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Post by 2ndbat2 on Jun 17, 2021 11:40:10 GMT -5
There are significant enough WW2 airsofters who also reenact SE Asia (Vietnam) using airsoft as their medium and quite a few large Nam events. This thread is here to allow discussions and sharing of all things Nam softing.
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Post by volkssturm on Jun 18, 2021 12:14:02 GMT -5
Just wondering if it would be better to set up a Namsofting Board. If I'm understanding the organization "After The Battle" is a category, then "Killroy Was Here" is a board. A separate board for Namsofting would give it greater visibility than a thread.
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Post by aj czarkowski on Jun 18, 2021 22:51:12 GMT -5
I think it's a great idea to have a Vietnam-era airsoft section on this board. Truth is, I don't think there are enough of us to warrant another board altogether, but putting a section for it on the WWII airsoft board makes things a whole lot easier (I'm interested in both as well).
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Post by volkssturm on Jun 20, 2021 11:39:25 GMT -5
So, anyway last night I rented "Danger Close," an Australian film from 2019 about the battle of Long Tan, in 1966. An Australian company ran into an estimated 2,000 PAVN and VC. Artillery basically saved their butts, one platoon calling in fire on their own position when they were being over run and a danger close mission called when the Vietnamese tried to overrun the rest of the company. Pretty well done movie. Can be rented from Youtube.
Question: it appeared most of the Australians had M-16s, but some were still carrying SLR's (FN FAL). How was that decided? Was it a personal choice or were select soldiers given the SLR's.
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Post by hardslack on Jun 22, 2021 11:52:23 GMT -5
I noticed that as well. I snooped around the net a bit and it sounds like it was a mishmash, as depicted in the film. This link has a decent answer I thought. Australian Vietnam war guns?
I love reading personal memoirs, but, unsurprisingly, ANZAC books are not too common when I'm perusing thrift store bookshelves. It would be interesting to find some primary references discussing Aussies and the m16.
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Post by volkssturm on Jun 23, 2021 12:14:50 GMT -5
Poking around, I found an Aussie discussion board for Vietnam topics. Apparently the M16 was originally issued to section leaders and scouts. Makes sense. People who would earlier have been issued SMG's. According to the comments many Australians preferred the SLR because of stopping power and the ability to punch through foliage, but thought it was too long for jungle fighting. There were some field expedient modifications cutting the barrels back on the full auto version of the SLR and also some jerry rigged select fire modifications. The issue SLR was semi-auto only.
More and more I think we really screwed up going to 5.56mm. Probably should have adopted a 6.5mm or 7mm, like the .280 Enfield the British wanted. It sounds more and more like we're going to switch to a 6.8mm cartridge at some point.
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Jun 23, 2021 19:25:55 GMT -5
A long barrel in the jungle or in urban fighting is decidedly awkward and the upsides to a long barrel are typically less significant at close range. I initially had an M16a1 when I deployed but received the carbine experimental version (XM177) shortly after getting to my unit. I liked the shortened version a lot. In the jungle the foliage and terrain seemed to be fighting you continuously and every little thing that made it a little easier to deal with was a big deal. I really enjoyed Danger close and I too noticed the mix of weapons. I never saw any Aussie or Anzak troops but they had an excellent reputation. The side folded hat for a while was kind of a thing in the US Army no doubt inspired by the Aussies.
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Jun 28, 2021 10:39:38 GMT -5
Liberty canyon up in Vermont is coming up. I'll get exact dates and location. Its a large annual vietnam Airsoft event that is extremely well done. It always seems to have 100 plus players. There is firebase, lots of vehicles, PRC Radios, lots of pyro. Great event. I went last year and mostly monitored radios but went on an epic night ambush just outside the wire on the final night.
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Jun 28, 2021 14:33:26 GMT -5
The event starts at 12:00 on Friday 23 July 2021 for deployment and billeting. It runs through 1400 hrs on Sunday. The venue is several hundred acres in a remore location outside of Jamaica Vt.
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Post by hardslack on Jul 13, 2021 9:10:23 GMT -5
I recently acquired (and at a fantastic price!) a realsword type 56 AK. It is missing the bayonet. At work I have a nice 3d printer, and we have a "rubber like" material. So I am working on a 3dprinted flexible bayonet. Version 1 is pretty good, if anything its a little too flexible. Today I will print V2, with a few tweaks. Will I ever use it? probably not. But its fun to have I guess. Here it is, all black, stabbing a roll of duct tape. I'll paint the finished product silver.
