World War I trench

Well, to address a couple of your concerns, I vote for an angled, open-ended trench. Angled perspective look better in dio layouts.

 

What year are you setting this in?  I ask as by 1917 most of the front line was not a very defined trench system, mostly by then merely interconnected shell holes.  The "proper" trenches were to be found more to the rear at that stage in the war.

Good point!  The dio will be set at the Battle of the Somme, 1916.  Any suggestions for layout or construction?

Thanks,

Leddy

Well, if its the Somme 1916 then the tanks went in on the 15th Sept.  This action became known as the Battle of Flers. 49 tanks were detailed to attack but only 32 tanks got to the start line.  The tanks used were from C & D companies.

 This little piece of the report by Lt A E Arnold of D company might help

"The German front line trenches had been practically shelled out of existence Dracula ( his tank) reached the German rear support line. As we emerged from the murk of battle a row of German heads appeared gazing in suprise at us over the parapet. By now the tank was on top of the trench and we paused to rake the enemy to port and starboard."

 So a tank straddling a trench ...could look okay!

His tank was Mk1 Male with the Hotchkiss 57mm and Vickers machine guns

Outstanding details!  Thanks for the background.   My Mark IV will be very near the trench almost on top of the German line.

Leddy

 

Just be aware that the "techie" guys will tell you that the first Mk 1V saw action for the very first time at the Battle of Messines Ridge November 20th 1917.