Thanks for all the compliments.

Added a couple things to finish it off. I added the power pole, and straps on the weapons. Here is the final product.

Actual picture:


My dio:



I scratched the pole using a long, square piece of basswood; plastruct rod, C beam, and angle iron pieces; bolts sliced from hex rod; lead foil; some string for wires; and insulators from modern German smoke grenade launchers.

Close up of the pole:


That is it. It is ready to go.

I like it!! Another great example Gino. Bravo and well done!!

Gino... any chance you'd turn this into an article? Would be really helpful. Lots of info about changes to the Bradley and the Uniforms. I think people would find it very informative, particularly since you have some personal experience with this theater.

Maybe, I'll think about it.

Look great Gino

Adding the telegraph pole is a great finishing touch , im still drooling over the Bradley btw


Ian

Thanks for the answer, Gino. Dio looks great!

awesome work Gino!

The addition of the pole certainly gave the base alot more character. It actually gave the impression of a "rough neighbourhood" and with the soldiers on high alert, it really tells a good story.

I think its fantastic!

Thanks guys. Glad you like it. The pole does add to it quite a bit. I like it. Makes it look run down and like a bad neighborhood. Keep your eyes out for an On Display Feature on it soon.

This is one of the BEST M2A2 Bradleys I 've seen so far since starting this hobby.You might be able to win something at the Next contest for Tamiya.

Happy Modeling
(++) 1:35

Nice work Gino. I like this type of modeling most of all.

I'm sure the owner will be very happy with it!

Gunnie

A nicely recreated scene Gino with a dynamic action feel to it. If I was forced into a corner to make any comments, it would be a small nitpick on the embankment edge. A bit of dark wash may give it a bit of depth and dirt as can be seen from the actual photo. Just a nitpick though.

Hi Gino,
the Brad was already good but in the dio it looks better. You got the right feeling of tension rising within the patrol members.

Concerning more poles, I don't think it's a good idea as the real distance between 2 poles would be at least 15 to 20m so certainly out of your base. Keep it as it is.

Once again you'll make a customer happy.
Congrats

olivier

Thanks guys.

Olivier, I agree on the poles. Only one was going on it. It is done, as you see it. Nothing more to add.

Gino,
A really great diorama that I feel conveys the action just as you intended and I agree that the Bradley as it is not covered in the trappings of the sand of the desert looks just right for an urban setting.
I have a question which I hope you may see and answer as to how you produced the road surface that looks so realistic. One of my ongoing projects needs a strip of road and I am lost at how to make it?

Thanks in advance and thanks for sharing your great build.

John

John, Thanks. Glad you like it. Your question has come up a couple time. From page one of the post.

"HeavyArty's Dio Building 101:

The wooden base was made by me as well. It is a 1" x 10" piece of pine, cut to size, routed the edges, and finished with stain and an acrylic clearcoat. The wall is a piece of 3/8" plywood sunk into the base in a routered channel. The sidewalk is a piece of artists foamcore board to raise it up above street level. The whole thing is covered with Spackling Compound, plaster used on drywall, and smoothed out with a putty knife. First, the wood is roughed up with a sanding disk to give the palster something to hold onto.Once dry, I further smoothed it with sand paper. It was all then painted with enamels, and weathered with acrylics, enamels, and pastel chalks."

Hope that helps and good luck on yours.

Hi
I saw the first photos a couple of days ago and thought yeh the bradley looks good, the figures look good, the base looks good, everything looked good but there was something missing, couldnt put my finger on it.
Now after checking out the thread again i see the additions made and it has now come to life the pole,wires and even the gun straps have made a huge difference for me.
Its gone from good to excellent .
Dont touch it or add anymore leave well alone all to easy to keep fiddling and spoil the affect.
cheers

Gino,

Very nice!!! The story it conveys is obvious.

The only critique I'd add is regarding the power pole. If you consider the height (which may be an issue with the customer) of those in the pic, the one you built is pretty short. If those GIs had their morning MRE, they'd be able to jump up and touch the wires.

Mike (++) (++)

I'm still considering that TACFIRE shelter!!

Thanks guys. Some of the power poles in Iraq were pretty short. Don't think they took as much care when it came to safety and such. The pole scales out to about 12' though. It would have to be a pretty good MRE to give you that much energy. Maybe the Bean Barrito would do it. :-) :-)

Whoa, this one slipped past me. Glad I caught it.
Gino great looking diorama, love the action. Another fantastic piece of work you did. Will you be able to show it in a up and coming contest, it’s a winner.

Thanks Joe. No contest for this one. It should be going to the buyer soon.