Taking Aim

In this picture we have JQ's FOV US marines, looking at one of the marines who is taking aim with his M16A1. Urban warfare is deadly business. Past experiences have shown that cities make terrible fighting environments (like Stalingrad), and even quick reflexes cannot even save one from death. Survival by chance?

The grenade launcher on the M16A1 gives the infantryman an added edge in combat at the expense of added weight and bulk. Grenades are good for close quarter combat, able to neutralize an area of hostiles with a well placed throw/shot. At least for launchers, the enemy does not have the alternative to throw it back...

For those who played with M16A1s online, some players have exploited the grenade launcher in games, as it really provides a lot of killing power (aka instant kill). One good example I can think of is America's Army, where there's this map two teams start on opposite ends of a bridge. All one guy needed to do was to aim the launcher up at an appropriate height, shoot the grenade. With practice, the grenade can land directly on the other team's spawn point = instantly killing a few enemies at the start of the game.

On the hobby side, I have just finished my spring semester of sophomore year in college, and I will be looking to get an airbrush during the summer. Most probably going to get some acrylic paints and hopefully paint up two projects I have that need to get started: GHQ Soviet tank regiment (T-80 and BMP 3) and a MIG 19 Farmer.

In Fatigues

Hey Everyone

Give a hand to JQ, who has put up posts on the Big E and a little on the modern soldier for all of us! Well, he has once again handed the reins over to me, and I hope we are serving you all well.

For today's post, we will be looking at JQ's Forces of Valor US infantry:

In this picture, we see a lone rifleman with his trusty M4 carbine in the foreground, as his section pours over the urban battlefield for cover. DSHCC (JQ's alternate reality of the US) has been known in history to send troops on foreign deployments on a consistent basis, as the nation attempts to use its military might to combat opposing forces to its constitution, and sustain friendly satellite governments.

It often goes without saying that the assault rifle has truly had a remarkable impact upon infantry combat, and even the history of the world. Its invention has allowed combatants to wield weapons with automatic capabilities that generally light (compared to MGs), powerful, require little training, easy to modify (such as add-ons), cheap to produce (most are, of course there are some real expensive schnazzy ones), and offer a fine balance between range and close combat effectiveness. Assault rifles have become so ubiquitous in their use that it is uncommon to find that is has an overwhelming presence in the media today (news, movies etc.) Let us not forget that this technology has been a legacy of WWII, and even the term 'assault rifle' was coined by Adolf Hitler himself...

The Modern Soldier

Dashland (DSHCC) Troopers in a squad training excercise.

Armed with the latest weaponry and technological system, the Modern Day soldier is in its prime perfection.

This is a shot i have taken with the Battlefield Evolution Soldiers. Although there isnt much distinction from the soldier today in terms of its weaponry and armor as it was from World War 2. The upgrades and material improvements from yester years is phenomenal.

With new technology like GPS positioning system and also thermal and infrared imaging equipment, the common moden day soldier is able to fight more efficiently and direct strike support with precision.

But i must say that the equipment beared by soldiers of different countries are varied. I am pretty sure on a personal account that i wudnt be able to fight efficiently with the weight of the battle gear of a US Army Soldier. I would be slow and easy picking for machine gunners.

Now, its back to Joshua again, who will be doing a month long of post.

Im sure the dude will also be letting in on the stuff he is doing in terms of modern military models or collectibles. So stay tune ;)

Big E

Its another Big E shot on the horizon.

Did you know that the USS Enterprise is the first nuclear power carrier which bears the name which is not linked to any person or iconic figure.

Being the first nuclear powered carrier in the US Navy, it will also be the first to be decommissioned by the US Navy.

Carrying 70 aircrafts on normal deployment, the Big E has the ability to store a maximum of 90 aircrafts. The carrier is laden with mid range anti air weapon system like the Phalanx and Sea Sparrows, its air wing is the mainstay for its defense and offense. Not only does its airwing cover the defense perimeter of its own ship but also the entire fleet.

The carrier is capable of many sorts of missions. From anti submarine to deep strike air assault, the Big E has the capabilities of what a super-carrier ought to have.




On another note, have been playing World in Conflict, and i was telling josh about how awesome it is. For all those out there who have had their hands on it, im sure u can testify to the fact that this RTS is a winner in many levels and its online platform is very user friendly and awesome to play with. First Sergeant Right now.. working onwards!! WOohoo.

