Modelling the Kelly Gang

[Hombre]

I recently read an account of the Kelly Gang which was the nickname given to C squadron of the Australian 6th Division cavalry. They were mounted on captured French horses and patrolled through the mountainous country in Syria during the campaign against the Vichy French in mid-1941. I have looked at the pictures on the Australian War Memorial website and plan to make up a small scale diorama using the Hat Australian Light Horse (the uniforms look identical to WW1) and a Milicast R35 tank.

Captured R35's were used by A and B squadrons while C troop was harrassing the French through the hills, which brings me to my question. What colours would the R35s have been? I have seen a photo of a captured R35 used in the Israeli War of Independence which seems to be a darkish green. Would this have been its original colour or would they have worn a more garish French camouflage pattern?

[vonmarkenhausen]

I would hazard a guess at the "garish" paint scheme of dark green base, with sand yellow and brown with outlines? Unusual subject that one?

[Hombre]

I would hazard a guess at the "garish" paint scheme of dark green base, with sand yellow and brown with outlines? Unusual subject that one?

Thanks. I've found some photos on Google images of that paint scheme. Looks like some fun ahead. I think, given the size of the model that it'll be a brush job.

[vonmarkenhausen]

Yes it could be a tricky one? Maybe use a marker pen for the black outline? Then "dry brush" over for a matt look?

[Ley]

I imagine the relevant Trackstory title would have colour details.

[Hombre]

Thanks for your help.

I have the R35 from Milicast and have picked a couple of suitably posed horsemen from the Hat set. I've been doing more research and it seems that the cavalry got their equipment sent over from Australia for the 32 captured French horses they acquired, so the Light Horse figures should do very well. That said they look a pretty rag tag bunch from the photos I have seen. Unfortunately, most figure sets have the figures in uniform rather than on campaign.

I found this site as well http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php...695&start=0 and it seems that the R35s were just plain green. Hopefully, I'll be able to make a start on things over the Christmas break.

[vonmarkenhausen]

Well that makes the painting simpler?