Friday 30 December 2016

From SteveM: Surfin' Bird... DUKW (52 Points)

SteveM here, I'm back this year after missing last year and it feels good to be back. You'll see items painted for my own collection, for gifts, for commissions, and maybe even the Flames of War army I'm scheduled to do for the Nova Open charity raffle. The first entry is the WWII DUKW used by the US to transport personnel and goods.

Scale : 15mm (1/100)
Mfg : Battlefront Miniatures
Product : ubx24
Material : Metal and Resin
Paints: Automotive primer, Vallejo Model Color, Windsor &Newton Oil, AK enamel washes, AMMO paint, AMMO pigments, gloss varnish, matt vanish
Details: 2 DUKWs and 20 passengers

These vehicles were used for beach landings in the Mediterranean, the beaches of Normandy during D-Day, and then inland on road and river crossings. Some usage highlights include their first battle on the assault on Sicily. They were used again during the invasion of Salerno on September 9, 1943.  The last amphibious operation of the DUKWs during WWII was the famous Rhine River crossing at the end of March, 1945.

Also used in the southwestern Pacific, DUKWs were used in New Guinea and Bougainville in 1943. They played a prominent role in the invasion of the Philippines. They were also invaluable in the capture of Manila. They supported the landing on Iwo Jima, as well as participating in the final battle on Okinawa.









and for the title reference song  'the bird is the word'

regards,
SteveM.

It's good to have you back aboard the good ship Challenge sir! I say that not only because these are quite beautifully painted and weathered (which indeed they are!), but also because your level of technical and historical detail appeals to me in more ways than I can count. If only we were all so, informative exacting and precise...
I suspect this is the first time we've seen a DUKW, let alone a pair. They're a fascinating piece of kit both from a real life and a modelling perspective. There's a load of detail on these and you've picked it out nicely I mist say.
52 well deserved points for you Steve. Looking forward to seeing what comes next!
PS. Thanks for the ear worm. Not. :-) 
Cheers,
Millsy

26 comments:

  1. Those are very nice. The models look a little dodgy but your paint jobs are perfect. I love the weathering and rust. You nailed it. Nice job!

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  2. Great DUKWs. It's great to see these not painted bright colours and full of tourists!

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  3. Awesome I have always loved the DUKW great work

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  4. Iconic WWII vehicle and so very well executed

    Ian

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  5. Very nice. The weathering is impressive.

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  6. I remember there used to be dozens of these lined up at Holsworthy Barracks outside Sydney when I was a lad - thanks for the nostalgia!

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  7. Nice quackers Steve :)

    I think that this vid would have been better for the song reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OXVPgu6urw ;)

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    1. I had noticed that one too but thought people might forget about seeing the painted miniatures and watch the vid.

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  8. great entry, love the weathered look on these very impressive

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  9. Quality, great weathering on these, something I always get wrong so tend not to bother anymore.

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  10. Welcome back, Steve - and a cracking entry. These should grace any table!

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  11. I've always liked the look of these vehicles. Well done!

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  12. I admire your ability to paint these with such detail and great weathering effects.

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  13. Great work - have never seen these models before. Excellent weathering in particular.

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  14. Fantastic weathering and effects on some unique vehicles -nicely done Steve!

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  15. very nice indeed. I wish I had a reason to get some as well.

    "Trashmen" these are NOT despite the song reference. very well painted.

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  16. Very well done on DUKW's and crew! Your weathering is top notch.

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  17. if you would have said they were 28mm I'd have believed you, stunning!

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  18. Really good work, Steve!
    They definitely have the battleworn look!

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  19. Awesome vehicles, Steve. I really like how you weathered them up to show that they've done some campaigning.

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  20. It's very rare to see this level of love and detail lavished on 15mm models, and very unusual ones at that. This is easily the best WW2 entry I've seen so far in this year's challenge.

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