As for model kit construction, still grinding SLOWLY at my next Ticonderoga class VLS Cruiser. Its the case of the usual "too many work, too little time" scenario which has dampen my productivity in getting the ship constructed in double time :P

Enterprise Class Carrier

Hi ppl, i am back again. Hope you all enjoyed many of Joshua's informative and really cool entries

The dude has been a real partner in this military blog. He has also been an awesome help when it comes to doing what we enjoy most. And tht is taking good pictures of military collectibles.

Today, we shall focus on the BIG E.

i Cant recall my last picture in which i focused on the BIG E. But i am prety sure that this is the first horizon shot we have done on the ship.

The USS Enterprise is probably the oldest commission ship in the active US fleet at the moment. Furthermore, it is the oldest carrier in the fleet that has seen conflicts that spanned from post WW2 to the modern age. Form the Korean War to the Gulf War 2, the Enterprise has been the oldest and most iconic symbolism of US Supremacy on waters.

And it will continue to be until the USS Gerard R. Ford CVN-78 will replaced her. The decommisioning period is scheduled to be around year 2014-2015.

Its pretty amazing though. That the BIG E is already 47 years old. Some would say that it could be even older than your daddys and mummys. As far as i noe, all of my friends are way younger than the Big E.

To put things in perspective, the BIG E has outlast most of the ships during her commissioning period. She has also outlast majority of the planes that first set on her deck 40 years ago as well as accommodate for new planes on her flight deck.

The USS Enterprise is an inspirational piece of engineering and military might. And it would be interesting to find out what piece of marvellous engineering will continue to be a long and firm presence in the years to come.

F117 Fly-by

Hey Everyone

Today we have the final feature of JQ's F117 model, this time with a portrait perspective as it flies by in the sunset...from this angle the shot captures the 'awkwardness' of the F117's design, as it became an icon in fighter technology of the '90s after its public announcement that occurred in 1988, about 10 years since the decision was made to undertake full development of the aircraft.

I wonder...would anyone want to venture in buying a Nighthawk now? Not sure if the US is interested in selling that kind of technology to another country...even if it is considered 'old', stealth fighters are still a technological niche that is dominated by the US.


Interestingly, the F117's stealth technology presented an unique 'challenge' to friendly planes too. During the Kosovo War, a F117 was escorted by a wing of F15 Eagles during a strike run. The Eagles were notified of the Nighthawk's presence, but the problem is...they couldn't even detect the plane at all! It so happened that the Eagles met a Yugoslav Fulcrum, and one of them shot an AMRAAM missile...luckily the missile barely missed the Nighthawk that flew in between them, and managed to down the Fulcrum in the end. It was said the missile simply just flew past the Nighthawk's cockpit...

Well, it's about time for me to hand over the blog to JQ, and it has been my honor to type on this blog for your military interests. Thanks for reading, and give a good cheer to...JQ!

Night Hawk Grey Sky

Here's another shot of the world-renowned Nighthawk. I remember this shot being a challenge since I had to hold the tip of the wing (and keep the position there), and JQ had the camera in hand and had to make sure the sky was completely sky (no trees/buildings).


The F117 Nighthawk proved to be an effective stealth bomber, recording a disproportionately high amount of successful bombing runs against enemy strategic targets in the Gulf war (they comprised of 2.5% of aircraft deployed by the US, and hit 40% of high value targets). Best known to be the pioneer of stealth technology in warplanes, the F117 served in multiple campaigns that include Operations Just Cause, Allied Force, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom,

Of course, we all know that the Yugoslav army was able to down one of these guys using 'ancient' SA-3 Goa missiles. It wasn't a random shot in the sky, as the Yugoslavs figured out that if you tried hard enough, you could spot F117s via different methods like IR/Nightvision spotting, unusually high wavelength for radar (F117s actually momentarily show up this way), knowledge of previous F117 strike paths, and proper positioning of SAM sites (which had to be altered constantly to avoid being destroyed by other US aircraft). It is understood that the SAM crew at that time were able to locate and track the F117, and managed to shoot it down. One factor against the F117 was that it lacked radar warning indicator, which gave the pilot only 6 seconds to react to a missile if she/he saw flame from the launched missile.

F117 Nighthawk

Hi Everyone

Thanks for all of your support and viewership...it has been really great and inspiring. Makes JQ warm in the heart sometimes, and wanting to take better shots all the time :)

I'm Josh...the guy you hear JQ refer to in some of the entries. He kindly asked me to help with the blog entries, and I'll try to do my best. This first post is going to be about the F117, and the shot we took (to me) was amazing...JQ's F117 silhouetted against the grey heavens as it is deployed for a stealthy strike.



