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Mortars in Miniature
...A Scale Model Collection of the "Infantryman's Artillery"...
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Image: The Blogger

Even though my builds (and completions) have slacked off lately, I still have an interest in this hobby...


Aug...

     

Checking in with the August 2010 edition. Summer continues, surviving the hot weather ok. The lawn is browning but doing (and looking) ok. The work schedule continues, still trying to eliminate the non-stop schedule but there's no luck with that yet. The up-to six hours a week workouts at the gym continue and my heart with stents is doing just great!

Image: Wildflowers
Image: Wildflowers

Speaking of the lawn. The well sprung a leak about four feet (1.3m) down and emergency repairs had to be done. The leak was noticed fairly quickly, the well did not run dry (thankfully!) and was back up and running the next evening. My better half always keeps a couple of jugs of water handy for such emergencies... plenty for the necessities. The back hoe required to dig the well out ripped up the back lawn and that will have to be repaired late summer/early autumn. Unexpected expense for sure!

Image: Wildflowers
Image: Wildflowers
Image: The Well Image: The Well Image: The Well Image: The Well

The kitchen remodeling is almost complete! The tile back splash is up (not shown in pic to the right), just need to grout and seal it and we'll be done! Major cleanup of the rest of the house is now in progress, trying to reclaim what was once ours. :-)

Image: Partial kitchen remodeling.

The major site update this month being the 31 images added of a M4A1 MMC restoration. All photos graciously being provided by Ron Bollen of Belgium and I sincerely appreciate his kindness!


There has been some progress on the workbench with the 1/72nd scale SdKfz. 251/2 but, it is still a ways away from seeing any paint. Man, this model is small with lots of parts involved.

Image: SdKfz251 Unpainted Image: SdKfz251 Unpainted

We spend a lot of our 'free' time out on our screened-in porch. We play a lot of cards, good, fun competition between the two of us and although my wife currently has the upper hand, I am closing in on her rapidly. I am the reigning champ, two years in a row.

Image: All Because Two People Fell in Love. Image: Beer Frosty Image: Welcome Sign

We tend the crops (:-)) as well. The tomatoes, spearmint, basil, chives and cucumbers are all doing well with some minor 'harvesting' having already taken place. (Notice the 'Bunker's' well camouflaged machine gun slit lower left. LOL)

Image: The crops. :-)

Enuff of this... Thanks again everyone!


June/July...      
Ah, summer... what we've been waiting for all year long. The Humming Birds have arrived, the Woodpeckers are nesting, the Cardinals are chirping, the Finches are posing in high up places (but not long enough to photograph), the grass is up, the flowers are flowering and the crops :-) are in... Image: Hummingbird in flight
Image: Hummingbird feeding
Image: The Flag of the United States Image: Woodpecker at home Image: Back yard Wind Turkey Image: The crops have been planted. :-)
Image: Hydranger flower Image: Hydranger bush Image: Hydranger flower
Image: Hydranger flower Image: Marigold flower Image: flower

...We've even had fox and deer passing thru the yard.

...and it's been ...HOT, HOT, HOT!...

Image: Red Tail Hawk


Some modeling progress to report on this entry... some. Although the interest is there, it is still difficult to get down to 'The Bunker'. Here is proof that I actually did get a session (actually, several sessions) in. Felt real good although time is still at a premium...

Image: The current modeling project Image: At the workbench Image: The current modeling project

With the nice weather, what free time there is is spent out in the back porch. Our favorite room during the summer. No bugs, it is quiet and very peaceful...

Image: Welcome to the Porch sign Image: Porch exterior Image: Porch interior

I did manage to take a day off and we took in the Quonset Point RI airshow on 6/27. Beautiful day for an airshow and although slightly disappointed with the aircraft turn-out as I was expecting the F-22 and the V-22 to show up and thought for certain that the new CG HC-144A would be there, they were not. Good flight demos from various fixed-wing, led by the Thunderbirds and rotors as well as great static displays of current and vintage aircraft as well as Army air and ground equipment. I was quite impressed with the quality of the young soldiers and airmen/women. Some photos...

Image: USAF Thunderbirds Image: USAF Thunderbirds Image: USAF Thunderbirds Image: USAF Thunderbirds
Image: USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II Image: US Army C-23 Sherpa Image: USAF C-40 Image: USAF C-130J-30 Hercules
Image: USAF C-130J-30 Hercules Image: USAF C-130J-30 Hercules Image: USAF C-130J-30 Hercules Image: USAF C-130J-30 Hercules
Image: USMC F/A-18C Image: US Army UH-60A Blackhawk Image: US Army UH-60A Blackhawk Image: Young Private First Class - US Army
Image: Medium Tactical Vehicle (MTV) Image: M1117 Armored Security Vehicle (ASV) Image: M777A1 - 155mm Howitzer Image: M777A1 - 155mm Howitzer
Other than that, the schedule continues... Image: Painting the kitchen

Thanks again everyone!

