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Post by CharleyNovember on Jul 16, 2010 0:12:07 GMT -5
Ok so here please post some embaressing beginings if you have the cojones! lol Yeah rocking a thrift store old mans jacket and pair of brown slacks instead of an M41 and wools and I think French web gear from SG. By the way I bought the jacket helmet and pants from 2ndBat for my first "impression" bwahahahaha but wait you get two for the price of one let me show you a worse axis impression. A PLASTIC German helmet matchd with Fleck an Asahi classic MP40 that never worked worth a crap US 80's webgear and a K-Mart belt. Sad but true! Sooooo now you know where I come from when I tell you DON'T WASTE MONEY ON STAND INS. I could have listened to others when I first started and avoided this. I didn't I just want to save you from this.
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Post by starkweather on Jul 16, 2010 0:37:07 GMT -5
Yeah, great first generation impressions. :-P
The US impression of a USGI impression doesn't look too bad. ::cringe:: Good for ONE and only one op, and good for a complete noober than noob nooblet. Maybe good for a 14 yearold or younger, but not quite. I would definately have taken you under my wing, immediately upon arrival tho.
The German, and I'm no expert on German, at least the uniform doesn't look *completely* half assed. But the "web" gear...yeah, I'd have to say something to a fresh fish about that prior to taking to the field.
But also, how much did that set you back? Sure you had to get new stuff, but you were out what...$20.00? $50.00? Not like that's a major investment. I mean it's not like you got the complete SS impression from atthefront.com for 1100.00 and upgraded it to an m36 officer only to find out you couldn't use it because there are already 12 dozen SS officers at any given event. Now that's a waste of isk.
And the weapon...well that's what airsofting is all about. You get your first gun and think your all BA only to find out your what comes out of a BA's hole after a night of mexican chilli and tacos.
Now show your second generation impressions. I'm sure they were a step in the right direction but still held many anacronisims.
Who else has first generation impressions? I'd like to see what people had to start with as this is what I'm going to be seeing the most of for these next few years.
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Post by CharleyNovember on Jul 16, 2010 0:44:30 GMT -5
You should be able to see better impressions. Stuff has become a lot cheaper in the last few years this is maybe 4-5 years ago is all. the Asahi was not my first go around at the circus it is is possible it is my TOP as that was my next POS MP40 but at the time there were not a wide selection of German weapons. We used to allow Fleck at our open events but now we allow simply grey BDU's or 40's civilian attire and we will make you a partisan or Volkstrum with the addition of an armband. My next german impression was slightly better but still way off.. My next was a near complete FJ impression. and an 82nd impression specifically for Jump To Destiny out in the PNW. I progressed slowly. Now you can start with a basic uniform for 100.00 or less for either side and add your field gear and their are plenty of people that will offer kit loans at events to help you out.
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Adler69
Master sergeant
Legio Patria Nostra
Posts: 2,859
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Post by Adler69 on Jul 16, 2010 1:34:49 GMT -5
My first FJ impression 11 years ago
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deacon
Private 1st Class
Posts: 748
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Post by deacon on Jul 16, 2010 2:23:05 GMT -5
haha, ok, here is my first impression. in 2005 This was my first Medic impression. OD BDU pants, green t-shirt, m43 field jacket, Original medic bag, European two buckles, and a vietnam era M1 helmet, 1945 dated canteen and cover with a 'Nam pistol belt.
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gadge
Corporal
Posts: 1,199
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Post by gadge on Jul 16, 2010 8:17:01 GMT -5
I cant find my early impression pics (honest) but the germans ones were poor and probably sum up everything everyone has wisely said.
My brit ones were (i say modestly) pretty good as i was portraying my own regiment and i'd seen the *right* stuff in the museums, lurked around a lot of re-en forums, asked a lot of advice and bought it *right* and bought it once the first time. My german kit is another story....
My first 'impression' was 90 per cent east german stuff i already had thinking 'it looks the same'... needless to say it didnt and I quickly went to the other extreme of buying *every* iconic bit for the whermacht.
My first 'proper' impression was jackboots, m36 tunic and mid war trousers, camo smock and helmet cover, the works... to make matters worse the tunic was so overblinged it was on a par with the guy in the pic above (tbh if he sold half the bling and used the funds to have his tunic alterted to fit tighter as they should he'd look much better)...
From memory my first tunic had: THREE cufftitles (brandenburg, afrika, kreta) stabsgefreitor rank iron cross ribbon jager patch 50 days close combat award infantry assault badge black wound badge anti partisan badge army paratroopers badge.
needless to say it was very silly and a sharp learning curve saw me bin all except the infantry assault badge and the black wound badge.
