Anyone involved in warfare operations will tell you that logistics and troop support can be vitally important in any conflict. This was all too well illustrated during WWII when roads across Europe were packed with convoys moving in either direction in support of the fighting GI's. This was somewhat different in Viet Nam where, because of the primitive road conditions, other means of transportation had to be found. For one there was the helicopter which turned out to play a primary role throughout the war ranging from MEDEVAC carriers to heavily armed gunships. The river seemed to be the alternative to ensure swift deployment of troops and equipment, or to perform patrol duties along the dense river banks. Apart from a few books and a brief appearance in some Hollywood movies, little has been shown on one of the more interesting aspects of the Viet Nam War, RIVERINE WARFARE. This may be the reason why modelers have not been requesting more kits of boats and other floating craft. Many modelers, fascinated by the subject had to convert existing kits or scratchbuild their own, both requiring endless hours of work.
