Before we continue with our usual weekly post. Josh and I have ben discussing a few new ideas. Especially with regards to the two hobby blogs.
We are really grateful for the handful of u who actually frequent to see our pictures. But we want to do more.
AS you may have noticed, theres only so much we can do for Warhammer and Military Modelling jus taking our own pictures. And we wanna make this a more interactive site wif more community involvment and also raised more awareness on the uber coolness of such hobbies and add extra stuff to show case our interest, humor and other activities.
As such, we are gonna implement an integration of Military Modelling and Warhammer. But not just tht, We are gonna be adding way more new stuff and interesting stuff that are not just our stuff, but a network.
While we have no intention to make it globally popular.. We wanna strengthen the Interest of various stuff as a whole and make it more applicable and appealing to other people who may wanna take these areas of our interest as their hobby.
As such, Me and Josh would like to welcome comments, feedback and recommendations that can most definitely create something out of this two blogs to make it better.
Almost 4-5 years for each blog. Its time we take a different step on our hobby interest.
Hope you guys will be agreeable with this decision.
WARHAMMER!!! AND MILITARYY!!! GO!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Hey folks!
Welcome back to our little blog on military modeling, and thanks to JQ for posting up the past few batch of photos of our modern military models.
Continuing from JQ's previous post, we have another shot of our SCUD micromachine launchers, which are in the stage of deployment in the night. One of the icons of the Persian Gulf War, these missiles accounted for most of the coalition's casualties in the war, and even the patriot missile system had difficulty in effectively neutralizing the Iraqi missiles.
Call me a weird kid, but the MAZ 543 carrier was one of my favorite vehicles due to its distinctive look, and that I read more into Soviet equipment since US/UK equipment was too popular for my liking, and that Soviet stuff needed more effort in researching them.
The scud launcher right in the front was actually my first micromachine (which effectively kick-started my collection hobby), and it was given to me as a gift from a family friend, who has sadly passed on recently. He got it for me as I was a friend of his son, who also had a massive micromachine collection.
I guess this time I will be giving a different post than my typical "Nat Geo" style posts, as this post has brought to me a memory full of emotion, and it was admittedly something I had almost unconsciously forgotten over time. In a way, our models serve as 'time-markers' of our lives, and some models will bring to us particular memories we had in the past...perhaps even reminding us of humble beginnings since we were children, or even representing past wars and history making events that we had lived through too. Models can go very deep into our lives, much more than we think and expect!
Lets go nuke crazy with the scud missiles and the scud transport.
Give these two your most radical terrorist and we probably will have a serious global threat on our hands.
Then again, it really is hard to phantom the fact that someone out there is willing to blow up entire cities, killing innocent lives with such a deadly weapon of mass destruction.
But i guess that just naive talk on my part. The news in the world today has shown how anyone is capable of losing our humanity. And that aside, the US of A started such a chain reaction in which it has elevated the insecurity of nuclear attack.
I dun totally blame the USA for dropping the bombs in order to avert or save the lives of Americans and end WW2 quickly. But such an action jus results in opening a can of worms to justify such an action.
Sometimes, it seems more believable that the Americans drop it on convenience sake (not in all literal sense of the word, but more for the fact that it is more efficient in destruction while preventing economic expenditure on an invasion and the lives that would cost on the US side and its interest). To stop the madness of war, greater inhumanity must be commited?
Open for topic, Im sure.
And next week, it will be back to Joshy for his informative posts. Stay tune ;)
Back again this week with another angle of the Tank detachment and the infantry squad.
This time round, the camera focuses on one of the tank and the infantrymen protecting the unit. What i really like about the shot is the colour and the detail of the tank and the soldiers adopting defensive positions around the tank.
Furthermore, we see a myriad of task being involve in this shot. Previously, we show how the commanders are cooperating and discussing movement tactics. This shot focus on the overall picture.
Giving a view of different men playing their role in the defense of their convoy.
From this point of view, the camera really bring out the good qualities of the figures and the tanks. Making them look realistic and well painted.
Overall, there is a great sense of happiness to see how the DSLR has bring out a different type of quality that is easily distinct from a happy snapper. And i like the macro details.
And i do hope you enjoy the Figures too.
Woth regards to Modern Warfare Stuff,
COD4 Modern Warfare has been nominated in the BAFTAs for seven categories. By BAFTA, i mean British Academy of Films and Television Arts. Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare has been nominated for seven categories in gaming and this includes the Best Game category.
As Modern Warfare 2 begins. This is a good run for the best FPS i have played when it comes to military game.
If anyone can spot the subtle discrepancy in this setup, you have my respect.
