Hi all.

In preparation for my Villers-Bocage dio, I thought I should get some hedgerow making practice, so I started this small simple 1/72 dio showing a knocked out King Tiger rusting in the field, while a Sd Kfz 7 does the same behind it, meanwhile, some new recruits pass by along the lane. It is set around March-April 1944 in NW France when Hawker Typhoons became particularly active.

Here is my progress so far:

1.Moulded hedgerow mound with clay (base is an old piece of Kitchen Bench).


2. Filled it in with Plaster of Paris.

3. While wet, I stuck in a slab of grass. [/img]

4. I then added on natural dirt+coffee powder. Sprinked on some fallen leaves (parsley flakes) from the trees above.



5. I then pressed the leaves into the groundwork and sealed them. Gave them a brown finish to indicate they are dead. (hence, falling off the trees.)When it all dried, I 'planted' some trees into the earth bank.

Next steps: Plant static grass in field, Add foliage to trees, Add foliage to Hedgerows, Construct broken gate (which the Tiger has smashed through in attempting its evasive actions). Final step: Add in the destroyed Tiger and Sd Kfz 7 plus destruction/rubble.

I think you should put a KoenigTiger with Porche Turret .
And your scene is before D-Day ... interesting . Keep up good working .

I've started on the Hedgerow, will post pictures tomorrow. Might frame the dio too. Need tips on building a nice little wooden fence.

PS. Please help me out in choosing a kit for 1/72 Wittmann's Tiger (Dragon or Hasegawa?) See my post in the Small Scale forum.

Thanks.

I like the color blending on the ground work. One thing I would do is to trim a few branches. Some are a bit long in this scale.
Can't wait to see the TII in the scene.

Hi all,

Well after a long days work, I managed to get the Tiger into position, (tomorrow is rocket damage and weathering day, the best part!!) and the Hedgerows started. Might have to lighten the colour a bit on the foliage. Got about 25% of the grass laid too, made from twine.

Base is framed and tomorrow I'll touch up the edges. (lesson learned: frame your base before starting diorama.) Dropping the Sd Kfz 7 from this dio.

Nice TII position. I like the composition.
Pay attention to the open area behind the bocage opposite the tank, its a bit empty right now.

Scott, Yes that is where 25% of the static grass will be

My 12 year old brother built the Tiger II. Unfortunately, he didn't blend the camo scheme very well. Is there any easy way I can fix this without re-painting?

If you have an air brush you can go back over the green and blend it. If no try a sponge and 'dab' the edges. You can try to use makeup sponge, the poures/holes are tighter and smaller. I think these would work a bit better for 1/72. Do it like dry brushing just with a dabbing motion.
Another thought is to blend it with some pastels. Again use a dabbing/stippling motion with the color.
You can also give it an all over dusting of a dusty light brown color as if it traveled a while in the dirty bocage area.

This is coming together well. Keep up the good work.

Here are some more progress pics. Today, I have damaged and weathered the Tiger II and laid some more grass in the field.

The weathering really helps the Tiger. If possible some pin washing in the creases would help it too.
Keep up the good work. It's getting there.

This is pretty good so far, but I thought Bocage was a lot more grassier? with your tank, look up some pictures on how to weather. It is good but not realistic, or even check out my page on my Dads website, it is trains but it will show you how to use chalks or whatever.http://myweb.cableone.net/csus/The%20Weatherman.htm
good luck my friend this should look really good.
David

hey there this looks really good, if u want a neat trick for wathering take an old toothbrush, next find some really fine dust or dirt then mix in with some water not alot but enough, then take the tooth brush dab it in the mix and then run your finger over the bristles and it will spot ur tiger like it was on a muddy or dusty road. when it dries it looks exactly like mud. as for your paint scheme i wouyld weather a wee bit more over it unless u wanted it to stay this way which is always up to you! good luck really want to see it finished.
-Graeme

Excellant tip, thanks Graeme I will take it on board!

Back at school this week so progress will be slow until the weekend

Well here are the latest progress shots. Started stuffing the hedgerows full of moss and small plants and have finished the trees. Weathered the King Tiger as much as I dare, what do you think?

Sorry the pictures were took under artificial lighting because it's night right now. I spend all afternoon working on the dio and then at 8 o'clock realized I hadn't taken any shots.

More progress. Only one hedgerow to go. Let me know what you think.

I like the wide range of vegitation you have added. It keeps it interesting and easy to look at.

Interesting Scenario, might I suggest something though?

Unless the area was under fire, or the incident had just happened, I'm sure the AA, & Co-ax, Hull Guns would have been Recovered along with any tools, tow cables, jacks, spare track, etc.

One especially wouldnt want to leave 3 Machineguns laying around for the Local maquisards.

The Foliage looks splendid as well for the scale

Looks good. I especially like the foliage.

Thanks for sharing