   

May...

Image: Yard Gnomes Image: Yard Welcome Sign  

Image: Please excuse the mess...

Not much to report on with this entry... The modeling rut continues. I am still working two jobs, seven days a week, the kitchen is still under construction... well over budget and well past the time originally allotted for this and the remainder of the house is still a disaster inside. Aaaaah!!
Perhaps I should chill out like the two guys being shown above. One accomplishment this month is that I have finished my evening classes in Adobe InDesign CS3. It would be nice to put that to work... one job, five days a week.
The workouts at the gym continue as well... three mornings a week at two hours each. Feeling great and the 'ticker' is performing quite nicely.

The major update to MiM this month was the addition of another 173rd Airborne Brigade Veteran to the Honor Roll page. I am extremely honored to have Mike Matthews contribute his bio complete with photos to the pages of this website! A firm salute goes out to him and since his initial contact, we have become good friends. An amazing man! Thanks Mike!

Also added 17 year old Kyle Nelson's B-5 Soviet 280mm Mortar to the Guest Files page. One awesome model that finds me wishing that I had had that kind of talent when I was his age.

Spending whatever free time maintaining the property outdoors. The yard is looking pretty good this spring...

Image: partial Front Lawn
Image: Front Yard Image: Front Yard Image: Front Yard Image: Back Yard

Some great color showing up as well with more on the way...

Image: Petunia (?) Image: Petunia (?) Image: Petunia (?) Image: Flowers
Image: Flowers Image: Hydrangia bush Image: Flowers

One milestone achieved this month and worth mentioning (well, to me anyway) is that my wife and I have recently celebrated 31 years of marriage! YIKES! Don't know where the time has gone, but it sure has gone by fast! Some have wondered what the secret is to our marriage... well, my general answer to that is that "she has guns!" We're still having fun together and enjoying every minute of it!
Another personal tidbit this month is that I'll be 57 on the 30th. Never thought that I'd make it this far... especially with those guns around. :-)

Anyway... Thanks Everyone!... Aaaaaaaaaaaaah!!


April...
Taxes Due...
But Spring is here!

Image: Flower close-up Image: Dafodils Image: Forsthyia Bush

The nice weather has finally arrived... the snow is gone, the torrential rains have stopped. A great time of year here in the Northeast United States!

Image: Male Hairy Woodpecker

The outdoor chores have commenced, the workouts at the gym continue, the kitchen is still under construction and the work schedule remains intact. Little time for anything else.

Some great updates as of this writing... The Honor Roll page, the New Zealand section to the 1/1 Photo Shop (Page 2) and the Guest Files page... all inputs up from New Zealand. There's been very little scale modeling accomplished on my part, I have however started in on the Dragon 1/72nd scale SdKfz. 251/2 but unfortunately some of the kitchen wiring and plumbing is in the ceiling of my modeling room, having to pack up the place in order to not get saw dust etc all over everything. The wiring is done and the process to 'reclaim' my room has started albeit with some major cleaning and changes.

We survived the recent flooding ok. A trickle of water in the basement but nothing that an old t-shirt wouldn't soak up. We were fortunate as some neighbors in newer houses suffered flooded basements. The only 'real damage' for us personally was that I could not get to work for several days due to the roads being closed off. Some photos below. A once in a lifetime experience for sure.

Flood #1... and then the sun came out...

 
Image: Boston DUKW Tours :-) Image: Boston DUKW Tours :-) Image: WBZ-TV Channel 4 Relay Van Image: Canoe trip down the road :-)

...then the rains returned and with a vengeance... Flood #2...

Image: Boston DUKW Tours :-) Image: Flooded Road... Image: Flooded Road... Image: The Sudbury River

Far Right: The Sudbury River, normally, at this spot it is about 25 yards wide. Photo taken a day before it closed off Rt. 20, the main east bound route.

Image: Pair of geese (or one duck, one goose?)

...These two didn't seem to mind the abundance of water.

Hopefully some modeling progress next time a round.

Thanks again everyone!


