Ontario, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2009
KitMaker: 743 posts
Armorama: 549 posts
Posted: Friday, November 25, 2011 - 02:39 AM UTC
Hi again folks,
As promised here are some pictures of the base for the vignette. I used a standard picture frame this project which I got an an arts and craft store for $9. However, next time I am going to to go to the dollar store as they are like half the price there.
The hill was built up with styrofoam and the groundwork made from Celluclay.
I then sprinkled dirt over the base which I got from the garden in front of my house. I sprayed on varying shades of brown to give the groundwork some contrast and make it look more to scale. The sides are made from Balsa wood cut to fit the shape of the hill. I also added a small Balsa strip along the bottom to trim it out and giive it a more finished looked. It was then primed with Mr. Surfacer. I next have to add the fence line and snow. I will be using a snow product from Hudson and Allen for the first time so I hope it is going to look good.
I would like to have the base painted in two colours with the sides of the base remaining in black but I am not sure what colour to paint the trim work and raised portion enclosing the hill. I was thinking of going with Olive Drab but not sure. Any suggestions would be most welcome.
http://ghmicro.wix.com/twis-first-cut
#045
South Carolina, United States
Joined: September 23, 2005
KitMaker: 362 posts
Armorama: 350 posts
Posted: Saturday, November 26, 2011 - 01:45 PM UTC
Hey Dave,
I'm still getting caught up on everything I missed while I was away. Your E8 is looking awesome. Your colors are much better then my day-glow.. whatever, which I'll be correcting. That ground work is really nice as well.
Keep up the great work Man!
Eric Rains
Greenwood, SC, USA
United States
Joined: November 27, 2011
KitMaker: 10 posts
Armorama: 9 posts
Posted: Sunday, November 27, 2011 - 11:12 AM UTC
just a word of advice, i would paint the base in a less distracting color than the bright white it is now. I feel like it would draw ones eye away from the model.
Other than that, it looks amazing. the tank really looks the part!
Ontario, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2009
KitMaker: 743 posts
Armorama: 549 posts
Posted: Monday, November 28, 2011 - 02:28 PM UTC
Thanks Eric,
Its coming together. Hopefully I can post some pics of the fence line soon.
Cheers,
Dave.
http://ghmicro.wix.com/twis-first-cut
Ontario, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2009
KitMaker: 743 posts
Armorama: 549 posts
Posted: Monday, November 28, 2011 - 02:30 PM UTC
Quoted Text
just a word of advice, i would paint the base in a less distracting color than the bright white it is now. I feel like it would draw ones eye away from the model.
Other than that, it looks amazing. the tank really looks the part!
Hi Erik,
Thaks for checking in on the build. The white/grey area you are mentioning is primer. I definitely intend to paint it a less distracting colour. I am thinking I will just go with an all black base and sides.
Dave.
http://ghmicro.wix.com/twis-first-cut
Ontario, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2009
KitMaker: 743 posts
Armorama: 549 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 10, 2011 - 05:36 AM UTC
Another upate on the base.
Got the snow on, fence line and brush as well as painting the base. The snow is from Hudson and Allen. A very nice product.
The hill in the picture is more covered than in my vignette so I might add some more snow. Also, might need to add some more snow on the ground. Let me know what you guys think.
Cheers for now.
http://ghmicro.wix.com/twis-first-cut
Ohio, United States
Joined: August 12, 2010
KitMaker: 731 posts
Armorama: 711 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 10, 2011 - 06:49 AM UTC
Looks cold and chilly to me
Arkansas, United States
Joined: June 29, 2009
KitMaker: 11,610 posts
Armorama: 7,843 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 10, 2011 - 07:52 AM UTC
I've been silently following this one. Superb detail. The gear hanging on the turret is especially well done. I may have missed this earlier in the build, but what brand figure is your commander? I should have a few dollars saved after my Pz. IV build and will be looking to invest in a detail oriented kit, like Tasca. I would never have thought to use a plastic bag for the rear stowage. Kudos on that. The base looks to be coming along very nicely. IMHO I don't think snow would draw the eye away from the model. Being that most everything else would be white; well it's kinda like the 800lb. gorilla in the room.
Ideals are peaceful. History is violent.
Georgia, United States
Joined: January 31, 2010
KitMaker: 2,191 posts
Armorama: 1,814 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 10, 2011 - 12:49 PM UTC
I'm digging the snow. Looks good. Looks like a recent light dusting, which is nice. What did you use to secure the snow to the groundwork?
If I could comment on anything, it would be the fence posts should be a more ''weathered gray'' color instead of what looks to be relatively new. But that's obviously subjective.
