I got a lot more done this weekend than I thought, so I decided to do one more update before I call it done, which should be later this week. Still have to finish the outer limits of the base and paint the "cut off" parts too. Still have to paint the head scarf of the casualty as well.

I know the photos are not that clear and a little yellowish too, so here is a list of stuff lying around:

Bridge - newspapers, cardboard box, RPG grenade, RPG pack, wads of money near the casualty (lots of Syrians had LOTS of Iraqi money on them).
Lower part - Wood box, water can, two Army shirts, a shoe, two paper cups, newspaper, and a discarded helmet. That's it I think. I added some different kinds of weeds too.

I still have to find some brass rod of the right size so I can put some spent casings around the medial strip too to depict the enemy presence before they bugged out (none up top since they bugged out after the artillery hit them w/ airbusts and before the 3rd ID arrived in column).











Bob

I've really enjoyed watching the progress of this diorama. I think you have done a remarkable job. Thanks for sharing.

Patrick

Ok I am very impressed with your dio, can't wait for those last few details and some better pics, i hope you are going to put this dio in a nice plastic or glass case to keep it safe. just an idea have you thought about adding a few Marines on the upper level checking on the condition of the oposition just an idea, Looks awsome.

This is really looking good Robert, everything that I can see is in balance (not too much of any one thing, I hope that makes sense). I'm looking forward to seeing this one in person in another 10 days or so.

Cheers,
Mike

Excellent build. Can't wait to see the whole thing completed

Really nice job! Where did you get the dead Iraqi?

Bob-
Where did you get the dead insurgent from??

Dio is Lookin great too!!!!

Bob

wow thats a great diorama i love the element of the dead iraqi and the construction of the whole thing. The only thing that bothers me is that alot of the debris on the ground is really dispersed so it looks somewhat staged rather than in a random fasion. Other than that i love it keep up the good work.
Ian

Bob, how are you going to ship this dio?

Bob,
It looks great. The various debris scattered around looks just like it did in Iraq. The Iraqi's didn't leave their stuff piled up neatly when the bugged out. It was strewn all over the place when we came across it. Great job. One thing I think you need to add though is a weapon near the casualty, AK-47 or RPG launcher. Until we rolled up and cleared the area and collected up the weapons, they were still laying all over the place. We were collecting them up by the truck load.

The casualty is really a Syrian. This dio takes place during the 2nd thunder run into Baghdad in April of 2003. This was an Army operation and this particular moment took place while the unit was in action, so it is not a policing up situation. The title of the piece will be something like "Thunder Run Into Baghdad." Hopefully that should help identify this as a combat situation as oppsoed to just some tank toolin' on down the road patrolling. Sorry if I did not make that clear.

The figure comes from Warriors and is part of a kit of an Israeli soldier carrying a wounded buddy while walking past this casualty.

I have identified the figure as a Syrian since during the thunder runs the 3rd ID ran into a heavy concentration of them. Plus, he is not wearing a uniform, although many Iraqis did the same I suppose.

I tried my best to scatter the debris around to make it look natural. I guess that is a subjective thing.

Gino: I thought about an RPG launcher and/or an AK, but so far I have decided against it since I figured the casualties buddies would have grabbed them and took off. I suppose either way could work. I may add one or both before the end of the week.

Dan: I am taking this piece on the plane in subsections. Saturday I do a test with my luggage! I leave next Monday for my business meeting in San Diego and then I have to fly to Atlanta. I am not looking forward to travelling so much with this thing. I will be taking a lot of stuff to make repairs just in case.

Then I have to give it up to Sgt Olson. Hopefully, I can get some good photos at his house of the whole thing put together. It will not be in one piece ever til I get to Atlanta. I just assume my way of attaching the bridge to the support will work.

Bob

Robert great piece have bee enjoying its building look forward to finished project
Ian

Stunning work so far Burik.

I too have been watching this diorama develop and it is becoming a real beauty, really inspiring!
I love the look of the concrete, very well done!

Keep it up (and the pics coming)

Mark

This is just an amazing work and the eventual owner is in for something very special. You've really done some excellent work, even down to the debris scattered about.

So, what are you going to attempt next to top this, if that's possible?

Thanks for sharing with us this build.

That is just an awesome job on the dio. Great Work.


Just to keep to the rules...
One thing that I noticed is the shine on the sidewalk. Is that camera flash or is it on the dio?

Maybe a dusting of clear flat is in order?
-Doug

Awesome, completely awesome! Keep up the good work! Your definetly on the right track!
Cheers and happy modelling!
Prato

Bob

Bob

Opps- Damn fat fingers-

Bob
Do you have the Warrior kit number for the dead Syrian??

I need to get this one

B

Very well done, Great use of vertical height to add interest.
Very good composition. Nicely done all around.

I would consider some type of feature out of this one. An OD at minimum, a build feature would be cool too.

Scott: I don't know what OD stands for, but I would not mind trying to put something together on the dio (the tank build will be in an upcoming issue of Military Modelling). The problem is, is that I did not take quality in-progress photos of the build. I just wanted to get something on the Forums quickly. My plan is to try and get some quality photos taken in Georgia at Sgt Olson's house when I visit with him.

The Warrior kit number on the casualty is 3535340 and is called Welcome to Lebanon.

I too noticed some shine on the flash of the photo. I will try to deaden that.

Thanks everybody. I really had fun putting this together, knowing it was for someone who really experienced what I am depicting (talk about trying ot get it right ...).

Bob

Amazing. Realistic, life-like and really a masterpiece. Thanks for sharing.
Congratulation with it.
Simon