Feb/Mar... Winter... still... Image: Happy St. Patrick's Day!
17 March
Even the birds are still snowed-in but it is getting better weather-wise. March has started out much better! Ah... but still... the Caribbean and those refreshing drinks of not-so-long-ago. Image: Snowed-in bird house
...Bird House attached to the rear porch.
Some modeling news to report on in this entry... some but not much. The 46th mortar added to this collection is another 1/72nd scale WWI subject from HäT, this time being an Austrian M16 pneumatic mortar. Bordering on the comical but a good/easy subject to work on while every day life is still KOAS. :-)
A special addition to this latest update... I am honored to have Philip Leduc, a Vietnam Veteran 4.2" mortarman from the 173rd Airborne Brigade added to the Honor Roll page. Phil was kind enough to send along a note that I have included at his link. Turns out that he lives just down the road from me and this will make it very easy to meet him someday.
I have grand illusions of starting the Dragon Sdkfz 251/2 in the very near future however, we are under construction with remodeling the kitchen over the past several weeks and is expected to continue for several more weeks. All new cabinets, appliances, fixtures, electrical and plumbing work. Combined with the current jobs, this leaves little time for anything else.
The work schedule continues... Happy to be employed in the current economy.
The gym workouts continue although at a more infrequent pace. Trying to get there as much as possible but with the current schedule, it is difficult. The knee is just about back to 100% but still sore at times. The heart is doing quite nicely with the stents in place but, I must admit, I am slowing down. Overall, not doing too bad coming up on 57 years old. Prepping for another Heart Walk in May.
Image: 2009 Heart Walk participants

...Last year's Heart Walk participants.

Hard to believe that the 9th anniversary of MiM is at the end of March... Thanks to everyone again for your continued support!!

Jan 2010...
Best Wishes from us to you
for the New Year!

Top

  • Winter is here. Been whacked with several 'good' snowstorms so far with a total snowfall of about 28 inches (71cm) to date. Bitter cold temperatures too-boot. We did enjoy a white Christmas and a white New Year's Eve/Day here in the Northeast US and most likely, we'll have a snow cover around these parts for some time to come.
Even the bird's are snowed in. :-) But the Woodys know where to go.

Photo taken just outside a bedroom window...

Image: Bird's nest outside a bedroom window...

Photo taken just outside the kitchen window...

Image: Hairy Woodpecker at the Suet feeder...
  • Some good modeling and reference updates to report on to start out this New Year. Two 1/72nd scale WWI mortars from HäT. Not much as far as traditional scale modeling goes but a good exercise in small scale painting. Also, several additions to the 1/1 Photo Shop pages with photos in from Finland, Australia and various locations throughout the US.
  • Some spark to finish off the British 4.2-Inch mortar that has re-surfaced on my workbench. Hoping that the current work schedules will allow me to find some time to spend at the workbench over the course of the winter months.
  • The knee surgery mentioned in last month's entry to repair a torn meniscus (cartilage) in my right knee was successful. There is still a slight soreness that remains at this writing but I am expected to fully recover and should be back to running in about another week. (I need to shed some of the recent holiday weight gain!) Amazing what orthoscopic surgeons can do. I was fortunate to have had the same surgeon for last month's surgery as I had back in June 1998 (left knee) and there are no doubts whatsoever about a complete and full recovery this time around as well.

The Knee...

Image: Before (torn) and After (repaired) right knee cartilage...

Before and After

Thanks everyone!!!    

Dec 2009...
Happy Holidays Everyone!
  Top
  • Well, winter has arrived. Cold temperatures and the first snowfall of the season. Ahhh... those days in the Caribbean of just a few short months ago.

  • Some good modeling progress to report on... well good from my point of view and compared to what hasn't been happening on the workbench as of late. Two 1/72nd scale kits from HäT Industrie. Not much as far as traditional scale modeling goes but a good exercise in small-scale painting. Should be posted by the next update.

  • Also some great photos to be added up from the Australian Vietnam Veteran's Museum will be added next time as well.

  • Another trip to the hospital on the 17th of December. This time it's about the snore knee that I mentioned in the last journal. Turns out that I've torn some cartilage in my right knee... not from working out and running at the gym but from mowing the lawn early last summer. Been bugging me and it is time to get it fixed. The same Orthopedic Surgeon that repaired my left knee about 15 years ago will be fixing this one as well. Happy about that as I have had no problems with the left knee since and I'm quite confident that this will work out well as well. Should be back to work on the 21st but no running for about two weeks.

  • The MRI scan...

  • Image: Right Knee MRI Scan 11/09

Thanks Everyone!


Nov 2009...
One year since the cardiac 'event'.
  Top
  • Not much to report on at this writing. I have managed to get a little time in on the workbench on both mortar and non-mortar subjects but have not been able to finish anything. The painting process at least has begun on a couple of the on-going projects.
  • Still working and maintaining the workouts at the gym on a regular basis... four to five days a week. The runs continue despite a painful right knee. A little more focus on upper body strengthening and conditioning. Not much time left over after all that and what time there is needs to be spent on maintaining the property. Winter is on its way.
  • Did manage to take a break to have some fun off the 'ranch' with another trip to the Caribbean recently. Cruised this time to the Islands of St. Thomas and Tortola, and to the Dominican Peninsula of Samana. Also enjoyed three full days at sea. Took in a tour of Miami during the layover that was surprisingly quite interesting.
  • Hopefully there will be some better hobby progress over the course of the next several months.

