Hi all,

Well I have decided to build my first dio, and I figured why not chronicle my first experience here.

So having said that....feedback, feedback, feedback please.....

I originally planned it to be a Sexton in the Netherlands. It would depict the crew trying to get into a good position. Since starting the build my thoughts have wandered a lot. I am now debating replacing the Sexton with a Stuart, or a Hetzer..the Hetzer fits well in the scene.

If I do stick with the Sexton, I will be using some figures from Ultracast, the three below pictured in the Pixie suits.

Should I decide to go with the Stuart, it will be the three Ultracast figures not in Pixie suits.

Or, I will do up a Hetzer and put it in....for some reason I really like the low profile of the Hetzer when it is placed. I will be building another Hetzer for this, should I decide to go that route....

...Bang on historical accuracy while important, is not a huge issue for me...

Monroe Purdue Windmill:



Initial layout of the base:



Carving out the general shape:



Playing with a Hellcat for placement:



With the Hetzer:




Rock work:



Bring on the "Shrubbery"



Getting there, lots to do still:











Here are the figures that I am considering, I haven't picked out any German soldiers should I go that route....



For the Stuart:



Perhaps also include these should I go the route of the Stuart?

Very nice start and set-up. Will be following this thread. Thanks for sharing Greg.

Well, here's my two cents worth American ... I like the Hetzer.
And oh yeah, did I mention? ... WOW!!!

—mike

Nice start, looking good. What are the dimensions of your diorama base L,W,H?

Really coming along nicely for a first time effort! Way better than my first one.
J

Greg, great start ! And, you can't go wrong with a Monroe Perdue building. Keep us posted and thanks for sharing !
Tom

Thanks for the feedback thus far guys, it has really been nerve wracking for me to get the courage up to post the pics..

The dimensions are 12" X 12" with 10.5" to the peak on the Windmill..speaking of dimensions, I had a great idea for a dio, but then I realized that it would take a full 12 x 8 sheet of plywood! I just couldn't get my other half to embrace that for some strange reason!

Hi Greg, your dio is off to a great start. I like the firefly you have in the pics, would look good with the pixie suit figs.If going for a Holland dio, they would fit nicely to the timeframe of the cold, damp Scheldt campaign. On another note, how is the quality and fit of the windmill?? I have looked at getting this in the past myself. Ilook forward to your next update. Best regards...Dale

Greg, a very good start indeed! My first diorama wasn't nearly as well made and full as this one. I love the ground cover, and the layout ver much. I think the Hetzer is too small, but the Sherman Firefly looks to be just adopt perfect, IMO.

Keep up the good work.

Really fine looking start! The groundwork seems right on so far. I'd tend to agree with some of the other guys,, the Sherman seems like the best fit in this scene.

Well done. Everything looks likes its coming together well. Id possibly try to add a little more variation to the foliage to give a wider range of colours/textures. I look forward to seeing this develop.

Hi Dale,

Regarding the Windmill I am very impressed. When it was first revealed here on Armorama it took some flak for authenticity and accuracy. All that set aside here are some close up shots:

This is a reference photo that is included for the roof



Instructions



A Decal, I am a little nervous about weathering it, so any tips??

I really like the windmill kit seems to be a pretty solid product and I also like the addition of wood into the kit.

I have started the Windmill, I am not sure that I am happy with how the top has turned out. I may strip it down and start again. I have tried using the Life Color Lichen and Moss set, but it hasn't worked out well...I wanted to create moss in the areas that would be naturally shadowed....

I am making more headway, while setting up and taking today's pictures I realized that the Firefly could be using the windmill for cover. My original plans were to have a Sexton, but with the feedback regarding the Firefly that I have received I will weather up the Sherman and use it...

Would the crew have thrown much for camo on the Sherman? I assume Hessian tape would have been the camo of choice, but short of that was anything else used?

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Monroe Perdu windmill kit, as well the windmill has met the new Lifecolor Lichen and Moss set...I may have over done it a bit....

The upper walkway was a challenge, the part supplied with the kit was too big, and I couldn't get it to work with the supplied mounts. So I made another one using Forex, and made it a bit smaller. Luckily I was able to use the mounts that came with the kit, but being a laser burned cardboard they were tattered from the first go around. This gave me the idea of making the walkway look neglected, which led to creating an overall look of neglect...

Thoughts??? Constructive criticism and feedback??

Really looking good Greg.
Love the windmill and glad you went with the Sherman.
Lichen is not the best to work with.
Looking forward to your progress.
If this is your first,we can look forward to a lot of great ones from you.

Tom

Turning the turret as you've done (pics 1–3) works really well — instantly made the scene much more dynamic.

The groundwork and windmill are looking great. I like the neglected walkway idea.

—mike

Here are some pics of the walkway, I have no idea if I have been technically correct, but I created a wear groove from the windmill turning.....

Hi Greg, the windmill looks great, I think the Firefly will be a nice addition to your dio. I look forward to your next update. Keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing with. Best regards...Dale

The Dio is coming along very nicely. can't wait to see the next updates.

It's been a while since I've checked on your progress Greg and it looks like you've been busy. I never knew the MP windmill had so many goodies included. Like the Firefly as the armor piece. The Ultracast figs taking a break with the guy with the binoculars up on the windmill catwalk.
I'll be checking in more often ! Keep us posted and THANKS for sharing !

Tom

Really coming along nicely for sure. I am with team firefly myself as the proportions are better IMHO.
The windmill and veggies are looking very nice. I would say the catwalk would look better if you added a medium grey color either with a wash or with drybrushing. Since you added the moss,etc,the wood looks too new for that. By the time moss is growing on wood,it is fairly weathered. Plus,this would rule out anybody standing on the catwalk (if they value their life)?
J