JGSDF Type 74 - Precision and Adaptability in Armor Design

The Type 74 main battle tank was developed for the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force during the Cold War, reflecting Japan’s emphasis on defensive capability, mobility, and operation in complex terrain. Manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the Type 74 entered service in the mid-1970s and remained in production through 1988, with a total of 873 vehicles built.

Armed with a 105mm main gun, the Type 74 was designed to engage contemporary armored threats while remaining compact and maneuverable. One of its most distinctive features is its hydropneumatic suspension system, which allows the tank to adjust its ride height and pitch. This capability enables the vehicle to lower its frontal profile, increase gun depression, and take advantage of hull-down firing positions - a particularly valuable trait in Japan’s mountainous and forested terrain.

This model is finished in acrylics and depicts the Type 74 with its suspension adjusted to show the depressed nose and lowered gun position. The goal of the build was to highlight the tank’s unique engineering features and restrained, purposeful appearance, presenting it as a practical defensive weapon rather than an aggressively styled battlefield machine.

I-27 - Imperial Japanese Navy Long-Range Submarine

The I-27 was an ocean-going submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy, designed for long-range operations during the Second World War. Built to operate across vast distances, submarines of this type emphasized endurance, range, and the ability to project naval power far from home waters rather than short, coastal patrols.

This model is presented in 1/350 scale and was finished using acrylics with oils applied for subtle weathering. All of my submarine builds are displayed on standardized bases of the same size, constructed from hand-cut hardwood and painted to represent a simple slipway. This approach allows the focus to remain on the vessel itself while providing a consistent presentation across the collection.

Each base incorporates three reference elements: the national flag of origin, a 1/350 scale human figure placed nearby to provide an immediate sense of scale, and a QR code that can be scanned to access detailed historical information about the submarine. The intent of this display is to combine accurate modeling with context and education, presenting the I-27 not just as a model, but as a small-scale historical reference piece.

Victor Class (Project 671) - Soviet Hunter of the Cold War

The Victor-class submarine, known in Soviet service as Project 671, was a nuclear-powered attack submarine developed during the height of the Cold War. Designed to counter Western submarines and surface forces, the Victor class emphasized speed, depth capability, and aggressive patrol doctrine, reflecting the Soviet Navy’s growing focus on open-ocean operations.

Submarines of this class were intended to hunt enemy submarines, escort strategic missile boats, and challenge NATO naval forces across the world’s oceans. Their long, streamlined hulls and powerful propulsion systems gave them a distinctive profile and made them among the faster attack submarines of their era, prioritizing pursuit and interception over stealth in their earliest variants.

This model is presented in 1/350 scale and was finished using acrylics with oils applied for subtle weathering. As with all of my submarine builds, it is mounted on a standardized hand-cut hardwood base painted to represent a simple slipway. Each base includes the national flag of origin, a 1/350 scale human figure for immediate size comparison, and a QR code that links to detailed historical information on the submarine depicted.

The intent of this presentation is to combine accurate scale modeling with context and education, allowing the viewer to appreciate not only the form of the Victor class, but its role as a fast, purposeful instrument of Cold War naval strategy.

 

USS Nautilus - The Beginning of the Nuclear Navy

USS Nautilus (SSN-571) was the world’s first operational nuclear-powered submarine and one of the most significant warships ever built. Commissioned in 1954, Nautilus fundamentally transformed undersea warfare by freeing submarines from the endurance limits imposed by diesel-electric propulsion. With nuclear power, submarines could remain submerged for extended periods, operate at sustained high speed, and maneuver independently of surface support.

Nautilus proved the revolutionary potential of nuclear propulsion in dramatic fashion, most notably in 1958 when she became the first submarine to transit beneath the North Pole. This voyage demonstrated the strategic value of nuclear submarines in polar regions and marked a major milestone in Cold War naval operations.

This model is presented in 1/350 scale and was finished using acrylics with oils applied for subtle weathering. As with all of my submarine builds, it is mounted on a standardized hand-cut hardwood base painted to represent a simple slipway. Each base includes the national flag of origin, a 1/350 scale human figure for immediate size reference, and a QR code that links to detailed historical information about the submarine depicted.

USS Nautilus is preserved today at the Submarine Force Library and Museum in Groton, Connecticut. This build was intended to capture not only the physical form of the vessel, but its historical importance as the starting point of the nuclear submarine era.

USS Virginia (SSN-774) - The Modern Standard of Undersea Warfare

USS Virginia (SSN-774) is the lead boat of the Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines and represents the United States Navy’s post–Cold War approach to undersea warfare. Designed to replace aging Los Angeles–class submarines, the Virginia class emphasizes stealth, versatility, and advanced sensor integration rather than raw speed alone. 

Unlike earlier Cold War designs optimized primarily for deep-ocean submarine hunting, the Virginia class was developed to operate effectively in both open-ocean and littoral environments. These submarines are capable of intelligence gathering, special operations support, land-attack missions, and traditional anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, reflecting the broader mission set of modern naval operations.

