For about 6 months, I have been putting together a "snapshot in time" through a diorama depicting the march up to Bagdad in 2003. 3 months of research and so far 3 months of building. I am about 90% done The place is Afak it is D+9. It occurs in front of a war memorial with an M1A1 commanded by S/SGT, Nick Popaditch. The crew was CPL Schroeder, the gunner, LCPL Conkwright, loader and LCPL. Hagewood the driver. The personal equipment is accurate and at this time the Marines were in MOPP gear. The other figures depict LT. Col McCoy, C/O of 3/4 Marines and his Humvee driver CPL. Mongue, LCPL Sheally, his R/O and LCPL Baynes, his machine gunner. To the best of my knowledge and photographs their equipment is also accurate.

With the help of Gunny Popaditch and Master SGT Mummey, I am pretty sure I got the M1A1 tank looking pretty much like it was on this day. Here are some pics.

THIS IS THE CAST OF CHARACTERS

S/SGT POPADITCH DISMOUNTING

LCPL HAGEWOOD, DRIVER

CPL SCHROEDER, GUNNER ON CARNIVORE, PACKING AWAY SOME POGEY BAIT (BABYRUTH)

LCPL CONKWRIGHT , LOADER

BN CO COL. MCCOY 3/4 MARINES

LCPL SHEALLY, R/O FOR MCCOY

CPL MONGUE, MCCOY'S DRIVER WITH A WATER BOTTLE AND SOME COPENHAGEN

LCPL BAYNES, MACHINE GUNNER ON MCCOYS HUMVEE

Great figure painting and attention to detail.
It may be a little late but I think the addition of a humvee in the rather empty spot to the front right of the tank would take this small dio from phenominal to perfect.
Evan

Really great work Mike! The little details you have added are simply superb and allow the viewer so much to enjoy and take in. I love the figures to, the interaction between them is perfect, and the poses on all of them look just spot on. This is certainly one of my favorite OIF diorama's ive seen.

You do have some dead space in the dio which may be a problem, really its on the highway section. Theres very little you can do about this, except perhaps add a plaque with the details of the diorama on the right side. Also id suggest weathering the road a little, with some dust and dirt.

Thank you Evan,

Yes I have been toying with the idea of putting Col. McCoy's Humvee in that spot. I spoke with him a couple of weeks ago and I am awaiting some pictures.

Appreciate the comments Rob, The road will definitely get toned down and trash, paper dust, etc will be added when everything gets nailed down.

Those figures look great. A very nice scene. Congrats

Very nice! Can't wait to see it completed!

Amazing work, Mike
The figs are very nice, just a little remark , in your shoes I would give them more depth at the camo with some touch of light and shadow, but maybe are the pics that give me this impression.
However the whole work that you have done in the dio is very cool.
Good stuff
Lucio

Wow really nice diorama, looking forward to this develop.

I fixed the figures to the base and have dusted and added shadows to them. My photography is weak so when I am done, I will have a friend take some good ones.

Thanks,

Gracias Greg,

Where abouts in California? I am down in Temecula area.

perfect!! I'm looking forward for the new pics
Well done Mike
Lucio

Santa Rosa - (1 hour north of San Francisco)

Hay! Khaver!

A Sheynem Dank

Gunner Mike

Great dio mate, where did you get the figures?

Great dio! I really like those figures.

Tony

indeed great work i love it

Figures are MIG, Alpine and Dragon. with putty to make the MOPP suits.

Thanks for your comments.