WW2 Pacific Airfields – Ground Support Equipment & Diorama Guide (Part 1)
Introduction – Beyond the Aircraft
When people think of World War II air power in the Pacific, iconic aircraft like the F4U Corsair, P-38 Lightning, or the B-25 Mitchell usually come to mind. But beneath every successful mission was an improvised world of engineering – built on remote islands, under harsh conditions, with very little margin for error.
In this series, we’re taking a deep dive into the backbone of Pacific air operations: the ground support equipment (GSE). We’ll also look at how you can recreate these elements in scale dioramas that reflect both the functionality and the atmosphere of these tropical, rugged settings.
The Unique Challenges of Pacific Airfields
Unlike Europe, where airbases were often established on pre-existing infrastructure, the Pacific theater demanded fast improvisation. Coral islands, jungle terrain, volcanic ash – every location came with its own set of nightmares.
Runways were carved from nothing, made of pierced steel planking (PSP), coral gravel, or even compressed earth. Maintenance hangars were often just tents. Fuel arrived in drums. Electricity was minimal. And yet – squadrons flew daily.
Understanding these realities helps us appreciate the unsung equipment and logistics that kept things going.
Key Ground Support Equipment of the Pacific Theater
1. Pierced Steel Planking (PSP) / Marston Matting
Interlocking steel plates laid over unstable soil
Provided instant runways, taxiways, and aircraft parking zones
In scale: photo-etched sets or resin slabs are available from brands like Eduard or Verlinden
2. Fuel Drums & Fuel Trucks
55-gallon drums were everywhere – used, stacked, buried, and repurposed
Fuel bowsers like the Chevrolet G506 or GMC CCKW were vital
Look for kits from Tamiya, Airfix (1/72), or resin aftermarket options
3. Bomb Carts & Ammunition Loaders
Weapons were loaded manually or with basic wheeled carts
Early bomb hoists were primitive – some even handmade on the field
Diorama tip: subtle weathering on bombs and wooden crates adds realism
4. Maintenance Equipment
Toolboxes, ladders, engine hoists, workbenches, and spare engines under tarps
Weathered tarpaulins and messy tool layouts make a scene feel “alive”
Aires and CMK offer beautiful resin sets for open engine panels
5. Aircrew & Ground Crew Figures
Nothing sets the scale better than realistic figures
Depicting fatigue uniforms, headgear, and posture tells a full story
Look for figures from ICM, MiniArt, or CMK – preferably USN/USMC styled
Diorama Concepts – Bringing the Base to Life
Creating a believable Pacific airfield diorama isn’t about perfection. It’s about controlled chaos. Muddy footprints, oil stains on metal sheets, tire tracks, makeshift shade from palm fronds, and stacks of supplies make all the difference.
Some concepts to consider:
Corsair under maintenance with cowl open, engine being worked on
P-40 parked with ammo crates being loaded and crew in motion
Fueling scene with drums on sleds and jungle foliage in the background
Briefing tent or communications shack beside parked aircraft
Start with a solid base (foam board or wood), add texture (sand, gravel, palm leaves), and then build up layers of storytelling.
Painting Tips for Ground Support
| Equipment | Base Color | FS Code | Mr Hobby | Tamiya | AK Real | MRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Fuel Drums | Olive Drab | FS 34087 | H52 | XF-62 | RC-028 | MRP-131 |
| Bomb Carts | Navy Gray | FS 36118 | H305 | XF-24 | RC-251 | MRP-097 |
| PSP Planking | Steel / Rust | N/A | H18 + Rust wash | XF-56 + XF-9 | RC-002 | MRP-030 |
| Tarps & Tents | Khaki | FS 30277 | H81 | XF-49 | RC-041 | MRP-238 |
Tip: Use oil washes and pigments for dust and weathering – the Pacific was brutal on metal and canvas alike.
Suggested Kits and Accessories
| Brand | Item | Scale | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamiya | US Fuel Truck | 1/48 | Classic kit, well-detailed | See on GModelArt |
| Eduard | PSP Base PE | 1/72 | Great for runways & parking | Available here |
| MiniArt | US Ground Crew Set | 1/35 | Highly detailed figures | Shop now |
| CMK | Tools & Engine Set | 1/48 | Ideal for open cowl scenes | See kit |
Final Thoughts – It’s All in the Details
A Pacific airfield diorama isn’t just a background. It’s a character in itself. By focusing on the overlooked – the equipment, the mess, the improvisation – you can create something that speaks louder than a perfectly built airplane.
In Part 2, we’ll dive into the vegetation, ground texture, palm trees, and natural scenery that give these bases their unique soul.
Explore more:
- https://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/33256-ww2-bomb-trailer/
- https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234968310-allied-50-gal-fuel-drums-and-crated-stores-what-colours/
Shop all Pacific-themed kits and accessories at:
👉 eshop.gmodelart.com
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