This model is presented in 1/350 scale and was finished using acrylics with oils applied for subtle weathering. As with all of my submarine builds, it is mounted on a standardized hand-cut hardwood base painted to represent a simple slipway. Each base includes the national flag of origin, a 1/350 scale human figure for immediate size comparison, and a QR code that links to detailed historical and technical information about the submarine depicted.

This build was intended to capture the clean lines and understated presence of the Virginia class, emphasizing function over spectacle and reflecting the quiet, persistent role these submarines play in modern naval strategy.

 

Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat - Learning Curves and Carrier Decks

This Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat represents a United States Navy carrier-based fighter assigned to the USS Ranger during World War II. The model is the older Tamiya kit built in 1/48 scale, consistent with all of my aircraft builds.

The F4F Wildcat was the primary U.S. Navy fighter during the early years of the war, entering service in 1940. Although it was outperformed in speed and maneuverability by aircraft such as the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, the Wildcat proved to be a rugged and dependable fighter. Its ability to absorb battle damage, combined with effective armament and disciplined tactics like the Thach Weave, allowed U.S. Navy and Marine pilots to remain competitive during critical early battles including Coral Sea, Midway, and Guadalcanal. The Wildcat helped hold the line until more advanced fighters such as the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair entered widespread service.

From a modeling standpoint, this project served as a personal learning platform rather than a showcase piece. It was my first serious attempt at building an aircraft model in over forty years, following my earlier Stuka build. The Wildcat became a deliberate testbed for multilayer paint chipping and weathering techniques, making it something of a guinea pig for experimenting with new methods and materials.

Considerable time was spent debating whether to reduce the level of weathering, but in the end I chose to leave it as completed. The finish reflects both the harsh realities of early-war carrier operations and the learning process itself - a snapshot of technique development rather than a polished endpoint.

While not intended as a definitive or competition-focused build, this Wildcat marks an important step in returning to aircraft modeling and rebuilding skills that had been dormant for decades. It stands as a reference point for growth, experimentation, and progress in subsequent aircraft projects.

Royal Air Force MQ-9 Reaper -Persistence at Altitude

This build represents a United States–manufactured MQ-9 Reaper operated in Royal Air Force service. The model was finished primarily with acrylics, using multiple very light airbrushed layers to introduce subtle tonal variation and simulate sun fading from extended operations at altitude rather than heavy operational wear.

The MQ-9 Reaper evolved from earlier unmanned systems into a true long-endurance, multi-role platform, capable of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and precision strike missions. In RAF service, the Reaper has played a significant role in modern expeditionary operations, emphasizing persistence, sensor capability, and stand-off engagement rather than traditional air combat.

From a modeling perspective, this build focused on refinement and correction as much as assembly. Resin was used for the laser-guided bomb optics, while the forward sensor turret lens was created by cutting and stripping a DVD disc of its multi-hued layers and inserting it into the optics housing to achieve a realistic glass effect. “Remove Before Flight” tags were added using fine scale wiring for attachment points.

One notable correction involved the lower rudder assembly, where the kit omitted the bottom delineation lines entirely. This error appears frequently in other builds of this kit, but was corrected here by scribing the missing lines and enhancing them with Tamiya black panel liner to create proper shadow depth and definition.

The kit itself, produced by Kinetic, proved challenging. Instructions were vague and inconsistent, and many of the decals were subpar. As a result, several upper surface markings were airbrushed instead of using the kit-supplied decals to maintain consistency and scale fidelity.

Overall, this project emphasized problem-solving, subtle surface treatment, and attention to modern aircraft details rather than dramatic weathering. The finished model reflects the clean, utilitarian appearance typical of operational MQ-9 Reapers while highlighting the technical nuances that define contemporary unmanned aircraft.

Bayraktar TB2 - A Modern Naval UAV in Ukrainian Service

This build represents the Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicle as operated by the Ukrainian Navy. The model was built in 1/48 scale from the Clear Prop kit and finished in acrylics, with an intentionally restrained finish to reflect the relatively clean appearance typical of operational UAVs rather than heavy service wear.

The Bayraktar TB2 is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned combat aerial vehicle developed and produced by Baykar in Türkiye. Since entering service, it has been adopted by multiple countries and has gained particular prominence through its extensive operational use during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In Ukrainian service, the TB2 has been employed in reconnaissance, target acquisition, and precision strike roles, demonstrating the growing importance of unmanned systems in modern naval and joint operations.

Compact in size but highly capable, the TB2 exemplifies a shift away from traditional crewed aircraft toward persistent, networked platforms able to operate with reduced risk to personnel. Its success has made it one of the most recognizable UAVs of the current era.

From a modeling standpoint, the focus of this build was on clean lines, correct proportions, and a subtle surface finish rather than aggressive weathering. The result is a scale representation that reflects both the technical simplicity and operational effectiveness that define the TB2 in real-world service.

