Below are two images of my latest project. This is my first modeling
project involving both a figure and a vignette. FYI it is Bronco's 1/35th
CV3/33 Italian tankette. Once complete, the entire vignette will sit atop
a 4x4 in. wood base w/ acrylic cover.

Below are two ways of laying the vignette out. I'm torn between which
one to go with. I've been pondering this for far too long and can't decide.
I need an outsiders opinion for help.

Please tell me which one is more pleasing to your eye:

1) Figure facing away from viewer (with tank pointing up)
or
2) Figure facing towards viewer (with tank pointing down)

I would also appreciate the reason for your decision - it you got the
time or inclination to write a few more lines.

Thanks,

Paul
Kansas

Hmm... I had a similar layout with my Ancestors in Scale vignette, although it involved only two figures (see my photos to see what I mean...). I think I would go for the first one even if you can't see the figure's face then. The reason being the stoy seems more logical to me assuming he's right below the ridge looking over it. The positive thing about a dio is that you can walk around the scene, not like a picture with only one viewpoint.

Alright, enough blabbering... Looking forward to the final result, keep us posted!

Cheers
Stef

Due to the inteded viewing angle I would say it needs to be the second one, as no one wants to look at the back end of the vehicle initially. I would however move the figure towards the rear of the vehicle.

Hi, Paul. I like the first option also - looking away/facing uphill. I like it because, to me, it creates a feeling of suspense. I want to know what he's looking for or watching off in the distance.

I'm looking forward to seeing how you finish it. Great job so far!

Michael

Thanks a lot fellas for your quick responses regarding this vignette. All
opinions and critiquing are welcome.

Keep in mind that unfortunately, that these positions (due to him sitting) are
the only logical ways I can position the figure in the vignette. No other ways
will work - that is if I want to construct a brand new base -- but you're already
looking at my second try!

Oh, and for sure I'll post images of the completed model, as well as
work-in-progress pics. If I'm lucky I'll get a front page feature...

Paul

I like the idea of the tank approaching a crest and looking over, personally I'd have the tank pointing up but redo the figure to be in the rightside hatch with one leg in and one leg overhanging the side ( or possibly standing on the engine deck with one foot up on the roof - hard to tell if he suits that but looks like he may ) but then that would depend on if you were happy to rework the figure a little.

To me in the first photo he seems to be leaning back so of the two if I had to choose one I'd go with the second simply as both the shown versions eliminate the need for a second crewmember whereas they way I would do it would suggest a second figure halfraised out of the second hatch.

I like the first option. Looking away creates that suspense and story that you should always have with these scenes. Also, I feel that gravity is not on the side of the second options. It looks as though the tank should be sliding down and/or the figure falling off. I know the angles are the same for both and in theory the tank could also slide backwards, but my brain is more willing to dismiss Newtonian physics in the first setup. Stupid physicis...

Don

I like the first option the best, because it's the one that gives the dio/vignette that little something. Adding to that is the fact that it is not your everyday way of showing off a vehicle!

Why not placing the figure to the higher section on the vehicles' right side, with his foot on a rock looking up? Maybe some dry shrubs around it....

This is an alternate view of the 1st vignette layout option. Again, thanks for your responses.

Hi, Paul:

I think the first composition is more interesting, and I also think that the actual viewing angle will be different than that which you intend. Human beings natural seek out faces, so they will be drawn to look into the face of the Italian tanker. What you want as they back of the diorama will in fact become the front.

Cheers,

Chris

i like this first layout best. It gives that "thousand yard stare" feel . There's an aircraft/battle out there. Just my 2cents!

alright alright, here's my 0.02$ worth...

I'm thinking that 'off the tank, leaning over so as to be peeking over the hill he just stopped shy of cresting, foot on a rock, scanning the horizon' is screaming in my head, and now I'm glad to have let it out!

Definitely 'tank headed uphill'.

one thing I'm noticing in the last pic is that the dude is looking up, is that correct? The feet, the feet aren't really in good contact with the ground; I predict that you'll be needing to deal with that, or have buddy sitting ON the tank.

My last posting would require the fig be on the groun, and the groundwork would have to be... managed... in order to make it's stance credible.

I"ll cime in. I like the first one. Reasons. I like the way the tankette is opened up as you can see alot of the details inside with no problems. I like the pose of the figure, As he is postioned with the tankette, it draws me into the action as if I am coming up behind to join him. And not all figures or vehicals have to face you to get your story across.

Thank you all for the quick response time (and your time)
on this thread. Much appreciated!

I have decided to go with the tank facing 'up' option. We
have a very helpful online community here at Armorama.

I'll keep you guys posted in the future with more pics.

Best regards,

Paul
Kansas

Hi Paul,

Now you opted for the 'up' position, one minor point on the posture of the figure. If the right leg could touch the ground, it would look a bit more natural, IMO.

Regards
Paul

hi Paul I would go with option 1 and agree with those suggestions already made,looking good so far

I like the first one best. Not only does it look better to me but the second one doesn't make much sense - "I need to get a good view of something. I'm high up but I think I'll drive down the slope a bit because that will improve my view!!"

Cheers,

Nigel