Interestingly, the F117 was based on a Russian engineering paper, written back in the 1960s, that theorized that objects can reflect back less radar not by size, but by the 'edge configuration'. Unfortunately, 'edge configuration' meant that the plane had to be aerodynamically unstable. By the time the Americans got the paper, Skunk Works had the computing power to design such an aircraft that was stealthy and aerodynamic at the same time.

And hence we have the F117! Sporting an unorthodox look, the Night Hawk was deployed by the US from the 1980s to 2008, and has now been retired from active service due to the advent of the F22 and F35. It is mind boggling for me to realize that the F117 is 30 years old (including development time) and the Americans could come up with such a stealth fighter long ago...what can of stuff is Skunk Works working on now???

Cockpit View

Here we have the last of the Mig 29 feature.



The Mig 29 Fighter taken by another right below it.

From this angle, it resembles vaguely to the F15 Eagle. Then again, that could just be my opinion. And Yes, it is yet again another silouette pic. Dun blame me but i tink its nice.

Who doesn't like an artfully done silouette pic? :p

Note: Acquired World in Conflict already and i must say the game is pretty awesome to play. Furthermore, the multiplayer gameplay is fun. Just that i keep on disconnecting at the moment and it is really unnerving when u rack up a good score. They shud broaden servers and make them more sturdy for MY PLAYING Benefit. Other than tht, its a good game and i can't wait to get the expansion called Soviet Assault. Plus the narraor in the game is ALEC BALDWIN, worlds greatest actor. HHAHA

Other than that, Josh, my companion in military models and warhammer shall be taking over a few entries for me. So give him a warm welcome

Cheerios

Perspective Shot

If a Mig 29 swoop over your head, How would it look like?


This is how me and josh envision it to be.

A Mig 29 silouette zooming past u, followed by its deafening roar of its engine.

Of course, if the plane was this close to u and if it were on afterburners, u cud probably have gone permanently deaf by the power of the soundwave.

The Red Star

A closeup on the wing of the Mig 29 and its Red Star.


If u noticed. I lined the plane grill using the inking effect.

All in all the brush gives a rough feel to the planes texture and look. Not sure if it was a good thing. But there is still a pretty good clean slate finish which was what i intended.

The Mig 29 rocks. Still really dig them. The time which i first saw the Mig 29 in the movies was in Air Force One where they were sent to destroyed Airforce One. Really liked the design of the Mig 29 when i first saw them. Too bad the engagement between the F15s and Mig29 was short and really one-sided in the movie, which was kind of crappy. The whole American technology and superiority theme made the Mig 29s looked inferior which is no true.

GO GO SOVIET EQUIPMENT!

Mikoyan Mig 29

By far the most famed Russian 4th Generation fighter jet which was developed to counter the Americans F-15 and F016 Fighters. Alongside with the SU-27 fighter. The Mig 29 has been in many games and has also seen way more action in engagement in the air compared to its western counterparts.

With a speed of Mach 2.25 and the ability to carry a mix combination of air to air missiles, the Mig 29 is a great fighter jet. So much so that the Federation of American Scientists claims the MiG-29 is superior to the F-15 and other US fighters in short aerial engagements because of the Helmet Mounted Weapons Sight (HMS) and better maneuverability.

Behold the Mig 29


I painted this during my first year of Uni and it was the first thing i kinda painted and assembled when was in KL. All acrylic paint. How do u guys find it?

Once again, Ships together.

Two ships alongside again. This time, its the Ticonderoga VLS Cruiser and the Adelaide Class Frigate.

Wish i could put more ships into one shot, but i am already squeezing it as i dun have bigger diorama for the sea and the sky to make it look awesome. Anyone care to spare a bigger sea floor and larger sky scenery?

Let me noe. Here is the pic of two awesome ship in a squeeze shot.

Flight Deck

The Flight Deck with an Australian SH-60 Seahawk Helo

Alongside the DSS Lake is the HMAS Sydney with its complement of the SH-60 Seahawk Helo.

I still miss my old W50. Its macro is so clear compare to my w150. Ugh. W150 takes better overall pics but the macro is real shit. Oh well :p

The Phalanx CIWS

Not too long ago, i was watching Battle 360 on the History Channel. It was reviewing a Naval Battle involving the Japanese Naval Fleet and the US Pacific Fleet which had the USS HOrnet and USS Enterprise.

The programme illustrated the Japanese Coordinated attack of few hundred bomber and fighter planes against the US Naval Fleet.

It got my mind thinking that sincne WW2, the fleets of the world have been decreasing as each ship cost more than it used to be. This is also due to the higher technology each ship possessed.

Last Time, u see ships ladened with macine guns and cannons and their deck cannons. The Common warship had gun power all over its deck.

