¹⁄35

Omaha ´44 Ambush!

Figures: Italeri ´44 Normandy Rangers 1/35, straight from the box,
Tamiya acrylics, watercolour

Just for Fun
As this was my first attempt ever to put up a decent diorama, my goal was to experiment  materials, paints and working itself. The figures were not too detailed, but they would do. After buying the figures, I did some 5 minutes sketching, and the situation was obvious to me. A guy shot down, one guy consulting the sergeant, yelling because of the grenade explosions, another guy sneaking behind the corner, ready to blow away the MG.

Concrete Wall
I used Das Pronto for the walls. The wall is not supposed to be exploded, but I couldn't come up with a better way to cut the wall as it should go all the way up. Some diorama sand and real sand from the backyard were added. The first colouring attempt left the contrast wrong, with a very visible line between the wall and ground. It seemed the right time to start working with  the figures.

The Final Set
I toned the wall lighter, the amount of sand yellow increasing down the wall. The same acrylic colour was used for very light washes on figures. The barb wire construction is not correct as I didn't want it to mask the action. Some straps and details, all made of paper, were added to  figures: BAR guy even has an ace of hearts on  his helmet. The pantyhose-helmet-camonet is seen on the guy at the corner.

I ended up using watercolour washes over acrylic on faces and flesh. With the right lighting, I was quite happy with the result.

There are lots of details that could have been made better, but for me it's the most important thing that the whole thing generally works. And it's my first one. Thanks for the help with the barb wire! I appreciate all comments and suggestions.

©2002 All pictures and text by Toni Kysenius