ghi models

Another masterpiece in casting from Rob Ervin, the Formations M3-A1 cast Lee conversion fits perfectly to the Academy donor kit. While the cast version never saw combat, they did see extensive use in training units Stateside. This model was awarded a Gold Medal in the advanced division of the 2013 AMPS International Show.

The new tool Revell Dr.1 kits are fantastic little kits, and at less than $10, one can build as many as one wants with out breaking the bank. Which is good, because the Pheon Decals sheet covering the DR.1 is extensive and includes this striking scheme.

VMA-311, the Tomcats, were the first Coalition unit to see combat operations during the first Gulf War in 1991. The striking blue and gray scheme made it a natural for me.

Not much to say about this kit. The Fujimi scooters are the best available in 1/72 scale. And the Marine Scooters are fun to depict due to the heavy weathering.

This was the first all resin kit I built, and it was the perfect introduction to working with resin. The casting is so well done, apart from having to work with super glue rather than plastic cement, it was just like building a mainstream plastic kit.

Although a more difficult build than the Airfix kit, the Xtrakit is more accurate, especially in the tail profile. And with the striking retirement scheme markings on the tail, having an accurate tail is worth the extra work.

Built for a feature article for Model Airplane International, the article appeared in the October 2013 issue. The markings are from my own MaxModels decals, the Dying Suns Pt 2.

The Aerosan's were a Russian winter combat vehicle in WWII. They saw relatively significant use in the far north during the winter. Mounted on skis and driven by a rear facing propeller, they were efficient vehicles in the snow, if a little hard to maneuver. I chose to model this one mounted on wheels as it would have been during summer acceptance trials.

Built for a feature article in Model Airplane International, the article appeared in the June 2013 issue. The specific aircraft I modeled had a historic role in the demise of Max Immelmann. Who shot down Baby Mine remains a question, but some credit it to Immelmann. If so, it was, it was his last victim, as during the engagement Immelmann shot off his own propeller and died in the ensuing crash.

The Navy's first tear drop shaped submarine, the Albacore had an illustrious career as a test bed for future submarine shape and propeller configurations. This little resin kit was a pleasure to build, a fun diversion from my normal aircraft subjects, and was awarded a First Place in it's category at the 2013 IPMS Nationals.

Built for a Qucik Build article for Model Airplane International, the article appeared in the march 2013 issue. This model was built strictly out of the box with no additions of any kind. My favorite bad joke about building this kit was that the cockpit was really tough to build. For those of you not aware, the X-47B is the prototype of the Navy's first carrier capable UCAV, unmanned combat vehicle...it has no cockpit. I know, bad joke.

When I saw the decals for this aircraft I couldn't resist. Resurrected at the Kiwi's service unit on Guadalcanal, it was rebuilt using the forward fuselage, wings, and rudder from NZ5307 painted gloss sea blue, and the rear fuselage from NZ5272, painted in the tri-color scheme. The base is photo etched PSP and acrylic medium with Joe Fix grass tufts, and, of course, a cork trivet.

Built for a feature article for Model Airplane International appearing in the August 2013 issue. Parts from the Eduard Su-27 etched sets were liberally used, and the wings were folded using the Wolf Pack resin set.

Built for a Quick Build article for Model Airplane International. the Pavla resin cockpit was used. This model was awarded Second Place in the 1/72 Small Jet category at the 2013 IPMS Nationals.

Built purely for fun this kit was a blast to do, as was the setting. While not strictly "true" to the SF3D theme, it was a great pallet to experiment with weathering techniques, and techniques for construction of buildings for dioramas.

Built for a feature article for Model Airplane International, the article appeared in the December 2011 issue. Although I actually enjoy the rigging process that is a part of building WWI aircraft models, by the time this build was complete, I was done with rigging for a while!

The setting for this model is based on a well known photo of a US Sherman tank in WWII. Nicknamed "Derby", the tank had several unusual features, including a shipping pallet on the rear deck to carry external stowage, and a field built bustle rack. The model is a combination of parts from a Dragon kit, the superb Formations resin kit for the upper hull, turret and many details, Panda Plastics tracks, and scratch built features like the pallet, the bustle rack, and the "towel bars" on the turret sides. While figures are not my strong suit, all figures included in this vignette are from Warriors. Completed last year, this model was awarded a Gold Medal at last year's AMPS International Show.

This model was built as a quick build review for Model Airplane International. The review appeared in the December 2011 issue.

This model was built as a quick build review for Model Airplane International, and appeared in the June 2011 issue. It was also awarded First Place in the 1/72 Small Jet Foreign category at the 2011 IPMS-USA National Convention.

This model was commissioned by a gentleman who collects military artifacts related to individual servicemen. In this case, he has a collection of the belongings of George Franklin "Tommy" Thompson. As best as could be documented, this model represents the SE5a that Tommy was shot down in.