WW2 German Messerschmitt P.1103 Rocket Powered Interceptor

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.

WW2 Japanese Kyushu J7W1 Shinden

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.

USMC LVTH-6A1 Vietnam Theater

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 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.