Thanks everyone!!!

Image: St. Thomas Harbor - Norweign Pearl Image: Norwegian Pearl Specifics

July 2009... Top

3-Stage Ferry Rocket

Finally, some modeling progress to report on this time around albeit non mortar related. I've had this Glencoe 1/288th (?) scale 3-Stage Ferry Rocket in progress for about 10-11 years now and I finally got around to finishing it. Ran it through Photoshop CS3 and had a little fun with it...

Been struggling with the hobby as of late and this model actually felt good to do.

  • I have completed the latest re-vamping of MiM by adding the biographies back to the veterans on the Honor Roll. MiM is now up to 80 pages!

  • My Cardio/Strength Training workouts continue at the gym and feeling better and better as time goes on. The 'cardiac event' of last November seems to be only a 'bump in the road' now... still very aware of what happened but feeling no adverse effects... certainly has not slowed me down any. Still more energy than I know what to do with. I continue to run at an average of 9.1 minutes per mile for two miles and 'speed' walk on average of approximately 7.5 MPM for up to four miles. Weight lifting, push-ups, inverted sit-ups, leg-lifts etc., etc. Working all the muscle groups while keeping that old ticker going. Even doing a little post workout meditating. I'm feelin' great! I hope to get back out on my bicycle real soon if it would ever stop raining.

  • The garden has been planted and is taking root although with all the rain as of late, some vegetables may not make it.

  • Always hopeful that I'll get to finish some of the mortar subjects that I've got in process...

Again... Thanks everyone!!!


May 2009...   Top
  • Been busy the past several weeks and sorry to say that there's been no progress as far as scale modeling goes. I still have several builds in the works but nothing has been done as of late.
  • Couple of personal milestones to report on...
  • A) My wife and I have celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary this month. Hard to believe that she has put up with me for that long (and more!). A quiet dinner and some laughs after a long day at work. Here's to another 30 years sweetheart!
  • B) I also turned 56 this month. :-( Not doing too bad despite the cardiac problem of last November.
  • Still running... trying to keep it to two miles maximum up to six to eight miles a week. Seems that any further than that, 'things' start to hurt here and there... ankles, legs... something different each time. Feeling excellent at two miles per workout and I'll keep it there. Working all the other muscle groups as well and really feeling great!
  • Oh, and then there's the past several weeks going through Mortars in Miniature and giving it a new look. It is a constant work in motion but now there's room to expand and I hope to get some of the in-process models added soon. I hope.

Thanks again everyone!!!


Early Apr 2009...   Top
  • Not much to report on this month so far. Spring has sprung and I've been outside cleaning up this past winter's debris. The snow is gone but there is the feeling that we ain't seen the last of it yet.

  • There is scale modeling progress to report on. Non-mortar related but I have made some painting progress on the Glencoe 3-Stage Ferry Rocket. Complete nonsense but a lot of fun to build with some different, non-military colors being applied. I should have that up on my Other Models page in a couple of weeks.

M901 ITV Composition

Have updated my graphics programs over the past month from CS2 to CS3 and have been having lots of fun getting to know that. Trying to improve on my photography skills (or lack thereof) and photo compositions. Getting there but still a ways to go.
  • I have also redesigned and republished a small, simple web site for the Spare Time Shop which is the local and best stocked hobby store in the Northeast US! What was there for a website was pretty bad and not effective at all. Check it out!

Image: Heart Walk Flyer

Officially, My Cardiac Rehab is complete however, as I prepare to participate in a local heart walk, I continue to work out at a local gym. I have managed to drop 23lbs (10.4kg) since my cardiac 'event' of last November and feeling great! Currently running about 10 miles (16km) a week on top of various other workouts. I haven't been in this good of conditioning since my army days of so long ago. The only physical complaints are a little soreness from time-to-time here and there but the knees and everything else is holding up quite well for a 55+ year old.

Thanks Everyone! But a special thanks to my wonderful wife of 30 years (next month!) for keeping me healthy and wonderfully in love!


Early Mar 2009...
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Top
  • Winter is still dragging on and on and on... with a vengeance too.

  • Not much to report on as far as scale modeling goes since the completion of the AML HE 60 Mortar Carrier last month. Still several subjects in progress just haven't had much time to get down to the 'Bunker'. I did manage to get a primer coat on the figure that will be used with the upcoming British 4.2" Mortar.

  • My Cardiac Rehab has been completed. Good and bad I suppose... Good in that I'm doing quite well health/heart wise, bad because I'll miss the rehab and the staff tremendously... The nurses and other staff members were truly wonderful, extremely professional and a lot of fun to be with! I learned a lot and met some great heart survivors and I will continue to be more conscious about a heart healthy future. Thank you everyone in Cardiac Rehab at UMASS Memorial Hospital - Marlborough! I will see you at the Worcester Heart Walk in May!

