Here is my latest diorama, "Let me see your map, LT." which depicts a Squad Leader from 2d Battalion, 47th Infantry (Mechanized), 9th Infantry Division asking to see the map the Platoon Leader is using so he can point out to the LT where they really are. I am not going to name names, but this was an actual event on a dismounted patrol and from what I understand it was a pretty common occurrence for this LT to be lost shortly after starting a patrol. This Squad Leader is trying to set the LT straight, but the LT is pulling the map away because he doesn't want to admit that he is lost. His RTO thinks the guy is an idiot and is is outwardly laughing at him. The figures are all conversions of Bravo 6 figures with Hornet Heads and First Legion Helmets. Weapons are from Trumpeter. The map, which is the Bien Hoa mapsheet (one of 2/47th Inf (Mech)'s Areas of Operation or AO), is from ETA Diorama Products. The figures are painted with acrylics from Reaper, Vallejo, Andrea, and Scale 75. Note that the uniforms of the Squad Leader and the RTO are more faded than the LT's, their helmet covers are faded and dirty, and their arms are covered with scrapes and scars from "wait-a-minute" vines. At the time of this particular event, the LT was still relatively new to the unit and only had a few patrols under his belt, but had already developed a reputation for being bad at land navigation not helping the jokes that are related to LT's being lost.

The groundwork is brown Magic Sculpt textured with a toothbrush and the vegetation is stuff that I preserved and the ground scatter is from DioDump and from other dried plant products. I would have added my normal ground scatter mix, but I have recently moved and I couldn't find the box that I had put it into. I originally had a different figure that I was going to use for the LT, but I was running out of time to get this diorama completed for the Tulsa Figure Show and then my dad passed away from cancer caused by Agent Orange this past Tuesday, so this is as done as this is going to get.

I know some of the photos may seem redundant, but I was trying to get several shots of various details.
















































































Thanks for looking. I'd be happy to answer any questions anyone may have about what I did with the figures, etc. It may take a day or two for me to answer as we are preparing for my dad's funeral which will be 6 June which is incidentally the date marking my grandfather's first bombing mission as a Bombardier in B24s on D-Day and my first day at Marine Corps Recruit Training in 1988. Like the date marking new journey's for my grandfather and me, it will mark a new journey for my dad. I dedicate this diorama in his memory as he was a member of the 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam from December 1966 through July 1968.

Cheers,
James

Another excellent looking piece from you Sir! Looks the biz from top to bottom. Love the hand painted unit patches. I will repeat here my sincere condolences for your Pop brother.I am sure he is happy to report to the Big Gunny in the Ski and is ready to pull his shift on guard at the Pearly Gates.
J

James, really great job and a neat backstory. You've done excellent work on these figures and really captured the moment here-- I especially like the "glisten of sweat" on the arms of the figures. And your choice of the 9th ID is great too. As a former "Octofoil" member myself, you seldom see the patch represented by modelers, so it's really nice to see it here. Sorry to hear about your Dads passing, but I bet he'd be impressed with your work. May he Rest In Peace on the "Day of Days".
VR, Russ

Very nice! There's a lot more to asking for the map, than most will realize.
Gary

Another excellent dio, James! Sorry to hear about your dad, at least he will be well remembered. Wayne

My condolences to you and your family, Sir. May your Dad Rest In Peace.

And my congratulations on another fine vignette. I always look forward to your special touches. Sweat is one of those small details often overlooked by modelers. However, you’ve captured it and the heated moment very nicely. And of course, there’s your signature red earth.

—mike

"Classic" work on those figures James, love the veggies too!

Excellent diorama.

And condolences for the loss of your Dad. May he rest in eternal peace. I will raise a glass to him on June 6 and thank him for his service!

My dad was 9th ID, an uncle was 9th ID, I was 9th ID. I remember when we got our shutdown orders as they deactivated the division. I also remember as a squad leader having to check our new platoon leaders map reading skills. 99% of the time they were lacking. No GPS just a compass, a map and a pace rope.

You can almost see the exasperation in the squad leaders eyes and you know the RTO is saying something less than complimentary.

Well done.

That looks amazing!

Thanks, Jerry, both for your condolences and comments about the diorama. The Honor Guard at Fort Sam Houston did an outstanding job. I was holding strong until they started folding the flag, then the tears started.

Cheers,
James

Thanks, Russ.
I figured that the "glisten of sweat" would be a must have on these figures considering the location and climate. Yeah, you don't see the 9th ID depicted very often (unless if it is in my work ). My Dad would have liked this diorama.
Cheers,
James

That's for sure, Gary.

Thanks, Ski.

I went through the preservation process on probably three times this many to get this amount that was decent.

Cheers,
James

Thanks, Darren

Thanks, Wayne.

He will be well remembered.

Now when will someone release a model of a Rhome Plow? I bought a dozer model thinking I could convert it, but I don't think I currently have those kinds of modeling skills to do that yet.

Cheers,
James

Thanks, Mike.

Thanks, Patrick.

Besides my dad, my wife's older cousin was in the 9th ID in Vietnam the same time my dad was. One of my friends who I served with during two of my tours in Iraq had started his Army career in 2d BN 47th IN probably around the same time you were in the 9th ID.

Glad you like the diorama and can relate.

Cheers,
James

Thanks, Owen

Ya Bro, veggies are an art form in and of themselves!

Hi James,

Sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences.

A really terrific piece of work, I really like the interaction and your eye for detail, it sure looks hot and tells the story without words.

Brillient.

Al

Very-very nice piece of art James!

Regards,

Tamás

James , sorry to hear of our country's , your family's and your loss .

Excellent tribute , nicely built and detailed scene . well done man , cool .

Great painting on figures and fantastic vegetation as always my Friend. Congrats.
Engin

Thanks, Engin, My Friend.