JB’s Model Zone

Tamiya 1/35 scale model done in acrylics, oils and pigments. It’s depicted here as used by the Royal Scots  Dragoon Guards 7th Armored Brigade in Afghanistan of April, 2003.  The white panels are  thermal signature reduction panels designed to help distinguish the tank as a friendly unit when viewed through night vision or thermal imaging equipment ;  they appear as distinct dark areas against the hotter background of the tank, making it easier for friendly forces to identify them during combat situations.  This is a result of many friendly fire incidents during Desert Storm.

The V-1 represented here in 1/48 scale. It was really the world’s first cruise missile, although totally inaccurate. It was used as a terror weapon against London by the Third Reich. This was put together using two different kits. The Tamiya kit was bad enough to warrant using a different kit for the V-1 itself, while the cradle used to bring it to the launch catapult was utilized, the actual V-1 I chose was a kit made many years ago by MPM. The Tamiya kit’s V-1 is modeled terribly with the cowling being way too thin which means the stanchion going from the fuselage to the engine cowling is also way too long. I added details such as in the fuel section, the rudder control, cradle details and a few other numerous small items I gathered from period photos.

Japanese Ground Self Defense Force Type 74 done in acrylics. The Type 74 tank is made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan and features a 105mm main gun and was produced through 1988. In total 873 were produced. The Type 74 has a unique suspension system which can allow the tank itself to have the frontal armor and gun depressed as depicted here.

 

World’s first operational nuclear powered submarine and first submarine to transit the North Pole on August 3, 1958. She is preserved at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut.