Hello everybody!
A couple of days ago I posted a WIP-thread on the armor forum on two M3 Lee tanks that I'm currently building. I then mentioned that I m a y b e would put them in a diorama. Some people thought that it would be a good idea, so I'm kind of h a v e to build one now.
But then it struck me - I haven't built a dio in 5-6 years! So I thought it would be good idea to get some practice first. I checked my stash to see if I could find someting to practice on, and I found this turret from a Crusader Mk III:
I built the kit last december, but managed to trash the rest of the tank. Fortunately I saved the turret! 
So here's what I'm goin to do with it - a small vignette depicting a deserted disabled Crusader tank that has been dug in to be used as fixed artillery. The setting is of course North Africa in 1941-42, where this was done quite regulary as can be seen in these pics:
Here's the base with the first ground work done. I used ordinary carpenter putty for this. The base is a simple photo frame I found lying around.
Here's the base with the turret in place:
To make the vignette more interesting I wanted to add a figure. I chose this one - an Italian paratrooper from "Model Victoria" that I thought would be suitable - both from a historical and a aestetic point of view.
The Italians deployed atleast two paratrooper units in destert - the division Folgore and a regiment: "Tonini" (I like that name!).
But the figure also have an fitting pose - the Italian is walking with at Red devil handgrenade in his right hand, lifts his helmet and seems to look at someting in disbelief. Maybe an abandoned turret in the desert? Possible title: "Anybody home?"
To this I'm thiking of adding some small details. A desert scene can otherwise become quite sterile - or even deserted?
Here's a shovel and some barbedwire irons that will be added.
More updates soon!
All comments, suggestions and brutal critique are welcome!
/Tony aka Bultenibo