This possible?

Well, in al seriousness, it'll be about as convincing as those "Tigers" that they jimmy-up from T-34's for Holllywood movies.

You'll fool the novices and the general public, I'm sure, but you'll never slip it past the guys here...best to just hold onto the great idea, and save some cash--figs can be had pretty cheaply on ebay.

If you were looking for Germans, I might be able to help you out, but I don't have a heck of alot of American soldiers... 

Just ask yourself "am I happy with it"?  Who really cares about everyone else...right?  If you posted a picture of one of your figures with a brief explination stating "I did the best I could, with what I had", who can fault you...right?

I for one would admire your effort...now that being said, if you do post pictures be ready for those that do not agree with my point of view!

If you mean that the "Modern" figures you have are molded in BDUs, it's not hard at all to make 'em look like they're wearing Vietnam jungles... The uniform is cut the same.  Paint the boots as jungle boots, get M-1 steel pots on their heads and you'll be ok...  The web gear might be an issue though.  You'll need to do a bit of work making the H-harness type of suspenders.

WW2 is a tougher call, unless you're modeling Overlord/Market-Garden paratroopers... Even then, you'll have trouble with the web gear again. 

If I were you, I'd find the 6-12 bucks to get figures in the era you're modeling.

fantacmet wrote:

I have an idea for a diorama, that I could easily build(not gonna say what it is until it's done).  My issue is it's only fit for American soldier figures, and only really for WWII or Vietnam.  My problem is I don't have the $$ to go get any figures right now, and the only American figures I have are modern ones.  Is it possible to make them look like they came from another era?  I mean if I painted them in green fatigues, how convincing would it be?  The two figures are the main subject in the dio, but what they are wearing isn't.

If you had a jungle scene in mind, maybe do a scene in Panama. It is a bit more recent and they have jungles.

David

You'll fool the novices and the general public, I'm sure, but you'll never slip it past the guys here...

That's only if ya don't change poses and use figures more or less out of the box.  I cut, bend, and swap so many body parts that my wife calls me Frankenstein... I've got a number of figures that even I'm not sure what they started out as... 

Sherman_Modeler wrote:

Just ask yourself "am I happy with it"?  Who really cares about everyone else...right?  If you posted a picture of one of your figures with a brief explination stating "I did the best I could, with what I had", who can fault you...right? I for one would admire your effort...now that being said, if you do post pictures be ready for those that do not agree with my point of view!

AMEN!!!  No offense to anyone on this Forum at all, but modeling is a HOBBY and it is supposed to be FUN for the builder!!  As long as YOU (the builder) are happy with your work, who can fault you?  If it is something that you can put on your shelf and say, "I did that and I am happy with it!" then the whole objective of model building is complete.  However, if you decide to go the extra mile and make your model a miniaturized version of real life, then all the more kudos to you--if that is what makes YOU happy and you are content with your work! 

Unfortunately, I know of two modelers from my town who used to post on this Forum and because of some not-so constructive criticism, have since left FSM and have seriously lost a lot of motivation for modeling because their stuff was not what some members on FSM have deemed "quality" or "correct."  I am deeply saddened by this.  We should be encouraging each other and (no pun intended) building each other up, not tearing another's work limb-from-limb because they didn't meet someone else's standards. 

All that to say, fantacmet, do what you are happy with.  But as Sherman_Modeler noted, if you do post here be prepared for those who disagree and don't let what they say discourage you. Just remember, what are YOU happy with and did you have fun building it?   

People, you're missing the point of fantacmet's original post. He's asking, essentially, if modern uniforms can be made to look like WWII vintage uniforms. Doog is the only person who's attempted to give him any good advice. All these make yourself happy posts really aren't helpful.

The answer, fantacmet, is "Not really." The cut of the uniform, the web gear or load bearing eqipment and certainly the weapons are not compatible with WWII era stuff. Even trying to get them to look like Vietnam era figures would be a stretch. Maybe the pants could pass, but the BDU jacket/blouse is significantly different, as is the web gear and LBE again. My suggestion would be to put your current plan on hold and save up for the correct WWII figures.

Well, now. Seeing as how my response has generated a powerful reaction to the question posed by a person whom I consider a friend and buddy on the forums--fantacmet--I feel like I should defend my response.

Thank you ajlafleche, for "getting" my intent.

Every time I respond to a post, in the forefront of my mind is "Should I just give an "attaboy", or are there obvious errors or critique that might help this modeler improve their builds, and in turn, increase their satisgaction and pride in their builds, and in turn (one would think?!) their enjoyment of the hobby?"

There are times that I see a model done reasonably or even exceptionally well, and I give an appropriately flattering compliment. Later I check the post and find that, much to my own bemusement, others will point out 3 or 4 obvious errors that I have completely overlooked--D'OH! I laugh at myself, and file the critiques away in my own mind to make sure I repeat them in my own build of that particular model.

