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Dioramas
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justsendit
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Posted: Friday, June 27, 2014 - 04:22 PM UTC
Another dio build in the fire ... or should I say, in the freezer?

Subject: Soviet trucks crossing frozen lake Ladoga in heroic efforts to supply the besieged city of Leningrad (one cargo truck and one escort truck with machine gun crew).

Truck No. 1 (GAZ-MM), left side (front or rear corner???) is sinking in a crater which was created by a German bomber. The driver whom was steering from the running board is jumping for his life onto the ice.

Truck No. 2 (GAZ-AAA) has skidded to a stop behind Truck No. 1; the machine gun crew is firing at bombers with a truck mounted DSHK while their commander shouts out orders.


Kits:
Zvezda: GAZ-MM Model 1943 Cargo Truck
MiniArt: GAZ-AAA Model 1943 Cargo Truck
Zvezda: Soviet Tank Infantry (4 figures)
Zvezda: Soviet DSHK Machinegun with Crew (1 modified figure)

The Zvezda GAZ-MM is an experiment for now -- just using it for dry-fit. I may replace it with a MiniArt version as this diorama progresses.











Feel free to leave comments.
--mike
Stickframe
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Posted: Friday, June 27, 2014 - 05:02 PM UTC
Hi Mike - looking good! am curious to see how you'll lay all of this out and what the terrain looks like!

cheers

Nick
justsendit
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Posted: Friday, June 27, 2014 - 05:34 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi Mike - looking good! am curious to see how you'll lay all of this out and what the terrain looks like!


Thanks, Nick!
I'll probably wait for winter and just stick everything in the snow! LOL! ... not a bad idea, actually ... too temporary though. Kidding aside, I'm considering pouring a thick acrylic base to resemble water with another layer on top to resemble ice covered with snow (with crater/s), thus exposing the partially sunken corner of Truck No. 1 beneath the ice.

I've been doing a lot of research and I've come up with a few ideas but any suggestion are welcome. I have a vision but realizing it will definitely be a challenge.

—mike

PS: I forgot to mention: I upgraded to MiniArt GAZ Wheels for the Zvezda truck and Hornet Russian Heads for the figures.
hofpig
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Posted: Friday, June 27, 2014 - 07:10 PM UTC
Wow almost the same Idea I had a few years ago. I to have that MM and I to am doing it with the miniart wheels! I was doing it with that AA set, strange you just seem a lot further along than me. I am waiting on a panzerart engine deck with winter cover. I think you're(we're) onto a good idea here.

Paul
1stjaeger
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Posted: Friday, June 27, 2014 - 09:08 PM UTC

Hi Mike,

great scenario! Plenty of action and drama opportunities!!

Given your upgrading, you seem to take great care!

Fantastic!!

Good luck with the dio!

I'll be interested to see more!!!

Cheers

Romain

justsendit
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Posted: Saturday, June 28, 2014 - 01:52 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Wow almost the same Idea I had a few years ago. I to have that MM and I to am doing it with the miniart wheels! I was doing it with that AA set, strange you just seem a lot further along than me. I am waiting on a panzerart engine deck with winter cover. I think you're (we're) onto a good idea here


Paul,
We should have started an Armorama Campaign together!

I've actually seen other "broken ice, sinking vehicle" scenarios online (which helped to inspire me) but hopefully I'm putting a slightly different twist on with this dio.

Curious: Did you build the Zvezda GAZ-MM? And did you need to chop the windshield frame in order to get the top to sit correctly? Just like my Zvezda BA-10, not the greatest kits but workable, inexpensive and fun. I thought about giving the MiniArt GAZ-AAA a PE upgrade but that kit is already so damn good! However, I am considering raising the sides of the AAA by two more slats like the one pictured below -- safer for the gun crew.



Good luck with your dio ... and please, let's see some pics!
—mike
hofpig
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Posted: Saturday, June 28, 2014 - 02:15 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Wow almost the same Idea I had a few years ago. I to have that MM and I to am doing it with the miniart wheels! I was doing it with that AA set, strange you just seem a lot further along than me. I am waiting on a panzerart engine deck with winter cover. I think you're (we're) onto a good idea here


Paul,
We should have started an Armorama Campaign together!

I've actually seen other "broken ice, sinking vehicle" scenarios online (which helped to inspire me) but hopefully I'm putting a slightly different twist on with this dio.

Curious: Did you build the Zvezda GAZ-MM? And did you need to chop the windshield frame in order to get the top to sit correctly? Just like my Zvezda BA-10, not the greatest kits but workable, inexpensive and fun. I thought about giving the MiniArt GAZ-AAA a PE upgrade but that kit is already so damn good! However, I am considering raising the sides of the AAA by two more slats like the one pictured below -- safer for the gun crew.