Cardiac Rehabilitation Certificate - 3/09

  • Some photos below of a recent American Heart Association event held in between periods during a recent Worcester (MA) Sharks vs. Portland (ME) Pirates AHL (American Hockey League) game... I didn't score many but had a ton of fun out there on the ice!

American Heart Association Event 2-09 American Heart Association Event 2-09 American Heart Association Event 2-09 American Heart Association Event 2-09 American Heart Association Event 2-09

Thanks Again Everyone!


Feb 2009...
National Heart Awareness Month...

  Top
  • What a winter it has been! Deep snow cover, ice and bitter temperatures all season long. Ahhh... those warm tropical days in the Caribbean of not so long ago...

  • Finally finished a model for this month's update. The AML HE 60/12 has been added. Hard to believe that it has been exactly one year since the last mortar was added to MiM. Hopefully, I'll get to finish off some of those built kits that are waiting in the paint queue.

  • Some site milestones to mention this month... Mortars in Miniature has grown to 44 mortar models and is now 70 pages long. I also celebrate the 80th contributor this month!

  • Had a little photoshop fun with a sci-fi model that I built some 10 years ago...

Mars Liner

  • The Cardiac Rehab continues. I have far exceeded the limitations set after my procedure last November and after a follow-on stress test, I have basically been given the green light to do what I feel that I can do! The test revealed that I am operating at 93% efficiency whereas a man of my age (55) and having the procedure that I had done, is on average, operating at 81%. I am working out, running a minimum of two miles a day, six to seven days a week. I am lifting weights along with doing various equipment and matt exercises. It feels great and I feel great... feeling like I'm 25 again! I am still amazed at how close I came to having a massive coronary. There was no known heart problems in my immediate family and trying my best to avoid another cardiac event. Unfortunately, the Nitro will never be out of reach. Looking forward to getting out on my bicycle again in the spring.

Image: Running symbol Image: Heart Awareness Month Image: Ridin' for the fun of it!

Thanks Everyone!


Jan 2009...
Happy New Year!

  Top
  • Hope that all enjoyed the holidays and that there were some great models found under your tree! Santa left me several of Hat's 1/72nd scale WWI mortars with figures, should be easy, quick builds for 'filler' projects in the near future. I am currently researching them. Soft plastic and simplified kits but should be fun all the same.

  • Progress to report on the 1/72nd scale AML 60... it is now in the paint booth and I hope to have this done for February's update! I actually may finish something here! :-) Having a ton of fun with this little bugger... photo etch and figures! Needless to say that the three other in-process subjects are well, still in-process.

1/72nd scale AML 60 In process...

  • Several updates this month... check them out!
     

  • The cardiac Rehab continues... Up and about walking, working out, shoveling snow etc... feelin' great! Walking on average 16 minute miles for three to five miles at a time, three to four times a week. Toning up the flab as well. :-)


December 2008...
Happy Holidays!

  Top

       

  • The Cardiac Catheterization that took place last month (November 13th) was successful. Sort of a routine procedure but it certainly wasn't for me! They found two blocked arteries, both at 100% blockage. After 4-1/2 hours on the table, two stents in one artery (now at 0% blockage) and an angioplasty in the other artery (minor artery - open to 50% capacity), I am now doing fine... actually feeling better than I have in years and expected to recover to better condition than before. Currently in cardiac rehabilitation for 13 weeks (36 sessions) and having a great deal of fun with it. Just like working out at the gym only many more wires involved. Unfortunately, I am now a cardiac patient and will be for the rest of my life.

  • I have managed to get some good build time in at the workbench as of late. Thanks to a good friend of mine, Kevin Campagna aka "The Big Guy" for coming over for a 'build-day' recently and helping a great deal to get me motivated once again. Had a great day sharing the hobby.

Welcome once again to "The Big Guy"!!

  • I do have several projects all washed/dried and ready to paint. They are:

    • 1- 1/35th scale British 4.2" mortar by Accurate Armour.

    • 2- 1/35th scale German SdKfz 250/7, Tamiya and ADV Azimut conversion.

    • 3- 1/35th scale Italeri USMC LAV-M with Aber Photo etch.

    All of the above will have accompanying figures.

    I couldn't resist the recently acquired ACE AML-60 in 1/72nd scale so, I started in on building that. Not the greatest of kits but, I sure have a lot of fun with ACE's kits. Real happy too that I have found some 'spare' figures for a crew. "The Big Guy" also provided some excellent reference material for this build and I'll most likely continue with this project until built and ready for paint. Might as well add this one to the unpainted pile too. :-)

    Still waiting for that 'painting mode' to kick in. :-)

...Cheers Everyone!...