I have always had the attitude of achieving excellence in anything I do as long as it doesn't remove the "fun" aspect of that pursuit for me.  However, in reaching for a higher level of perfection, I have managed to turn what was once just a personal, solitary pursuit into a fairly lucrative second stream of income by submitting articles and recieving some commission builds--as well as garnering the respect of my fellow modelers; always a nice feeling! I'm not bragging, only pointing out that there is an unanticipated reward for "reaching for the brass ring".

When fantacmet asks "Is this possible?" I answered the question as honestly as I felt possible from my personal point of view.

Would it be "possible"           Well, of course, "Yes!:

Would it "pass inspection"?     In my opinion, probably not--unless some really superhuman effort was put into it. I mean, theoretically you could build a group of bikini-clad beach goers with the requisite amount of whittling. shaping, and filing from a group of old Tamiya soldier molds?

Would the labor-ntensive battle be worth the time and effort, when a crisp new kit of the correct, appropriate figures costs a relatively cheap $8-10 dollars?     Not in my opinion.

Would a great diorama idea potentially be sqaundered for the price of a couple bottles of paint? WOuld the builder possibly regret not just completing it with a proper figure kit?     Probably, in my opinion.

fantacmet asked a direct question framed in a way that required an "opinionated" answer. He asked "HOW CONVINCING WOULD IT BE?" THAT requires an "opinion" in response!

He did NOT say that he was committed to the idea and ask for technical advice, in which case I would not have responded, as that's not my area of any particular expertise or knowledge. That's a whole other ball game.

It pains me to hear that guys git "stung" by what they perceived to be harsh criticism to the point of not posting here anymore. I mean, I believe that if you post your pictures and work here, you are assuming the fact that peole will critique it and make comments? Nobody is calling you an idiot if you miss some detailing or could use some improvement! They're just pointing out a way to improve your builds, Yes, there are, and have been "rivet counters" who are pretty easy to recognize by their pedantic posts, but they get shot down in turn pretty quick by the majority of the more moderate posters. 

I see little-to-no honest integrity, utility, or purpose in proffering a response to an honestly posed question by answering with a "Hey man, do whatever makes ya happy"-type of response when that type of response is distinctly NOT  going to help the poster one bit.

Feel free to disagree. fantacmet, what say you?

ajlafleche wrote:

People, you're missing the point of fantacmet's original post. He's asking, essentially, if modern uniforms can be made to look like WWII vintage uniforms. Doog is the only person who's attempted to give him any good advice. All these make yourself happy posts really aren't helpful. The answer, fantacmet, is "Not really." The cut of the uniform, the web gear or load bearing eqipment and certainly the weapons are not compatible with WWII era stuff. Even trying to get them to look like Vietnam era figures would be a stretch. Maybe the pants could pass, but the BDU jacket/blouse is significantly different, as is the web gear and LBE again. My suggestion would be to put your current plan on hold and save up for the correct WWII figures.

Ahem... Frankly, I believe my response was helpful since, as I understand it, he has modern figures and asked of they could be converted to Vietnam-era or WW2... And it IS quite possible... Modern BDUs (Not ACUs, although they aren't much harder after you cut off the sleeve pockets) are only different from Vietnam jungles in material, color, and SMALL differences in the pockets on the blouse.  Nothing to changing them over, I've done it dozens of times, and vice-versa, converting Jungles into BDUs, DBDUs, and DCUs... The combat boots are a breeze, it only takes a little OD and black to turn 'Cruit-boots into jungle boots.  It's hardly a "stretch"... 

With a small bit of scraping, sanding and some epoxy putty, BDUs/Jungles are a cinch to turn into WW2 paratrooper uniforms... Capping the toes on the combat boots is simple. 

The real difficulty lies in the LCE, and there's a few ways to do it, any of which will work.  It all depends on the figure's pose as to what you'll see...

Lastly, gettin' the money together to buy a few figures is good advice as well, since for beginners, converting figures CAN be a rather daunting task... But it's not impossible, even for a novice, with a little help...

Fantacmet, PM me with what you're wanting the figures to be doing, and I'll put some togther and give 'em to ya...  Ya want sleeves rolled up or down?

