WIP National Serviceman, Cyprus, 1957

[valiant]

Hi Guys,

some initial pics of my latest conversion, in response to my request. This will represent my father on foot patrol in Nicosia, during the EOKA crisis in 1957. In conversations with my dad, he told me they wore shirt sleeve order and denims as they were cooler in the heat. As a vehicle recovery mechanic, he was armed with a Mk3 Sten, old webbing and a Mk 4 helmet!

Based on the Imperial Gallery 120mm Chindit (thanks, Tom - yes, your invoice terms are acceptable!!)this has had the legs resculpted with Milliput over a wire armature, as the original trousers were too baggy for this era, head replaced by another with Mk4 helmet, re profiled helmet, to reduce the dome, still needs the flare increasing on the back, carbine will be replaced by Mk3 Sten (big thanks to Steve Readdie for that one!). The face will be slightly reworked to look more like my dad, although I'm not going for a true likeness! All held together by blutack at the moment, there may be some repositioning of the arms and new hands to fit the Sten.

Thanks for looking,

Steve

 

[Mookie]

Think you have done a great conversion so far Steve.Nice to see something a bit different in my opinion.Watching with interest from Richard

 

[Scotty]

Looking good, another of the small conflicts that rarely gets mentioned.
Scotty.

 

[Grod]

Great subject Steve. Looks great.
Gordon

 

[montythefirst]

Great job so far

 

[valiant]

Thanks for looking in chaps, I'm enjoying this one! Cant wait to get some paint on it when its done. Unfortunately, apart from his Lance Corporal chevrons, no other badges were worn on the shirt, but it should be a study in Khaki Drill!!

Steve

 

[valiant]

Hi Guys,

Just been over to my parents and my dad has found this amongst his papers. It is someone from my dad's unit on sentry duty in Nicosia but gives you some idea of what I'm aiming for! Note the SMLE, rather than the SLR, which was just being introduced.

ta for looking,

Steve