Modeling and Painting Vietnam Wargames – A review

 

I am always on the lookout for modeling content covering periods I play, but one of my favorite periods, the Vietnam War from 1965-1975, has not seen a comprehensive modeling book. However, I have finally found the perfect book: Modeling and Painting Vietnam Wargames by Michael Farnworth and published by Military Miniature Press. I purchased this book before launch, and the publisher kindly gave me the PDF a little early to publish a review.

As the author Michael Farnworth notes, the Vietnam War is experiencing a bit of a renaissance in wargaming today. I personally play in 20mm and 15mm, but there is an increasing number of options available (especially in 28mm) that indicate a resurgence of gaming the period. Modeling and Painting Vietnam Wargames is an incredible resource for players interested in gaming the Vietnam War or the war in French Indochina. Even gamers with a current collection can glean valuable information and inspiration from this book. The book is incredibly well organized, laid out, and lavishly illustrated with period photos and many images of figures. It focuses on 28mm, 20mm, and 10mm figures primarily, but the content can be used for any scale. There are four large chapters and appendices covering an overview of the war, soldiers, vehicles, and terrain. 

The Overview of the War section features a succinct summary of the war and the major operations. Beautiful maps are included as well as many period photos. This is a great primer for gamers new to wargaming Vietnam and a nice refresher for those of us who have already researched the war. 

The section on Soldiers gives an overview of how to build models in a variety of scales and plastic types. The correct colors, flocks, and tufts for appropriate basing are included. There is even a table detailing the size of grass for different scales! This book even covers 3D printed models to help you prepare and paint them as well as printing tips! Nearly every uniform type you can think of is also covered including a painting recipe using Vallejo paints as well as the order in which paint should be applied. You can easily figure out how to paint your soldiers in a historically accurate color scheme and the complicated camouflage patterns are much easier to approach (French Lizard Pattern 1947 anyone?). These recipes are accompanied by digital plates of the uniforms that are incredibly crisp and clear which will make painting a breeze. Gone are the days of guessing. Beyond the uniform, all gear and weapons are covered as well with suggested paints from Vallejo. 

The section on Vehicles features the same detail as the Soldiers section, but for every vehicle used in Vietnam. This includes soft skins, tanks, helicopters, and boats. Whether you game as an Air Cav company, a Cavalry Squadron, the Easter Offensive, or the Brown Water navy, you can find valuable content for your projects. Like soldiers, it covers 3D-printed vehicles, how to prepare them, and even tips on how to print them effectively. It also includes a historical summary of each vehicle used in Vietnam and which forces used them.

 

Finally, the Terrain section gives a plethora of great ideas on how to build terrain for Vietnam as well as markers for games such as Force on Force. This includes jungle, rice paddies, buildings, fire bases, etc. Everything you could ever want on a table is covered in this book with guides on how to build a variety of terrain pieces. Specific manufacturers are also mentioned to ease your search for various terrain pieces, jungle especially.

The appendices list supplies, resources, websites, etc. It is a good place to explore for further information.

This is an excellent book and if you game the Vietnam War, or are considering it, I can’t recommend this enough. Whatever scale you use, you can find a ton of information that will prove extremely valuable.

The print copy retails at $34.95. and releases on November 1^st in the USA in print and PDF. You can purchase a PDF or hard copy at https://militaryminiaturepress.com/product/modeling-painting-vietnam-wargames/. Note that there are currently limited quantities for the print version. They currently have a little over 60 copies left at the time of this post, so if you are interested, pick it up soon! 

FOR ALL NON-USA CUSTOMERS ONLY there is currently a special being run through 10/31/2022! If you email samantha@militaryminiature.com you can purchase the book with cheaper postage AND receive a FREE PDF on 11/1/2022. The print copy will be open for shipping starting on 1/1/23. Simply send Samantha an email and she will set you up with this wonderful book.