Black Dog has released another diorama base in 1/35th scale. This time around it is a diorama set in Vietnam and moulded completely in resin.
Contents
The product is packaged in the usual end opening card box from Black Box and the contents are nicely packed and protected inside two Ziploc bags. Inside of the Ziploc bags are the 10 resin pieces that make up the diorama base.
Review
Starting with an inspection of the resin pieces for this product I was surprised to find a few air bubbles, nothing drastic in regards to location, but they will ideally need to be filled and it is unusual to find them on products from Black Dog. The very small bubbles can most easily be filled with CA glue; the larger bubbles could easily be filled with your favourite compound or CA glue mixed with bicarbonate of soda. Other than these surprise air bubbles I could not find any other issues of note.
The base of the diorama is a little uneven, but this can easily be corrected via a light sanding of the underside. While talking about the base it is worth pointing out that the base is quite thin, an aspect I like if it is going to be mounted on a wooden pedestal for display. I like that littered around the base there are some ammunition boxes and rubble, but I am quizzical of the backpacks shown on the base from a period point of view; they look too modern, but I could be wrong.
The wall is made up of three pieces that look good and should be easily separated from their pour plugs. The design looks good from a construction viewpoint, but I am a little confused as to what makes it specifically Vietnamese as it looks like a standard ornate wall seen the world over to me. The diorama base could be used just as it is at this point, but Black Dog has provided another element that can be used with this base or at another time.
The added element is a wooden cart; the cart is supplied in 6 pieces and again the removal of the pour plugs will be easy to manage. The wood grain detail is exaggerated for the scale, but this is of the usual current standards as regards wood grain. Construction of the cart has been well considered and it should look very good. The wheels are keeping me guessing as I am unsure what they are made to replicate.
Conclusion
This diorama display base will accommodate 2 or 3 figures with ease and so the size is good. I will say that I prefer things to be at an angle as I find the view more pleasing and it tends to draw in the eye of the viewer; this effect could be managed by making the provided diorama a part of a larger offering and off setting the provided element. Regardless of what you decide this does offer a nice display base.
SUMMARY
Highs: The large size makes a base that can tell a story rather than a base for displaying a figure only.Lows: There are some air bubbles that will need attention.Verdict: A base that has a number of possibilities from a quick display to an element of a larger base.
Our Thanks to Black Dog! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About Darren Baker (CMOT) FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM
I have been building model kits since the early 70’s starting with Airfix kits of mostly aircraft, then progressing to the point I am at now building predominantly armour kits from all countries and time periods. Living in the middle of Salisbury plain since the 70’s, I have had lots of opportunitie...
It looks pretty nice overall. It really is more of a vignette base though, too small for a diorama in my way of thinking.
The rucksacks are correct for Vietnam era rucksacks. They are early Tropical rucks (ALICE-style) and didn't really change much until the MOLLE system was introduced in the early 2000s.
Vietnam rucksacks.
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