Unfinished Business

I expected to add the AAV7A1 to my website tonight, but I need to photograph it, and left it at work today.  So, I figured I'd go downstairs and work on the M-ATV, but it is setting at work too.  So, I figured that I'd do a little work on the 15mm M1 master (yes, I'm trying an MBT), and that is where tonight's adventure started.

I needed some grating and know I have some styrene in the pattern that I need, so started rooting through the heap to find it.  Two hours later, I had shuffled through an endless number of unfinished projects (while failing to find the grating), and realized that I probably need a therapist.  I also thought I'd share a few photos, since I've failed to accomplish anything else tonight.

First up is a critter that is a little outside of my main interests,  the "bubblegum troll".

My daughter was maybe eight years old at the time, and liked gaming with orcs.  She also wanted to add some other critters into our games, so we picked up a couple of GW figs at the local store.  She wanted me to paint the fig above, and picked out three bright colors, Barbie pink, Ninja Turtle green, and Smurf blue to use on it.  All I could think of was "No, not that!", but per her wishes, I painted what became known as the bubblegum troll.  I was pleasantly surprised at how it turned out, and now that I posted that last pic, you too can say that you've been mooned by the "bubblegum troll".  While the troll got finished the 90 elves, Pegasus, griffin, and other figs still set in boxes, unlikely to ever see the tabletop, as we have both lost interest in fantasy games.  The troll may make it into a post-apoc games as some sort of mutant monster.  Maybe.

Another of the forgotten projects is a the space freighter.  This was to be a multi-purpose 28mm ship that would serve a number of roles.  I started off with a bunch of ship sketches, but couldn't settle on one.  So, as far as I got, after painting up three different crews for the ship, was a series of resin cargo containers for the hold.

There were also ammo boxes, skids, and open topped bins, I but I didn't stumble across those tonight,  so only the two types of boxes above are shown (with a Copplestone figure (I think) for size comparison).

Another of the forgotten projects is the forces for the Texas-Israeli War.  C'mon, it was a great book, and should be on a tabletop somewhere.  The star of the game would be the fusion powered, gatling laser armed Israeli Centurions.  So, while looking for figs, I started on a 28mm master for the tanks.

That is as far as I got before discovering that the horse mounted troops I wanted for the Texans were not in production any more.  I do have figs for part of the Israeli force, and expect to get back to this one day... when I have some free time.

Another project that has been in the sleeper bin for a few years is my race of birdmen.  Actually, this has never been far out of mind, just far out of reach. 

The spaceship mentioned above was to sometimes serve as the mothership of a small group of aliens looking for their lost home planet.  The race of birdmen were to be the remains of of an enslaved race, searching for their origin, which was going to be  recently uncovered somewhere in the American southwest.  In addition to the ship were to be about 25 birdman (GW Kroot figs) and their kroot-buggy.

The buggy was to be a sort of safari hotrod, loaded with cargo, and with kroot hanging off of it like a flock of intergalactic pirates.  The birdmen were to have a sort of  nomadic bedraggled look with flowing capes and whatnot.  The figure above is the only one that I finished.  The remaining figs are in various stages of  assembly and conversion. 

Last on my list of unfinished business tonight is the robo-chicken.  Robo-chicken was to be the first of a series of light armored recon vehicles using palletized weapons systems and modular applique armor.  I actually have parts cut for five more of these, and have been carrying them from apartment to apartment to house since 1987.

I imagine that I'll at least finish two of these, as part of my sci-fi marine light infantry force in the next couple of years. They will work nicely with the futuristic APCs and tanks that I have yet to build, even if they are from last century.

Oh well, time to start on something new...

WIPs: 15mm M113A1 Master

Shortly after I started working on 15mm modern vehicles masters, I roughed out several hulls and chassis for various vehicles with plans to work on them in batches, as I had with World War II vehicles some years before.  Unfortunately, a problem with tendons in my right hand decided that I would progress at a much slower pace, so a number of these roughed out models went into the "wait 'til later" heap on my workbench. One of those chassis was that of a M113A1 personnel carrier. 

