Hi guys-

This is the basic layout for my Cover Up dio... I still have a ton of work to do on the groundwork and figures, etc.

I just stuck the kits and figures on the base to get an overall feel as to what the spacing will need to be.

I havn't decided if I am going to make this a very cold winter scene (with snow and bare trees) or just a "cold" fall scene, with some leaves and such still on the trees. Of course I need to decide this before I add the ground cover... any suggestions would be very welcome.

Thanks-
Jeff

looking good so far, i like.. i like the trees.. handmade? i ought to post some more pics of mine.. it's getting done slowly but surely.. still have to finish the figs.

Yea Commander - the trees are made out of twisted wire... I still have to add a layer of Milliput bark to them, so the wires won't show (and smooth out the lumpy bumps :-) )

One question I have is.....

Would you cover the area where the 88 is with ground cover - or make that area bare dirt?

Later-
Nelson

Nice layout. Any Germans surrendering or did they all bite the dust?

were did you get the dead germans? did you sculpt or buy them?

If by ground cover you mean fallen leaves and such, I would say yes but not too much. On the other hand if you mean grass and such, that would depend. It would depend whether the area where the 88 is was man made of just an indentation in the ground where some wall reinforcing was added. If it is the latter then there would definitely be some grass here and there. Otherwise it would all probably just be dirt.

Looking at the wooden reinforcements that you have added i believe that the m88 area should be different enough from the rest of the outside ground. More clear from earth and grass, but of course fallen leaves some earth dirt soldier's stuff and other items can fill up the place. I also believe that the lower part of the tree bodies should be a lil thicker that the rest of it , as it usually thins as it goes up. Nice setup. Go for it

There could be some sort of "floorig" in place. If the pit has re-enforced sidings, it obviously is a construced site. If the ground is just dirt a heavy piece like the 88 would move about a bit and sink, become unstable or change angle. Its possible maybe that some planks were placed under its feet to spread the weight, if no actual flooring was layed. If you have no references, Im sure both would work. Same with weather/seasonal conditions.
It looks like this will be one fine dio when finished. Very nice and convincing layout. Thanks for showing the progress.

hey jrnelson, looks like a fine, fine diormama, i cant wait to sse it done. i think sandbags would add base to it, i assume this is the artiallry gun that the figs are from. cool., i like the setup, please, please make sure you have pictures of it when you are finished.

matt

Thanks for all the comments guys :-)

Matrix - The dead Germans are Verlinden resin figures - "Casualties" I think Verlinden calls them....

Major_Goose - Thanks for the comments, I totally agree about the trees :-) I need to shape them better with my final coat of Milliput.

Plasticbattle - I was wondering about maybe putting some planks down in the gun pit - to steady the weapon on recoil and keep the crew out of the mud when it got wet... hmmm something to think about... :-)

Thanks-
Jeff

Nice layout. I like it.
Couple things to watch for (I know this is no where near done.) With KIA's be sure that all parts of the body are supported in the final layout. Decide how they were killed and don't forget those related details - MG attack? put in done dings and dents in the 88. Grenade - add some black explosion related damge etc....

As far as snow vs. fall - they both present thier own unique challenges
With leaf dropping tress you have to take into account the different colors and the fallen leaves.
With snow you have to add in packed snow, muddy snow arount the 88, on the AFV, on boots etc.
I think the fall scene will require less time and work to make it look good. The winter scene will look better (IMHO).

Looking good so far, but one thing that jumps out at me is the positioning of the casualties. They are all lying the same direction. Too uniform. Try placing them in different positions and see if you like that. Just my 2 cents.........We really need a 2 cents smiley.

Patrick

Good suggestions Patrick and Scott....

I agree about the uniformity of the dead guys - i never noticed that before :-) I'll do some re-arranging to make em look a bit more random, and not "placed". Thanks for your 2 cents - just what I was after :-)

I'll get the ground work and leaves on the ground before I decide if I need to add some snow - I'll post some more pictures and get opinions.... :-)

Thanks-
Jeff

Wow! There are soooo many possibilities here! You really have a great start, and some excellent advice as well. I like winter scenes- a dio involving snow is a lot of fun, and very challenging. I can't wait to see how you decide to treat the scene...keep us posted! Good luck :-)

I haven't seen too many pics showing how 88's were steadied on dirt. I know the US used interlocking metal plates under their big guns to steady the weapon and prevent an unintended change in firing position. I can only assume the Germans were doing the same thing. In any case, it seems highly unlikely they would have just planted it on the ground without some way to redistribute the weight. Especially if it's getting on toward winter.

The layout looks great and I agree with putting sandbags around. Might also want to invest in a field radio, some spent ammo and some ammo crates, as well as other personal equipment for the three previous operators of the gun.

amazing how peaceful dead germans always look! (++)

Nice progress man! Well others already noticed same things like me. I would go (in your place) for winter scene, it would make blood and other stuff more noticable and one more thing... since you will probably gonna do it in a wet surrounding u could pay attention on the fact that ur tank did not parachute-land on its position so lay out some track marks on the ground (u may have some which i dont see int hte pics , than im sorry and ur okay )