Hi Tom, if there was a"Beauty and the Beast"........

Finally finished the Sherman that was left abandoned at the Israeli/Lebanon border. This was the first diorama I've built since I was 16, and it was a lot of fun. Painting the graffiti on the tank was an interesting change of pace, and I think it makes for an interesting scene. Hope you all like it. The first picture is the original inspiration for this build.

Outstanding! Love the diorama Shawn great execution and love the subject. It makes a great change from the usual fare.

Excellent job, Shawn, something completely different! Kudos, that might bag you some chits at a show sometime!

Sweet Sherman!

I haven't touched this kit in like 2 months. It doesn't seem like any progress, but some is better than none. I'm gonna make a push to already finish assembly.

Back to work. Doors, ironwork, and lights. For the doors, I added plates to the hinges to mount to the stone. I also heavily painted the doors and ironwork to make them look like they had multiple layers of paint. The street lights were a bit of a pain. Miniart wants you to add "glass", even including a template. However, they don't include clear styrene. I used some from the spares. I also added bulbs made from sections of clear styrene sprue.


For the stonework I went through trial and error. I usually paint and layer dry-brush to try to get depth. What I found to work well here was to paint the stone whatever color you want the mortar work...in this case a mix of black, brown, and green. Then go back and sand the surface, exposing the gray underneath. Sanding gives the plastic texture which works well with a simple dry-rushing and wash to touch everything up.


Doors on and gate/wall placed on the base. I posed a StuG III to show the general size.


The ase is a section of engineered 1/4 inch board. I marked the roadway and dirt areas. I used a thin sheet of styrene for the bed for Sculptamold groundwork and for the sidewalk. The plan was a cemetery, cobblestone sidewalk and drive, and a paved tarmac...lots of different textures. Cobblestones were made from scrap styrene. The first batch were too large but I decided to use them for the drive. I'd use smaller ones for the sidewalk and get a bit artsy with them. Shrubs, trees, and graves were also planned.



Things went off the rails and there was no way I was going to do the entire base like I wanted. It'd require alot more time to do the base right. I didn't want to just throw something together. So, with the campaign ending soon, I am posting the French Farm Gate portion of the kit.








That's all I can get done. I'm not worried about the ribbon. I changed gears and went with a different kit half-way through. Both base ideas were way too ambitious. I probably still would have struggled to get either base done...the original base was a real beast with interiors and sewer tunnels underneath. Hopefully, people picked up some tricks for these Miniart sets...or might pick one up and give it a try.

Well,you do have another month...and the way I see it, you finished the kit, and since the Campaign isn't called "I Really Want To Build This Diorama", ,You earned the ribbon! But keep us posted as you get further with your dio!!

Yeah, what Clayton said - you finished the model kit, the ribbon is yours Alex. Nice work too.

Keep at it Dustin. I'm pushing for time as I have to finish another build, then I will try and finish this plus a third build on time. No stress

Hey fellas. I was able to work on my Bradley some more tonight. Unfortunately Photobucket is doing some crazy BS charging people $400 to host their pictures now. I absolutely hate using armoramas image hosting, so I'm not sure what I'll end up doing now.

I just use Imgur for my hosting. Simple, gets the job done.

Yes that who I use for my hosting
http://imgur.com/

Someone on another site pointed out that part of the legalese is that anything you upload on imgur you make public is subject to them using to it make money - unless you delete it first. If they monetize one of your photos before that happens, they get to keep the rights even after. You get nothing, except probably sued if you try to use your own photo yourself.

So, bear that in mind.

Also bear in mind they probably all say something like that somewhere at this point. TANSTAAFL, and the waitress is heading back to our table now...

Hello all, here is the progress shot of my entry, Bandai 1/35 EFGF MS(G) Platoon Briefing Set M353A4.

Looks cool, Lap Man!

Here is my entry. Starting tomorrow.

Welcome aboard Kelly. Is this going to be the pink one?



Interesting subject Lap Man.

I've recommenced the 254 after completing my other group build. Hopefully pics worth posting on the weekend.

Alex, I cannot see your pictures due to photobucket going haywire, but if your pictures of the finished kit is in the campaign photo gallery you will get your ribbon.

Lap man, great choice. That will be interesting to follow.

Kelly, welcome onboard. An oldie, but a goodie.

Peter, no, it was a different tank idea. But I am surprised that didnt hit me. Now you have me thinking. geez.

WIP since start.

Coming along great, Doug!

Nice work Doug!

Looking great Doug

love the sherman diorama. really liking the one off.

Friendly reminder, 18 days left to the finish line!

I have me a bit more progress on my Paladors. These kits have some serious details on them.

How do you think I should paint the heads. I am thinking a white head with orange/yellow beak. Any thoughts?

Hope I will make it in time.

More to follow.