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Paracel: Modern US Tank crew
Graywolf
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Posted: Monday, August 13, 2018 - 02:52 AM UTC


This month's release of Paracel Miniatures are Modern US Tank crew of Desert Eagle Series..

Read the Full News Story

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!
HeavyArty
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Posted: Monday, August 13, 2018 - 03:33 AM UTC
These look really nice. They are not really "modern" though. As the news report says, they are from Operation Desert Shield/Storm ('90-'91), so almost 30 years ago. The guys wearing the PASGT flak vests could be used up through about 2001, but that is about it. The guy wearing the CVC spall vest could be used up to maybe 2003/4 at the latest.

We as a modeling community really need to rethink how we classify modeling eras. The "Modern" category is really out of date as it usually encompasses everything post WWII.
marcb
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Posted: Monday, August 13, 2018 - 04:09 AM UTC
This is just perfect timing in relationship to the new Takom M60A1.
Agree with Rob, "modern" is about as accurate a term as "20th century"...
Burik
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Posted: Monday, August 13, 2018 - 04:42 AM UTC

Quoted Text

The guys wearing the PASGT flak vests could be used up through about 2001, but that is about it. The guy wearing the CVC spall vest could be used up to maybe 2003/4 at the latest.

We as a modeling community really need to rethink how we classify modeling eras. The "Modern" category is really out of date as it usually encompasses everything post WWII.


Just to add to Gino's thoughts. A few units still had the PASGT vests for OIF1 in 2003, but they were pretty rare. 2-70AR had them. They were supporting the 101st as the advance north occurred. A company minus even flew up to Haditha Dam when the Rangers got into a hairy situation - BTW I will be talking about OIF modeling at a seminar at the upcoming Danbury, CT show in September.

The small spall vest is still being used - unless this is different, but it does look the same to me. It just happens to be under most crewmen's overalls in most circumstances. But a few guys were them on the outside still as depicted in the figure. I think Sabot Publications used a few in their Abrams book(s).


Bob

ryally
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Posted: Monday, August 13, 2018 - 05:06 PM UTC
Yes great timing for M60, only thing is I would prefer is the second head with the covered face to be more of option rather than the guy with the mow as the head seems to be in just about every box.

I will be picking a set up

Can they be used in a LAV or AAVP for Desert Storm era
Graywolf
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Posted: Monday, August 13, 2018 - 05:19 PM UTC
Ok guys. I changed the Modern title to 1990s. Thanks
Epi
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Posted: Monday, August 13, 2018 - 10:27 PM UTC
Another note fr these figures. As for the one wearing the "chocolate chip" flak vest. The PASGT DID NOT come in "chocolate chip" pattern. It was a cover that went over the PASGT vest. The front two pocket flaps should still be in the "woodland camo" pattern and the straps with the buttons should be olive drab straps.
HeavyArty
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Posted: Tuesday, August 14, 2018 - 12:23 AM UTC
Pete is correct. The 5-color "Chocolate Chip" camo PASGT cover was just that, a cover that went over the woodland PASGT vest. You can see it installed below. There was no 3-color DCU vest either, just a cover, also pictured below.



You can see them being worn by the below troopers being inspected by ol' H. Norman himself during ODS.



Quoted Text

Can they be used in a LAV or AAVP for Desert Storm era


Yes, they would be fine for any US Army or USMC armored vehicle crewman from the '80s or '90s.
MikeMummey
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Posted: Thursday, August 16, 2018 - 05:30 PM UTC
The sculptor was provided with detailed descriptions and pictures of DESERT STORM era uniforms and equipment for AFV crewman. The idea was to create accurate crew figures in MOPP to accompany the new Takom M60A1 w/ERA. He chose to go his own route. At least he dropped the MP5s and 1897 Trench Guns.


Outta here, Mike sends . . .
Andisak
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Posted: Friday, August 17, 2018 - 10:20 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Yes, they would be fine for any US Army or USMC armored vehicle crewman from the '80s or '90s.


Would they work for Germany too?
For example in, say, a Bradley during Reforger ’85?
HeavyArty
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Posted: Friday, August 17, 2018 - 02:34 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Yes, they would be fine for any US Army or USMC armored vehicle crewman from the '80s or '90s.


Would they work for Germany too?
For example in, say, a Bradley during Reforger ’85?


Yes, they would do fine.
18Bravo
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Posted: Friday, August 17, 2018 - 05:43 PM UTC
As SF does not necessarily represent the rest of the Army, so too did Berlin not represent Germany. I do know M113 (no Bradleys there at the time)crewmen during 1985 there wore the old OD flack vest. I don't know what was worn elsewhere, but even SF didn't have body armor back then. Of course the snipers in the 502nd Infantry Regiment still used the M1 Garand back then as well.
HeavyArty
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Posted: Saturday, August 18, 2018 - 01:00 AM UTC
There was still a mix of older flak jackets and PASGT gear in '85. Depending on the unit, they could be wearing either. PASGT gear (vests and kevlar helmets) were first issued to 82 ABN before the Grenada invasion in Oct '83. PASGT was slowly fielded to all units after that.

82 ABN Greneda
Andisak
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Posted: Saturday, August 18, 2018 - 10:49 AM UTC
Excellent info, many thanks guys!
Andisak
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Posted: Wednesday, August 22, 2018 - 11:13 PM UTC
Hmm... I see the Paracel Miniatures site label this set as a US Marines crew, but they are still good for a US Army vehicle, right?

http://www.paracelminiatures.com/33-desert-eagle
HeavyArty
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Posted: Wednesday, August 22, 2018 - 11:48 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Hmm... I see the Paracel Miniatures site label this set as a US Marines crew, but they are still good for a US Army vehicle, right?

http://www.paracelminiatures.com/33-desert-eagle


Yes, they are fine as US Army AFV/tank crewmen. There is nothing on them that makes them specifically Marines.
Andisak
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Posted: Thursday, August 23, 2018 - 01:09 AM UTC
Good to know, thanks Gino!
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