I previously did a small vignette. Here is a larger piece with Bravo 6 figures. I'd like to add some smoke for color, but I don't think it would be realistic for the squad to put a smoke grenade in their own position, even to mark their location for air or artillery. But if I am wrong in that assumption I would love to hear it. Purple or red or yellow would break up all that green, and create some interest.















Bob

Nicely executed. These guys are in a would of hurt, assailed on at least two sides. Pop smoke and call in the air or arty or they'll never make it. They all look pretty desperate,

Action packed for sure.
J

Awesome work, love the action, looks great!

Nice build Robert , looks great , good figure placement for a shatstorm , cool greenery !!

The ground was too bare so I added a lot more ground clutter. It is still wet and after it dries I will go back and probably remove some of the clumps in the path where it piled up too much. Maybe a little highlighting too. But I will let a few days pass first.













Bob

Looks really good with the mud, muck and getting under cover. Just one thing caught my eye. The a/gunner, who can see the problem? A virtual pat on the back if you get it right.

Don't post the answer yet, just say 'I see it' and lets see how many can catch it.

it's a stunning diorama and well executed, well done indeed.

as for the assistant gunner "I see it" or at least I think I do, I sent a PM to you Patrick

I see it too, but won't give it away either-- it's barely worth mentioning. Now, I really like this diorama, and think the figure painting is excellent., I do have some constructive criticism though. The water is way to still for the action- especially the area beneath the muzzle blast of the M60. I can't tell what kind of weapon the squad/platoon leader is using, but the barrel is too long for a .45, if that's what it's supposed to be-- but it might be a trick of the lens. The undergrowth "trees" are too tall & skinny for the scene, they would be better clumped together and thicker. Now these are just my opinions and you know what those are-- overall, I think the scene is well composed, exceptionally detailed and finely executed. I'd only change the trees and add some ripples to the water. I "might" fix that assistant gunner, but most folks won't even notice. If I were a judge, I'd still give it a first place ribbon!
VR, Russ

I just saw the helmet, upside down with webbing and a sweat stained head band, anyone who wore those old steel pots in hot areas would remember the color (and smell) of those funky headbands. The details are excellent. I don't think you need to make any changes any more would probably start taking away from what you have here.

That's not the mistake you are talking about is it? Because I don't see that as a mistake. But there is something less obvious with the figure (and as I look closer, it may also be noticeable on one other figure, but I can't really tell by the photos. But again, it's not really that noticeable. As for the helmet, the detail there is exceptional-- you can even see the variegated colors of the liner, something I don't think I've ever seen anyone else replicate so well before. Most modelers just paint it green and let it go. Again a well executed diorama.
VR, Russ

The Assistant gunner has the bullet points of the spare belt pointed inward (toward his neck). The case heads should be inward, not the bullet points.

As for the smoke question, yes, smoke was used to mark friendly positions.

Well, the bullet points is a possibility, but also a mater of preference. There are plenty of photos through history showing the points inward. That’s not the “error” I see, which is not very obvious, and in fact may also appear on one other figure in the scene. But perhaps I’m not seeing “something missing” because “it’s” covered by “something” else which just makes it look like it’s missing?
VR, Russ

A lot going on there, thanks for sharing.

I'd be interested to know the error. I added some roots with epoxy putty across the path but I did not feel like taking any photos. I felt the paths were just too bare, even with the leaf litter. Time to move onto the next one.

Not really an error ass much as an omission-- I don't see any shoulder straps for the rucksack frames. That's the problem I see, but, are they actually missing or just hidden someplace?
VR, Russ

I think you can just see the ruck straps here.

Yep-- just can't see where they come out at the back where they attach to the frame, but it could be they are covered up. Then the only "mistake" that others might point out are the tips of the rounds-- but as I said, that's not really an error, as I've carried them that way myself-- it's just a matter of choice. That's what a collar or a towel are for. I don't see chin straps on the helmets, but they are likely there, somewhere. I wore a steel pot for many years, and unless I was on the firing range, I always wore my strap around the back of the helmet.
VR, Russ,

Yes the straps connect. I did not even have to do my own as the Bravo6 figures are well done in all the details.

Great attention to detail.

And just in case anyone questions the ammo belt again, take a look at photo number 39 in this string of photos of SS troops during Normandy as advertised in the latest Alpine "HJ" offerings over on "The Modeling News"---again proof that it's just a matter of convenience in how they are carried:
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2019/06/two-new-35th-scale-figures-in-three.html#more
Again, beautiful work-- I'd still give that water a little ripple or two though!
VR. Russ

Excellent job on placing the figures in a way to create a very dramatic scene. Your vegetation looks good. Keep the ground scatter as is, it builds up in places and thins in others. I agree with the comment about the water being too calm especially near the muzzle blast of the M60, but working with water effects is difficult.

In regards to the rucksack straps, Bravo 6 figures do have the top portion of the shoulder strap that attaches to the top part of the ruck (if the original figure is intended to have a rucksack), but one still has to use paper or lead foil strips or something similar to complete the straps from the bottom of the padded portion of the shoulder strap to where it is attached to the bottom part of the frame. In the attached photo, look at where the strap is attached to the bottom part of the frame near the left hand of the Soldier on the right side of the photo. This is what I am talking about.



Your photo showing the side of the M79 Grenadier doesn't have a strap attached to the bottom portion of the frame. No big deal since your diorama is pretty much complete, but something to consider on future projects.

Very nice diorama.

Cheers,
James

Just saw this Robert, and it's awesome! I love the overall varying shades of green.

By following up on your responses to share W-I-P pics, I couldn't help but feel the Assistant Gunner reminds me of "Toad" from the film American Graffiti, but I mean exactly.
(And in the film's closing, it shares what transpired with each character: Terry Fields - reported MIA near An Loc 1965)

Excellent all around, thanks for sharing!

Regards
Dave