discussion Airborne's Injection-free GB entry - 200mm 1970's/1980's Para

[Airborne01]

When I first signed up for the GB I proposed the 1/16 German Infantryman on a motorcycle as my project. Since then Christmas has come and gone leaving me with a considerable stash that included the Mitches Military Models Para with GPMG (7.62 mm General Purpose Machine Gun to the uninitiated); I want to spend more time on the Motorcycle and a friend has offered a considerable amount of wonga for the finished Para (The proceeds to Service charities) - so, as the Para meets the criteria for the GB I can kill two birds with one stone!

The model is beautifully cast with minimal flash and clean-up; natural pose and accurate detailing , no instructions or colour callouts as usual and I'm already looking for a suitable base to complement it, I'll post progress as I go but in the meantime here's the parts breakdown.
Steve

 

[scottie3158]

I look forward to seeing this progress.

 

[pjgtech]

Wow, looks cool, nice details, might have to search one of these out myself, where di you get it from?
Edit, sorry, re-read OP and see the model is from Mitchells military models, so i will go have a browse now, cheers

 

[Airborne01]

Still working on the 'Dock of the Bay' diorama but, whilst waiting for a flock of seagulls to arrive, I've started work on my Gimpy Para, Spent the last week cleaning up the Bergan, both legs and a start on the torso; there's more clean-up required than first meets the eye with prominent pour stubs, some slight moulding lines and two short pours/moulding defects on the Bergan seams that required remedying. I've also deepened edges and created undercuts on pockets and lids,. Will post progress shots when the main elements are assembled but in the meantime here' s a generic shot of the model.
Steve

 

[Neil Merryweather]

Lovely figure Steve, looking forward to this

 

[PaulTRose]

That brings back some memories...always loved the gimpy

 

[Jim R]

That looks really nice Steve.

 

[Airborne01]

That brings back some memories...always loved the gimpy

Know that feeling well! Awesome piece of kit - especially when fired in a SF Concentration! (Happiness is a warm barrel ... )
Steve

 

[Neil Merryweather]

I have a request. For those non-veterans on the forum, could you please explain GIMPY?
I have an idea but it's probably wrong

 

[PaulTRose]

I have a request. For those non-veterans on the forum, could you please explain GIMPY?
I have an idea but it's probably wrong

Gimpy is slang for General Purpose Machine Gun......or GPMG.......which in Milspeak becomes Gimpy

its heavy... a bugger to carry about.....but its wonderful to shoot........i remember using one in 'assault mode'....ala Rambo style.....doing wood clearing....firing from the hip with a long belt of ammo......happy days

 

[Airborne01]

Gimpy is a contraction of (GPMG) General Purpose Machine Gun - a 7.62 x 51 mm calibre machine gun that can be used in a 'light' role by firing from the front bipod. or in the 'heavy 'role for sustained fire when fired from a tripod on fixed lines. When used in the heavy role several guns are generally set up on interlocking arcs of fire to produce a 'beaten zone' (A killing zone!) up to about 1000 metres. Lots of fun when behind the gun but decidedly unpleasant on the receiving end. The terms 'light' and 'heavy' are somewhat misleading - the weapon weighs about 11 kg or about 14 kg with a 50 round belt, and gun and tripod together about 24 kg - most Gimpy gunners tend towards a build reminiscent of a Silverback Gorilla as a result! Hope this helps!
Steve

 

[PaulTRose]

most Gimpy gunners tend towards a build reminiscent of a Silverback Gorilla as a result!

we had a lad known as Beer Monster.........he could carry....and charge over the top a gimpy like an SA80!

 

[Airborne01]

I have to make an apology; I've been working at school on a major build and, as a result, I've been unable to progress the Para. I've had the opportunity to devote a little time to another (far less demanding) project but alas the Para has sat back home awaiting progress. I am shortly to re-commence but in the meantime please accept my apologies
Steve