia purposes. Just for your information the standard weapon of the Rhodesian security forces was indeed the FAL - G3's were not liked & usually found amongst second line units. Pre 1977 Troopies wore informal uniforms including 'nutcracker' shorts , never knee length. after '77 things were tightened up & usually only long trousers were allowed on live ops. As for webbing, like most other armies we used what we could get our hands on, though the standard issue was known as 69 pattern (South African webbing which in turn was a derivative of British 58 pattern). Sometimes Troopies would wear 'black is beautiful' cam cream which, if applied correctly, made a white man look like a black man. The cammo pattern is not far off but Rhodie stuff was very similar to WW2 british airborne dennison smocks. I hope This info is useful & keep up the good work.