The Firebase Ripcord Diorama

A stunning 1/72 scale model of Fire Support Base Ripcord — built from period photographs, firsthand accounts, and years of dedicated research

Firebase Ripcord Diorama under construction

Members of AMPS Central South Carolina "Wildcats" and Perry McLeod work on the Firebase Ripcord diorama

Project Ripcord

A Vietnam Fire Support Base in 1/72 Scale

This extraordinary diorama recreates Firebase Ripcord exactly as it appeared during the battle of 1970, built by members of the AMPS Central South Carolina "Wildcats" chapter and Perry McLeod. Every detail was researched using period photographs taken during the actual battle by Christopher Jensen, and guided by the firsthand account of Ripcord veteran Craig Van Hout of B Company, 2/506th Infantry, who served on Ripcord throughout the battle.

The complete construction of the diorama from start to finish is documented in six videos below, and in a detailed 68-page booklet describing every step of the build.

Credits

Article

Ralph Nardone

Builders

Members of AMPS Central South Carolina "Wildcats" and Perry McLeod

Period Photos

Christopher Jensen

Veteran Liaison

Craig Van Hout, B Company, 2/506th Infantry — served on Ripcord throughout the battle

Scale

1/72

This article was originally published in the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society's magazine Boresight and is reprinted here with permission.

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68-Page Build Booklet Available

A detailed 68-page booklet describing every step of the diorama construction is available upon request. To receive a copy, contact Frank Marshall at frankmarshall@ripcordassociation.com

The complete build — start to finish

Construction Videos — All 6 Parts

Part 1 of 6

Part 2 of 6

Part 3 of 6

Part 4 of 6

Part 5 of 6

Part 6 of 6