Roco Fire Trucks

Master Modeler Wayne Wanner has turned his attention to Roco fire trucks to make some utility trucks for his WWII German Army.

 

"Attached are five Roco Mercedes "Fire Engines" converted to misc. German support trucks. I completely disassembled the trucks and plugged the holes in the tops of the truck bodies. Some Squadron putty was still necessary despite using Evergreen rod in the holes. This was a technique Steve Zaloga mentioned in one of his model guides.

I used Tamiya Sprays of German Gray and Tan to paint the interior and exterior faces. And used several washes and "spatters" of AK "dust and mud". These will be for gaming so Wehrmacht license plates were omitted. Besides they would not have been visible through the heavy mud coating anyway.

I consider these pressed into service along with Opals, Krupp's, Henschels and others. The Germans used thousands of trucks for work shops, administrative services, mess, medical, veterinary, weather, command and many, many others."

 

Another great line up from Master Modeler Wayne Wanner.

Paul Heiser Models by WW

Master Modeler, Wayne Wanner shows us again, why I call him Master Modeler.

 

"Attached are several pics of a Heiser M4A1, and early version, note the return rollers on the centerline of the roller boogie. 

 

This is a semi resin/plastic model kit. I liked it alot, and it went together very well, using a super glue of course.

I gave it a coat of Tamiya OD and a wash of AK dust. The only addition I made is a Tank Commanders sight blade near the hatch. These were a typical addition to Sherman's to aid the Tank Commander in training or slewing the turret as he looks along the sight blade an then knew the tank turret (gunners) sights would then be very close to the target.

A piece of sheet metal was welded/bolted in a semi triangular shape with a rounded top.

 

 I can't say positively but I think some units painted the tops white or red. 

 

I like Paul Heisers Sherman's I have about 20 of them."

 

Thanks WW for some awesome Paul Heiser Models goodness.  I get mine at Fidelis Models, run by my best friend, Randy.

100 Years of Wargaming!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Wars

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3691

Science fiction writer H. G. Wells wrote a book called Little Wars.  It is the first commercially published set of miniature wargame rules.  H. G. Wells is called the Father of Modern Wargaming as a result.

The rules were pretty simple.  Hollow cast metal solders were lined up on each side and then miniature cannons were used to shoot the troops.  How many of us did that as kids, with plastic soldiers?  How many of us have done that in the last week?!?!

Miniature wargames have been a source of pleasure and learning for me since I got my first Army Men at age three, almost 55 years ago.  Historical miniature wargaming teaches history, sportsmanship, statistics, advance planning, teamwork and many other important skills that our society has largely forgotten.  Maybe we need less NFL football stars and more high profile wargamers.

Prince of Superheroes

The Human Torch, Prince Namor, and the Invisible Woman.

I modified the Human Torch into The Sub-Mariner.

Flame into water.  Trident from Gladiators from Atlantic.

Not yet finished but these will be the Green Hornet and Kato.

His hat in his hand has been carved into a handgun.  Kato has a new top for his head.