Now you dun see much guns on each ship as they were before. So what makes the Modern Day Warship for superior in technology if the same fleet or even less ship took on 350 Mitsubishi Zero Fighters?

I can safely say that with regards to the Destroyers and Cruisers of the US Fleet that are armed with the Aegis System, they can lock on multiple targets and exert their Anti-Air SM-2MR Missiles which will be very deadly to at least a big stream of fighters before they even got to visual range. The Ticonderoga Cruiser can armed itself with 122 of such missiles.

Assuming there is a kill rate of 90%. It takes out at least 1/3 of the entire air fleet.

Not forgeting that once the planes are in visual range, they will face the Phalanx CIWS which has around 9km range attack and contains a 20 mm M61 Vulcan Gatling gun autocannon.
Only problem with the CIWS is it does not possess the Identification of Friend or Foe feature (IFF), which has caused a number of Blue on Blue incidents.


Phalanx CIWS on the DSS Lake, a Ticonderoga VLS Class Cruiser

DSS Lake Again

Its the DSS Lake, A Ticonderoga VLS Cruiser from the DSHCC, or Dashland Armed Forces. This is a closeup on its namesake on the back of the ship. It is also the same location where the quad-pod Harpoon II laucher is. Of which i will be upgraded to Harpoon 3 real soon.



Im still marvelling at the wonders of the W-50 macro. With a lil creativity, we can make great pictures wif the digicam. Problem is.. it will be far harder with the W150 with a min macro distance of 10cm, which is bad. Thus i will need to use a manifying glass to create the macro focus effect manually.

The Bird Eye view of Warships

Always have a thing for Naval units.

And here we have the birds eye view of a Ticonderoga VLS Class Cruiser and the O.H Perry Class Frigate.

I love the colors in the picture and I am most definitely looking forward to construct and get my projects done. Plus my shipment of GHQ naval units have arrive. When all the kits are done, it will be time for me to construct my GHQ naval fleets comprising of US made and Russian made ships.

Cheerios

The Soldier and His Armour

The next batch of pictures including the previous entry comes from my old camera. It will be the last time my old camera take pictures because my old W-50 has broken down again.

With a macro feature that provides clarity of macro focus to 2 cm, it is way better in providing detail compared to my new W150 Sony Digicam. Nevertheless, the pictures will still keep coming in. And now with the help of Joshua, my Photography partner in crime, he shall be contributing to both hobby blogs. YEAPPERS.

I must say that th epics that we have come up for this batch is the best so far. Almost all pics are clear and great in colour. The perspective is also very good and has a real punch to it.

Here is a Soldier looking onward while standing guard next to the Warrior IFV.
This shot provides a closer and more focus shot and a more personal angle of the last entry.

I put in the Vintage Sepia effect to give a more greater feel of the picture and the "war" effect in it.

Enjoy.


Gideona Forces in Central Africa..

A Game Im Gonna Get Soon

Here we have it. World in Conflict
A Game based on the "what if" scenario of the US getting attack by Cold War adversary Russia. Set in a modern day backdrop, this game has a great single player campaign with REALISTIC modern day units unlike their RTS counterparts like Red Alert that have really wierd out units.

This is a definite must buy for modern military enthusiast and it has also great multiplayer gameplay too.

You as a player take the role of one unit of either infantry, armor, support or anothe rrole which i have forgotten. Micro manage ur unit to victory and it involves fightnig in a highly detailed visual map.

Wikipedia should provide u better details into this game. As for me, im just suggesting and recommending a nice military game.

Trailers rock too. Check it out here



This is the official Trailer. An it looks seriously awesome.



This is the NYC invasion Trailer. Featuring the Song Shadow of the Sun by Audioslave and Lead Singer Chris Cornel. Love the song. The first time i heard it was on Collateral. Surreal song.

On another note, gonna start a military campaign game between WT and Josh which will be playtested by WT first followed by Joshawhen he comes back at the end of the year. Furthermore, the new batch of photoes has been done. Largely taken by Josh and with a lil direction from me, the photoes will be edited and ready for posting soon. You will probably see the first set by mid-year.

In any case, Josh shall also be contributing by posting some of the new entries and helping me out too and Im really glad to have an additional hand. Much appreciated by me to Josh. Cheers all.

The Warrior

A very nice Old Film Ambience Pic of the Warrior IFV and its troops.

These figures are courtesy of Joshua from Battlefield Evolution.


Gideona's Troopers on defense and the GDI's Warrior providing Armor support.

After reviewing the pic i took, I felt it has a good layout with good background and it looks convincing that they were on the ground and ready for a fight.

The Soldiers and the Armour Vehicle also are in good scale and proportion to each other