B17 & Mini-Submarine Adventure in 60mm

It never rains in Southern California, except these last two weeks. The garden next to my house floods whenever it rains. My garden has a die cast model B-17 laying in it for years, since my little daughter no longer plays with those kinds of toys.



The Second World War is over, but with Stalin ruling Eastern Europe with an iron fist and threatening his former allies, the defense establishment still needed to be vigilant. While the B-17 Flying Fortress was obsolete the day Japan surrendered, they were still used for many special purposed, even into the 1950s. This one was observing an atomic testing event but due to engine trouble, crashed in this lake. While the small crew was able to bail out and get rescued, there still remained the TOP SECRET Norden Bomb Sight still needed to be recovered.

A converted landing craft will be used to carry a mini-submarine to the crash site where the diver can get the sight out and bring it back safely to the surface. Here the recast 60mm US Navy craft docks just prior to loading the mini-submarine. The area is heavily guarded by MPC US Navy ring hand personnel. The Shore Patrol man in the foreground not only sports an M1 carbine but carries a bully club as well. Even the lab technicians in the background are armed. With the threat of Commie Spy's under every bed, they can't afford to be too careful.

The Mother Ship prepares to cast off to get into position to pick up the mini-submarine. The mini-submarine can be seen in the background, with the diver already in position. Complex high technology like this submarine requires constant attention to insure correct operating. While the lake water is clear, fresh water is less buoyant than salt water, making this a dangerous mission.


Three safety divers will be on station with the mini-submarine diver in case of emergency. The boat commander can be seen near the cannon.

Sailors in the background stand by ready to defend this makeshift Naval base. Heavily armed with even a bazooka and a ray gun rifle. This ray gun technology was only recently declassified and only now being shown to the public. There is a small raft that will provide additional support services to the Mother Ship. More on this exciting adventure will follow soon.