Hi there

Thanks to everybody who commented through the building of the UE. I hope you enjoyed watching. As promised, I have started working on the base and figures.

The figures are a mix of the Master Box 'Die Skatspieler' set and Tamiya 1/35 German Tank Crue at rest. The idea behind it is probably quite clear; these two likely lads are busy playing cards, when they should be attending to their duties. I like the pose of the NCO; his posture suggests that this may not be the first time he has caught them slacking.

I have tried to include most of the items I will use for the final piece, sans stowage for the trailer and the the card players heads of course.



This is one of my first proper dioramas and so I really need feedback on layout and ground work elements, though if you think there is something missing anywhere I would appreciate hearing it.

I have two layouts in mind:

Layout 1


Layout 2


I have tried to fill all areas of the back so there are no dead spots but something is still not right.

Look forward to hearing your opinions.

Stuart

It might just be me, but the only thing I can see that is sort of 'out of place' is a problem of the 2 card players having to read their cards, being headless and all!
Great scene anyway.

I like both but if I had to choose I'd go for Layout One, it adds to the story, in the sense that it's positioned to hide them more from the NCO etc. than Layout Two.

Are you using original heads or going for something like Roger Saunders Hornet replacements?

Nice grass and foliage as well. Do you mind telling what you used ?

Alan

Ola Stuart

Nice little scene you have here mate. I really like it... the UE is very well done. Great painting on this little bugger.
As for the scene. I would go for option one. In option one it seems like the parked the vehicles in such a way that they are out of sight... almost hiding behind the vehicles.
And change the Jerrycan from the cardreader... the MB jerrycans are not good. Swap it with an Italeri one or a Dragon Jerrycan they look much better.

I like layout one, however I do have a 'reality' problem with it. If the UE is in firing position, then the trailer is going to get ripped up. I do like the hiding aspect though.
Maybe hitch the two together and scootch the UE back a touch. Have you put the trailer along the same line as the brick path? Is there room there, and move the CO a bit left?

Hi there

Nice one Kym, don't worry, I'm working on the heads!

Alan.
The heads are the standard kit items; they looked pretty good unpainted, though were a bit of a disappointment when the paint went on. A few flaws in there features, still pretty good for non-resin heads though.

The grass is a mixture of lots of things. I have around five differnt flock and grass scatters and mix them according the the texture I want to achieve. I think on this occasion it was around 50/50 Games Workshop static Grass and Woodland scenics scatter. the taller grass is Woodland Scenics grass tear-style matt and 'Tall Grass'. These products are so cheap, it is quite easy to experiment with them.

Robert.
Already there with the Jerry cans, am using the old tamiya Jerry can and Barrel set.

Scott.
Well spotted there with the possitioning. I think i am happier with this set up:



The trailer is out of the firing line and I am happy that there are no real dead areas. Thoughts???

I have also been working on the NCO figure. Base coat of Humbrol 169, with highlights of Humbrol 159 and a small pin wash on humbrol 98 Chocolate, my new favourite colour, to achieve a little depth.



Faces next......

thanks

Stuart

I like the recent layout better. You can even scootch the EU closer to the bricks if need-be.

I like the detail on the uniform.

Stuart -

I too liked the last layout...looks good. Not too much 'stuff' going on, can appreciate the details and groundwork, you've done a nice job so far.

Looking forward to future updates/pics. Thanks!

Cheers!

Tim

Thanks Scott

I have been enjoying working on some figures. i really need the practice, though now i have done a couple, i can't wait to do more. i think I will start the Dragon Red Berret set i bought a while ago.

The NCO face was last nights mission, quite happy with the results, though as always, there is room for improvement and I think I will manage better next time. I have tried to show stubble tones and the pupils of the eyes, which add a great deal of expression to a face. Struggled with the whites of the eyes though.



Thanks

Stuart

Hi Stuart

Thanks for the info on scenery etc.

I still prefer Layout One, but take on board what Scott commented on. I'd say Layout One but swing the UE through 90 degrees or so, so that its front is facing more or less were NCO is coming from.

Whatever you decide it's still nice modelling and diorama.

Thanks for showing

Alan

Very nice! I like the concept and the content!

Well there we have it.





Thank you all for commenting throughout the job. I have gained a great deal of experience on groundwork and am keen to do another.



The figures came out better than expected too, am particularly happy with the NCO figure.



I left the trailer out of the finished piece due to things getting a little cramped. Although nice, it was not vital to the diorama and so sacrafices had to be made.

I have written a 2000 word article to follow this build, so i will be uploading it soon. Might see if any mags want it too.

Thanks again

Stuart

Assuming the trailer was removed because of the "Backblast area" I certainly wouldn't have either the crew or the NCO anywhere near it.

I preferred option 1 as the crew looked like they were definitely hiding!

You know, you may be right Murdo.

If I attached the trailer, it would surely look as if the crew had not even prepped the rockets after their arival, thus solving the problem.....awesome thanks.

Stuart

haha, love it

I would imagine the NCO's language might be a bit stronger than "back to work you two" ......

I thought I had commented on the completed dio

Ok - so it came out nicely. The layout 'works' and doesn't create any inconsistancies as before.

Well done.