In any case, this is a tank detachment patrolling with its infantry squad. The sky begins to grey which gives the feel of impending firefight. (haha, thats just me trying to build up emotion.)
Well, i cant seem to think of any factual thing to say about this picture other than the fact that I freaking love Forces of Valour Figures.
Unfortunately, the infantry figures are sold out and retired (Not sure if i did mention this before). The M1A2 is also retired, but i think there is a different camouflage rehash of the 1:72 M1A2.
On another note, Construction of my Ticonderoga VLS Cruiser has slowed to a halt. This is due to the usual letup of work and other errands that i have to attend to. So while i stop on my military buildup, i have been browsing and checking out ready made stuff. Being a Modern Military Collector, i open up my range of stuff to more things that increasingly catch my eye.
On one instance, josh and I have been growing keen on the Mcfarlane Military Figures. Its amazing that a reasonably price figure can be so well done and so worth it. On top of that, i am into customising those 12 inch 1/6 Scale Action figures. I wanna plan to do a Modern Asian Dashland Infantry Soldier.
Basically, the model will be suited up in the typical modern outfit. (Mostly US, since they have the best stuff which isnt stereotyping, but stating the fact that they have one of the most advance types of infantry equipment.)
And soon enough, you will see these figures on the blog. So stay tune and keep a watch out on the figures. :)
Im Back Again. Its been one week delay and i apologise. Its been a few wonderful weeks and i have been busy. But the good news is im back on the wagon wheel and ready to show some awesome pictures yet again.
In this picture, we observe an Infantry officer directing a Tank commander.
Its a pretty simple action which shows much of the cooperation on all platform levels in the army. The integration of various units of the army is required to ensure the effectiveness of any strategy.
In close quarter battles, Tank Units require the guidance of infantry to provide adequate support and the ability to cover infantry without being a burden for the infantry units.
As military buffs, im sure we all know that the gigantic slug machine that is the M1A2 Abram isnt agile or manuveurable in close spaces. Lesson have been learnt during the Soviet war qith the Afghans where the Mujahideen Fighters have been known to trap tanks in close spaces and burned the crew alive in the tank.
Without the support of infantry protection, the M1A2 Abram and other armoured vehicles alike could prove to be a great liability.
Viewing this very scenario gives us a conclusion that the need for infantry is still relevant in the modern day conflict.
Till we are able to operate terminator like robots, Infantry is stilla vital asset. More importantly, the fluid integration and cooperation between various platforms of the army is also important.
Thanks for coming down to this blog, and we hope you would enjoy your little visit to this small blog dedicated to the modelling of modern militaries around the world.
For today, we have JQ's modified M1A2 from Forces of Valor, and the green background in actually a flock mat from Games Worshop:
The M1 Abrams is regularly touted as one of the world's finest/toughest MBTs in service today, with a proven track record in battle (against admittedly inferior opponents) and packs one of the most advanced technological suites of its time. Interestingly, the tank was named after General Creighton Abrams, who was the US Army Chief of Staff from 1972 until his death on 1974...he was known for overseeing the drop of US troop numbers in Vietnam, and perhaps unfortnately remembered for the My Lai massacre (he took most of the blame even though he was not in full command at that time). The tank, or more accurately, the prototype (the XM1) was named in remembrance of him after his untimely death on 1974.
Interestingly, it is a myth that no M1 Abrams was ever lost to an Iraqi MBT, and rounds from Iraqi T-72s actually had bypassed the M1's armor, yet these have proven to be very rare occurences. Official US sources stated that there was one instance of an Abrams tank being hit and knocked out by 3 KE rounds (which aren't used by the US, thus ruling out FF), 1 in the front left of the turret and 2 in the rear right side of the turret. Other weapons have also been proven to knock out or diasble other Abrams tanks, such as RPGs, IEDs and recoiless rifles.
With the US pullout already in progress, the Iraqi army needed to build up its own armored forces, and the M1 interestingly featured in their plans. One option they took was to order several retro-fitted T-72-Ms from Hungary, and actually still use Iraqi-built T-72s for training purposes, while keeping the maintenance facility (previously used during Sadaam's era) operational. In another, the Iraqi army requested about 140 M1A1Ms from the US, and 22 are currently being leased for training...this sees Iraq joining the list of known global operators of the famed Abrams tank.
Well, we hope the posts and pictures have been good, and it is our pleasure to keep this blog running in the name of military model hobby! As the rotation goes, it's time for me to hand the blog back to JQ, and let's all give him a warm welcome back to this blog!
