soviet motor rifles

This impression was based almost solely on 1 Ron Volstad illustration. I've studied plenty of photographic reference for this but it was Ron's painting for Dragon's 1/35th scale Soviet Motor Rifles that truly inspired me. While it may not be 100% accurate, this is at least what I have had in my mind for quite a long time and what I wanted to convey for my first attempt at portraying a Soviet motorized infantryman.

Today's menu:

Soviet issue winter parka in 80's woodland camouflage
Soviet issue winter trousers in 80's woodland camouflage
Sapogi leather boots, officer type
Soviet issue ushanka with Soviet era cockade
6Sh60 helmet
Vesh Meshok (old style ruck)
Soviet issue 3 finger winter mittens
Wool gloves - non issue
Respirator case (Ukrainian model)
Soviet issue leather and canvas assault harness -
3 cell AKM canvas mag pouch (7.62x39)
2 cell F1 canvas grenade pouch
Entrenching tool with canvas pouch
Water bottle with cotton pouch
AKM bayonet
AKMS - Tokyo Marui based rifle modified -
Systema Bore-up kit
Polycarb piston
tightbore barrel
120 spring (new type)
Guarder ribbed dust cover
realsteel slant muzzle break
AKM style pistol grip
TM underfolding stock
Metal reciever
Russian realsteel wood handguards

The Soviet Motor Rifles are rarely seen in photographs with so much kit actually on thier persons. Usually, most of this stuff would be kept in the armoured vehicles. I simply wanted to display a decent array of gear that might be issued to a motorized soldier during the late 80's. Most often, a simple belt is worn with nothing more than just the AK mag pouch and bayonet. Of course, things like body armor and grenades are also common.

On the right is a graphic showing the layout of Soviet field gear as it was issued and worn by troops. In the center was the simple ruck. From left to right: the 2 cell grenade pouch, respirator (NBC) case, water bottle, shovel, and magazine pouch. The details in this illustration are basically a good representaion of how the kit was worn. I will fully detail all the actual items for another article on wargearweb.

The woodland camoulfage would probably be better suited for a VDV or DShB impression but since my Volstad illustration was a primary guide, I used it without regard for perfect accuracy. This soldier would most likely be suited with the khaki bushlat winter set over his khaki 2 piece uniform as pictured in the same great illustration by Ron. Regardless, the camo set was used and I really like the look. The fur collar is brand new - the coat came without the collar but thanks to Dianna at Redsoldier, I was able to obtain a Splav copy and simply sewed it onto the existing cotton collar. Dianna went to great lengths to ensure that I got the correct size and it really helped. The parka just didn't look complete without it.

The salmon colored rubber strap wrapped around the folding stock of the AKMS is actually a Russian soldiers tourniquette. This item is used to wrap the arm for injections of adrenalin styrettes. The troops keep these on the folding stocks of thier rifles to keep them at hand in case of emergency. Inside the wrap is the medpack with styrettes. Thanks to my Comrade Tacsabe from Nortia Enterprises for the strap. This came to him via our freind Dusty Miller. Thank you both.

On the right shows another beautifully rendered work. This time, I believe (not 100% sure on this) this is a Malcolm McGreggor illustration. This is an excellent source for this type of impression only it should be noted that this soldier is most likely and that he also has his belt order arranged in an odd fashion - his mag pouch is on his left side and not the right... probably to make room for the pistol.

Most of the gear is still actually issued to new conscripts but is still difficult to get here in the U.S. nonetheless. Probably the rarest piece (next to the actual uniform) are the winter 3 finger mittens. These took a long time to find but I finally scored a pair via ebay. Persistence is key. I love the ushanka and I am so glad I got to wear it before the winter was over. The only non Russian items are the wool gloves and the respirator case. The case is actually a Ukrainian copy and I used it since the Russian model was so difficult to find. At the time of this writing, I await a genuine Russian model. I have also since obtained 2 types of Russian/Soviet issue winter gloves.

I'll do another impression based on this topic. The older gear and uniforms really appeal to me as does this branch of service. The Soviet Motor Rifles were a huge part of the Soviet war machine and I'd like to try using different uniforms, weapons, and equipment to portray this type of soldier. With all it's inaccuracies I am still pleased with the results of this shoot. I am glad that I had such great inspiration from the box art and I hope Ron Volstad paints more Soviet and Russian illustrations in the years to come.

Extra special thanks to Dianna at RedSoldier, Dusty Miller, and Tascabe from Nortia Enterprises.

I'd also like to point out that I was also inspired by Red-Alliance members FW200 and TkKivi who always do such a great job with thier impressions of the simple Soviet and Russian soldier. It's photos like thiers that move me to keep searching for the old kit and uniforms.

Hoped you enjoyed this one. See you again!

camo

*** Special note here -

Just wanted to point out some flaws with this impression. Nothing serious but I feel they should be addressed nonetheless.

1 - The parka and pants would have been better suited if they were the simple khaki bushlat winter set. No crime in the camo, espesially since I had the Volstad painting to go by.

2 - The rifle sling is a Chinese copy of the Russian AK sling. Nothing terrible but I prefer the khaki Russian style. This has since been rectified.

3 - My gloves worn under the mittens are US made mil spec glove liners. I now have the brown Russian issue type.

4 - The Gas mask bag used here is actually a Ukrainian copy of the Russian model and it's featured are really quite different from those on the latter. I am currently looking for the Russian type as seen in the gear image above.