Hi Jerry,

Thanks for your continued support. Building anything that is figure focused is a real challenge.

Cheers

Al

I have to echo Jerry's praise- it is epic and it just gets better every time you see it. The depiction of the trenches is just stunning- from the duckboards to the various bits of scattered kits and the various little scenes of things going on from digging to washing (and shaving- love the shaving guy!) and the guys on duty in various places. Its one of those dios you see at shows were you could stand looking at it for ages to try and see every little detail. The great thing about seeing it here though is you can go back to page one and see how it was all put together.

Hi Karl,

Many thanks, comments much appreciated. A few sets of equipment to make, and a couple more respirators and more rats and the internals should be complete.

I added a bit of foliage to the frontage last night, so overall the ground work looks more cohesive. It probably needs a scattering of debris here and there.

I would really have liked the space to crash a plane on top which would have been fun, maybe next time. More thought at the beginning would most probably have resulted in a more detailed tunnel, but perhaps that project requires a Livens Flamethrower lol, lol.

All the best for now.

Cheers

Al

Hi folks,

A little alteration on the CSgt, originally I though this fig might make a good medic but in his new role as a CSgt I've added a pistol, lanyard and small ammo pouch.



Some cook ware:



an overview so far.







Cheers

Al

Apart from all the detail to take in the sheer size is impressive. How are you planning to display it when finished Alan?

cheers
Brent

Hi Brent,

It already has a shelf to live on.

Cheers

Al

Nice to see you at the point of putting all the"icing on the cake"
J

Hi Jerry,

Thanks. I can se the end in sight.

Cheers and thanks for your continued encouragement.

Al

That is a stunning piece of work Alan!

Hi Murdo,

Many thanks, glad you approve.. Computer problems so nothing new done these last few days, still trying to sort out my email.

Cheers

Al

Hi folks,

Getting near the end, working on some more 1914 pattern leather webbing to add to the scene. I need about 6 sets but will probably just do 3 or 4.




I have to hunt out the lamps for the tunnel, no doubt in a safe place that will take me weeks to find

Cheers

Al

It does look like you're getting down to the wire, Alan.

I imagine that you could add more and more detail just about forever on a project like this. The webbing sets look very nice, though. Having those around is something that's often overlooked on build with troops shown in shirtsleeve order.

Could I ask - Where did you source the PE buckles that you're using for your webbing sets?

I'm really looking forward to seeing the finished dio.

Hi Mike,

I chose the 1914 leather pattern as it required less pouches. The buckles are from the Resicast set of buckles. They are not to scale but close enough in most cases. I think Inside the Armour do weapon slings and cap badges. I've used the cap badges which are great but not tried out the slings yet.

For the rear buckles I removed those from defunct Tamiya Carrier figures (had a lot of those) and altered the spade carriers by removing the shaft. I'll post up some pics of the finished sets.

Cheers

Al

I've folded these sets over as they will be hanging sets.





Construction: Rolled lead wire for the belt and straps, Cut down pouches from the AA set of Bren tool kits, buckles Resicast and defunct Tamiya figures, bayonets Ultracast and Italeri, DML/Tamiya altered spade carriers. I didn't add the water bottles as these are displayed separately. Light wasn't too goo but you get the idea. The lead wire means you can bend them into whatever configuration you need.

Cheers

Al

Looks pretty good Alan. Now after seeing the web gear build, I know that you are either nuts or suffer from A.M.S., which there is no cure for; actualy, it is a honoured place . By the way, my health went down and never got to the P.O. to send out the flowers I was sending, so look for them in Jan. some time. Bob d.

I like how you are including all the little bits like the webbing. These tend to get overlooked a lot.
J

Ho Bob,

Sorry you're not feeling well, no hurry on the weeds. I still have to find the lanterns and finish up the latest batch of rats and a few other small but time consuming jobs.

Hi Jerry,

A soldiers kit is rarely far away and in this setting pretty much a must. I opted for the leather pattern as it seemed easier to construct and can be widely see during this period.

Thanks for dropping in and the continued support.

Cheers

Al

Hi folks,

Some more small pieces of kit nearing completion



Do any of the accessory kits contain a flare pistol?

Cheers

Al

I think the only thing lacking in this magnificent project is your lack of suitable camera that can take close-ups! We need to see more.
J

Hey Alan, one of the old Tamiyas weapons kit has a flare gun. If you don't have one I'll include it in the weeds I'm sending you. Bob D.
Just went through the parts bin, found that small sucker. Have it in the container with some of the flowers and weeds for you. Bob

Hi Jerry,

Served me well so far. Perhaps it's just me but I think the detail is pretty clear in most cases, but I'm no David Bailey that's for sure.

Cheers

Al

Hi Bob,

Many thanks, you're a star. I had though I'd seen one recently but hadn't been able to track it down. Seemed a missing item from the SAP.

I got the ICM Austro-Hungarian set recently for some Axis items, spoils of war etc.

Many thanks

Al

Hi folks,

This is a fairly large picture update. The main players are in place and I have added additional personal equipment and kit around the trenches. More rats are in evidence and I have opted for some candles in the tunnel, yet to be added.



































































Thoughts welcome.

Cheers

Al

Hello Alan ,

The communication trenches are a little bit to open,from above. I would cover them more with planks and sandbags . That's my idea , what do you think ?

But again , it is a wonderful diorama ! I spotted the poppies , excellent !

Cheers , Kurt

Quote:
Thoughts welcome
Unquote

Dear Alan,
Just one: WOW!

Congratulations to this wel designed dio! It is full of spots were your view keeps hanging around to see tiny details. And every new picture reveals new ones!
Superb job!