How do you get the tie-down ropes over the equipment on the back deck to stay so taut?

Working on adding a bit more character and context to the base by fabricating the quintessential "Bulge" signpost for the corner of the scene. Using some very well known photographs as reference, I recreated some Belgian road signs. I designed the signs in Adobe Illustrator, printed them on MicroMark clear laser decal paper, then applied them to a piece of styrene that was first textured to look like wood using sand paper dragged across the surface a couple of times. This was then painted a light grey, coated with Future, and the custom decals set.



The sign post was also made from styrene, textured using the same technique, then painted Vallejo Old Wood with whites accents. The back of the signs were also painted in Old Wood. Then everything was given a wash of dark brown. Still need to add some mud splashes once the post is set on the groundwork.



Just down to the final details now! I'll be headed to AMPS in about 1 week, so down to the wire with this build! Stand by for completion...

Beautiful signage! ... Uhhh ... which way to AMPS?

—mike

Starting to work on final beauty shots before heading out to AMPS....here's a quick down & dirty test composite. More final pics to come. Whose all going to AMPS?

Jeff,
Everything you've done is simply phenomenal. It all looks great.

If I may offer a single critique, it may be the ground looks more damp in that photo than you've actually depicted, but the boots of the guys standing seem a bit too clean for how damp the ground appears. They might also benefit from some mud stains on their knees since they probably would have knelt down at least once during this whole episode.

Lovely work. Wish I had your skills.

I can't begin to tell you how realistic this looks! It's one thing looking at the finished product, and other to see all the work that went into this! Congratulations on finishing it, and good luck at AMPS!

Great feedback Mark, thanks! The boots have some healthy dirt/mud, but will dirty up the pants legs for sure.

Amazing job Jeff
I learned a lot of your work on this project specially your way to making the diorama

Truly stunning work Jeff! ... Congratulations Sir!
I enjoyed following every aspect of this build. Thanks for sharing!
Have a great time at AMPS!

—mike

PS: Thanks again for the 'Fun-Tak' tip. I use that stuff everywhere now! ... it's holding me down to my chair as I type!

All is spectacular here for sure brother!!! Constryction,painting weathering,placement of figs,story,groundwork,detailing are all so nice I really can't add anything the others haven't typed already.
You should do well at AMPS!!!
Say hello to Mikey Roof for me.
J

I saw Jeff's dio at the 2015 AMPS International Convention this past weekend and I can say it looks as good, if not better in 'person'. Plus it was nice meeting up with him and tossing back a few adult beverages as well.

Hey! Where are the glamour shots and a report on how many medals you won with this beauty! You've kept us waiting too long for the wrap-up on this fantastic build. Don't make me come over there!

Don, et al,

Thanks as always for the interest and comments! After returning from AMPS I had to recuse myself from any and all model activities for a week or so to ensure my wife did not leave me! but, plan to do the beauty shots tonight so I can provide a final expose on this build, close it out, and move on to the next project.... Cheers.

Thanks Patrick! Tough to see much in the dimly lit display area, but nonetheless a great show! And indeed, great to kick back, drink a few choice brews with you and Chi-Town crew! Good times for sure....

I sure that someday I can found any mistake in your work!


Great work!

Regards from the south
Alvaro

Hey there gents, making my way through final beauty shots for the Dio. Starting with the figures, I actually included the below shots/descriptions with my reference material for the AMPS competition. As I was creating the storyline, I thought it was very important to think through the personalities of each character, what they're thinking, what they're saying. This also helped me pick the best heads/expressions.

I love the storyline and captions ... great presentation! Well done Jeff!

—mike

This is awesome......The work and detail put into this and the historical factor behind it is awesome as well. Are we going to see any more pictures of the complete diorama? Wish I could have seen it live.

Curtis

Jeff, really inspiring work! Love the figures and the story. The individual characters enhance the story nicely!

Cheers!
Stefan

Jeff, I've been following this one regularly and I have to say you have done a first class job from start to nearly finished, as has been said earlier this is very inspiring, thank you for sharing.

Neil

great PE work...i have no patience for that.Some day I will learn. Nice interior. I hope you paid like $5 for that kit...hate the Tamiya prices on ancient kits.
kool figures!

Hi there gents, sorry for the long delay in posting final pics. But here they are, in no particular order. Let me know what you think! Cheers.

All jokes aside, AMAZING work!!

Ummm all I can say is Michaelanglo is reincarnatied!! Simply simply stunning!!!

I am guessing this took out best in show??

Cheers Mike

AWESOME!!! Love the co-driver hitting the driver,like "Get this?"
J