I've been planning this idea out in my head for some time, trying to figure out how to work it- it will be my first major project to undertake, comprising of several models and potentially in several scales.

For those who are avid gamers, especially for WWII genre, should recognize the scene set in the pivotal d-day mission in Ste. Mere Eglise, where you are tasked with the destruction of several Flakpanzers.

My plan is to have the setup of the first Flakpanzer, where US 101st airborne attack the tank, which is parked in a closed off street and crawling with Fallshrimjager.

The scene should look similar to this, if not in the same theme:



The only problem I've been struggling with, besides finding accurate kits for both the FJ and 101st, is how to paint them to give the impression of the action taking at night.

If you want to duplicate the image you will need to go with a shadow box and pea lights or rods of clear spure for the length.

I agree, the only way of doing night action I can think of is in a box. Ambitious project!

BTW, was the mission really in St Mère église? It was the 82nd that was there, not the 101st, and I don't remember any mention of that town in CoD. Great game by the way... br />
Cheerio!

Unless this is gonna be a large diorama with space between combatants would it not be better to consider using differing scales for friend and foe to give a false sence of perspective. Especially if the person is to get a view from the American troops hole in the wall.

Just a thought.

Nige

A box dio is the way to go on this one. I agree with Nige on the scale and forced perspective. 1/35th for the G.I,'s up front and 1/48th for the background. Lots of potential with this plan.

I was going to build this all in 1/35th scale, as the distance between the airborne and the panzer in the game is about 20 feet or so, so it wont be as large as the box art depicts.

What I'm really digging for here is will having it be a shadowbox be enough for the nighttime effects? I know when it comes to painting- something special will have to be done, because the uniforms would be too bright to be at night, even with ambient light from muzzle flash and fires. Do I mix in some dark blue, maybe navy blue, with the colors I plan on using? Or perhaps do a light coat with an airbrush?

Hi Bill

What about buying a cheap box of 1/32 Airfix soldiers to mess about with and trial shadow box sizing, colours and lighting on first before messing about with the actual figures?

Nige

Bill, You might want to paint darker as you thought. I would experement with an old figure to get the colors down pat. Also consider what light source you'll use. In a box I'm working on I'm using a light source that has 5 dark green lights in it and it has a erie night time look to it. I just have to figure my colors for the figures and having the light there lets me know what they will look like in the planned light source that I plan on using. It's important to have your lights figured out as your figures painted under a white light will look different under another color. Hope this helps you a bit more.

Hrmm.

I'm thinking maybe have a few dark blue lights, with some orange ones hidden behind a wall to give the fire impression, and maybe a few 'Christmas style' alternating lights to simulate rifle and AA fire- imitating the kind of pattern seen at the end of the second episode of Band of Brothers, where the sky is lit up with AA fire and burning buildings.

And what better time of the year than Christmas to get started with this?

Interesting idea. I'll be keen to see how it turns out.....

Good Luck,
Sean

Yea, twinkling lights in the debri in the background ought to fit the bill perfectly for gun fire. Fine idea there, should work out. Think I'll mess around with that for a box dio I'm working on. Thanks Bill.