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Ontario, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2009
KitMaker: 743 posts
Armorama: 549 posts
Posted: Monday, December 12, 2011 - 03:33 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I've been silently following this one. Superb detail. The gear hanging on the turret is especially well done. I may have missed this earlier in the build, but what brand figure is your commander? I should have a few dollars saved after my Pz. IV build and will be looking to invest in a detail oriented kit, like Tasca. I would never have thought to use a plastic bag for the rear stowage. Kudos on that. The base looks to be coming along very nicely. IMHO I don't think snow would draw the eye away from the model. Being that most everything else would be white; well it's kinda like the 800lb. gorilla in the room.
Hey Matt,
Thanks for checking in on the build.
I just added the U.S. equipment decals to the mussette bags to give them some extra detail. I will post some pic's soon.
As for the Commander. I chose the Alpiine Miniatures U.S. Tank commander as he is dressed in winter gear and tanker coveralls.
As for the snow, I think you are right. I might just leave it as is.
Cheers for now.
Dave.
http://ghmicro.wix.com/twis-first-cut
Ontario, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2009
KitMaker: 743 posts
Armorama: 549 posts
Posted: Monday, December 12, 2011 - 03:34 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Looks cold and chilly to me
Thanks John, this is the effect I am trying to achieve.
Regards,
Dave.
http://ghmicro.wix.com/twis-first-cut
Ontario, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2009
KitMaker: 743 posts
Armorama: 549 posts
Posted: Monday, December 12, 2011 - 03:37 PM UTC
Quoted Text
I'm digging the snow. Looks good. Looks like a recent light dusting, which is nice. What did you use to secure the snow to the groundwork?
If I could comment on anything, it would be the fence posts should be a more ''weathered gray'' color instead of what looks to be relatively new. But that's obviously subjective.
Jesse.,
Thaks for following along.
I used white glue mixed with water to lay the snow down on the ground. For the hill this approach would not work because of the grass so I used Tamiya X-22 clear thinned down a bit and sprayed on with my airbrush as the adhesive.
The Hudson and Allen snow is pretty light so this was not a problem for the most part but with heavier material this may not work.
Regards,
Dave.
http://ghmicro.wix.com/twis-first-cut
#135
California, United States
Joined: August 05, 2007
KitMaker: 1,501 posts
Armorama: 1,485 posts
Posted: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 09:18 AM UTC
@armour_dude – Dave,
Your build is coming along great! I’m finally on vacation so I’m enjoying a little time to myself and have finally been able to sit long enough in one spot to read through your entire build log. I must say you certainly have captured the vehicle in the photograph thus far. With a little help from the Sherman experts here and your own research this could very well be one of the most accurate E8 builds to date, all very professionally done.
I am totally impressed with your vehicle and base. That dead dried up bush on the hill really adds to the coldness of winter in Europe. Can’t wait to see the E8 placed on the base. Without a doubt that snow that you are using will look the bomb on your vehicle. I’ve gone and saved what you’ve already posted on your build log on my computer for future reference. Keep it coming.
~ Eddy
If you absolutely must have a city completely destroyed overnight . . . call the MARINES
Currently on the bench:
1:12 Bandia Star Wars K-2SO
1:35 Takom T-54B Late
Ontario, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2009
KitMaker: 743 posts
Armorama: 549 posts
Posted: Thursday, December 22, 2011 - 10:05 AM UTC
Quoted Text
@armour_dude – Dave,
Your build is coming along great! I’m finally on vacation so I’m enjoying a little time to myself and have finally been able to sit long enough in one spot to read through your entire build log. I must say you certainly have captured the vehicle in the photograph thus far. With a little help from the Sherman experts here and your own research this could very well be one of the most accurate E8 builds to date, all very professionally done.
I am totally impressed with your vehicle and base. That dead dried up bush on the hill really adds to the coldness of winter in Europe. Can’t wait to see the E8 placed on the base. Without a doubt that snow that you are using will look the bomb on your vehicle. I’ve gone and saved what you’ve already posted on your build log on my computer for future reference. Keep it coming.
~ Eddy
Eddy,
Thank you very much for the kind words of support and for taking the time to read through my blog. I am nearing the finish line and will try and get a few progress shots up before Christmas. I will be off work from now until the new year so I should be able to make some decent head way on this project.
Cheers,
Dave.
http://ghmicro.wix.com/twis-first-cut
Ontario, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2009
KitMaker: 743 posts
Armorama: 549 posts
Posted: Sunday, February 19, 2012 - 09:22 AM UTC
Well guys,
Sorry to have taken so long to post an update. I had been really wanting to build an F4U-1A Corsair and decided to give it a go. I just recently finished it and I am now back to focusing on getting this project done. I am nearing the finish line on this and hope to have it done sooner than later.
