Add a touch of gritty realism to your Vietnam War armored vehicle dioramas with this set of 1/35 scale 3D printed figures. Depicting a three-man US Army tank crew taking a well-deserved rest, these figures are designed to bring a human element to models of the M48 Patton, M551 Sheridan, or M113 ACAV.

• Candid "At Rest" Poses: The set features three distinct, natural poses capturing a moment of downtime.

• One crewman sits, leaning back, enjoying a drink from a can.

• A second figure sits with his knees pulled up, resting his arms.

• The third crewman is lying on his side, propped up on one elbow.

• Accurate Period Gear: All figures are sculpted wearing the essential gear of a Vietnam tanker.

• CVC Helmets: Each man wears the iconic "bone dome" Combat Vehicle Crewman helmet with boom microphones and earcups.

• Body Armor: They are outfitted with M69 fragmentation protective vests worn over their tropical combat uniforms (jungle fatigues), a common sight given the constant threat of mortars and shrapnel.

• Fine Details: The sculpts include details like jungle boots, pistol holsters, and the natural folds of clothing, ready for painting.

The US Army Armored Corps in Vietnam

Contrary to initial beliefs that Vietnam's jungles and rice paddies were "no tank country," the US Army Armored Corps played a vital and aggressive role in the conflict.

• Jungle Busting: Medium tanks like the M48 Patton used their weight and firepower to crash through dense vegetation, opening paths for infantry and destroying fortified enemy bunkers with high-explosive and canister rounds.

• Convoy & Route Security: Armored units, particularly those in M113 Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicles (ACAVs) and M551 Sheridans, were crucial for keeping supply lines open. They conducted dangerous route clearance missions and escorted convoys through ambush-prone areas.

• Mobile Defense: At fire support bases, tanks were often employed as mobile pillboxes, using their heavy armor and main guns to defend the perimeter against ground attacks.

The Tank Crew and Their Gear

Life for a tank crew in Vietnam was defined by intense heat, long hours, and the constant threat of mines and ambushes. Their gear reflected this harsh reality.

• The CVC Helmet: The "bone dome" was essential not just for bump protection inside the rocking tank, but for communication. The built-in intercom system allowed the crew to coordinate effectively amidst the deafening noise of the engine and battle.

• Flak Vests: Despite the stifling tropical heat, crewmen—especially commanders exposed in the cupola—often wore heavy fragmentation vests. These provided critical protection from shrapnel caused by RPGs, mortar rounds, and landmines.

• Uniforms: Crews wore standard OG-107 jungle fatigues and jungle boots. Due to the extreme heat inside the vehicles, it was common for tankers to strip down to t-shirts under their vests when not in direct combat or to modify their uniforms for comfort.

• Personal Weapons: Space inside a tank is at a premium. Crewmen typically carried pistols, such as the M1911A1 .45 caliber (visible in a holster on one of the figures), or compact submachine guns like the M3 "Grease Gun" for personal defense if they were forced to bail out.