Hello, Ryan
Very good idea and good start to do this diorama. yes, it would be interesting to see geerman panzer finished. as i see you don't want to use photoeched part but may be it would be useful. and, by the the way, i recommend you to drilled exhaust pipe (it was made from thin material but not inch.
And one of the most important is ground and plants. I mean color of ground and some types of grass have many differences in Russia and USA despite of similar climate in region of operation citadel and in north-east or norh-west of USA. For example there are many mistakes when modellers use diorama material for French diorama to do Ost front. There are no too much work - just color of ground, much dust and some trees but finally it'll be look grate like true ost front battlefield