For my update here a some shots of the tank commander figure I did for the vignette. The pictures are not that great(the figure looks much better in person) but Let me know what you think anyway. I am pleased with the way it turned out and I think it will look good once I add it to the Tank.
http://ghmicro.wix.com/twis-first-cut
#135
California, United States
Joined: August 05, 2007
KitMaker: 1,501 posts
Armorama: 1,485 posts
Posted: Sunday, February 19, 2012 - 10:39 AM UTC
@armour__dude – Dave,
No need to worry or to apologize, for me anyway, for time spent away from this project! You have to be in focus to be at your best and that sometimes means leaving things as they are, for whatever time it may take, and returning when ready with a renewed fresh outlook.
Your figure painting skills are excellent, I don’t have any as I have yet to paint a figure in this scale. That corporal looks like he’s trying to stay warm. I like what appears to be a scarf around this neck that may have been sent from loved ones waiting for his return back at home?
So how about sharing a link on that F4U-1A Corsair you just built?
~ Eddy
If you absolutely must have a city completely destroyed overnight . . . call the MARINES
Currently on the bench:
1:12 Bandia Star Wars K-2SO
1:35 Takom T-54B Late
Ontario, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2009
KitMaker: 743 posts
Armorama: 549 posts
Posted: Sunday, February 19, 2012 - 12:02 PM UTC
Thanks Eddy,
I going to get this one done hopefully by tomorrow.
Here's the link to my Corsair recently completed. It's a
VF-17 Jolly Rogers Corsair flown by LT. Danny Cunningham.
http://www.fototime.com/users/[email protected]/F4U1%20Corsairhttp://ghmicro.wix.com/twis-first-cut
Ontario, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2009
KitMaker: 743 posts
Armorama: 549 posts
Posted: Monday, February 20, 2012 - 05:59 AM UTC
Hi Guys,
Here are the final pictures of my M4A3E8 build. I am callingh this one done. Time for the display case. If I have only one regret with this project is it took so darn Long!
Anyway I am pleased with the results. I hope you like it too.
]
http://ghmicro.wix.com/twis-first-cut
Ontario, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2009
KitMaker: 743 posts
Armorama: 549 posts
Posted: Monday, February 20, 2012 - 06:06 AM UTC
http://ghmicro.wix.com/twis-first-cut
Ontario, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2009
KitMaker: 743 posts
Armorama: 549 posts
Posted: Monday, February 20, 2012 - 06:22 AM UTC
http://ghmicro.wix.com/twis-first-cut
Georgia, United States
Joined: January 31, 2010
KitMaker: 2,191 posts
Armorama: 1,814 posts
Posted: Monday, February 20, 2012 - 06:50 AM UTC
Well, you certainly can't be upset with that result.
Nice job. What did you use for the pine branch?
If I had to make any comment, it would be the presence of snow on the engine deck, which would likely warm up to the point of not allowing any snow to accumulate. Maybe show some wet streaks from snow melt.
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#135
California, United States
Joined: August 05, 2007
KitMaker: 1,501 posts
Armorama: 1,485 posts
Posted: Monday, February 20, 2012 - 02:57 PM UTC
@armour__dude – Dave,
I must say that looks just like the photograph! Has to be some of the best work I’ve seen here. I don’t know what else to say, it looks so good. Truly impressive and inspirational.
Thanks for the link on the Corsair you did a super job on that kit too! I don’t know what you have planned next to build and post but I’ll be looking out for it! You do excellent work and well researched. Great set of photographs too!
~ Eddy
If you absolutely must have a city completely destroyed overnight . . . call the MARINES
Currently on the bench:
1:12 Bandia Star Wars K-2SO
1:35 Takom T-54B Late
Ohio, United States
Joined: August 12, 2010
KitMaker: 731 posts
Armorama: 711 posts
Posted: Monday, February 20, 2012 - 03:21 PM UTC
Dave,
Job well done. That’s one impressive build, and very nice presentation. Excellent job with the Sherman, ground work, and figure. I like the way the gear is hanging on the turret. BTW, who makes that gear?
Looking forward to you next build.
California, United States
Joined: June 30, 2008
KitMaker: 2,408 posts
Armorama: 2,394 posts
Posted: Monday, February 20, 2012 - 04:39 PM UTC
Hi, I like your scene very much. That figure painting is outstanding!! Good job matching the photo overall.
Ontario, Canada
Joined: February 04, 2009
KitMaker: 743 posts
Armorama: 549 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - 01:35 PM UTC
Jesse,
Thanks for the comments and suggestions. They are much appreciated. As for the wet streaks something definitely to consider on my next snow scaped vignette.
Glad you like the pine bough. It is from Huddson and Allen.
Cheers,
Dave.
http://ghmicro.wix.com/twis-first-cut