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Sgt_Tom
Technical Sgt.
Combat!
Posts: 3,580
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Jul 16, 2010 12:40:36 GMT -5
My 2nd attempt at an impression I'll get my first ones up soon. Pretty good egh? ;D List of gear: Original Navy M41 Jacket $15 Original 1937 Wool Shirt $7 Post-war Belgium wool trousers(actually had a mustard shade to them, were too thick though.) $10 Chinese junk Army Navy Pistol Belt $10 Post-War OD canteen cover and WWII canteen and Cup $5.00 Vietnam 45 Pouch $5.00 WWII Leggings $5.00 Dress Shoes(Already had them) Front Seam M1 Helmet $10.00 Just for laughs here is a really old picture. i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh11/Fighten3rd/Impressions/P1010053.jpgThat's before I got into reenacting though.
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Retrohead
Private
Previously 29thletsgo
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Post by Retrohead on Jul 17, 2010 12:34:01 GMT -5
I like threads like this, reminds us all were we started haha. Me, 2 years ago, rocking my super duper cool 'impression' : Vietnam era helmet 80's wool coldweather uniform and scarf All 50's dated postwar webgear Dismounted leggings (the only ere correct thing I'm wearing) Desert boots
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Post by burke on Jul 17, 2010 13:40:05 GMT -5
You guys cringe and roll your eyes, and I understand from a re-enactors point of view, but from an Airsofters point of view, I dont think theres much wrong with thos Attempts. Id be perfectly content with anybody showing up dressed as above.
Its a hell of alot better than the ACU and Multicam guys coming up and saying Germans wore grey, or MC looks kinda like Marine camo etc etc etc
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Sgt_Tom
Technical Sgt.
Combat!
Posts: 3,580
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Jul 17, 2010 14:30:51 GMT -5
Burke I am an Airsoft Reenactor. I would deem my first impression and Deacons passable for an event. They are the minimum of what you need but it would be passable. If your in my unit however I expect more. Its not asking that much, I didn't spend all that much on the stuff in that picture.
Looks at CharleyNovember's first impression, instead of spending what, $40 maybe on that, he could have put it towards a better uniform. That's what we are trying to say.
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Post by CharleyNovember on Jul 18, 2010 17:09:55 GMT -5
I think the first US impression was passable for a one off game with low expectations. but knowing what I know now I should have put the money into a set of HBT's that's all. the Axis impression has mega fail all over it.
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petermartin14
Private 1st Class
RIP Arne Andersson- Sweden's Finest
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Post by petermartin14 on Jul 18, 2010 18:23:23 GMT -5
i used to rock the tiger stripe before i went to ww2AS. no pictures though...darn.
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Post by sarge12 on Jul 19, 2010 0:49:37 GMT -5
Heck, all of y'alls impressions are still better than mine lol
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Post by CharleyNovember on Jul 19, 2010 12:27:05 GMT -5
Ok this is a first lame attempt impression not looks pretty darn good impression guys. Pruned for my pleasure and others edification.
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Post by starkweather on Jul 19, 2010 19:16:29 GMT -5
I have to agree, these early attempts do not make the grade for any serious ww2 reenactor, airsoft or otherwise. But as a lesson in the early start we can clearly see there are "acceptable" impressions and "unacceptable" impressions.
I'm noticing the USGI impressions to be closer to actual attempts than German. This is most likely due to the plethora of original period correct equipment coupled with an intrinsic basic familiarity. But each impression did need work, and you each worked in your own way.
Decon's looks like a very good first attempt. But I'm willing to lay cash dollars on the fact that he now has a set of wools. For the European Theater I am under the impression that wools are more accurate.
I think Sgttom's impression is the best first attempt so far. Everything is basically correct aside from the boots and gear.
Retrohead...yeah, looks like your a cold Nam reenactor. The gear was wrong, the clothes didn't look right...but hey, you could have ended up looking like CharleyNovember on your first time out, so it could be worse.
Again, I understand that these are starting impressions. Not the finished products. For a one off game any of the above seems to work, but for the serious minded all of the above needed greater amounts of work.
I wish I had pics of my first time out. Alas, I can't find them. I do know that I was lucky tho. My "mentor" made sure I got what I needed and that it was right the first time around. About the only thing that was not 100% was my web gear. I got it from Bayonet Inc. It was OK, but definitely needed to be aged. Now it's fine, might be a little on the yellowed side, but multiple events and no washing make up for it.
