My winter diorama is finished!
This has been a long journey. I usually don't post my projects from start to finish, but you can go to the diorama section and see where I started. This has been a challenge, but very rewarding. This is built for my brother n laws King and Country models. And I will post some better photos when the presentation is done. And with a real camera. But you can get the basic idea. Well I hope you enjoy.
California Steve
5 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Frank Cronin said on May 14, 2015
CA Steve,
This is stunning. I can almost feel the cold and the muddy ground. Beautifully done. I would love to see your brother in laws office. He has to be trilled with what you do.
California Steve said on May 14, 2015
Thanks Frank, I think he will like this dio. His collection of German WWII uniforms and helmets Etc, has just been appraised at 80,000 US. And no he is not a redneck nazi, but a real historian who knows the value of his collection. Not to mention his collection of U.S. military collectibles.
Anyway this is for his King and Country brand 1/35 scale tanks.
I will post these photos later.
Thanks for the nice words,
California Steve
neil foster said on May 14, 2015
Very nice work Steve,may I suggest though that it isn't quite finished ,this scene is crying out for more figures,a row of troops trudging along in the same direction perhaps and a couple of men sharing a cigarette behind those sand bags would really bring this to life, definately not a critiscism though.
Can we have more information about the snow effect and the amazing wet looking muddy road surface please,cheers N.
California Steve said on May 14, 2015
Thanks Neil, Check out my posts in the Diorama section of this website. The base is a plaster base. Painted with water base acrylics. Coated with floor wax (Future), although I think any shiny floor wax will work. The snow is available from the model railroad folks.. Have a go at it. It is really some fun. Oh to answer, There will be soldiers marching along the ridge above the road. Check out the footprints in the snow that I have added.
Thanks again,
California Steve
Matija Lisec said on May 14, 2015
I second that
Rob Pollock said on May 14, 2015
Yes I agree. A good set up but hopefully Steve's additional items will 'flesh out' the spaces a little. I think checking out the Moson model show dio images (for example) will offer a few pointers on creating convincing European groundwork and a dynamic for figures and machines in a contained space.
Craig Abrahamson said on May 14, 2015
Looking forward to the "final installment", Steve. Always a pleasure to see your imagination at work.
California Steve said on May 14, 2015
Thanks Craig. Now I can get on to building a plastic model.
California Steve
Simon Whitney said on May 14, 2015
Nice work Steve, I agree with the idea of a few figures somewhere though.
Your brother in law will be chuffed to nuts with what you have done.
California Steve said on May 14, 2015
We'll I am glad you guys like the dio. The setup we planed will have a antiaircraft gun installment in the lower right corner with a crew of four. And three or four walking solders on the ridge above the road. Two to three tanks will be on the main road with maybe one coming at you on the middle turnout. It will be full.
Now the King and Country models are just a bit larger than 1/35th scale so my models I set up for the photos look a bit small.
I hope to deliver this this weekend and I will post a few photos.
California Steve
Magnus Fridsell said on May 14, 2015
A bit deeper mud and he can make good use of the schwimmwagen prop 🙂 ! My feet are freezing when I look at it!
Regards
Magnus
California Steve said on May 14, 2015
Thanks Magnus, now stay warm!
California Steve
Bernd Müller said on May 14, 2015
Brrrr, your winter diorame is looking great, Steve. As said before me, you can really feel the damp coldness.
Well done 🙂
California Steve said on May 14, 2015
Thank you Bernd, It has a natural wood finish on the frame so I think I am going to paint it black for a stark contrast. These dios I have made for my brother in law sit on glass display show cases full of war memorabilia so black frames will kind of make it disappear.
Thank for the nice comments.
California Steve
George Williams said on May 14, 2015
You've certainly captured the atmosphere of a cold European winter here, Steve. It'll be great to see the fully finished model.
California Steve said on May 14, 2015
Thanks George, I can't wait to post them.
California Steve
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on May 14, 2015
Steve, I'll guessing your brother-in-law is really pleased! What a great background for his models, or anyone elses.
Do we get to see the whole series sometime?
Well done, Sir!
California Steve said on May 14, 2015
Hello Bernard, He hasn't seen this one yet. I think he should like it.
I am planing a full photo shoot of the dios I have made for him.
Stay tuned, and thanks for the nice words.
California Steve
Richard Mcstay said on May 15, 2015
Very convincing diorama Steve. You almost feel cold when looking at it! The mud effects are amazing, as is the attention to detail! The footprints on the paths are a really nice touch!
California Steve said on May 15, 2015
Thank you very much Richard. There will be German solders tromping through the snow. I will post these when I deliver the diorama.
California Steve