Too bad about the older pics being lost but I like the new ones even better!
Good idea about the WSS NCO and the FJ as there was two FJ units at the defense of Stoumont and so they are logical to be in your scene.
I dunno about the FJ fancy hat though. Seems too "parade ground" for a combat situation ? That's just me though.
J

I missed this first time around. Nice scenic work Kurt. Making trees is one thing I have always avoided doing as I just haven't the confidence or patience lol. The trees are excellent. One thing I would change however is the US tanker. I'd get rid of him. Reason being that (a)if I personally was in that tank, which is half buried by a tree, and heard German voices outside I would stay put, wounded or not, and hope that they didn't bother checking the tank. Once all was quiet then after a while I'd think about moving. There's no urgency as to geting out as it's not in flames so he can sit tight indefinitely. As was mentioned previously he could even slide out of the belly hatch and hide there (b) as you've mentioned previously the Germans don't want to lose momentum in the attack, hence giving snap orders in front of the tank, and wouldn't waste time attending to a wounded GI. They'd slot him as was fairly common for Waffen SS during the Ardennes offensive. If they patch him up that uses their medical supplies (they wouldn't waste time looking inside the tank for their first aid kit as you mentioned) plus they're going to have to leave two men to do prisoner escort back to echelon which is a waste of resources As an ex-infantryman I can understand that rationale (not condoning the shooting of POW's though lol)by putting myself in that scenario. Lets face it the SS have a poor record for care of POW's during the BoB.Obviously it's your dio and you do what you feel is best for you but he doesn't add anything to the dio and looks out of place given the scenario. If I personally saw someone pop their head out of a tank, wounded or not, I would shoot them. Especially given their proximity to my platoon commander and platoon sergeant. Just my thoughts. When building a dio I try to put myself in the place of the subject I'm modelling as it makes interaction etc easier to create. As whole though I like the way it's shaping up I just think the tanker detracts from the realism you're working on.

Glad you took my comment in the spirit in which it was given Kurt. Some people get really touchy if you mention potentially changing something or heaven forbid criticising something lol. Like yourself I'm always open to ideas or tweaking things when someone mentions something in a dio as it's the best way to learn/improve. I've not built one for a while so really ought to apply myself to something. Half my trouble is too many kits in the stash and no inspiration or direction at the moment. Think I'll have to sit down one day this week and formulate a plan lol .

Kurt

Thanks for sticking w/ this as you've created quite a scene. I like it when a diorama-tist (is that a word?) is able to explain his intent when queried about his work. You have a valid point in your responses to the viewers: it's fiction, and you created it.

But the points presented to you, and you alone, are actually quite accurate as well.
The severely wounded tanker (I mean, that's a lot of blood from his head) being armed or not, the length of opened track (straight and true), soldier in the stream (relates how to the story?), damage to the Sherman (too much?), even the presence of a canine unit are all interesting aspects in your visual story.
And you have given us the reasons why (it all makes sense) and did so w/ class, patience, and respect.

For me Kurt this is just another example of why this is still a great hobby, and Armorama is a great blog-sphere You gain knowledge, friends, and maybe even some inspiration too!

And it's already been stated that your scenery, trees, stream, figs, tank(s), and yes your overall story is really right-on. I like it, and I know I learned alot! again! from reading thru the pages.
Nice job, you deserve all the praise brudda

Now about that Panther....

Sincerely
Dave

Masterpiece Kurt , figures , forest , story , all on the brilliant side .
I especially like the way you have dusted the snow to show it as old - been there awhile snow , you know , patches from an earlier snowfall , lingering on branches , ground etc.

Just a thought , have you tried placing a light [ only one with no other lights ] shining from one direction and see if it creates a shadows and sunbeams effect through the forest ?

All in all a beautiful build Kurt !!!