JB’s Model Zone

One of the more bizarre “wonder weapons” to come off the German blueprint boards during WW2 was the Triebflügel by Focke-Wulf. It was to be powered by 3 Pabst ramjet engines developing 2,000 pounds of thrust each.  When taking off, the rotors would be angled to give lift in a similar manner to a helicopter. Once  the aircraft had attained sufficient altitude the pilot would tilt it over into level flight. The rotors continued spinning in level flight, maintaining 220 rpm at the aircraft's maximum forward speed.  To land, the craft had to slow its speed and pitch the fuselage until the craft was vertical. Power could then be reduced and it would descend until the landing gear rested on the ground. The Triebflügel made it to wind tunnel testing but that’s as far as it got. It was calculated out to have a forward speed of 621 mph and a service ceiling of 50,000 feet. I decided to have some fun and think “outside the box” and make mine appear as though it’s a war weary Trie...

This single seat WW2 German interceptor was proposed by Messerschmitt during the early summer of 1944 and was to be used against Allied bomber formations. The wings and vertical tail were adopted from the V-1 flying bomb and it was to feature a single MK 108 30mm cannon which was mounted beneath the pilot who was in a seated position. Top speed was figured to be at 435mph (700km/hr). Due to resource issues late in the war, it was to be constructed mostly of laminated wood. The model here is shown with a small transport dolly which sits underneath a retractable skid which was to be used for soft field landings after its mission.The project was later cancelled in favor of the Ba 349 Natter which was awarded the production contract.

Japan’s WW2 fighter interceptor Shinden of which only two prototypes were completed just before Japan’s surrender.  The 2,130 hp Mitsubishi (Ha-43) radial engine  and its supercharger were installed behind the cockpit and drove a six-bladed propeller via an extension shaft. Engine cooling was to be provided by long, narrow, obliquely-mounted intakes on the side of the fuselage. Of the two prototypes produced one flew a total of 45 minutes before the war ended and ended with one prototype being scrapped and the other shipped to the US for testing by the US Navy but of which never flew again. I decided not to depict Shinden as a prototype and instead to use it as basis for it being thrust into actual production. She sports a bare metal finish with typical hastily applied dark green camo and an antiglare panel. No decals were harmed in the making of this build - all markings were airbrushed.

LVTH-6A1 amphibious assault vehicle of United States Marine Corps as depicted during the Vietnam War. It featured a 105mm howitzer and 210 units were produced. Done in acrylics, oils and pigments.

155mm self-propelled howitzer of South Africa done in acrylics. Kit by Takom in 1/35. This weapon platform features stabilizing hydraulics towards the front and at rear and is able to fire 2-4 HE rounds per minute at a range of 41.63 miles.

Wooden model kit by Midwest of 1/12 scale Grand Banks Dory done in acrylics. Dories have been used in North America since the early 1700’s. Bank Dories are noted for their load carrying capabilities and have been used for both inshore and offshore fishing. This model represents the 12’ Dory, smallest length of the five standard classes.