Good luck with your dio ... and please, let's see some pics!
--mike


To be honest it is still in the building stage so I don't know about the windscreen yet. All I have done is assembled the miniart wheels (I should have painted the rims before assembly) and put the cargo bed together. I used the instructions from the AA set to make a template for placing the tripod legs as I thought that might be easier.

The inspiration for mine was simply I went there back in 1989(school trip) and I saw the various memorials in St Petersburg(still Leningrad when I visited). The one that always stuck in my head was this one....



As a symbol it just stuck me with such a powerful feeling I guess it is where my love of all things Russian sprang from.
justsendit
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Posted: Saturday, June 28, 2014 - 02:32 AM UTC

Quoted Text

The inspiration for mine was simply I went there back in 1989(school trip) and I saw the various memorials in St Petersburg(still Leningrad when I visited). The one that always stuck in my head was this one....

As a symbol it just stuck me with such a powerful feeling I guess it is where my love of all things Russian sprang from.


Thank you for sharing your experience. Truly a touching piece of history.

--mike
jrutman
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Posted: Saturday, June 28, 2014 - 02:46 AM UTC
Really great idea and you've made a good start.
J
justsendit
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Posted: Tuesday, July 01, 2014 - 03:55 PM UTC
Thanks Guys!

Just a small update today: I worked on the DSHK crew a little -- painted and attached their weapons and gear.




—mike
1stjaeger
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Posted: Tuesday, July 01, 2014 - 06:44 PM UTC
Hi Mike,

good to see progress on this interesting project!!

I am a tad surprised with the dark greyish green uniform colour! Normally russian uniforms are almost khaki, i.e. a "brownish tone of green" if you allow me (purists will probably kill me for such a definition!).

Moreover, it seems they are wearing the summer uniform.....hardly appropriate for the season!

And this scene would probably take place in 1942-43 and by that time the puttees were no longer in use as far as my info goes!

Sorry if I sound negative, but at least the colour of the uniform is easily changed!

Good luck!!

Cheers

Romain



hofpig
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Posted: Tuesday, July 01, 2014 - 06:52 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi Mike,

good to see progress on this interesting project!!

I am a tad surprised with the dark greyish green uniform colour! Normally russian uniforms are almost khaki, i.e. a "brownish tone of green" if you allow me (purists will probably kill me for such a definition!).

Moreover, it seems they are wearing the summer uniform.....hardly appropriate for the season!

And this scene would probably take place in 1942-43 and by that time the puttees were no longer in use as far as my info goes!

Sorry if I sound negative, but at least the colour of the uniform is easily changed!

Good luck!!

Cheers

Romain





Romain your right in the uniform colour, but the time period should be 1941 to 44 so he might get away with the figures.

Paul
justsendit
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Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2014 - 04:35 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

I am a tad surprised with the dark greyish green uniform colour! Normally russian uniforms are almost khaki, i.e. a "brownish tone of green" if you allow me (purists will probably kill me for such a definition!).

Moreover, it seems they are wearing the summer uniform.....hardly appropriate for the season!

And this scene would probably take place in 1942-43 and by that time the puttees were no longer in use as far as my info goes!

Romain


Romain your right in the uniform colour, but the time period should be 1941 to 44 so he might get away with the figures.

Paul


Uniform type: Not much I can do here. A true tailor (sculptor) would have sewn-up 100% accurate clothing -- a sculptor, I am not.

Uniform colors: I wondered about that and Khaki was my first choice but then I saw this:



Here's what I wound up with:


I can still change things. I'd like this to be somewhat accurate but it's never going to be perfect. Any suggestions as to which Vallejo color to use instead? Clueless here. Your input is most welcome.

—mike
1stjaeger
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Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2014 - 06:03 AM UTC

Hi Mike,

This is exactly what I meant, they are not in winter uniform, so the darker colour (even that is greener) does not apply.

Google ww2 russian summer uniform and the artizan painting guide will show the khaki ones!

Up to you to decide!!!

Cheers

Romain

justsendit
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Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2014 - 06:45 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Hi Mike,

This is exactly what I meant, they are not in winter uniform, so the darker colour (even that is greener) does not apply.

Google ww2 russian summer uniform and the artizan painting guide will show the khaki ones!


Hi Romain,
Though the kit did not portray a winter scene, I thought I'd take a stab at using the figures anyway -- swayed by the Devil! I'm going to "attempt" to remedy things by revising the color. By the time I slap on another layer of paint, it'll look like these guys are wearing down coats anyway!

--mike
justsendit
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Posted: Wednesday, July 02, 2014 - 09:39 AM UTC
Romain,
Is this color any better?



PS: Like Jerry said:

Quoted Text

Please get better soon! We all need you here to keep us in line after all.