Type 212 Submarine - Modern German Naval Power

This model represents the German Navy’s Type 212 submarine, built in 1/350 scale and finished using acrylics with oils applied for subtle weathering. As with all of my submarine builds, the model is mounted on a standardized, hand-cut hardwood base painted to resemble a miniature slipway for consistent display.

The display base includes three reference elements: the national flag of origin, a 1/350 scale human figure for size comparison positioned just above and to the right of the flag, and a QR code that can be scanned with a cellphone camera (see the side-view photo) to access detailed information about the submarine class.

The Type 212 is a post–Cold War design and was the first operational submarine class to employ air-independent propulsion (AIP) using hydrogen fuel cells. This technology allows the submarine to operate submerged for extended periods without snorkeling, significantly reducing acoustic and infrared signatures. Designed primarily for operations in the shallow and confined waters of the Baltic and North Seas, the Type 212 emphasizes stealth, endurance, and advanced sensor integration over sheer size or speed.

From a modeling standpoint, the clean hull form and minimal external clutter characteristic of modern submarines were preserved, with weathering kept restrained to reflect a well-maintained contemporary naval vessel rather than a heavily worn platform. The goal was accuracy, proportion, and presentation rather than exaggerated surface effects.

  

 

PLA Navy Type 035 “Ming” Class Submarine - Post-Cold War Diesel-Electric Design (1/350)

This model represents the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Type 035 “Ming” class submarine, built in 1/350 scale and finished using acrylics with oils applied for restrained weathering. As with all of my submarine builds, the model is mounted on a standardized, hand-cut hardwood base painted to resemble a miniature slipway for consistent presentation across the collection.

The display base includes three reference elements: the national flag of origin, a 1/350 scale human figure positioned just above and to the right of the flag for size comparison, and a QR code that can be scanned with a cellphone camera (see the side-view photo) to access additional background information on the submarine class.

The Type 035 Ming class was a Chinese development derived from the earlier Soviet Romeo-class design and represents a transitional step in China’s submarine evolution during the late Cold War and post–Cold War period. Although based on older Soviet technology, the Ming class incorporated incremental improvements in propulsion, sensors, and hull refinement over time. These submarines formed the backbone of China’s conventional submarine force for decades before being gradually replaced by more modern designs.

Operationally, the Ming class emphasized coastal defense, regional patrols, and training roles rather than extended blue-water missions. While lacking the stealth and endurance of later air-independent propulsion submarines, the class played an important role in bridging the technological gap between early imported designs and China’s indigenous modern submarine programs.

From a modeling standpoint, weathering was done in a way to depict a used and weary Chinese sub which has been obscured by time and history.

USS Miami (SSN-755) - Los Angeles-Class Fast Attack Submarine, Post-Cold War Era (1/350)

This model represents the United States Navy Los Angeles–class fast attack submarine USS Miami (SSN-755 USS Virginia (SSN-774) is the lead boat of the Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarines and represents the United States Navy’s post–Cold War approach to undersea warfare. Designed to replace aging Los Angeles–class submarines, the Virginia class emphasizes stealth, versatility, and advanced sensor integration rather than raw speed alone. 

Unlike earlier Cold War designs optimized primarily for deep-ocean submarine hunting, the Virginia class was developed to operate effectively in both open-ocean and littoral environments. These submarines are capable of intelligence gathering, special operations support, land-attack missions, and traditional anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, reflecting the broader mission set of modern naval operations.

This model is presented in 1/350 scale and was finished using acrylics with oils applied for subtle weathering. As with all of my submarine builds, it is mounted on a standardized hand-cut hardwood base painted to represent a simple slipway. Each base includes the national flag of origin, a 1/350 scale human figure for immediate size comparison, and a QR code that links to detailed historical and technical information about the submarine depicted.

This build was intended to capture the clean lines and understated presence of the Virginia class, emphasizing function over spectacle and reflecting the quiet, persistent role these submarines play in modern naval strategy.

USS Miami was part of the prolific Los Angeles–class, a class that formed the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s attack submarine force from the late Cold War through the early post–Cold War period. Designed for speed, stealth, and versatility, these submarines were optimized for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, intelligence gathering, and land-attack missions using cruise missiles. Their combination of nuclear propulsion, advanced sonar systems, and high sustained speed made them dominant undersea platforms for decades.

Commissioned in 1990, USS Miami served during a transitional era in which the U.S. Navy shifted from Cold War deterrence toward regional conflict response, surveillance, and power projection. The Los Angeles–class proved highly adaptable to this changing mission set, remaining operationally relevant well beyond their original design expectations.

Weathering on this model was intentionally kept restrained, reflecting a maintained fleet submarine rather than a heavily worn hull. The emphasis was placed on clean lines, correct proportions, and an accurate silhouette, allowing the form of the Los Angeles–class design to speak for itself without excessive visual effects.