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Jul 14, 2021 18:52:09 GMT -5
The AK and SKS came with two differents styles of folding bayonets. Generally (though not always) the sks had a blade while the AK usually had a nasty spike bayonet. It was quite narrow but was 3 sided which made it easier to pull out while at the same time creating an extremely distructive wound. Its challenging to replicate a bayonet that has decent rigidity but still remains safe for simulations or film work. Keep us posted on how your doing.
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Jul 14, 2021 18:54:54 GMT -5
The latest on Liberty canyon is they have 2 deuce and a halfs at least 2 Jeeps and an awesome 5 ton gun truck. Last year the had a 3/4 scale M113 APC. Several years ago they had a Huey so this is a top notch event.
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Post by hardslack on Jul 14, 2021 22:59:20 GMT -5
V2 of the bayonet, I printing with the layer lines in a different orientation. The flex is more consistent, pretty good I'd say. However, I changed some dimensions and those changes look bad, its too narrow/pointy. I may have to see about finding someone with a real sword (or Real steel) bayonet that could get me some dimensions. I have mine modeled with 4 cutouts/sides.
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Jul 16, 2021 0:39:02 GMT -5
I have several RS chicom AK bayonets. Pay the shipping and its yours!
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Jul 19, 2021 22:39:59 GMT -5
I send off the bayonet. Liberty Canyon is this coming weekend. It sounds like its shaping up to be an amazing event. I went last year and had a fabulous time. They have complete rental gear for US,VC and NVA. If you live anywhere in the NE you want to make this event.
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Jul 26, 2021 21:16:17 GMT -5
It sounds like Liberty Canyon was a huge success and a fun time had by all. The pictures and videos I watched were epic. East Coast Namsofters facebook site indicates that they are hosting another event in a few weeks.
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Aug 2, 2021 16:42:33 GMT -5
typically inspite of (or perhaps because of)their mutual passions for Vietnam airsoft there seems to be some kind of dick fight feud between HMSG (the Liberty Canyon host) and East Coast Namsofters. Why this always seems to be the case with airsoft groups is beyond me? They would support and promote the hobby so much better if they harmonized their efforts...oh well. Pitty.
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Aug 4, 2021 22:25:09 GMT -5
There also was a lot of acrimoneous back biting following the event between the primary sponsor and his all voluntary support staff. Often following a large event break down of the event, cataloguing and caring for props and equipment falls through the cracks as everyone is typically tired and anxious to get home. Sponsors have to remember that their volunteers are just that and refrain from berating those who stepped up even if the ball gets dropped at the end. Being an event sponsor is extremely taxing, rarely financially rewarding and often costly. If all of that isnt factored in or you dont price your event sufficiently to cover the required resources than its probably not something you should do. I feel the fellows pain but his grumbling isnt going to make it better it will only get worse as he trys to recruit help for future events.
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Sept 17, 2021 21:24:26 GMT -5
This weekend is third large Namsoft event in the NE in as many months. I wish the WW2 airsoft community was as active. Gothic Line is coming up and it is always a worthwhile WW2 event.
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Post by norseman on Jul 24, 2022 13:37:53 GMT -5
We are going over the fence!
Operation Daniel Boone Newport, Wa Sept 9-11, 2022
You can call me if you would like. Wade Moss 509-680-2826
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Jul 26, 2022 14:04:59 GMT -5
Wade. Good for you. Glad you're back at it. The Vermont group just acquired an M113 that is fully operation. What a fabulous prop! They are holding 3 Nam events this summer. Liberty Canyon events. I have flown out for several of their events and sold them my airsoft M60 and my home made .50 Cal and Nerf Launcher made to look like a 57mm recoiless rifle. These will find homes on their assorted vehicles.
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Post by norseman on Jul 27, 2022 14:37:32 GMT -5
Wade. Good for you. Glad you're back at it. The Vermont group just acquired an M113 that is fully operation. What a fabulous prop! They are holding 3 Nam events this summer. Liberty Canyon events. I have flown out for several of their events and sold them my airsoft M60 and my home made .50 Cal and Nerf Launcher made to look like a 57mm recoiless rifle. These will find homes on their assorted vehicles. Thanks! I remember the M113 and propane fired ma deuce at Gallant Saber! Fun! The WW2 group in north Idaho wants to branch into Vietnam! The property in Newport isn’t as steep as the ranch. It’s my wife’s parents property. Heavily timbered. I even found a bear den on the place that we are gonna excavate a bit for a tunnel rat mission. Should be fun if we can draw enough interest!