Here's one of our favorite shots of JQ's Sovremenny destroyer, as it steadily awaits away from the shore on a calm sea. We actually rested the ship on our 'diorama water plate', raised it up towards to the window and above the treeline...the 'shore' here is actually the top of one of the trees.
It is interesting to note that the Russians claim the Americans had bought a number of the Moskit ASM missiles that come with the Sovremenny. The Americans tested the ASMs against their Aegis, and it was reported that the ASMs were able to pass through the protective envelope of the Aegis. This episode was reported in a rather technical Russian website, where the written English was hard to follow (most probably a translation from Russian to English) and the lack of citations of supporting documents. Do take a look if you're interested:
Thanks for all your support and just coming down to this humble military model blog. We have just started our new batch of photos, and for today, we have the Ka-27 Helix A helicopter that's with JQ's sovremmeny destroyer that was showcased previously.
The successor of the Ka-25 Hormone, the Helix is a ship-borne anti submarine helicopter that had its maiden flight on 1973. The Helix shares almost similar overall dimensions with the Hormone, but features several improvements such as an improved tail design and more powerful engines. The Helix is crewed by 3, and its transport variant can hold a maximum of 16 passengers. Anti-submarine versions can hold a variety of torpedoes and sonobuoys, and its payload varies with the mission. Interestingly, the torpedo bay is heated to ensure the reliability of torpedoes in the cold climates the Helix would be operating in.
Kamov helicopters are renowned to use co-axial rotor system, with both rotors spinning in opposing directions to keep the helicopter from spinning on its own axis (conservation of momentum). This arrangement is compact in design, making the Kamov helicopters well-suited for naval operations and high speed missions. Interestingly, Mil and Kamov (with Rosvertol) have merged back in 2006, with Kamov keeping its brandname, but overlapping product lines have been dropped.
Thanks to JQ for the past couple of posts, and for the responses/discussions to topics that JQ have brought up. The media holds considerable power in their portrayal of various armies, which was aptly demonstrated in the history of the United States...where negative portrayal of US foreign involvement in theaters such as Vietnam, Korea, Iraqi Freedom, had a very contrasting effect on public attitudes in comparison with positive portrayal in WWII and the Gulf War. In the end, we have to ask ourselves why would discourse on the portrayal of war has to be limited to the dualism of the 'good guys' and 'bad guys'? War is a complex entity that tests our sense of 'right' and 'wrong', and (somewhat) cynically speaking, when will Man ever learn to live in peace?
Haha I'll stop the pseudo-philosophy here. On a lighter note, JQ has kindly uploaded a new batch of pics we have taken, and we hope the pictures will successfully carry on the spirit our previous photos have brought to this little corner of the internet.
For today, we have a couple of pictures of JQ's Sovremenny Class Destroyer (Soviet designation: Project 956, Sarych/Buzzard), a Soviet-era anti-surface warship that continues to be in service, primarily with the Russian and Chinese navies (PLAN). Contrary to naval trends during its development, the Sovremenny destroyers were steam powered as opposed to the more advanced gas turbine systems, as the Soviet production of gas turbine systems was insufficient to be implemented in the production of the destroyers.
There are a total of 3 variants of this class:
956 (with 3M80 Moskit anti-ship missiles) 956A (with 3M80A improved Moskit anti-ship missiles) 956EM (PLAN variant, latest in class with various improvements, such as SAMs and SSMs)
Interestingly, China's acquisition and subsequent upgrade of Sovremenny destroyers were a significant security concern for in the Asia-Pacific, especially Taiwan, since they exceeded the capabilities of contemporary Chinese naval vessels, and hence considerably improved PLAN's capabilties. Currently 4 are in the service of the PLAN East Fleet, and their names are as follow:
Isnt it so funny. As long as America leads in the gaming industry and other sectors of the media industry. They will always be the G I Joes and Heroes of the World.
And everybody else that doesnt represent capitalist america and is growing more powerful everyday or more extreme will be the BAD GUY.. Or Enemy.
well Im not saying terrorism is good. I oppose extreminism tactics that are used, especially when many innocent lives are involved. The inhumane or sadistic tactics used to pursue idelogical goals will never be accepted by the people. An oppresion and such inhumane tactics will always never succeed in the end. For it is human nature to want to have an option to choose who to lead and how they can lead us.
In any case. this whole topic can go on forever.
But that not why i am here today. Today Im gonna talk about why does the US of A have to always be the GOOD guys in our world today.
For my entire lifetime, i have been indoctrinated with the American Way. and that AMERICA is No 1 saviour of the world. Hero to fight the evil doers that oppress the people.
