Harriers in the Horizon

Greetings again. Sorry for the late entry. But as usual, it is the busy schedule and the hectic days that have brought me to my delay.

In proceeding today, we shall focus on the Harrier AV8Bs. These were the versions that were improved from the Original Harriers and were also adopted as a close air support for the US Marine Corp.

These VSTOL aircraft have been the primary aircraft that have remain as the one and only VSTOL close air support aircraft in the world. It is a capable plane that has the ability to have a vertical take off.

It has remain the dominant VSTOL aircraft for the best of 20 years or so, but it will most definitely be retired as soon as the F35 VSTOL version get into full production after development progress.

Nonetheless, it will be marked in history as a revolution in aircraft design and development.

On a sidenote, Josh and I have acquired Todd Mcfarlane's Figures, which look exceptionally awesome. The details are jus insanely good and also we have taken pictures that we will be developing soon.

I have also finally cave in and bought a 12 inch figure that i wanna equipped and make it look like a Modern Day Soldier of My own Army :p.

Model Progress for the Ticonderoga has been uberly slow and even as I have pending models to build an dpaint, Im considering to acquire GHQ products of the Russian Udaloy Destroyers and other stuff.

Money Money Money.. Going away real fast.

The eye of the A-10 Thunderbolt II

Im back again!

This time , the picture feature is the A10 Thunderbolt targetting a BLurred out T-80 tank in the foreground. Like a Swooping hawk ready to attack its prey, the A10 can unload a variety of weapons to eliminate the T-80. From its vulcan cannons to hellfire missiles, this tank killer of the sky is a close air support provided by the US Air Force not to be mess with.

The A-10 saw combat for the first time during the Gulf War in 1991, destroying more than 900 Iraqi tanks, 2,000 military vehicles, and 1,200 artillery pieces. One has to wonder, which is more fearful for a tank crew. To be eliminated by the shear power of a M1 Tank's 120mm Gun or getting wipe out from above by the A10.

It is known for an A10 to easily cut through a Russian Tank Platoon with ease and can be said to be more efficient than the M1A1 in taking out heavy armour.

But while record shows its strength, we must understand that in every conflict that the A10 has been in, it is in the environment of which US has Air Superiority.

It can be debatable that if there is no achievement of Air Superiority, the A10's operating range could be limited to zone which are potentially not covered by Enemy Air Support.

Regardless, in modern day conflict, its always the country with the highest technology and experience in war that holds a very strong upperhand.

In the case of today, That would be noneother than the US of A.

Bradley Car Crush

Hey Military fans!

Thanks for the great responses and the discussion that followed...JQ and I really appreciate your readership and support.

For today, we have one of JQ's micromachine M2 Bradleys crushing a hapless car that got in its way.

This was another one of those photos that was perhaps inspired by the boyhood fascination with tanks crushing cars under their sheer weight...for those C&C fans out there, the color scheme of this tank reminds me of the Nod light tank, which was actually a M2 in grey color scheme (not that I remember seeing one like that in real life).

Of course it is possible to state that it is indeed sad that wars have almost always occurred in the vicinity of civilian centers and cities, where civilians not only get killed by cross-fire, but are executed and even tortured for 'strategic purposes' or even ideology. Most of us are fortunate to live in places not touched by war, and yet can we remain blind to what's happening in warzones elsewhere? I find it somewhat disturbing that my life is completely detached from what others are going through right now in wars and insurrections (news on TV is perhaps the closest I'll get), and I wonder what can I do in response? Pray for peace? Donate money to the care of displaced persons? Preach against war and hatred for another?

Well, I hope I didn't bring down your mood for the day, and it's something that I've been thinking about. Thanks again for visiting this humble blog, and allow me to pass the blog back over to JQ!

The Ubiquitous Humvee

Hey Everyone!

For today we have a feature on JQ's 'modified' Humvee micromachine. I guess it is quite noticeable many of our models (especially the recent posts) are all from the US..

I don't know if you'll find this piece of trivia interesting, Lamborghini, the famed makers of classics like the Countach, Diablo and Murciélago, actually made the Cheetah: a competitor with the Humvee for the US Army's search of a dedicated military transport vehicle. Considering the jeeps and mutts of the past, the Humvee provided a much increased level of protection for its crews, and yet it was found short of armor when it went against insurgents in Iraq.

Well, isn't it true that 'victors write history'? Looking at the present situation, we commonly believe that the Nazis were evil (I don't deny that, but I just question the wide generalization), the US did the world good through foreign intervention, Sadaam was an evil ruler ought to be removed etc. History is not as fixed as it seems, and can prove to be fluid under the influence of dominant parties. This happens in religion too, when marginalized groups get exaggerated beyond their beliefs, that they strike us as heretics. The West has a stronger hold on the media than other regions, and especially in the US...the news corporations are indeed very powerful.

On a model collecting perspective, maybe that's why there are much more US models out there than other nations...

M2 Bradley

Hey Everyone!

Thanks for your continued support and readership, it really drives us on to shoot our models and post them on this blog.

This time, we have JQ's M2 Bradley in formation with M1A2 Abrams tanks (note the sculpted CITV, Commander Independent Thermal Viewer).

The Bradley was designed as a response to the Soviet BMP family and brought one crucial aspect over the M113: the ability to move in formation. Interestingly, the M2 stores its fuel in the center, instead of to the left and rear in the M113A3 (which aimed to minimize fires in troop compartment). Although tests have shown that this serves to make the M2 more vulnerable, no modifications have been undertaken by the US Army, and the M2 was still able to serve as a safe vehicle for troop transport when hit by enemy fire.

It is intriguing to note that M2 development was marked with hierarchal opposition, as LTC Burton (who wanted to conduct rigorous testing on the M2) had to have the support of the press and Congress before he was able to conduct the tests he wanted...which actually resulted in a re-design that saw a lowered number of casualties in M2s.

As much as military vehicles are products of engineering prowess, they are still man-made products subject to politics and red-tape...and the very lives of the operators really depend upon the decisions made in designing the vehicle, which might add a sense of 'stress' for the designers!

Announcement Peeps

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!

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!

God bless Uncle Bobby.

Nuclear Barrage

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 ;)

Close up on the tank and Infantry

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.

http://www.gamespot.com/psp/sim/footballmanager2009/news.html?sid=6204501&om_act=convert&om_clk=newsfeatures&tag=newsfeatures;title;2

Check it out :)

Tank Detachment and Its Infantry Squad

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. :)

Cheerios

Directive

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.

M1A2 Abrams

Hello fellow military buffs!

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!

Profile of the Sovremenny

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:

http://warfare.ru/?lang=&catid=269&linkid=1743

Ka-27 Helix A

Hello Everybody

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.

Soviet Sea Power

Hey Everyone

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:

杭州 (hangzhou)
福州 (fuzhou)
泰州 (taizhou)
宁波 (ningbo)

America All the Way

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.

I love the Colour Red and Yellow

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.

So do stay tune still and dun go away ;)

Leave No Man Behind

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 ;)

More Marines

Hey Everyone

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...

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.