hello guys this is my first posting . I made this diorama about a Sherman Tank hit and sinking in a lagoon off Tawara. The crew is bailing out and helping a wounded crewman. Let me know what you think?

Tom

Welcome aboard Thomas. I have a couple of observations/comments.........

1.) What happened to the drivers and co-drivers front hatches? It looks like the co-drivers was smashed and destroyed ,but the other drivers hatch is missing (?) These hatches were pretty rugged, not thin metal.

2.) Your Sherman (which looks like the Verlinden submerged M4A2 BTW) is missing alot of the turret fittings (front lifting lug above the mantlet for example) or miss-placed. Is that the vane sight in front and off to the side of the gunner's periscope? It also needs the cupola replaced with a late split hatch cupola to be accurate.......

3.) Your Sherman doesn't have ANY wading equipment attached, trunks, waterproofing etc.... would be the order of the day

I applaud your efforts in the sea sculpting department, just keep in mind that with practice you'll get better. The shells exploding in the water are a bit too small in my opinion

Chris

Chris

Thanks for your comments. This is my first diorama in a long time. Your right with practice and helpful comments from my fellow modelers I will improve.

Thanks again

Tom

Thomas, No problem! Is it the Verlinden M4A2 and the bailout figures?

Chris Yes on both counts.


Tom

Maybe a pond in Okinawa, maybe. No way this could be Tarawa. Wrong commanders hatch and no cheek armor. A little research would prove this out. Not calling it anything but a diorama, I really like the water, the splashes would be more taller and thinner since the water would be only 3 or 4 feet deep, but I like'em anyway. If moving the tank would effect the water like a boat moving through it, a very slow boat. If stopped the water would look like it was lapping up against it.

Chris there wasn't any wading equipment or waterproofing at Tarawa.

Nice job for being out for a while. On the PTO just ask and there are a bunch of people to give references about which tank was where.
Bob

I dont find the size of the water explosion size a problem, as it is a "moment in time" scene, so could be explained by just happening or happened, rather than in full force.
As a diorama, the one thing that stands out to me as how symetrical the scene is. The sherman perfectly in the middle of two even sized explosions ... looks somewhat planned, rather than natural.
The idea is great, and the effects are believeable, so kudos for that. You only improve one mistake at a time, so keep going. Theres lots and lots of promise, and hopefully some comments will help you on our way.

A diorama is first a good idea and your idea is good so congratulations -as Frank says the rest will improve over time

I like it. Water is I think one of the hardest dio subjects to tackle and yours looks good. Alos a good concept as JBA says. I also agree with Frank on the symmetry of it all.

Of course those in the know will pick up on the lack of wading stacks and missing fittings so the most helpful thing to tell you is if you pick a particular place and time you have to do some research.

Hello Thomas,
To me a dio is at its best if it shows emotion, action or tells a story. Yours certainly does. I love your water, both the surface and the explosions. Would like to know how you did that!
If I may throw my 2 cents in about things to imrove: the 'boiling' water at the rear of the tank looks like it is loose.. It doesnt really blend in with the rest of the water like it does at the front..

Looking forward to more of you work!

Tommie. The water is celuclay painted with dark blue, light blue and white. the explosions I found a tutorial on you tube. a Japanese modeler was telling hoe to make them Take sculping clay form into 5 rolles out strands, put the lagrest strand in the middle and surround in with the four other strands connecting at the base. Let dry. Take window foam and white paint to combine. with a palate knife smear the foam all over the the dried strands. The foam willexpand as it dries I hope this will help you.

Tom

The one thing that caught my eye first, and that no one else has mentioned yet is the lack of waves. Although you have modeled choppy water, (and it looks good btw) I would expect to see more defined waves at that depth. Just a suggestion for next time, I agree with the others though, nice job for being out of the game for awhile.

Matt
Thanks for the kind words. I knew that My diorama would recieve criticism But the only way you learn is through criticism. What I have learned on this website is invalvuable. The next diorama I do I will will do my homework first. Thank to all who responded to my first work.

Tom