When I work on masters, I usually work on two of them simultaneously, adding detail to one and then the other, while the work on the first one dries.  After wrapping up my AAV7, I needed another master to work on while trying to finish my M-ATV.  So, rather than starting another model, I pulled the M113 out of the heap.  While I continue to close in on the M-ATV, the M113 came together very quickly, and it may well be done before the M-ATV.  Anyway, here are some WIP photos of my M113 hull:

The M113 is a very compact vehicle, as shown below, next to one of my M2A2 Bradleys.

My M113A1 will be a five piece model, Hull, 2x tracks, commanders hatch, and .50 cal MG and mount  for the commander.  The tracks are still pretty rough, and I have yet to start on the MG.  I don't really have a completion date for the M113, but it won't take too much time before it is done.  I just wish the M-ATV would come along as quickly.  

WIP: 15mm USMC AAV7A1

My AAV7A1 is done.  I actually got ahead of myself and took the pics before scribing some seams and adding the luggage racks on the hull.   So it isn't quite done in the pics, but is now complete and waiting to be put in the mold.  Here are the few pics of my 15mm AAV7A1 master almost finished: 

The AAV7A1 is a monster, as can be seen when compared to my Humvee.  The complete model will consist of four castings; two track sections, hull, and turret.  I'm hoping to have them available in the next two weeks (assuming no surprises in the casting process (probably just jinxed myself)).

WIP Photos of my 15mm US Army M-ATV

Nope, I'm not dead yet, but long time no post.  I still really haven't had time to do anything hobby related since mid-July, and haven't worked on this since June (I think), but did manage to clean the dust off of my desk a little, and decided to take a couple pics of my 15mm M-ATV master.  Figured posting something might help motivate me, now that the rest of my crazy life seems to be settling down a little.

The first time I looked at the M-ATV, I thought it was going to be something like a 21 piece kit.  At this point, I think it will be more like 12 pieces, but I am still fearing that the basic chassis is going to be a pain to cast.  It may be a very short run item, just don't know yet.  Either way, it has been a bear to master.

Anyway, It still needs lots of detailing, but here are a few pics:

The block under the M-ATV in the pics above, raises the vehicle to just about the proper ride height with wheels.

The next pic includes an Old Glory Modern US infantry figure, and a Peter Pig US Marine for scale.

The last photo is a comparison to one of my 15mm Humvees. 

The M-ATV is a beast, far larger than a Humvee.  The turret on the M-ATV is the Picatinny Designs improved O-GPK, different from the O'Gara-Hess design on my Humvees.  I will eventually offer my M1114 with a version of the Picatinny turret. 

That's all for now. 

AAR5: Under Estimating the Enemy

After a couple weeks of failed diplomacy, Uwanda broke off talks regarding the captured territory. Meanwhile, Mugabia had mobilized proper troops and deployed them to the villages and towns in the newly acquired territory.



Uwandan Overflights collected intelligence without much interference from Mugabia, and a non-negotiated ceasefire ruled the day. Mugabia hesitated, not knowing how far they could push the conflict, and Uwanda made its move.

Above - View of the village at objective A59 from the west.

Mugabian forces consisted of mostly infantry with little heavy equipment.   They were (and are) also not particularly well trained or lead.  So it was believed that a relatively small Uwandan  force with some heavy armor could push the lightly armed infantry out.  Once the Mugabian infantry broke, the Uwandan  armored force could sweep the villages and push Mugabian troops out completely.

Above -  Mugabian infantry deployed around the perimeter of the village.

On the chosen day, Uwandan recce forces advanced and  got into position to scout the perimeter of the Mugabian troops defending A59. Firefly tanks were brought up through the wooded area southwest of the town, and succeeded in surprising the Mugabian infantry, which suffered heavy casualties very quickly. Despite the casualties and much to their own surprise, Mugabian officers managed to maintain control of the situation, quickly employing their reserve, and counter attacking the armor. 

