Marines on Guadalcanal

[fmenardi]

Hi there!

I need some USMC infantry figures for a Guadalcanal diorama.

Any change with new Dragon Figures?

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/revi...n/dr6272fig.htm

Thanks in advance,

Fabrício Menardi

 

[Frank-Holger]

These are Gen2 Figures? They are top notch! Better than some Resinfigures, available for a lot more money! I have two German Sets and when I think that each figure comes together with 15 to 25 parts, and see the detailing of weapons and accessoiries, I am deep impressed! Get them!!

Frank

 

[fmenardi]

You are rigth, Franck! They are very good figures.

But the uniforms are suitables for Gualdacanal era?

Regards,

Fabrício

 

[JBoisson]

Hi Fabricio
I am not an expert on the USMC at Guadalcanal but what I have been able to ascertain from a couple of references (Osprey Elite 59 USMC 1941-45, "This is Guadalcanal: The Original Combat Photography, L. Douglas Keeney and William S. Butler) is that even though the Gen 2 Marines kit is totally awesome, the helmets and weapons are of a later period than Guadalcanal. The 'utilities' (battle-dress) and equipment is fine for late 1942 early 1943, but the majority of the photos show Marines wearing the steel helmet WITHOUT the cloth camoflage cover. Also most Marine regiments at the time were still armed with the 1903 Springfield, however regiments armed with the M-1 Garand began to arrive later in the campaign. The Tommy gun works though but again most of the photos indicate Marines using it with the earlier 50 round drum rather than the 20 round box.
Hope this helps.
John

 

[fmenardi]

Many thanks for the infos, John Great help!

Regards,

Fabrício

 

[IronMike]

Marines on Guadalcanal would be armed with M1903 Springfield rifles, Reising Submachine guns, BAR's, M1928 (20,30, or drum magazines) or M1 Thompsons and even some British Boys anti- tank rifles in the Raider BN's. (The Boys Rifles where actually used during the raid on Makin by the 2nd Raiders to shoot Japanese seaplanes)The 1st Parachute Bn would also have the Johnson Light MG's and a few Johnson Rifles. After the Army landed on the Canal in Oct '42 some Marines were seen to have M-1 rifles obviously "borrowed" from some soldier when he wasn't looking. No carbines.

Helmets would be devoid of camo covers but some Marines adopted the Japanese "fishnet" covers. Some Raiders also had a burlap cover covered with strips of burlap. I've spoken to one Marine veteran of the Canal who showed me photos of his gun crew and 2 of them where wearing the M1917 helmet. Photos also show some wearing campaign hats and sun helmets although I doubt they would wear them in combat.

An excellent source for Marine Corps equipment in WW2 is a book titled Grunt Gear by Alec Tulkoff. I believe it is out of print and expensive but worth whatever the cost if you can find one. The book, Into the Valley, by John Hersey contains some excellent drawings of Marines on the Canal by Marine artist Major Donald Dickson.

Good luck!

Mike Stelzel

 

[fmenardi]

Hello Mike,

Many thanks for the infos!

Best wishes,

Fabrício