I am building my first model in 20 some years and I want to put it in a diorama. It is a T-74 MBT.

My idea for the dio is simple. The T-74 at the side of the road with the crew taking a break. I was think of having the commander looking at a map, ( perhaps the reason they are stopped in the first place?) while the gunner and driver are having a conversation.

My question is this - would there be any type of road obstruction that would actually keep a tank from going through it? I'd like to have more of a reason for it being stopped than just to have them looking at a map.

Looking forward to your input!

Thanks

Not sure of theater but I know the Germans would strap a load of explosives to the base of a tree and blow it up knocking the tree across the road. That coupled with a ditch and or wall on the side of the road would do it.
How about - an empty gas tank. Scratch build a small disk that is the gas cap and position it as if it has been opened and left off. The guys are waiting for a refuel. Maybe a 'Jerry' can that is empty too. Add a funnel and or pump and hose.

A bridge that is either blown or clearly too weak to support the tank...maybe a sign with a weight limit to reinforce this. This would also paly into the map idea. More elaborate, a herd of sheep, goats or cattle. This obviously implies an exercise rather that a combat situation.

why not do a mud track going off the side of the road so it looks like a training area mybe add a tac sign at the side of the road and why not stop everyone knows an officer cant read a map! :-) even tanks have to stop and find their bearings from time to time

Another thing that could stop a beast from going is for sure some barbwire and the sign of a minefield ahead. This could also justify the use of a map cause the guys did not expect to find one there. Ablown up jeep also could be an item of stopping and checkin maybe, or as stated from above some serious obstacles as ruined wall , or really big tree, or something like this, though having seen tanks going into houses and over jeeps just for fun i dont think that many things could stop an iron beast !!

Wow...thanks for all of the input!

You guys have given me some great ideas to toss around inside my skull for my first project. I will keep you updated on my progress with pictures as I go.