Above - The Mugabian reserve moves out.

Besieged by RPG7s and a previously captured  Saladin armored car, two of the Fireflies were silenced. Uwandan infantry, coming in via the west road, were forced to deploy and quickly got bogged down in a largely ineffective infantry battle.

Above - Uwandan armor having a rough time.

Remaining Uwandan armor continued to pound on Mugabian infantry, while being annoyed with constant (but ineffective) mortar fire. The mortar fire was switched to the Uwandan infantry to break the stalemate there, which it quickly did, while another wave the RPG fire brought an abrupt end to the Uwandan armor.


Mugabian forces withdrew to tighten up their lines, but never broke despite heavy casualties. Uwandan forces with most of their vehicles destroyed or crippled finally accepted defeat and made a hasty withdraw.

Above - Mugabian infantry holding the line.

The cost was high for both sides, in men for Mugabia, and equipment for Uwanda. Mugabian forces lost 41 troops killed or wounded, while Uwanda lost 14 KIA/MIA and 3 WIA and their entire armor force.


Both armies paused as the the growing conflict gained some international attention. Both nations appealed to the new audience for validation and support. Uwanda appealed for international intervention to restore the border, but help was slow and came in the fashion of official protests and discussion of sanctions. 


Unrest grew, and faith in President Ajizi of Uwanda fell.  There simply was not time or resources for his administration to do anything further before the elections.  The government of Uwanda would change, and Mugabia and the ULF simply waited to see the new face of Uwanda.

Pimp My Ride: A Special T34/85 For the Mugabian Army

The first couple T34/85 castings that I made for my Mugabian army forces (a fictional African nation) were bad castings having one or more flaws.  While fixing them, I decided to make a special T34/85 as the company commander's vehicle. 

Remembering a number of field modified T34s from a book that I had been leafing through recently, I upgraded the armor over the frontal arc, opened the commander's hatch, added a TC, and replaced an external fuel tank (that had a big air bubble in it) with a stowage box.

Here are a couple comparison shots of the modified T34/85 (left) next to a stock model (right):

The upper hull front and upper hull sides got applique plates added, as did the turret front sides and either side of the mantlet.  New headlights were located either side of the drivers hatch, and the large stowage box replaces the single  external fuel tank.

All of the added armor plate was made from .03" thick styrene sheet and tube.  The resin commanders hatch was cut off, an opening drilled into the cupola, and an opened hatch was made from styrene sheet.  The TC figure is from Old Glory's T-55 pack.

Here are a few more shots:

The work was pretty straight forward, and only took about 20 minutes.  I should have taken a photo before painting as the added parts would be more obvious, but I was in too much a hurry. 

I guess it won't matter much if confronted by any modern tanks, but might help out against Uwandan Fireflies.  If nothing else, it should make the company commander feel good about his ride.

Next, I think I'll try doing a couple of modified T34 chassis with S-60 57mm AA guns, based on photos of Cuban conversions that I saw recently.

AAR4 - Mugabia Enters the Fight

Though the ULF leadership didn't see it, the ULF had always been a weapon of the Mugabian government to use against Uwanda. After the failures at Objective A59, the recent ULF victory had come as a welcomed surprise. This in turn had spawned a rising protest in the Pettu villages along the southern border with Uwanda, another welcomed surprise, and an opportunity that Mugabian President Upepomfuko could not pass up.


The Uwandan leadership simply did not understand the situation, insisting that the troops on the ground had enough resources to squash the ULF, and did not consider the local ULF support and unrest as serious. The ground commander at A56 appealed to his superior for more forces, was denied, and conceded the village to the ULF, ending his short career as a Uwandan officer.

Above - The solid black line is the border with Mugabia to the east,

and Uwanda tot he west.  The red are roads, the blue is the  Ukingo River.

