(Editor's Note: Both Brian and Darryl sent me reviews of this line. I chose to combine their articles -- my apologies to each if the editing seems over-vicious!)

Reviewed by Brian O'Leary

After inquiring with Combined Arms, Inc., about the new Britannia 20mm Vietnam figure line, I received a catalog and sample pack of U.S. troops. The pack is NAM 1 Platoon HQ Officer, NCO, and Radio operator (3 figures). The Radio operator is advancing with his M16 in right hand, and is speaking into the phone in his left. The second figure (NCO?) is slightly crouched, M16 in his right hand, with his left hand up to his mouth as if to help direct/ project his voice. The third figure is standing a little more upright with both hands on his M16 (Colt Commando?, gun has a shorter barrel with fatter end than the other two figs). All three seem to be cautiously moving through the underbrush and are fitted out with two canteens, flak jackets, various items tucked into the band on their helmets, etc. All also have sleeves rolled up to their elbows.

The figures are of typical 20mm height, but are a little stockier than most of my other 20mm figs. They are quite attractive, and capture the feel of the era. Detail is good, with little things like snaps on the canteens and the forward assist on the M16s being readily visible. The stockiness works to good effect, making the weapons sturdy, not frail, and allowing for enough detail that painting these to a fairly high standard is a breeze. The Britannia figs are clearly shorter than my old FAA figs, and I would not recommend mixing those two lines. They are also stockier than my old SHQ figs, but pretty much in line with SHQ and Rafm height. They are much better detailed than either my old SHQ or Rafm figures, more similar to the FAA detail and quality, but clearly a different sculpting style and a head shorter.

Overall, I would rate them as being very good; good enough to consider replacing my old FAA figs, as this line promises to be more comprehensive, with U.S., VC, and PAVN forces all being represented in the not too distant future. Currently, a nice selection of U.S. and Vietcong forces are available. The M113 and M551 are also available and plans call for riverine additions, a firebase, and a village to be in the line.

Reviewed by Darryl Smith

I asked Joe Kelly, proprietor of Combined Arms, Inc., for samples of the Vietnam range. He responded promptly, and sent me three packs for review. When the package arrived in the mail, I felt like just like a kid at Christmas. I'll tell you now, I was NOT disappointed! VCG 1 - Three Squad Leaders - $1.99.

Three Viet Cong squad leaders make up the contents of this pack, all three carrying an SMG of one kind or another. The VC figs are indeed shorter than their U.S. counterparts (as they should be), are all wearing the "coolie" hat, pajamas, and Ho Chi Minh sandals that dominated the Viet Cong's "uniform," and have their rice bandoleers in place. And, all three are pointing, as if indicating to their followers which way the "round-eyes" are. The first squad leader is advancing, carrying a French MAT SMG in an upright position. The second figure is walking, holding his Russian or Chinese made PPSH with drum magazine. The last figure is crouched, holding an American Grease gun. All of these figures could easily be used for the First Indochina War, when the French were driven from Vietnam in 1954.

HELO 1 - 4 Man Slick Crew with Standing Gunners - $4.35

This is a neat pack which one can use to dress up those 1/ 72 scale Hueys you need for quick insert and extraction. There are two pilots (one cast with a separate head), both in a seated position, and two standing door gunners with M60s. All are wearing flight helmets, and the gunners are wearing flak jackets.

Britannia indicates that, when this line is complete, it will be the most comprehensive Vietnam out there. Currently, the Britannia range boasts 12 packs of Americans, 11 Viet Cong, and five of helo crews available, with many more in the works. Prices range from 85 cents for a single figure to $6.75 for the downed helicopter crew (six figures). Combined Arms offers discounts when ordering multiples of the same figure or pack, and they also offer an overall discount to the entire order based on how much you spend. They also carry many other periods from the Britannia line. I look forward to obtaining more figures from Combined Arms, Inc. Contact them at 5132 E. Princess Anne Rd., Norfolk, VA 23502. E-mail: combined_arms@yahoo.com, or phone (757) 857-7698. Web site: http://www.combinedarmsinc.com.

Be sure to let Joe know that you saw this review!