November 2008...   Top
  • Progress continues on the LAV-M Mortar Carrier. Some minor changes/additions were needed and should be heading for a soapy bath by the end of this weekend (9th) along with the SdKfz 250/7 and the British 4.2". Lets hope so anyway.
     
  • Picked up the ACE AML-60 in 1/72nd scale on sale over the past week. Looks like it'll require some work but, I really like ACE's kits and hopefully, I'll get started on this within the next couple of months. The included PE will be a real test for my eyesight! I'm currently in the process of researching this subject and also looking for at least one scale figure to go along with this. Preferably, a decent Post WWII French or African/Middle Eastern Peacekeeper type.
     
  • A health issue to deal with this week. I have a partial blocked artery in my heart that will require Catheterization and that will be taking place on the 13th (Thursday, not a Friday the 13th :-)). I should be home sometime the following day. Fairly routine procedure but, not for me! 'Limited duty' for a while... humm... maybe a good excuse for some quality scale modeling time!?! Good thing that we went on vacation recently as now I've got shaved spots all over my upper torso. Ewwww.
     
  • Good news is that my nephew has rotated out of Iraq, completing his second tour, and is back with his wife and two children! He was recently awarded the Bronze Star for his professionalism while in theater. Outstanding job Sarge!!!
     

Enough for now... Thanks again everyone!

Banner Image: I (heart) mortars!


Late October 2008...
Happy Halloween!
  Top
  • Some great progress made on the LAV-M over the past couple of weeks. It is for the most part, ready for the pre-painting cleaning to remove the mold release and after that, ready for a primer coat on the interior. This is a major project, the likes of which hasn't been attempted by me in many years. Hoping that the 'buzz' continues on this project... it should as the weather gets colder outside.

  • An interesting Russian/Chinese made 60mm mortar photo in this month from Afghanistan. Actual nomenclature is unknown and I am waiting for permission to post this photo.

  • Had a great time at sea late last and early this month and the new job is keeping me extremely busy.

Image: Scary black halloween kitty face. (Awesome photo!)

  • Again... Thanks Everyone!


September 2008...   Top
  • Things are still slow as far as scale modeling is concerned however; some progress on the LAV-M has been made recently. Actually getting the 'buzz' on that once again. Major undertaking with the interior, photo-etch and piecing together a figure. The pine base is cut and sealed.
     

  • Some new and interesting Mortar and Infantry Weapons manual covers added this time, all courtesy of Tom Bebbington and there's been two additions to the Guest Files page this time around as well.
     
  • Starting a new Graphic Design position later on this month... something that I've been hoping for now for some time and I'm confident that the transition from Mechanical Design to Graphic Design will be smooth as well as going from Adobe CS2 to CS3. This new position is going to be a ton of fun in an extremely casual atmosphere... i.e. no long-pants... as long as the weather holds out.
     
  • Off to Bermuda by sea once again this month... Obviously, no modeling will be getting done there...

August 2008...   Top
  • Some non-modeling but mortar related updates so far this month to report on. Some fantastic additional info in from the UK in the form of several manual cover and page scans for the Soviet M1938. Other updates added to the M30 page... I never knew that the French had used the Four-Deuce mortar during their NATO days! Other manual cover scans in from what I can only imagine to be one incredible personal collection! Thank you Tom! Also, some great reference material in from South Africa for a later update.


  • Finally completed my Mechanical CAD courses and I hope that'll free up more time to get back into the hobby some. I have been able to get down to the 'Bunker' however, I haven't been able to accomplish much. The LAV-M is (still) spread out all over the work bench and I have received some very useful figures (also in from the UK!) for the British 4.2" mortar that is all assembled and waiting for that proverbial boot in the/my arse to get completed.
  • I have returned to work albeit part-time, driving a van making deliveries to homes and business... something different for me and quite enjoyable for the summer...

  • ...however, I do hope to return to either a graphic or mechanical position in the fall as I've been going to school for both for the better part of the past three years. Despite my semi-retirement (?), anxious to get back into one of those fields.

  • The outdoor chores around the property continue. Wonderful lawn and garden this year.

  • Thanks everyone!!


July 2008...   Top
  • Things are still slow as far as scale modeling is concerned. (I actually did complete a snap-tite kit of a Toyota 4x4 pick-up truck recently for display at my mechanic's shop.) The LAV-M is still on my workbench and some great news in from the UK in that there are some figure parts on the way that I can use with the British 4.2" Mortar that has been stalled for the past few months. Looking forward to those!
     

  • Some new and interesting Mortar and Infantry Weapons manual covers added this time, all courtesy of Tom Bebbington.
     
  • Work, school and chores around the property continue... you know the drill.

Image: Ridin' for the fun of it!


