AH. Joe the Camel. He will be taking centre front of the diorama for reasons that will become obvious. I have to be cryptic here to prevent spoilers.

In terms of figures, I'm hoping the learning curve gets better and easier - with Christolph (radio operator) he is one of the very few successes I've had (and even then, he looks better in the photo than he does in 'real' life).

I've become quite attached to my crew (maybe I need some time on the couch rather than the bench) - is this common in diorama builders or have I just been spending too much time with you guys? Maybe a post more suited to 'the doc is in...'

I can't wait to see the completed diorama ! David, why can't you and your bride BOTH use the room at the same time? Because of the painting you're doing? You could say you're just trying to spend more time with her. Give her an X-Acto knife, a 1X brush, a breathing mask and let her help. Or ask her to start shaking the next bottle of paint you plan to use. Or don't.

I'm FULL of ideas to help! My wife says I'm full of something else, tho ...

Strange but true...
Apparently, German tank crews in Africa used to deliberately drive over Camel poop for good luck. This was until the Allies heard of this and planted explosives inside said 'Camel Apples' . The basis of this superstition was that the cure for rampant dysentery in the DAK was found is Camel poo. The bacteria in the faeces sorted the dysentery but gave the troops a deep hatred of Camel poop. Hence running it over was considered good luck.

Figurines take time. That's a fact. Your crew looks good--a tragic lot to say the least, but admirable. Good show, David!

Yeah, on the unmentionable item, the Nazis (sadly) had quite a history in that department, but let's leave that aside in favor of the imago Dei that applies to us all. For me it's not a question of these lads deserving a break (I always get nervous when folks talk about what I or anyone else deserves), it's a matter of common grace, shall we say--the divine spark still glowing within, deep calling to deep as they ruminate over the past and the present in a futile but understandable bid to forget the present. Shakespearean, truly. Once more unto the breach...David, you are on your way to capturing that moment.

That's Psalm 42:7, my friend.

A rather grainy photo of Joe and the Crew. Possibly.

On recommendation from Louis, I've been reading 'Death Traps: The survival of an American armoured division in WWII'.

Hugely recommended book detailing first hand the truly terrifying journey from Normandy to the heart of Germany. The sheer scale of the loss of life is utterly breathtaking. Not an easy read, but an essential account of life as a Tanker in the most horrific and heroic of times.

Ah, that'd be Whisky. Eagle-eyed iModelers might catch his brother, Soda, in the final diorama.