A WWI diorama (1 Viewer)

[blaster]

I placed the machinery in the main scene, shifted the kneeling soldier and glued all in place, incl a dead soldier with rifle and cap (Airfix 8th army).

More foliage was added carefully esp around the machinery which looks like an upturned rolling stock to me missing bogie wheels.

 

[Grey Heron]

Your detailing is excellent. I look forward to the next stage of the project.

 

[blaster]

Hi Grey heron,

thx for that but I think it is the foliage. Got to cough up some dough for detail. HahahA.

Well Ihe putttied and gessoed ad nauseum and the bkgd is finally ready for ptg

while waiting for that to dry, I have stRted to sculpt convert the last few figs. These are the bkgd figures of diminishing sizes. From the left is a cut down 1/35 fig down to 1/48 figs on the right. I hv to sculpt a couple of in between figs to fill the size gap. As can be seen, sculpting is too generous a term I use to knock up these orcs. I just press blobs and parts together until it looks right. It seems like a faster way to make filler figures.

i ptd the bkgd scene in oils. Notice that I’ve modelled some smoke in putty.

I then inserted the main scene to test the visuals. Last pic shows the intended crop. Almost there. Got to add the last few figs, fix the ungainly smoke, more foliage all round to hide all the defects and oh yeah, add the lights.

rgds Victor

 

[Grey Heron]

Fantastic work once again. No... I didn't know it was putty for use as smoke - very clever. The crop looks good too.

 

[blaster]

Hi Grey Heron,

thx again. I decided to do a proper looking open field and bought a nice dark beige grass mat. Only piece left in the model shop! Cut out a suitable piece and glued it to the base. Next I sprinkled some lighter coloured powder and blended the colours into mat. Then added while glue and stuck some 12mm straw grass followed by shorter 4 mm grass to show diminishing heights.

 

[blaster]

I added cotton wool to represent the smoke billowing from the bldgs and then tested the visual appeal of the scene.

I then decided to add small cotton bursts to represent the shell bursts in the bkgd.

 

[blaster]

Finished sculpting and ptg the bkgd figures and attached them to the base. I also sprinkled coloured chalk dust to the billowing smoke.

i epoxied the base to the scene and will repair the crack n cover with foliage

Getting there!

 

[Grey Heron]

Right! Good work there. The scene is settling in quite well. Good use of the grass mat and straw grass. I found stiff paint brush bristles quite effective for straw.

Look forward to see further work.

Cheers!

 

[blaster]

Thanks Grey Heron. Any suitable bristle hairs would suffice. There are also carpet mat samples which may be used. Due to the variety and sources, I hv organised all my foliage(s) into boxes for ease of use.

I repaired the crack and painted over it ready to be covered with grass. Added some teeny 1/300 figs to the bkgd. Give these guys something to shoot at. Hahaha. Also touched up the Color highlights here and there.

I used an old frame cutout to test the scene crop. This also helps me to decide how much more foliage to add around the sides.

 

[blaster]

Since this project is nearing completion, I can share that it is based on Geoff Barnes Wollen ptg
Our Little Contemptibles 1914. Hope y all enjoy it.

 

[blaster]

I adjusted the frame size to its final dimensions. Will cut out a nice frame based on this.
Had added more 1/300 figs and foliage and finalised most of the ptg. Still have to add lights and then all will be revealed.

 

[Poppo]

Such a great work:salute:: The perspective is amazing.{sm3}

 

[blaster]

Hello Poppo,

thx for yr very gracious comments. I got lucky with this piece. Anyway , it’s completed. I’ve installed lights and done all the touch ups. Hope y can see the tiny 1/300 figs in the bkgd.

rgds Victor

 

[blaster]

Here’s the original ptg

 

[Obee]

That is great work Victor, and also thanks for showing us the inspiration for the diorama, the original painting.

You have managed to reproduce a 2-D view into 3-D miniature, another masterpiece,

well done,

John

 

[Grey Heron]

Magnificent work on your finish masterpiece...well done. Thank you for showing us the original artwork.

All the best,
GH

 

[aujj65]

Victor, one of your best! :salute::

Jeff

 

[OzDigger]

Victor, another success, looking forward to more.

 

[Louis Badolato]

Victor,

I think I say this every time you finish a diorama, but this one is my favorite!:salute:: Just amazing how you bring the paintings to life!

 

[Horus]

Yes absolutely wonderful Victor, a most impressive miniature masterpiece !:salute:::salute:::salute:::salute:::salute::