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kalbs
Master sergeant
Posts: 1,142
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Post by kalbs on Jul 19, 2010 19:39:43 GMT -5
My first attempt many, many years ago was converting a boy scout uniform into an Afrika Corp uniform... Thank God digital cameras were not invented yet. My next failure came later converting an East German tunic to an SS officer. When done I knew right away it was so bad that I binned it immediately. Lesson learned here for me; do not cut corners and slowly build the gear. Be smart about your purchases and for God’s sake please research before hand.
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Sgt_Tom
Technical Sgt.
Combat!
Posts: 3,580
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Post by Sgt_Tom on Jul 19, 2010 21:35:51 GMT -5
Here is the minimum I have set for someone who wants to call their impression finished. For US: HBT Shirt or Wool Shirt M43 or M41 Jacket Some type of green pants can't be cheesy looking or have anything noticeable like funky pockets or buttons. Some kind of very plain brown boots with leggings. WWII Type Canteen, first aid pouch, and belt. M1 Helmet(can be post-war) with khaki chinstraps And last a WWII Weapon Should cost around $200 with weapon. If you can't even spend that I don't see why you would bother getting into the hobby.
For German: Reproduction Wool Tunic Grey pants no funky pockets or buttons A Wool Hat Repro Belt and Buckle with ammo pouches Breadbag East German Jackboots or plain short boots and gaiters. WWII Weapon Cost around $400 with weapon
I don't think I am asking to much do you guys?
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Post by starkweather on Jul 20, 2010 4:56:14 GMT -5
OK, so apparently what I'm asking of the locals here is actually far above some of these impressions. Below is what I posted prior to my activity on this board. Keep in mind, I know there are items that are not "proper" but the idea is to get into it and have our people able to switch sides as needed.
While it is not historically correct for a German to wear double buckle boots or have an American mag pouch, it makes it easier to have these two impressions. A basic tunic, trousers and M43 cap would be enough to distinguish and still have a halfway decent impression. The same for weapons. An MP40 would work in both allied and axis hands. Thus, I'm proposing a basic outfit that covers as much ground as I can whilst maintaining the spirit of the event.
We would, of course, improve as we continue down range. I was thinking of those that really want to be German, to advise them to just buy the proper boots and leather gear they will need down the line and advise the USGIs on what web gear et al they will need.
It's just a start, right? OK, maybe not, but here's what I proposed:
"economy" Partisan impression: Period Correct civilian clothes ($5.00 from good will. Think dress shirt, nice pants, and shoes. Cotton or wool...they will not be nice after a day in the woods) Red, White and Blue armband (vertical striped not horizontal...might have to make this...but it's cheaper than cheap.) "Deutche Volkstrum" armband ($10.00 from a vendor I know. I will not post the link as the link has possibly offensive material if taken out of context. PM me for the link.) WEAPON: 98K preferred, Thompson, MP40, BAR, Shotgun (without pistol grip), Sten, BAR...any WWII weapon allowable.
TOTAL INVESTMENT: c. $15.00 plus weapon
German: (all prices from http://www.atthefront.com) Heer M43 Tunic ($125.00) M37 or M43 Trousers ($95.00) M43 EM Overseas Cap w/insignia ($32.00) Service Shirt ($60.00) Trouser Suspenders ($25.00) ALTERNATIVE: Internal Suspenders ($20.00) BOTH MAY NEED Reproduction Tunic Belt Hooks (4 for $10.00) EM Service Belt, Black ($45.00) ALTERNATIVE: EM Service Belt, Web, Dark ($40.00) Belt Buckle, Heer ($30.00) FROM USGI Equipment: Bag, Spare Magazine ($40.00) ALTERNATIVE: Bag, M1 Ammunition ($50.00) Combat Service Boot (double buckle) ($125.00)
TOTAL INVESTMENT: $577.00
This is a very basic German impression and could be made cheaper buying used, at auctions like ebay, or shopping around. Also, Atthefront.com has economy and close out stuff that may work. Be very careful however. I know there are more economical ways to do german...I think you could put the impression together for under 400 plus weapon.
