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