" Kwano " Mike Force Vietnam .

I love theses old 21st Century toys NAM sets .

      This is Kwano , part of a Mike Force Team . Mike Force was under command of MAC-V SOG . Coloured scarfs seem popular amongst Mike Force teams , though some of the more brightly coloured ones as here , were more likely given as awards to individuals . Along with the patches , I have doubt these would be worn in combat . Kwano is loaded with ammo , these small teams often operated in areas where extraction or back up could be slow to reach them . His AK47 Chest rig has been converted to carry magazines for the Swedish K - M.G , and a WW11 Grease gun pouch to carry further mags . The other standard pouches likely carry frag grenades and field dressings ect . Often Ammo was carried in favour of food and water . His ruck appears to be a dyed black NVA ruck , I not researched this much , and it could well be a custom made item . The Mike Force Patch was banned in the end , as the initials M.F,  by higher ups was believed could easily be misinterpreted .

For Fun ....

Not that's some MFing cool dude, like the cigarette shots the best. Although his head looks a bit dated, your photos capture him in the best light. I also like how peaceful they resolve their knife comparison conflict.

'Mike Force Team" sounds a bit like a boy band.

Like Ovy, while I find the head just a bit retro (which can have its charm), this is another fine trooper -- and nicely presented, with humor.

Thanks Ovy , Ian , somewhere down the line the figure may well get swapped out , he seemed quite fitting at the time , but like you after seeing his photos he does look a little retro , and the kit does likely deserve someone a little more realistic looking . I will repost if he gets rotated .

Chip wrote:Thanks Ovy , Ian , somewhere down the line the figure may well get swapped out , he seemed quite fitting at the time , but like you after seeing his photos he does look a little retro , and the kit does likely deserve someone a little more realistic looking . I will repost if he gets rotated .

Look, it isn't that unrealistic, and I actually think it works well for a smooth, youthful guy. I have seen repaints improve such sculpts quite a bit, but I'm not sure this needs it and don't know how comfortable you would be doing that -- and I wouldn't want you to regret it. If I were to customize it cautiously, the first thing would be to get rid of the infamous doll dot by filling it in with appropriate color acrylic, then giving the eyes (when fully dry) a careful go over with glossy acrylic varnish (I prefer Vallejo paints, but perhaps you have a preference of your own). Then maybe dull and rough-up the eyebrows just a bit (again, with acrylic, maybe mixed with a little Liquitex ultra matte medium, and apply with the tiniest brush or better yet a sharp toothpick or needle) -- it they are not quite so perfectly delineated and shiny, I think they would look much more realistic.

Something for the future maybe Ian , thanks for the tips , a man of many talents you are indeed .

Nice looking figure. Really like the smoking pics.

He looks great, Chip!

Don't even mind the plastic pouches. Those old 21st sets had some great sculpted detail.

Very nice take on the original Ultimate Soldier figure. Your photography brings out the best of his uniform and gear. This was top notch back when it was released, and still looks pretty good. Excellent work!

Very cool Chip!

21st century toys produced a lot of cool stuff back in the day, my favorite 'Nam figure of theirs continue to be their stoner gunner and their military advisor which came loaded with guns. Plenty of cool guns where also produced by them too.

As for your figure it's a nice addition, I don't think I would have to point out that plastic pouches take away from it but at the same time it gives it that toyness to it that I'm very fond of.