USGI: (all prices from atthefront.com) Jeep Cap ($25.00) US Flannel Shirt, OD, Special ($85.00) US Wool Trousers ($125.00) M41 Field Jacket (highly suggest “1st Generation”) ($90.00) Reproduction US Trouser Belt ($15.00) Bag, Spare Magazine ($40.00) ALTERNATIVE: Bag, M1 Ammunition ($50.00) Light Weight Gas Mask Bag ($50.00) Combat Service Boot (double buckle) ($125.00)
TOTAL INVESTMENT: $605.00
Most, if not all of the above is if purchased NEW and REPRODUCTION. I know for a fact that you can still find the Shirt and Trousers for much much much much cheaper (like $10.00 each). You may have to modify them (these guys were not guys, but kids for the most part…like size 30” waists…but you will find 4” to 6” of excess material at the seam, you can let it out and make a 32” waist into a 40” very easily. I’ve done it). Again, shop around and you WILL find it cheaper.
Most of the gear is also readily available at local flea markets and such. The entire USGI impression could easily be brought together as shown above for less than $400.00 WITH WEAPON.
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Post by CharleyNovember on Jul 20, 2010 20:34:54 GMT -5
That is too much buy in to start with. Start with a basic uniform. That is 100.00 maybe less then they can start adding the other stuff. Germans can start with soft caps instead of helmets US can use post war helmets. Once they have a solid uniform to start with though the rest can come piece meal and grow from there.
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Post by starkweather on Jul 21, 2010 6:12:32 GMT -5
Actually, I agree totaly. After looking at some other starting impressions I think I'm going to revise this. Thanks.
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gadge
Corporal
Posts: 1,199
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Post by gadge on Jul 21, 2010 8:15:27 GMT -5
My starting list would be to have a passable impression on a budget.
Wool (or HBT if you live somewhere stupidly hot) field grey enlisted mans uniform (jacket and trousers) M43 cap pair of gaitors *any* sensible boots to start out with, especially for just airsofting. Black leather wide belt breadbag ammo pouches for your chosen aeg.
Most people start thinking its really expensive as they feel they have to buy all the trimming when they are things you can aquire later.
Its even more the case for re-enacting, before diving into all the gucci comabt kit its always best to get yourslef a 'walking out' or garrison duites type set of kit so you can attend shows as soon as possible and meet people who can guide you to good purchases.
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Post by 10target on Sept 7, 2010 2:38:36 GMT -5
If you guys think about it, some if not A LOT of U.S (probably not so much German,) soldiers didn't have all that stuff, Don't get me wrong, it's nice to have it, but on the realistic side most Pacific U.S soldiers only had their shirt and pants, (if the shirt.)
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Post by toxickiwi on Sept 15, 2010 22:30:57 GMT -5
What would you guys list as a decent starting kit for a WW2 Soviet airsofter?
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Totez
Private
Smokey the Smoke Grenade Rabbit
Posts: 283
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Post by Totez on Sept 15, 2010 22:55:54 GMT -5
Not exactly the place, but I would say Tunic, trousers, boots, helmet, and ammo pouches with rifle.
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Post by toxickiwi on Sept 15, 2010 22:57:31 GMT -5
Not exactly the place, but I would say Tunic, trousers, boots, helmet, and ammo pouches with rifle. yeah sorry, i just saw all the lists of gear. my bad.
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Adler69
Master sergeant
Legio Patria Nostra
Posts: 2,859
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Post by Adler69 on Sept 15, 2010 23:23:55 GMT -5
Toxickiwi , it's ok no big deal about where you posted , don't forget to add a canteen to the list .
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Totez
Private
Smokey the Smoke Grenade Rabbit
Posts: 283
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Post by Totez on Sept 15, 2010 23:32:22 GMT -5
Silly American! Russians don't need water! ;D
Yeah I forgot that.... xD
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Post by toxickiwi on Sept 16, 2010 13:05:17 GMT -5
Cool cool. thanks guys.
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ussoccer26
Private
Collector Of Soviet Things!
Posts: 83
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Post by ussoccer26 on Jan 10, 2011 19:19:58 GMT -5
hello everyone! Im new here and this is my first post, How do you guys feel about using a vietnam era helmet? I just bought a cybergun thompson and I have one mag, Im gonna get the mag pouch for tommy gun and a ww2 uniform. I have a full loadout of vietnam gear, belts, uniforms and all that. What from the nam era would you consider acceptable for ww2? Canteen pouches, holsters etc, thanks for the advice!
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ussoccer26
Private
Collector Of Soviet Things!
Posts: 83
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Post by ussoccer26 on Jan 10, 2011 19:24:17 GMT -5
I know this really isnt the place for this, but here is my Vietnam impression, Just curious to know whats accepted for a ww2 impression ( That gun is not an airsoft gun, its an air rifle I just decided to pose with) Attachments:
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