OK
here it goes again

This is a WIP of a pic I found on the web. It is an overrun maxim position with a corps laying in the ditch behind a maxim MG.

This is my first real attempt at tacklinng a wooded area. I attached two pictures with the basic dirt tone





and three with the groundwork in place







I need some honest criticism so I can improve.

GH

looks good so far, but right off IMO the leaves are too big for the scale

For fallen leaves, I just use parsley herb flakes. To preserve them, I use the glycerine method, spraying on a glycerine/warm water ratio of 1:15. This will keep the flakes subtle but will fade them to a yellow colour. You can easily paint them if you wish.

In your diorama, it would work if you take out most of the large leaves and add the parsley for variation. Leaves only grow that big in quantity in jungle conditions normally.

Having said that, I have not seen your reference picture which may show really large leaves, I don't know.

Chas

Gday GH
I think this shows great promise!
One thing for the future would be to out the focal point (in this case, the Maxim) on an angle compared to the sides of the base. It only has to be slightly, but can remove the sometimes 'contrived' element of the scene.
The leaves have good tones, but the spread I think is too even. I'd go for some clumps especially directly under the trees, and pressed-in leaves where there has been traffic, such as behind the gun. I would also be careful in future as to the height of some elements (in this case you front tree) and where it is placed from a viewing perspective, as it can block the view of the contents of the scene behind.
Keep it up!
Brad

OK

Gents

Here are a few (WIP) figures on the base. They are probably not the ones I will use but they do indicate scale for the base.

I will post more as it develops.




GH

A well choosen subject for such a small diorama. I love the setting and a fall scene will be very colorful, wish I was the inventor of this idea. It fits well together, the poses of the figures are nice. I look forward to see this one finished ! G.

This looks very promising. I can see you using the figures in the diorama even though they might not be intended to be used.

The leaves could be this big. I have seen leaves like that in both Denmark and Latvia, so should not be a problem to use in this scene. The leaves are spread a little too evenly though - especially considering that people have been moving around in the trench.

Looking forward to see more.

well these responses made me rethink the whole idea and setup and this is what I came up with.

I do not want to cramp the little base (10x10 cm) so this one is pushing it to the limits....

comments are more than welcome









GH

You've got a nice little scene there, good idea, good groundwork. I agree with those who said the leaves are too evenly spread - that was my first thought also. But just making it more uneven will give you a very nice base.

The one thing that would most improve this is to show some interaction between the figures. For example, take the guy pointing and move him to his right, so that his torso is facing the other troops. Maybe have him looking at them also; looking and shouting would be even better. Then with the other two troops, have them either looking at the shouting guy or looking in the direction he's pointing.

In the trench, I assume you'll want to add lots of spent brass and empty ammo boxes for the Soviet MG. If you show a belt in the gun, remember the Maxim fed from the right, like many Soviet MGs but unlike most western ones.

Hi there

I would disagree with the last comment about repositioning the men. I think this latest trio give a feel of having just over run the position, and still passing through to keep on the attack!

If I might suggest placing some dropped or lost kit from the russians, say a rough blanket or mess tins that would give the impression some poor sod had been sitting behind this gun in the ditch freezing until these guys showed up, and got up and legged it when the bad old Commisar had turned his back.

Like the work!!

Nige

Well, everyone's entitled to their opinion, that's why we come here I believe if the figures appear to be interacting this would be a much, much stronger vignette.

Hi Danny

It is ages since I have had a go doing a dio and it is easy for me to spout off about this and that. Hope it did not come over as a dig, cause it was not intended. Everybody sees different ideas bubble up in their own minds about how they would want it to look. After all it is his work.

I just wish I had half the skills to paint and sculpt as these guys do that get the poses just right. My figure painting is crap.

As you rightly say is only our opinions and putting our tuppence worth in to what is bound to be a stunning wee set piece.

All the best

Nige