Final reveal: Arco dei Fileni, Libya, 1941 on 1:35, Scratchbuild
This article is part of a series:
This is the final reveal of my crack at the Arco dei Fileni, an Italian colonial monument erected in 1937 in Libya and designed by the Italian architect Florestano di Fausto (1890-1965). The original was dynamited by the later Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi in 1974.
Most of the information on the build was summarized over a WiP thread starting some time last year:
https://imodeler.com/groups/military-vehicles-world-war-ii-and-before/forum/topic/arco-dei-fileni-lybia-1941-42-135-scale-schatchbuild-1/
This monument had a rich history over the years of the war in North Africa and for both sides, so this comic illustration shows:
This build took me about a year to bring from conception to finalization. I learned a lot over the course of it. Unfortunately, some of the WiP thread was lost "over the course of the war", but most of the information is referred to in the above link. Here are some of the build steps:
Scale: This is a semi-scale build, given I could not find more detailed plans and had only three main dimensions (height of the monument and Arc + width of the trespassing through it). Rest is by photographic inference.
Main materials were: Base and main structure: Hardwood. Covering and detailing: Balsa. Statues: Sculpted from Staedtler FIMO:
Bas-Reliefs: Molded plaster substrate and etching, Inscriptions: Decals and 3D printed. Painting was completed with Chalk paint and Acrylics.
The models are Dragon (DAK soldier) and Zvezda (BMW R-12 heavy motorcycle).
And here is the final model:
Hope you like it! Thanks for all my friends here to support me over the past 10 months!
Michel.
Haslam Yeoman said on March 23, 2020
That is an awesome result. Could be the start of a huge diorama if you had time to build 500 or so axis vehicles and crew in convoy. Just kidding😀
Michel Verschuere said on March 23, 2020
@Haslam55 I actually thought of this. I am currently considering to first build a bigger house scale 1:1 😀
Greg Kittinger said on March 23, 2020
Yep! I just liquidated some of my larger stash items (4-engined bombers, etc - bye bye B-17s...) due to lack of display space. I decided the option of a larger 1:1 wasn't an option right now...
Spiros Pendedekas said on March 23, 2020
This is some serious modeling, Michel. Excellent result, with very detailed research. I am amazed by your work.
All the best!
Michel Verschuere said on March 23, 2020
Efxaristo poli Spiros!
Spiros Pendedekas said on March 23, 2020
Parakalo (παρακαλώ - you're welcome) my friend!
Pedro L. Rocha said on March 23, 2020
Awesome! Some troop and vehicles passing by would make this mammoth a award winner diorama. Why not some British troops heading hit on the wheels of the retreating Italians?
Michel Verschuere said on March 23, 2020
Agreed, let's say this state of the build is still work-in-progress 😉 Space limitation is my worst enemy, my imagination on how to extend this build is never ending 😀
Louis Gardner said on March 23, 2020
Wow Michel ! This turned out spectacular my friend ... Having the DAK soldier standing next to it and the motorcycle gives the viewer a reference of scale on how big the original arc was.
Two thumbs up and a great big "liked". Here's to wishing you and your family good health.
Michel Verschuere said on March 23, 2020
Thanks @lgardner and of course may you and your family stay healthy!
Stellan Schroeder Englund said on March 23, 2020
Only the Fascists...
Fantastic piece. I think you need some dust around the base, no?
Michel Verschuere said on March 23, 2020
Yes true! I did not use any pigments yet for I still puzzle where to place this model. Any ideas?
Chuck A. Villanueva said on March 23, 2020
The Louvre?
Michel Verschuere said on March 23, 2020
@uscusn The Louvre is closed because of Corona virus 😭
But nice try, I'm honored!
Chuck A. Villanueva said on March 23, 2020
Unfortunately all the museums here as well.
Chuck A. Villanueva said on March 23, 2020
Excellent build Michel (Michelangelo perhaps), I remember when you first proposed this ambitious project. Now here it is in all it's splendor. Truly a work of art. Bravo my dear friend. You and the family stay safe.
Greg Kittinger said on March 23, 2020
Michel - you really pulled it off! Love all the base relief, the figures, the lettering - all adds so much dimension. Excellent "non-usual" project!
David Mills said on March 23, 2020
Fabulous result Michel!
Grand concept matched by superb effort - congratulations!
Robert Royes said on March 23, 2020
Fantastic project, looks awesome!
James B Robinson said on March 23, 2020
Michel, this turned out GREAT! Awesome build man. This is right up there with your German Air Ministry building. Absolute beauty.
Well done!
@michel-verschuere
Michel Verschuere said on March 23, 2020
Thanks my friends for your kind words! I finally fought myself free for the next project!