I really like long weekends, but the best ones are the kind where you don't have to do anything (like this weekend). It gave me a chance to work on some stuff and I thought I would show you what I got done. I didn't actually work on anything 1:6th, but most of what I did work on was for my display at Ft. Thomas.
The first thing I worked on was my Ration Pack accessory set. I wanted to be able to show a "sealed" packet as well as the contents of that pack. Listed below are the items in the picture.
1. Accessory Pack
2. P-38 can opener and packaged opener
3. Creamer packet
4. Coffee packet
5. Moisture resistant matches
6. Ration 4 pack cigarette package
7. Salt packet
8. Sugar packet
9. Toilet paper
10. Chiclets Gum box
11. Plastic spoon
The original accessory pack looks to have been a plastic bag with printing on it. I could do that, so I printed it on paper and then covered it with Cellophane before gluing, the bag together. It actually looks really pretty good. Other changes to the content items including resizing a couple of items, adding the Chiclet box and the toilet paper. Eventually, I will probably make art for all these items available in 1:6th. The Marlboro ration pack was available on a reenacting site, but I have now created art of a box of Salems, Pall Mall, Chesterfields and Winstons (all of which were available in ration packs). I also have art for the ration box, but have not figured out how to print it because of the size stock needed.
Next, I worked some more on my 1:1 Vietnam paper items, adding letters, an ID Card and a personal pocket journal. The various items in the picture are listed below.1. Nine Rules Card (double sided), Code of Conduct, Vietnam
2. Enemy In Your Hands Card (double sided, folding)
3. Booby Trap Card (double sided, folding)
4. South Vietnam Ready Reference Facts Card (double sided, folding)
5. Packet of Airmail Letters
6. MACV Ration Card (for PX items)
7. Liberty Pass
8. Meal Card (double sided)
9. Geneva Convention Card
10. Military ID Card
11. Personal Pocket Sized Journal, weathered
12. Dog Tags with silencers ( silencers first appeared around 1969)
The journal is really pretty cool. The entries actually tie into my Vietnam story and will compliment DOC's Diary. It is for my reenacting impression however and the photos contained in it, are of real people.
The next item of business this weekend was my Vietnam rifles (airsoft). For the display I wanted to get rid of the typical red-tip barrel that is standard to all airsoft weapons and was present on my M-16 and M-14. I started by taking some fine sand paper to the red paint to rough it up, or remove it, whichever came first. That done; I masked off the inside of the barrels and taped off and covered the rest of the guns. Then I sprayed with some flat black. When that was dry, I went back and hit it lightly with some metallic black. Once it was dry, I was able to remove the paper out of the barrels and un-tape everything. The result is some pretty realistic looking weapons. In the photo above, you are looking at my M-14, M-16 and M-79. I will be bringing the M-79 to the meeting on Wednesday at Hammer Six's request.
Next, is a picture of the display case that will be part of my Ft. Thomas display. This is a display of some items from the Vietnam Story saga, including Doc's Diary, some medals and patches and a 40 some year old package of Camel cigarettes (unopened). I am really pleased with the way this came out. It will be interesting to see over the course of four days how many people thing this stuff is real. I plan to have some fun with it.
The last thing I worked on this weekend is a sample of a Ft. Thomas ID that will be available to club members that want them. I will tell everyone a little bit more about this on Wednesday. It is styled after a current Military ID on the front, though it is very much themed for the SSCC. The back has an EVENT STAFF message. The ID is done on heavy card-stock and is laminated and comes with a lanyard. It looks a little washed out in the picture, I think that was because of my flash. It's actually fairly bright. I can do the laminating myself. If you do want one, I will be appreciative of anyone who would like to give a dollar donation to help pay for the materials, but regardless, If you are going to be working Ft. Thomas and want one, I will make one for you.
Well, that is what I did this weekend. It was fairly productive. Hope everyone else had a great time. Until next time, have a good one.
Well, that is what I did this weekend. It was fairly productive. Hope everyone else had a great time. Until next time, have a good one.
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