Vietcong RPG Team

Alongside the now infamous AK-47, the RPG is probably the best known and most widely recognised weapon used by the NVA and VC forces. Used extensively in the role for which it was designed, as an anti-vehicular weapon, and with some considerable success against both the M113 and M551 Sheridan, the RPG also saw widespread use in the anti-personnel role.

Accounts differ regarding how this weapon was organised within NVA and VC units and in what numbers but it is generally acknowledged that it was very rare to encounter NVA and VC, particularly Main Force VC, without also encountering quite liberal use of the RPG. Most wargames rules make provision for use of this weapon at the squad level, allowing for a single RPG team within each squad - much like the US M79 40mm grenade launcher. This being the case, it is likely that you will require significant numbers of these weapons if you are going to field anything approaching a reasonably sized NVA/VC force.

Both the RPG-2 (commonly known as the B-40) and the later RPG-7 saw considerable service and RPGs were generally used as a team weapon with both a loader and gunner. The RPG team in this instance follows that arrangement with one figure depicted as aiming and firing the RPG and his associate, armed with an SMG, carries extra ammo. Both figures wear an RPG-2 (B-40) back-pack stuffed with extra rounds. The figure that is firing the weapon is using an early RPG-2 although in a game this does not really matter too much as long as it is made clear from the outset which type of RPG the team(s) is equipped with since the overall effectiveness of the RPG-2 and RPG-7 are different in most rules sets. Also, in your games you should bear in mind that the amount of ammo that could be carried for each weapon also differed and that more RPG-2 rounds could be carried than RPG-7's so that the number of rounds of firing that the team can sustain will also be correspondingly different.

Both of the figures are well animated and sculpted. The gunner's stance is good with his weight being borne on the leading leg and his rear leg braced for the recoil of the weapon that he is about to fire. The RPG is raised to the firing position and he is clearly aiming the weapon and looking through the weapon sights. His team mate, weapon at the ready, stands alert, with a backpack full of ammo. Apart from the back-pack, neither figure carries any other accoutrements. Both figures are dressed in familiar PJ's and straw, conical, peasant hats.

Given the fact that the RPG was used in such large numbers, these figures are a welcome and pivotal addition to the Viet Cong range. As with other figures in the range, they are relatively straightforward to paint since they are not overly detailed and using relatively simple painting techniques they can be completed very quickly. As is always the case with a range of figures, there are always several that become favourites and for me this RPG team is one of those. I like the pose of each figure and the simplicity of the models which does not detract from their table-top appearance.

All figures are from my own personal collection and have been painted and photographed by me.