155mm Self-Propelled Howitzer of South African National Defense Force

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.

Grand Banks Dory

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.

Skiff Utility Boat

This Midwest kit represents an 8’6” two man skiff. It is a 19th century Dory built design that is still in use today. The model is built out of wood and uses the same parts and construction methods as the full sized boat. The scale is 1/12 and was finished in acrylics.

U.S. Marine Corps AAVP7A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicle

Old 1992 Tamiya kit done in acrylics and various weathering mediums/techniques. 

This versatile vehicle can navigate in the ocean waves 9 feet tall while carrying 25 fully equipment Marines and can even withstand total immersion without sinking. It is a very large tracked vehicle, being almost the same length as the US M1A1 Abram’s main battle tank.

M109A6 Paladin Self Propelled Howitzer

Old Italeri kit with rights purchased by Tamiya. Because of this it involved more prep work than I had anticipated. Made as used during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 by US Army. The M109 featured an 155mm gun. Ironically, this is what I was destined to crew with had I not failed my hearing test when I tried serving again with the Army instead of USAF.

S-300V Surface to Air Missile System

Russian developed SAM (surface to air missile) on a mobile platform done in acrylics and oils. Numbers were airbrushed, modified brass antenna added to an otherwise stock build. Kit consisted of over 1,200 pieces.

British Challenger 2 (Desertised)

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.

Germany WW2 V-1 Flying Bomb

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.