But is that so true? Is America so justified to be the Good Guy, tht every other rising economy wif diffrent ideals have to be a bad guy.
Take a look at Operation Flashpoint 2: The Rising Dragon. its about China against US
As usual, anyone or anything that poses as a threat to the USA is a bad guy. But fine.. thats just the norm.. and it will be for quite awhile. I mean even world of conflict.. USSR = EVIL
So lets get to the next problematic part of the trailer. Chinese Soldiers are portrayed as real doofuses. Dear god.. the guy shot the soldier outside.. and all the soldiers inside never reacted. And what the sentry up in the tower doing if he cant even here that gunshot?
Silencers are not so great to supress all sounds.. Unless every osoldier was listening to their ipods. I feel its a lil ignorant.
But nevermind about tht, we have the whole battle escalating. And all i can see is China Losing out on Every goddamn front. Lol.. its hilarious.
Its like.. YOOOO JO.. *EXPLOSION EVERYWHERE* Bad guy loses like hell. And all main characters of the good guys are still intact.
Well.. i mean maybe im jus angsty cos im asian and asian power is totally not shown in this video. But since US has technological and military superiority that surpasses China by at least 15-20 years.
All that is shown can be possible. What do u think?
PS: At the end of the trailer. Tht island looks very similar to Taiwan.. HAHAAH.. i bet they meant to do that.. as the game reviewers would have noticed.
Im probably gonna buy this expansion even though it is only an addition of 6 new missions whil the new maps are already free for me. :P
Love this video though. Really nice Soviet Weaponary
World in Conflict: Soviet Assault Trailer
On another sidenote. Josh and I have finally finished this collection of shots for the mid year. Thus Marks the end of My Digicam Macro Clear Pictures.
But now, the shots will be more detailed and more artfully done. As we are always striving to improve. With Josh's DSLR and his macro lens, we will be able to give you better quality pictures. And For the first time. U will be seeing GREEN! ahha.. I have finally come to terms wif the colour green and must accept and enjoy the beauty of tht colour because it is the main basic colour scheme of modern military.
U cant go military if u cant go green.
In any case, i hope u will enjoy the next few posts of the new collection.
But it will be coming in a few weeks time as i have exams to contend to and i will need to load the collection up. So the weekly schedule of shots will be on hiatus for the moment till my exams are done.
But i will be posting interesting stuff every now and then.
Today we have JQ's FOV USMC Marines, this time with one carrying his wounded brother on his back with a fireman's lift.
Semper Fi(delis): Always Faithful.
The world famous motto of the USMC also happens to have been used in family crests and even countries back in the 14th century. Mottos are powerful words that call upon individuals to rise up to the ideal it spells out. US Marines adopted the motto in 1883 and have strived to live it up on the battlefield...even going to lengths such as leaving no brother behind. Some people may call it reckless and unneeded, but to me it really stands out as true brotherhood.
Interestingly, I know an ex-Marine from church in the US and his name is Rick. If I remember right he is currently serving chaplain duties to ex-Marines in the area and is pretty busy by going around the area a lot of times. One day in church, we were talking awhile and we were about to leave...I remembered he was a marine and I said 'Semper Fi'...and he went 'SEMPER FI!!! SEMPER FI!!!' Haha he really lit up and he's a very bubbly guy...great dude.
Well it's time for me to hand the blog over to JQ for the next four weeks, and it has been my pure pleasure to be posting the photos for you guys. JQ, back to you dude ;)
Here's another macro shot we have (from JQ's old camera) of his FOV US marines. In this shot, one DSHCC marine is crouching in the foreground as his comrades are moving into position and taking aim. It is amazing to me how combat movement for infantry was developed over time, to be passed down and modified from generation to generation...
The US Marines have a tradition that stretches back to 1775, when marines were initially deployed as naval soldiers, tasked with several objectives such as boarding other vessels, protecting officers from mutiny...etc. Interestingly, the marines even had their quarters placed between the officers' quarters and the rest of the vessel! Mutinies out at the sea at that time was a very very real risk, since conditions were poor and overpowering a small number of officers wasn't too difficult a thing to do.
Even though the USMC maybe the smallest branch of the Department of Defense, it is still larger than the number of active personnel in the IDF, and even the whole British Army (from Wikipedia)! The USMC is specialized in amphibious warfare, and their ability to quickly deploy in any situation has seen them being actively deployed in all theaters of war the US has engaged in...especially right now as Iraq and Afghanistan have proved to be arenas where quick responses are needed to combat multiple insurgencies. The marines never had a walk in the park wherever they went...
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.
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...
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 ;)
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
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.
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!
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