Vietnam US Infantry Painting Guide

When I saw the new Flames of War US Rifle Platoon I immediately knew I had to get some of these. They are beautifully sculpted and I really think Evan has outdone himself here.

At the start of a new project I always do a test base/figure and only when I'm happy with the color choices I will move on to the rest of the miniatures in the unit.

This time I decided to document the recipe because as we all know I will get sidetracked by other projects before I finish the whole platoon. So when I return to these miniatures at some point in the future I won't have to be guessing all the colors I used.

Most of the time I start from a black undercoat and with these guys it was no different.

Colors used are all Vallejo.

Flames of War Vietnam US rifle team

Uniform

I start by painting the whole uniform Model Color Russian Uniform WWII (924). I then paint all the recesses with Game Color Cayman Green (067). I mix the highlight color 50/50 between Russian Uniform and Model Color Deck Tan (986). You could probably get away with using Model Color Green Grey (886) for the highlights, but I prefer the look of the mixed color.

I highlight the boots with Model Color USA Olive Drab (889). I know the boots were black, but in the field they don't stay black for long.

Flames of War Vietnam US rifle team

Helmet Cover

The base color for the helmet covers is Game Color Camouflage Green (31). I paint two or three branches on each cover with Model Color Flat Earth (983). The leaves are painted in Model Color Russian Uniform WWII (924) and Game Color Cayman Green (067) respectively. Finally I add a few spots of Model Color Beige Brown (875).

Flames of War Vietnam US rifle team

Webbing

I don't believe there's one right way to do the webbing, and for me the most important thing is that the belts and pouches contrast with the uniform.

The web gear itself is painted Model Color Brown Violet (887) followed by a highlight of Panzer Aces Canvas (314).

The pouches are painted Model Color Khaki (988) followed by a highlight of Panzer Aces Highlight US Tkcr. (322)

For bit of variety I paint stuff like bandoleers with a base of Model Color Green Brown (879) and a highlight of Game Color Khaki (061).

Flames of War Vietnam US rifle team

Armament

I paint equipment like LAWs and grenades Model Color Brown violet (887) followed by highlights of Panzer Aces Canvas (314) and finally Model Color Green Brown (879).

The M16 rifles are highlighted with Model Color German Grey (995) and Model Color Dark Bluegrey (867).

Skin Tones

The four grunts in the pictures all have different skin colors. Three of them are documented here.

Caucasian (Marlboro Man)

Base: Model Color Flat Earth (983)
1^st highlight: Game Color Dwarf Skin (041)
2^nd highlight: Model Color Basic Skintone (815)

Latino (LAW)

Base: Model Color Flat Earth (983)
1^st highlight: Model Color Medium Fleshtone (860)
2^nd highlight: Model Color Flat Flesh (955)

African American (M79)

Base: Model Color Leather Brown (871)
1^st highlight: 50/50 mix of Leather Brown and Model Color US Field Drab (873)
2^nd highlight: US Field Drab

Hope this is helpful.