May 2008...   Top
  • Winter has finally ended. The  flowers are in bloom and the various species of birds common to the Northeast US and other wildlife have returned to our back yard. Seems that we've got a number of Fox in the area this spring. Haven't seen any deer yet but, they are expected.

Back yard photography Back yard photography Back yard photography Back yard photography
  • Had a wedding anniversary (#29) and a birthday (#55) to celebrate this month.

  • Not much of an update to mention this time around. However, I am well along with building the Italeri LAV-M. Started this years ago and it recently 'caught my eye' once again. After-Market tires by TAC Scale and (lots of) Photo-etch parts being added as well. It has turned into a major project and I do expect that it will take a fair amount of time (several months) to complete. The wood base has already been cut, stained and sealed. I am still seeking the out of production US Tank Crew, Dragon Kit No.: 3020 if anyone out there has one that they would like to part with. I can purchase outright, trade for comparable kit or I would certainly accept a donation for 'the cause'. I would like to have it one way or the other.

  • The Accurate Armour kit of the British 4.2" Mortar that I had been working on is built. The base is cut and the model needs to be painted. I am seeking a good figure(s) to display with this and I have yet to find a suitable subject and until I find something, this will most likely be put on hold to concentrate on the LAV-M for the time being. Please refer to this page for all my wants and needs.

  • School continues thru to the end of June.

  • Thanks to everyone for your continued support by helping out with info and your stopping by every now and then!

Until next time...

Backyard Dwarf


April 2008...   Top
  • Small updates to report on this time around with some added info to the Japanese Type 89 "Knee Mortar" Page. There's always been a lack of ammunition information within that subject and I finally stumbled across some. I used Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop CS2 to create an artwork of four different types of grenade used with this weapon with added nomenclatures.  A small update to the 9.45-Inch Page as well and there's been another contributor added.
     
  • Work has begun on the Accurate Armour 4.2-Inch Mortar. It's a great kit however, it does have some issues along with some part omissions but, I am making progress on it. Still searching for some (or a) suitable figure to go with this subject.

  • I have also revisited the Italeri LAV-M that I started several years ago. With the exception of the 4.2-Inch model, I'll probably poke at the LAV here and there while I'm in 'assembly mode'.
     

  • Had a good friend over for an afternoon build session recently. Caught up on some good times of years ago and somewhat rekindled the scale modeling 'spark' a little.

  • My schooling and other 'things' continue to take up most of my time however, I am getting better at getting down to the "Bunker".

...Stay Tuned! :-)


March 2008... Happy St. Patrick's Day! Top
  • No updates to report with this log although I have been researching the British 4.2 Heavy Mortar in preparation to starting the 1/35 scale Accurate Armour kit in the very near future. Still looking for a suitable figure(s) to pose with this subject. Haven't had any luck in finding any. WWII British figures are not for some reason popular subjects in 1/35th scale although there are some out there, just none to go along with what I would like to do.
  • I have also briefly revisited the SdKfz 250/7 that I started about a year ago. I have washed a number of sub-assemblies in preparation to commencing the painting.
  • I have also returned to school to learn a new 3-D Solid Modeler CAD software. This will consume a good portion of time over the next several months.
  • Hopefully this record-breaking snowfall winter will be over shortly... Still dreaming of the islands...
  • Island Illustration - Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop CS2


February 2008...   Top
  • Finally finished and added the Hasegawa M4A1 Halftrack. Difficult kit during a difficult time but, it is done! Sort of happy with the results, could be better, I could've done better with it but, what you see is what you get. Time to move on and away from this one.
     
  • Some great 1/1 photos sent in from Finland and Australia also added this time around.
     
  • Not sure what project to tackle next. I'll spend some time cleaning up my work area a little and review the Sdkfz 250/7 project that basically just needs to be painted. Briefly looking it over (and trying to remember where I left off), kind of rekindled the urge to get back to it.
     
  • There's been lots of snow this winter and lots of moving it off the driveway. Although I do have a monster snowblower, there is still a fair amount of shoveling and in the process, I strained my back. In a house with three flights of stairs, it has been difficult to get around to say the least. Finally broke down and went to see the doctor and through the marvels of modern pharmaceuticals, I'm doing much better now. :-) I'm almost ready to tackle the 141' (43m) driveway, three walkways, three stairways and the rear deck again. Our trip to the Caribbean last December seems like it was soooo loooong ago! I'm ready to go back!

Thanks Everybody!!


January 2008...
Happy New Year!

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Image: The famous surf board at the Sunset Beach Bar where topless girls drink for free!