 The Pettu villages in Uwanda, east of the Ukingo River are isolated by the river, with the only access to the rest of Uwanda being across the road leading from the village at A58 to the village at A59, where the first two ULF attacks failed. Mugabian leadership decided that it would assist the ULF in securing A59, and help rescue the Pettu people oppressed by the Uwandan government. In doing so, Mugabia would gain a secure foothold in Uwandan territory. The ULF was quite happy to receive the aid that would no doubt lead to a self governed Pettu nation.

Above - A view looking west from the border with Mugabia.

ULF forces, about 60 strong, would attack the village from the south. Initially forces would go in on foot, and once Uwandan troops were committed to the fight, the second force of ULF troops would attack up the south road into town advancing with the captured M3 halftrack (from A56) and in trucks. They would be supported by Mugabian army mortar teams, and finally in an attack by Mugabian armored infantry from the east.

Above - A view of the border post, a ferret armored car sets along the road,

and a couple of old Bren carriers are parked behind the main building.  

A handful of these carriers still serve the police, mostly as cargo carriers

and sometimes in SAR operations in the field.

After the chaos at A56, The Uwandan leadership decided to commit more forces to secure the area, using A59 as a base of operations. The border post was strengthened and even given light armor, just in case any more ULF craziness manifested. A heavy recce detachment consisting of Saladin armored cars was based at the village along with the infantry company already committed to protecting the village.

Above -  ULF fighters engaging Uwanda Troops in the distance.

The initial attacking ULF force was sighted at significant distance by observant Uwandan troops at the east roadblock, resulting in early casualties to the attackers. This sighting provided much time for Uwandan army forces being drawn off of the strong southern roadblock to help break the attack to the east. Saladins caused significant ULF casualties until getting caught in a crossfire of RPGs. Mugabian mortars continuously pounded various targets and gnawed away at the defenders. By the time the second ULF force advance up the road from the south, Uwandan forces had taken notable casualties and were struggling to understand the situation.

Above -  Saladin armored cars hunting ULF fighters in the brush.

With Uwandan forces mostly destroyed to the east, and crumbling to the south, the main Mugabian attack began, quickly over-running the border post and border police defending the station. The border police sent a small force of infantry supported by Ferret armored cars to search out the mortars that continuously pounded Uwandan forces. They never found the mortar position, and found themselves hopelessly out of the fight, when the Mugabian personel carriers advanced.

Above - Uwandan troops prepare to fall back into the village.

As Mugabian forces advance toward the town they were surprised by the persistence of Uwandan resistance and the effect of Uwandan LAW rockets. Their nose bloodied with burning BTR60s, the Mugabian infantry halted their advance, while ULF fighters continued to close from the south. Though they fought hard, and held against over whelming numbers, the Uwandan Captain finally ordered remaining forces to withdraw. The village at A59 was finally in the hands of the ULF, and shortly would be claimed by Mugabia.

Above - Mugabian BTR60s burn as their advance stalls.

The implications of Mugabian involvement were yet to be understood, but it was obvious to those caught in the battle, that this was more than tribal unrest.


The Uwandan army lost much of their force, 2 Saracens, 2 Saladins and 22 men missing or KIA, additionally 3 WIA were among the 11 men returning. The border police returned with 5 of their original 12 men. The cost of ULF victory was high, lost were 1 M3 halftrack, 23 KIA, 9 WIA. Mugabian forces fared the worst relative to the scope of their fighting and successes, losing 2 BTR60 and 14 troops while being stopped in their tracks (or wheels) by less than a squad of Uwandan regulars.

The inability of the Uwandan president Ajizi to fend off the ULF and settle the unrest began to domino.  The unrest grew in the east, civilians of other than Pettu affiliation began leaving the region in question, outbreaks of violence began between different tribal groups in the east, and there was a general failing of confidence in the Uwandan government.  With the upcoming fall elections less then two months away, the burden of the ULF threatened to be the president's undoing.