Completed "For Everything there is a Time"

My advice would be to redefine or get rid of three of your figures.  The dude with the M1, the guy checking his watch, and the fellow strolling at the rear of the vehicle appear to have no purpose.  Tie these three into the scene.

The number of figures you have is perfect (in fact, you could have a total of 8, including the Chaplain)... The M7's crew compliment is 7: Section Chief (Staff Sergeant), Gunner (Sergeant), Assistant Gunner (Corporal/Tech 4th class), three cannoneers, and a driver/RTO (All PFCs or PVTs).  With minimum-manning (meaning the lowest number of crew that must be present in order to keep the gun in action), you could get away with 4 gunbunnies.)... 

 I'd suggest an RTO figure on the track, manning the field phone (that's where it would be)... Gotta have someone there at all times while the battery is in position in case a Fire Mission is called, as well as doubling as an air guard (on the .50)...  The .50's never un-manned except during a fire mission.

The guy walking up with the rifle is fine, since he's obviously another gunbunny from a different crew that wanted to attend Services.  He'd have his weapon and all hisbattle-rattle since he left his gun.  I'd also suggest a Chaplain's Assistant at the right front, separted but close.  His job is to drive the Chaplain, help the Chaplain set up, and defend him, since Chaplains are non-combatants and can't carry a weapon..

Something in the left rear corner (with the main body of figures being the front) is needed eventually (an ammo crate or some such piece of dunnage/debris is fine)...

Quiet scenes like this one are my favorites... Keep it going!

For a little visual fun, I'd put the preist in the "pulpit" of the priest.  The pulpit is why this vehicle was nicknamed the priest.  (hard to give communion though).  Oh well, I like your idea!

Thanks for checking in guys.

EasyMike-Appreciate the eye, will try to tie in the other figures since I want to keep the compliment I have.

HvH-Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure if there would be a field phone or radio in the M-7 for fire missions. Also will try to find someone to man the phone and M-2. The upper left area will have some churned up earth from the dug out position.

Ps1scw- I tried the priest in the pulpit, didn't look right. Tried putting him in different areas, I think this worked out best.

Detailfreak- Thanks for looking in and yes I'm one of the 1,000 roadwheels that has run-off. Still planning on working on that, just needed to do this first.

Stikpusher- You are correct. However I have to work with what I have on hand or could find. Unfortunately, most American figures are of the ETO. Tried to mimick the HBT by the paint, just can't do anything about the molding.

-Stephen

I wasn't sure if there would be a field phone or radio in the M-7 for fire missions.

The only radio in use during a fire mission is the FDC set that's talking with the FO.  All fire commands come down the landline from FDC to the guns.  The guns themslves don't need radios and subsequently don't have them...  They have a field phone that's hooked up with a squawk-box (so the RTO doesn't have to have the phone glued to his ear, although some use headsets in conjunction with it)

Also, with the amount of chatter that takes place on a battery net, the enemy's RDF guys would have little problem locating a battery (in about three minutes) if the guns had to use radios... 

 HVH, once again thanks for the info it really helps out.

Well I've completed my dio to the best of my ability. Hope you guys like it and please let me know what you think.

- Stephen

Wow, that's really a great piece of work (The tracks are a little too clean for my tastes, rusty connectors, but clean pads y'know... But that's just me.  I'd hit 'em with some pastels..)... Two little, minor details, hardly worth mentioning (but I will anyway), are the guns, both the 105 and the .50... Between fire missions, the gun would laid back onto 300 mils elevation,  Your gun's angle is a bit high...   The reason's to make it easier for the Number 1 to load (the higher the breech, the easier to ram) and to put the tube on an elevation that's close to a probable QE (Quadrant Elevation) for the next mission...

Regarding the Mother Duece, it needs an ammo can and a belt... The gun needs to be ready to fire, since it's an air-defense weapon... Also, I think it'd be better if it was moved either forward or to the far right side of the ring and away from the gun.  But don't get hung up, only another old Redleg like me would notice that... Since you probably got the pintle mount glued though, I'd just make a note for future reference and leave it where it is...

Overall, it's a perfect portrayal of a momentary peace amidst the fighting, pard... Having myself attended MANY gun-side services, in both combat zones and FTXs, "The Priest and the Padre" really looks "right"...

Give yourself 1,000 Hammer-points...

EDIT: BTW, since seeing your Chaplain, you inspired my next next Mauldin-build... This's what I got in mind for MY Chaplain figure... 

               "...forever, Amen. Hit th' dirt."

'Course, I'll be replacing the Bofors in the background with a howitzer or perhaps an M16 quad 50...

Stephen... excellent work. I like the figure placement, and ground work is fantastic. Among other things, that tree is outstanding. Very nice job on a very hard-to-model subject.

Steve

HVH-Once again your knowledge is quite helpful. I can change the gun elevation but the pantel  will change with it. I might be able to place an ammo can on the duece, we'll see. Glad I could give you some inspiration on your next Mauldin. Really like those btw.

Mic- I appreciate you looking in and the kind comments. I really had fun making the tree and thought it came out well.

-Stephen

Looks great Stephen!

very well doen, I like the composition as well.

Detailfreak, lbro, SternO and Boba fett- I appreciate you guys looking in and the kind comments. Took this to  the Austin Scale Modelers show this past weekend, no hardware, but was a good learning experience. Spent some cash to increase my stash. Boba Fett, I would like to see how your idea turns out. Any solid plans for a start date?

Thanks again guys.

-Stephen

Not really. Got so many other projects to finish... I'm one of those guys that starts a million projects, then finishes them at a rate of 1 per 2 months... I'll let you know when I start.

Also, may I say, usually a Priest would have an "alterboy" if you will to assist him. I see you have the 1 guy helping with the bread and wine, but this kinda makes a continuity issue. From the layout, this isn't a mass, looks more like a pre-combat blessing, yet you have communion with the guy. Thinking, you could have a G.I. Standing holding a book for the Priest, adding some more interest. Again though, I'm no master diorama maker myself, and this is really good stuff. Oh, and 1 last thing, I believe some priests had actual vestmants in the field, as opposed to just the stole. Back then, things were more traditional. Today, army Chaplins just have the stole on. And for the faces, take a browse through the figures section. The faces are rather pale. For the last time, I'M NOT POINTING OUT everything that's wrong. I'm merely giving you some suggestions on how you can improve the dio even maore and turn that into a prize winner!

Regards, Graham

Boba Fett- Constructive critique is always welcome. I know my faces need a lot of work taking it one step at a time. The guy with the bread and wine is the chaplain's assistant, getting things ready for the communion. As for the tree:

1. I bought some florist wire in two diferent gauges.

2. Cut three or four pieces of the large gauge about the same size length then wrap the bottom with the small wire to hold it together. Then splay the top to make the branches. You can also cut these to vary the length.

3. Make three or four of these.

4. Take your three or four pieces and wrap them together with the small wire, this should give you a good size trunk.

5. Then cut some length of small wire to wrap around the large branches to make smaller ones. Start near the trunk and work your way out.

6. Once your satisfied with your trees look then cover it in plaster of paris or something similar.

7  Paint the tree once dry (I also added paint to the plaster so it wouldn't be so white)

8. Use dried foliage for the branches and leaves. ( I used dried caspia) Glue individual sprigs to the small branches and some to the larger branches.

9. Airbrush your tree to get the color you want.

Man, didn't sound like that much until I started typing it. I hope this helps.

-Stephen