 

  • Well, we survived our recent journey back to Sint Maarten. Lots of sun, fun and rum not to mention the incredible waters surrounding the island. We also took in Anguilla during this trip with a beautiful Catamaran sailing and snorkeling adventure to this neighboring island. Even though we're back to the snow and cold, we still like to think that we're still running on "island time". :-)
  • Back to the business at hand here... As you can see, the Insurgent 60mm Mortar Team has been added as well as some other updates. 1/1 Photos sent in from the 3rd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment have been added and were a nice surprise. I also had some 50 photos sent in from 1st Bn 12th Inf 4th ID and these are fantastic photos! Unfortunately, after they were sent in, there was some second thoughts about having them posted on MiM due to copyright concerns, The photos covered M2, M19, M29 and M30 Four-Deuce mortars along with associated FDC's (complete with beer cans) and firing positions. I was disappointed in the owner's concerns however, I do fully understand.
  • Some gorgeous model photos sent in of other scale modeler's mortars were added last update as well.
  • The Hasegawa M4A1 MMC is back on the workbench. I just need to 'get back into it' as I'm not all that pleased with the kit and what I've had to do to it to bring it up to 'snuff'. This kit is lucky to have made it this far.
  • Preliminary referencing has started in on the British 4.2" Mortar of WWII and slightly beyond fame. Some wonderful reference material having recently arrived from the UK on this weapon will be a tremendous help to me in the construction of this 1/35th scale kit from Accurate Armour. I'm still looking for some suitable figures to go along with this mortar.
  • As always, if you can help out in any way, please feel free to do so! Thank You for your continued support! Coming up on seven years of MiM in a few months!

December 2007...
Happy Holidays to everyone!
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  • Progress continues on the Hasegawa M4A1 Halftrack. It is painted, decals applied in between coats of floor wax and a wash was put on. For some reason, the floor wax on a couple of resin stowage boxes that I had added would not dry properly and I do not know the reason behind this. I always give my models a bath in warm water and dish detergent prior to priming to (hopefully) remove any mold release agents and residue from oily skin etc. but, after the oil based wash was applied, I noticed that the resin parts (only) were not and did not fully dry. They remained sticky to the touch for a couple of weeks afterwards until I gave up and just removed them from the model. After touching up the areas of the model with the base coat, floor wax and an area oil wash, all seems to be ok and everything has finally dried completely. I can now continue on with the rest of the finishing process and hopefully finish up on this difficult kit sometime within my lifetime. :-)
     
  • While I was waiting for that model to dry, I started in on the 28mm Insurgent 60mm Mortar Team from Stan Johansen Miniatures. This has now been primed and the base has been selected. Some good fun and pure enjoyment in doing these fantasy subjects. I hope to have this completed shortly.
     
  • ...However, we will be vacationing on the island of St. Maarten in the Caribbean this month and obviously, no scale modeling will be accomplished during that time. A great opportunity to catch up on my commercial (and occasional military) aircraft spotting among other things. Maho Beach, a spotter's paradise where B747, A340 and smaller aircraft, both jet and prop, literally fly 50 ft above your head on approach over the beach... close enough to feel the jet wash and you must hold on when the aircraft line up just behind the beach for departure. Ah, the smell of jet fuel... :-) Happy New Year!
November 2007...   Top
  • My current project is the 1/72nd scale M4A1 MMC from Hasegawa. This has been on my workbench for about a year now and as you may know, there is basically no interior detail to this model whatsoever so therefore, what was missing had to be built from scratch. Turning out to be better than an OOTB build by far but it is lacking in accuracy and will probably be chocked up just for the satisfaction of having another mortar (#42!) added to my mortar collection... good or bad. It is currently in the 'paint shop' as I write this and should be completed before the end of the year. Some may ask "why?"
     
  • Another 28mm fantasy/gaming mortar team has just arrived in the mail from Stan Johansen Miniatures. This is the Jihad Insurgent Mortar set and consists of two crew and a 60mm mortar. This is not so much of a fantasy subject like the others in my collection but, very nice white metal figures to say the least. I look forward to doing this set up next. Should be a lot of fun despite current world events.
     
  • The SdKfz 250/7 conversion is built. It needs to be painted and I'm waiting for the 'mood' to strike on this one.
     
  • I have the British 4.2-Inch mortar from Accurate Armour and I am now currently researching this mortar and searching for suitable British WWII figure(s) to go along with this mortar. The quality of this kit looks to be superb!
     
  • Other kits/subjects currently in my possession and are somewhere in queue are:
    • Italeri's 1/35th scale LAV-M.
    • Dragon's 1/35th scale 54cm "Loki".
    • Minicraft's 1/72nd scale 60cm "Thor".
    • 1/35th scale Israeli M3 halftrack conversion to mount the 120mm mortar by AEF Designs. Not a pleasant sight looking at the AEF conversion set for this.
    • A couple of mortar teams from SHQ in 20mm scale. These white metal sets will certainly be a test for my eyes even with magnification strapped on.

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Mortars in Miniature, Created and Maintained by
Kevin Robert Keefe, Copyright © 2001 - 2010
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