Best regards,
—mike
1stjaeger
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2014 - 02:18 AM UTC

Thanks for the good wishes m8!!

Hard to tell if this colour is suitable from one photo alone...and I'm afraid I'm not savvy regarding acrylic colour tones available!! Are there any "russian sets" giving ready-mixed tones????

As the dynosaur I am I've worked with enamels and oils my whole life, so....sorry to be useless in this case!

I think green is not wrong at all...it should just be lighter in tone and there definitely is a brownish addition to the basic tone, thus turning it into "khaki".

You'll find the right tone I'm sure!!!

Keep up the mojo and the great job!!

Cheers

Romain

justsendit
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2014 - 04:05 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Thanks for the good wishes m8!!

Hard to tell if this colour is suitable from one photo alone...and I'm afraid I'm not savvy regarding acrylic colour tones available!! Are there any "russian sets" giving ready-mixed tones????

As the dynosaur I am I've worked with enamels and oils my whole life, so....sorry to be useless in this case!

I think green is not wrong at all...it should just be lighter in tone and there definitely is a brownish addition to the basic tone, thus turning it into "khaki".

You'll find the right tone I'm sure!!!

Keep up the mojo and the great job!!

Cheers

Romain



Romain,
It really is hard to tell from the screenshot but I think I've stumbled onto something relatively close. Time to go forward with the project now. Thanks for the encouragement!

Funny, when I did graphic design for publishing, color matching wasn't much of an issue for me; I would just specify colors from my Pantone CMYK swatch book -- from computer to proof to print, I would nail it nearly every single time. Oh well, different medium, I guess. Never really painted much until recently -- wish I had studied it more in my youth.

Thanks again,
—mike
Stickframe
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2014 - 04:40 AM UTC
Hi Mike, nice work on the figures - doing them "right" is a challenge for me too - Romain's tips have been very helpful for me too, in fact, his thoughts and insights have made me reconsider my approach to figures altogether...I wonder why figures are so much tougher to do correctly than other things? They shouldn't be! Check out Jerry's work too - he is also in another galaxy in terms of skill!! Wow! So....I look at Romain and Jerry's work as a goal....for me, I'm not there yet, but heck, maybe "you're the one"!!!

Keep building!!!
Cheers
Nick
justsendit
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2014 - 05:06 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi Mike, nice work on the figures - doing them "right" is a challenge for me too - Romain's tips have been very helpful for me too, in fact, his thoughts and insights have made me reconsider my approach to figures altogether...I wonder why figures are so much tougher to do correctly than other things? They shouldn't be! Check out Jerry's work too - he is also in another galaxy in terms of skill!! Wow! So....I look at Romain and Jerry's work as a goal....for me, I'm not there yet, but heck, maybe "you're the one"!!!

Keep building!!!
Cheers
Nick


Thanks Nick,
I bow to those guys, to you and others. However, by no means will I ever be "the one." You will need to enter the Matrix to find Neo!

—mike
kurnuy
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Posted: Thursday, July 03, 2014 - 07:29 AM UTC
I'm not a good figure painter mike , so i follow your topic with a lot of interest.

Kurt

justsendit
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Posted: Tuesday, July 08, 2014 - 05:03 PM UTC
Here's a little progress:

I diverted from the figures for a bit and started the MiniArt GAZ-AAA build. This is a challenging but fun build for me -- lots of small, tricky frame and suspension parts to carefully align!





To date, I found two possible errors in the instruction book:
Page 3: Engine Hose (part A15, lower left side of engine) was not shown or identified here. However, it is visible on the Page 6 assembly.
Page 4: Rear Suspension Spring subassembly #10 is a bit confusing. Compare this drawing with the assemblies at the bottom of the page before committing.



I'll tackle the tire sandwiches soon. Since I've already upgraded the Zvezda GAZ-MM with the MiniArt Wheel Set, I'm more prepared this time around. However, 'Wheel Drive' (my street address) will soon live up to its name once more!

x12



That's it for now.
—mike
justsendit
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Posted: Wednesday, July 09, 2014 - 10:29 AM UTC
C1, C2, C3 and C4, C5, C6, C7 assemblies x12 -- ready for paint.



Stickframe
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Posted: Wednesday, July 09, 2014 - 05:07 PM UTC
Hi Mike - you know, the only thing I love more than a tedious model building(s) is a fussy model truck!!! The axles look great! And those tires/wheels - they just bespeak good times to make!!! Keep going!

Nick
hofpig
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Posted: Wednesday, July 09, 2014 - 06:15 PM UTC

Quoted Text

C1, C2, C3 and C4, C5, C6, C7 assemblies x12 -- ready for paint.





Well done, that's the bit I forgot to paint before I glued them Lol.

Paul
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