Empress Miniatures ARVN about to land.

Empress Miniatures 28mm Vietnam War ARVN to be released.

As we have previously said we are moving through the various forces and troop types in as logical ( well to us.) way as we can. We are trying to make our range by far the best researched and sculpted, as well as the best quality that you expect from an Empress Miniatures product. Obviously, this does take time but with approaching 250 figures already in this range and more due to be released in the coming days and weeks, as well 66 figures in the French Indo China range, 18 vehicles, terrain ranging from French colonial buildings to a complete Firebase we think that we have succeeded so far and we have no plans to stop.

We still have more Marines to release, some very soon, as well as more ANZACS, VC, special forces etc, etc, etc,.

However as planned we will very soon see the first of the ARVN troops arrive in the shop.

These guys will accurately represent the ARVN forces that fought throughout the conflict and after the majority of Free World Forces retired from the conflict. As the rest of the range they will accurately represent the physical differences that exist between Vietnamese and western troops and you can be sure that our sculptor for this range, the incredibly talented Paul Hicks, will create simply the best.

No pictures as yet, that’s due in a few days, so a nice picture of the Empress South Vietnamese (ARVN) flag sheet.

So stay tuned for further details later in the week.

You wait years for ARVN. (I have certainly.)

You are told that wargamers would not want them, as they have no respect for their fighting ability (bit like fighting North Africa WWII without any Italians, that is)

Then suddenly, just like waiting for that bus.........we are spoiled for choice.

A very characteristic look is needed. Asiatic faces, little guys dwarfed by their helmets and weapons and incredibly tight tailored overalls/pants/trousers.

Liam

We already have ARVN vehicle crews that released a couple of years ago so we were always going to do ARVN and clearly stated we were so not sure why you seem that surprised. We have quite a lot of troop types for the Vietnam range across quite a lot of forces and with the numbers already released mentioned above.

These will, like all of our other releases, be very detailed and highly researched and the unit type, as far as I am aware, never produced by another company and from a wargames perspective incredibly interesting.

Due to the nature of the unit they will look slightly different from the usual ARVN but still wearing the fairly tight trousers and one size fits all M1 helmet. As well as carrying the correct weapons.

Of course I well remember the promise of ARVN and am delighted to hear they are now imminent. I rate Paul Hick's work highly. I created a Saxon Garde du Corps unit from his handiwork. They were so good I repeated the entire effort with his Zastrow Cuirassiers. It was not a unit I particularly wanted, but suddenly had to have!

In your range he does a prone USMC MG assistant, lifting an ammo belt off his shoulder. I think this is one of the most remarkable bits of modelling and casting that I have encountered. He is atop my Dong Ba Tower to this day.

And he is a really nice chap to have around on a night out !

ARVN Paratroops circa 1968.

ARVN paratroops owed their origin and traditions to the French parachute forces of the Indo China War therefore we felt it fitting that we start our ARVN range with these chaps to add a continuity with our French Indo China Range.

In 1965 the airborne units were raised to division status, Su Duan Nhay Du, and by 1967 following further unit increases it numbered 13,000 paratroops. Heavily involved in actions throughout the conflict the units found themselves involved in various parts of the Tet offensive including bitter fighting to retake Hue city and relief the of Marines in Khe Sanh. Due to their semi independent nature and use as a strategic reserve they fought alongside US forces such as 1st Cav and 101st Airborne in the A Shau Valley during operation Delaware in 1968.

One of the most interesting aspects of ARVN troops is their use of ‘home’ made uniforms and equipment as well as the individualistic way that the men seem to have pretty much wore what they wanted within the obvious guidelines therefore some used flak vest or helmet covers. Whilst others did not bother.  that’s adds something very unique and examples of this will be shown in this part of our Vietnam range.

This figure firing a 30 cal MG from the hip. The bipod and ammo belt will also be included. He is wearing a locally made rain jacket that has been made from an issue poncho. Uniform issue varied and it is said that those units engaged in Hue wore regulation ARVN issue OG uniforms there are plenty of photographs that show this not to be the complete case and cammo trousers seem pretty common. This gives the painter the option to add some variations.

Paul these are outstanding. I have a feeling that such unique troops will be pretty good sellers, roll on their release!! Great work!

Looking great Paul! I agree with Chris!

Cheers guys.

He is really unusual and very imaginative. i could equally imagine him as an ROK soldier in the Korean War. It could get a bit chilly I understand

Liam

very very nice!

Another preview of one of our ARVN paratroops.

This time the Lieutenant. Wearing a US M65 field jacket. Carrying an M1911A1 .45 Calibre pistol. He also has an M1A1 folding stock carbine. No helmet cover.

Incredible! Any idea when these will be available Paul? Not that I am keen to get my hands on em!!

They will have to go through the moulding processes etc so a few weeks. However I have only shown two and there are lots more to preview.

We also have more actual releases of other figures next week to keep you busy.

Thanks Paul, need a breather from painting scenery so looking forward to them!!

Another preview of the upcoming ARVN troops for Vietnam sculpted by Mr Hicks.

This chap is an RTO paratrooper. Based upon an original picture.

He fits in with the officer as the command group.

Love em!!

Excellent!

Next South Vietnamese ARVN preview is firing an M16.

His jacket is a locally made one off rain coat that has had extra pockets sown in to take M16 magazine. The pack on his back is also stitched into the jacket.

This figure was taken from a picture of an ARVN Paratrooper attacking the Hue Citadel.

These sculpts should be out soon.

These are looking really good Paul, love the localised uniforms