Hans von Hammer wrote:

ajlafleche wrote: People, you're missing the point of fantacmet's original post. He's asking, essentially, if modern uniforms can be made to look like WWII vintage uniforms. Doog is the only person who's attempted to give him any good advice. All these make yourself happy posts really aren't helpful. The answer, fantacmet, is "Not really." The cut of the uniform, the web gear or load bearing eqipment and certainly the weapons are not compatible with WWII era stuff. Even trying to get them to look like Vietnam era figures would be a stretch. Maybe the pants could pass, but the BDU jacket/blouse is significantly different, as is the web gear and LBE again. My suggestion would be to put your current plan on hold and save up for the correct WWII figures.   Ahem... Frankly, I believe my response was helpful since, as I understand it, he has modern figures and asked of they could be converted to Vietnam-era or WW2... And it IS quite possible... Modern BDUs (Not ACUs, although they aren't much harder after you cut off the sleeve pockets) are only different from Vietnam jungles in material, color, and SMALL differences in the pockets on the blouse.  Nothing to changing them over, I've done it dozens of times, and vice-versa, converting Jungles into BDUs, DBDUs, and DCUs... The combat boots are a breeze, it only takes a little OD and black to turn 'Cruit-boots into jungle boots.  It's hardly a "stretch"...  With a small bit of scraping, sanding and some epoxy putty, BDUs/Jungles are a cinch to turn into WW2 paratrooper uniforms... Capping the toes on the combat boots is simple.  The real difficulty lies in the LCE, and there's a few ways to do it, any of which will work.  It all depends on the figure's pose as to what you'll see... Lastly, gettin' the money together to buy a few figures is good advice as well, since for beginners, converting figures CAN be a rather daunting task... But it's not impossible, even for a novice, with a little help... Fantacmet, PM me with what you're wanting the figures to be doing, and I'll put some togther and give 'em to ya...  Ya want sleeves rolled up or down?

If you re-read his post, he asked if by simply painting them, they would look convincing. He didn't ask if he'd need to do major surgery and re-sculpting.

Gents,

I know everybody is trying to be helpful, but let's try to keep the animosity to a minimum. I'm not asking everyone to agree, just that you respect each other's opinions and answers.

Cheers, 

Well basically what it comes down to is this, I only intend to have two actual soldiers, in it is to be in a battlefield.  They won't be fighting though, but rather thinking of the battlefield monuments to fallen solders.  Rifle in the ground, with a helmet on top, and some tags.  My understanding, this isn't done anymore.  The American figs I have, are all modern desert.  Academy and Tamiya figs, that have come with some of the kits.  The Tamiya Abrams and M2 Bradley, and the Academy Bradley's and one of the hummers.  I also have a whole bunch of various weapons from vietnam era to today.  I have a bunch of WWII German figs.  I wouldn't mind doing the scene with WWII German, except that, this to my understanding is an American tradition for the battlefield monument/gravesites.

Of course there is gonna be some artistic license, you can't have 100% total accuracy, especially in a diorama, or the story of it can't really be told.  It's about balance.  I'm not a rivet counter, I don't care if said kit as 499 rivets instead of 500 it should have, I'm not gonna redo 500 rivets, no way.  I'm a little nutty but I'm not a masochist.  LOL.  The idea here is represetnative historical accuracy.  You wouldn't have a WWI soldier packing around an M16 painted brown to look like an M1.  If the basic uniform between vietnam and current is pretty much mostly in the colors, then issue solved.  I've compared my GRandfathers Korean War fatigues with modern desert, and the material is obivously different, as well as the specific styling of the shirt pockets, however when shrunk down to 1/35 scale, the specific pattern design of those pockets would not be visably different.  The main thing here is the scene I want to portray, but I don't want it to be blatantly retarded, or the entire idea behind it is lost.

The best part of modeling is it is an art...some people are good at it, some people aren't but everyone that does it, enjoy's it or at least they should, otherwise it's a job and not a hobby. 

Because it is an art, modeling is judged by all sorts of people with all sorts of opinions of what it should look like.  Imagine Andy Warhol judging a Norman Rockwell painting....wouldn't that be fun

It sounds as though you have a lot of German figures, use that as your starting point, do some research, and do a test figure, if your happy with it do another...if your not happy try some differnt color combinations, if your still not happy...maybe you need to scrap the idea until you can afford the proper figures ( I know how it is i'm broke as a $3 dollar bill myself ).  When you get those figures you'll have all the practice of the "failed" figures under your belt...imagine that!

I'm not really sure why people get so defensive when advice to build for yourself is given...but IMO that should be your goal...a simile on YOUR face!

BTW the memorial of the weapon with the helmet and dog tags and boots is still done...far to much.

Sounds like you need some American WWII figures then , fantacmet. Some "standing around"-type figures in somewhat solemn/casual poses to be exact? Something like those old  Tamiya "German soldiers at rest" figures.

Unfortunately, I can't think of any WWII American figures that look that specific way? Then again, I'm not up on American figures much. I would have to say that your best bet would probably be Warriors or other AM figures for the really proper treatment. Some sharp resin figures would be the way to go for a vignette that is so figure-centric.

   Found this at squadron,http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=DR6271

    I think it's one of the ones Al was talking about

panzerguy wrote:

Found this at squadron,http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=DR6271     I think it's one of the ones Al was talking about

Missed that one, but it would work, too.

You trying for something like this?

http://12angrymen.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/mmauldin.jpg