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Jul 27, 2022 17:11:31 GMT -5
Sounds great. Venue is often the biggest challenge. If I can help in anyway let me know. I have uniforns for a whole squad plus of VC/ NVA and gear for 7 or 8 GIs. I shipped them in support of the Liberty Canyon Events Recondo school which was held last month. I should be getting the gear back this week.
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Post by norseman on Jul 28, 2022 2:38:00 GMT -5
Sounds great. Venue is often the biggest challenge. If I can help in anyway let me know. I have uniforns for a whole squad plus of VC/ NVA and gear for 7 or 8 GIs. I shipped them in support of the Liberty Canyon Events Recondo school which was held last month. I should be getting the gear back this week. A very gracious offer John! Thank you! As we get a little closer here I will check with Elias (WW2 organizer) and see how everyone is doing with obtaining gear. As the landowner I’m more in charge of the field prep. My father in law raced sled dogs and there are trails going everywhere and Ive been busy cutting all of those out. Lots of dead fall. Eyeballing some pallets on Craigslist. And I’ve got a bunch of shelter halves back at the ranch. I’ll put together a presentable FSB and some PAVN rear areas.
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Post by hardslack on Aug 2, 2022 9:39:00 GMT -5
A few of the guys I know here in Utah considered driving up to one of those WW2 games. Its a long drive but still, keep us posted. I have recently acquired (thanks to Volks! and garage sales!) a bit of loaner gear as well, so if we did come I could outfit a few guys.
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Aug 28, 2022 20:30:22 GMT -5
The group in the NE just held another of their large Nam event Au Shau. It fearured their newest vehicle an M113 APC. Fully operational. This means their motor pool is pretty impressive. Their venue has an elaborate fire base which looks impressivs but is horribly laid out as an airsoft defensive position. They always have excellent tentage, radios, field phones and major props like a legit field kitchen and generators. The location is large and terrain is excellent for airsoft.
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Post by norseman on Sept 2, 2022 20:55:46 GMT -5
John thats great!! I’m more of a supporter any more than a player. Bad back, etc. We will be small to start. But I did build a SA-7 Grail for the event! There will also be a tunnel complex. Not huge. I think the key here is to make the most of our limited group with lots of photo ops, talking up Namsoft, and some simple but cool props. www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRP9kNwY/Hardslack- Elias does a lot with what he has. His events are pretty exciting. Lots of booms and bangs and vehicles at a old farm that really fits for WW2! He wants to expand into Vietnam which I think is awesome!
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Post by norseman on Sept 6, 2022 20:40:12 GMT -5
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Post by 2ndbat2 on Sept 7, 2022 17:00:00 GMT -5
Fun seeing your face and hearing your voice Wade. I will always remember when you came to Recondo school and reported to the CQ with your orders dressed perfectly in your Khakis. Fun times. At Liberty Canyon they had three sets of ground sensors that actually work and one of the Missions i lane walked was a patrol tasked with planting them. In the course of the patrol they came upon a weapons cache and were ordered to plant one of the sensors by it. The kid tasked with planting them was 14 years old and was (at the time) a bit of a window licker. He planted them so cautiously and slowly that you would have thought they were nitro glicerine. It was hillareous to watch. Suddenly a sizeable group of NVA showed up which resulted in a brief firefight and major pursuit. It was crazy. The young kid many years later joined the Army, servdd with the 82nd Airborne and deployed several times.
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Post by norseman on Sept 8, 2022 11:12:03 GMT -5
Fun seeing your face and hearing your voice Wade. I will always remember when you came to Recondo school and reported to the CQ with your orders dressed perfectly in your Khakis. Fun times. At Liberty Canyon they had three sets of ground sensors that actually work and one of the Missions i lane walked was a patrol tasked with planting them. In the course of the patrol they came upon a weapons cache and were ordered to plant one of the sensors by it. The kid tasked with planting them was 14 years old and was (at the time) a bit of a window licker. He planted them so cautiously and slowly that you would have thought they were nitro glicerine. It was hillareous to watch. Suddenly a sizeable group of NVA showed up which resulted in a brief firefight and major pursuit. It was crazy. The young kid many years later joined the Army, servdd with the 82nd Airborne and deployed several times. Your Recondo schools were legendary John! Fun! I have 19 year olds who have only heard about them rave about them. Hopefully we can rekindle some of the more historical aspects of Airsoft! This WW2 group in Idaho is a solid group of people. And they have helped with the field here in Newport immensely. Funny story about the sensors! Lol. And yes, Roger Muller as a Marine was insistent that the MCHA did not wear cammies in “public”. Good times!
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