Hello!
This is my first diorama-DAK in Tunisia, I will use two of my finished models of Pz.IV ( my first model in armor ) and Sdkfz 222, made a while ago, some Masterbox figures and scratch. Till now I've made a water well from small rocks and plaster, the covers and bucket are from different plastic sheets (similar to Evergreen). And two palm trunks from Milliput, the leaves will be aftermarket. I've started the donkey also















And sorry for my English.
Regards!

Nice beginnings!! I like the concept.
J

So do I!

Very eager to see progress on this scene!

Cheers

Romain

WOW! it looks really nice, good job!

Nice and clean, I like the armor, look forward to following this.
- John

Thank you very much!
I've forgot to mention that Pz.IV Ausf.F2 is from Dragon and Sdkfz.222 - Hobbyboss (with KwK-38 barrel from Griffon).
Here's some different photos of the models ( 222 is almost complete).

Looks good. Thanks you for not making them look beat to death and over weathered.
J

I added some leaves to the palms and also painted the Tunisian villager

Some corrections on the palms-remade the top, looks nicer for me now. Also I've reinforced the leaves with thin cooper wire, suitably colored





Thanks!

Hi Venelin,

palms are looking good. I would just make sure the fronds are not too light in colour...and do not reflect any light directly!

Eager to see progress!!

Well done so far!

Cheers

Romain

Hi Velenin,

Nice work, look forward to developments.

Al

Thank you Romain, Alan!

The crew of 222 is almost ready, some touch-up will follow. I've used German panzer ranks and medals from Eduard for shoulder straps, Iron cross etc.

Cheers and happy Holidays!

Hello Venelin ,

excellent work on the vehicles and the figures are well done !

Greets Kurt

Looks like it is coming along really well. You did a great job on the models and figures. Can't wait to see the finished project.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!
A closer look at the figures

Last work for this year-Rommel and panzer crew
Cheers!

The figures are simply brilliant. The palms are very realistic. Both the panzer and the 222 are exceptional. The well is a nice bit of scratch building. Really can't say enough good things about this one. Keep at it.

Hi Venelin

congratulations so far!! This is getting better and better!

As to the figures; I like your skin tones and your faces very much. If you'd allow me a personal comment (as an old figure painter ), I would add a few deep shadows (given the harsh light conditions in North Africa), f.ex. under the shirt/tunic collar points, under pocket flaps, Schulterstücke, bottom part of the line where the shirt sleeve touches the elbow joint, etc.
This adds realism and above all some plasticity effects where injection mold sometimes leave a less that satisfying surface detail. Such shadows would also help to change the light coloured uniform items from mere blobs (sorry, but that's what you see in the photos) into real items (forage cap in the last pic f.ex.)

Just a suggestion, but given the care you've invested in the faces, I just thought...... or else I just get me coat!!?!

Keep up the great work!!

Cheers

Romain

Thank you for the kind words!

Romain, your advice is very welcome, because I'm a beginner with figures (these are my first), also with that armor. Really, some things are very noticeable on pictures, so I will take your recommendations and will try to add some shadow (think you're right about that). Nothing is glued on the vehicles already, so improvements on uniforms are possible

Cheers!

Hi Venelin,

you are most welcome m8! For a first attempt, your figures look superb already!!

Don't hesitate to ask, should I be able to help! PM is all it takes!!

Happy and successful 2014!!

Cheers

Romain

Many thanks!

I have question about brushes for painting figures with acrylics. Until now I've used cheap brushes from a local shop (but they didn't last long and don't hold point), but read very good things about Winsor and Newton series 7 Miniature brushes. Are they suitable for acrylics (I use Vallejo Panzer Aces and Model Color)?

(Sorry for digressing from the theme)

Cheers

Hi Venelin,

first of all, don't hesitate to ask if you have a question!!!

Basically brushes go with all types of colour, so no problem here. Windsor & Newton is a very serious company and all their products are recommended. I use their watercolours, oils, lacquers and brushes for many years to my full satisfaction. Sorry for babbling!

What you may consider is this: figure painting as an "artform" and painting figures for dioramas is not entirely the same.

In a diorama the figures are only one part, while a single figure on an elaborate base is all there is!

When I paint single figures, I go into the 5-tone technique, while the 3-tone (+/-) is sufficient for diorama "participants".

What I'm after is this: while figure painting may require only the very best (and expensive) brushes, the diorama "branch" can easily do with cheaper ones...not the hairy ones from the shop around the corner, but synthetic hair ones f.ex.!!!!

I've used them for around 20 years and I've never regretted it!
They are comparatively cheap and they last forever!

Give them a try!

Cheers

Romain

Proceeding with the next component of the diorama-destroyed M3A1 Stuart US light tank. The kit is Academy, nice details and interior, although some inaccuracies are present. It will be OOB build, as it's not the highlight of the diorama.

Start with the interior-paint, some chipping and wash:

Hi Venelin,

you definitely ARE very talented!!

IMHO ýour weathering is just perfect (was already so with the german vehicles ), not too much, not too subtle!

Your figures are on the right track as well!

Let's see about the terrain then..!!!

Seriously, I'm looking very much forward to further postings (with nice piccies of course )

Cheers

Romain

Thank you for your encouragements! Really inspires me to improve my modelling skills
As for weathering, I try to be in the middle-not too much, not too clean, as you said .

Terrain will be last, when all components of the diorama are ready.
There's one picture of M3A1 from Tunisia (same on the box art), probably destroyed (that hole in the front seems like projectile hit). I will try something like that.

(Picture is for discussion only)


Cheers!