Here is my diorama titled "Combat Rock - Falklands '82" depicting two British Royal Marines on their 'yump' from the west- to the eastcoast.

The project was finished in april this year. I remember the Falklands War when it broke out in '82 (me being a little child, so I cannot remember details) and out of curiosity I began to read about the war. The project was interesting both in regard to research and to modelling as well. The British didn't - or rather couldn't - use much armoured vehicles due to the terrain they had to cross, hence their use of infantry on march. The soldiers enlisted to the campaign had to provide winter/arctic gear themselves, so the uniforms saw some differencies. That leaves a modeller with some interesting possibilities.
Never the less: These two guys haven't any "privately purchased" items on them. The figure on the left is from Tamiya (British Stretcher Party) with Dragon arms. The soldier on the right is from Dragon (SAS kit) with a Verlinden head. Arms are from Italeri (Modern small arms kit) and the equipment is a variety from different manufacturers.
The groundwork is concrete (an old broken staircase to be exact) and wood painted in rock-color. The grass is from HEKI.

Hope you enjoy it. Please let me know what you think of it.

PS: The title is from The Clash' album "Combat Rock" released in...you guessed it...1982.

The ground work really captures the 'feel' of the Falklands. I just saw a History channel show on them the other day, quite an interesting situation: War on an island 1/2 way around the world.

Nice little dio on a very hard to model subject due to the lack of kits available.
The groundwork is bang on, good job.

I would say that the headgear is a little too bright/clean, and could do with toning down though.

I have read a lot on the Falklands conflict and didn't know that the troops had to supply their own winter gear - thats tough.

Shows how un-prepared Britain was for the war.

James

Nice job Simon,the groundwork sets the scene for the Falklands very well and good work on the figures.The only sugestion i would make is to make the bergans(backpack) twice the size they are for reality,they had to carry some serious kit for the war as transport was minimal or non existing.

Steve

Hi there

Thanks for your replies.

I am pleased that you like the groundwork. I realized how similar the terrain on the Falklands resembled the same on Arran Island out of the westcoast of Ireland. I am pleased with the result myself and I am glad you like it too.

I agree on the remarks about the sleeping bags and the beret. I'll see to it soon.

Thanks again guys

Simon

Overall, I think this looks great, with excellent groundwork and some very well done paint on the figures.

I have to agree with Steve, though. Those guys were humping a lot of ruck, so I think the packs could be a bit bigger.

But still, a very sweet little piece.

My only comment is the second figure probbaly wouldn't be wearing green lightweight trousers, I think he would be wearing DPM trousers like the first figure.

Great diorama. I can almost feel the cold wind blowing over the barren islands. I do not know about the size of the backpacks.

Thanks for sharing

simon, your little dio is spot on, our forward elements went ahead of the main attack forces with minimal gear the reason ? when you hit contact with the enemy trying to take off 110lb of gear when you are getting shot at is impossible, hence you cant react quick enough, so you end up very dead, and the light weight trousers, why not ? i and many others wore them, but what i like best is the marine up front with the blue hat , remindes me of the one my mum knitted for me, that little hat saw just as much action as we did and all these years later i still have it, so like i said at the start your dio is spot on. very well done

Hi there

And thanks for your replies. I am glad you like it.

I have never received comments on my work from someone who actually took part in the action. It flatters me very much Tony when you tell me that my work is 'spot on'. Also when remarks like 'I can feel the cold' appears. That really makes it worthy.

Thanks guys. Its highly appreciated.

Simon

PS: Tony, I like your story about the hat. Did you also have a moustache back then?

YES! how the heck did you know THAT? i shaved it off once but the wife wouldnt talk to me until it grew back, and the boys in my team said i looked like a recruit, hmmm long time ago!