There's no smoke without fire (1 Viewer)

[PRMC]

Recently I've been playing around with bringing a bit of the 'fog of war' to my displays. Cotton wool has been used a lot, and after initially not being keen of the idea, I gave it a go and it won me over. Making the smoke spout naturally from the barrels of muskets was essential, but how?

Well, I think I've cracked it! Using delicate wire as a support (the wire fasteners from sandwich bags) and a bit of double sided tape. I'm sure this approach won't be everyone's cup of tea, and I'd love to hear what people think, or even better, if you give it a go, please post a picture! As I said above, it has won me over and really adds a punch of realism and dynamics in my opinion. I'm sure it can be improved upon too.









The real thing.



I've made a little video tutorial for anyone interested in giving it a go. It's hardly professional, but might come in handy. Hopefully. I would love to make more tutorials as I explore the hobby. Early days...

Cheers!
Ollie

 

[sapper]

I thought it looked overdone and detracted from the figures but obviously not by the real photo. Great video though and i would use that technique in future dioramas but with less smoke. Regards Sapper.

 

[Normandy1944]

Amazing diorama!
you can almost smell gunpowder.



Harrie

 

[Andanna]

Very well done. The effect mirrors the re-enactment photo.

 

[Horus]

Looks great, better than my efforts with cotton wool ! :salute::

For some while now I've been using man made fibre stuffing, the sort you get in cushions. You can buy a bag at Poundland..

Some examples, though my smoke was supposed to represent fire from massed ranks.
Steve



And an earlier one with cotton wool, which as you can see for yourself doesn't look as good as the man made fibre stuffing !

 

[Poppo]

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[enricoquinto]

Hey Ollie,

that's great idea! {eek3} I think that your tutorial is very useful! Sometimes a little can make quite a difference! I can't wait to see what else you are going to do...:wink2:
Thanks a lot for sharing!

Cheers

Enrico :salute::

 

[PRMC]

Cheers for the replies, and kind words.

I thought it looked overdone and detracted from the figures but obviously not by the real photo. Great video though and i would use that technique in future dioramas but with less smoke. Regards Sapper.

Yes, I can completely see where you're coming from. Modelling smoke is always going to be tricky, so I tried to mimic as many photos as I could. Loved seeing your shots. You've definitely capture a more whispy smoke effect effect.

Looks great, better than my efforts with cotton wool ! :salute::

For some while now I've been using man made fibre stuffing, the sort you get in cushions. You can buy a bag at Poundland..

Some examples, though my smoke was supposed to represent fire from massed ranks.
Steve

View attachment 233233View attachment 233234View attachment 233235View attachment 233236

And an earlier one with cotton wool, which as you can see for yourself doesn't look as good as the man made fibre stuffing !
View attachment 233237

I'm not sure I agree that my approach looks better, but thank you! Your pictures are stunning. You've nailed it and the man made fibre does look superior. The thick clouds of white smoke look very accurate and dramatic, and the addition of lighting is really effective. Your displays are top notch! That square is impressive and brilliantly executed. You have a enviable collection for sure. Loved all of your pictures, and cheers for the the tip regarding Poundland alternative. It certainly works well!

Hey Ollie,

that's great idea! {eek3} I think that your tutorial is very useful! Sometimes a little can make quite a difference! I can't wait to see what else you are going to do...:wink2:
Thanks a lot for sharing!

Cheers

Enrico :salute::

Thank you Enrico, it was a pleasure!

Ollie