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How important is accuracy to you in a dio?

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  • Member since
    October 2003
  • From: Clovis, Calif
How important is accuracy to you in a dio?
Posted by rebelreenactor on Monday, July 18, 2005 2:40 AM
hey guys,

I was just wondering how much is accuracy in a dio to you? I mean things like, correct painting schemes for the time and unit, correct decals for the area and correct weaponry etc.

I usually spend alot of time researching my dioramas to make them as correct as possible. Sometimes it drives me crazy when I get no good info. I often see dioramas that are very nice but then their accuracy is WAY off, and it just ruins the effect for me.

How do you guys feel about this? Am I waco?
John
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, July 18, 2005 4:39 AM
You're definitely not wacko. If you want to be historically accurate then by all means do so and enjoy that part of your builds. You have to be very knowledgeable to pick any inaccuracies and I for one am not that knowledgeable. I enjoy dios that tell a story and are both interesting and technically proficient. Beyond that I'm not qualified to comment. Modelling is different things to different people and we each enjoy it our own way so if all insignias and uniform weapon combos have to be historically correct for you to enjoy your models then carry on making them like that! That doesn't make you a "rivet counter" but being inaccurate doesn't necessarily lessen someone else's model either IMHO. My 2 cents [2c]
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Northern Virginia
Posted by ygmodeler4 on Monday, July 18, 2005 6:35 AM
rebel I think because you want your dioramas to be as accurate as possible doesnt make you a wacko. HEck when I get good enough to make good looking dios im gonna try to make them trying to be accurate as possible. But sometimes I think its fun to just throw accuracy out the window.Big Smile [:D]

-Josiah

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • From: Queensland/Australia
Posted by hemble on Monday, July 18, 2005 7:44 AM
Being from a military family which goes back to the WW1 I always thought that being accurate was the only way to go then I forgot why I started doing this hobby which was to have fun and enjoy myself.
I'm not saying don't go for the accurate side of your hobby if thats what you like doing but make sure that you enjoy doing itand have fun while you do it.

Ron
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Monday, July 18, 2005 8:02 AM
I strive for 100% accuracy in my dios. Minor innacuracies are tollerable, but glaring ones are rediculouse. Such as the wrong vehicle by years, not just a version. I have actually seen some of these time inaccurate dios win at "Shows." Same is true for figures wearing a wrong uniform or the incorrect weapons for the time the dio depicts. My theory is that we are modelling history, it is better to get it right, and not too difficult with a little research.

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Tochigi, Japan
Posted by J-Hulk on Monday, July 18, 2005 9:20 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by HeavyArty
Minor innacuracies are tollerable, but glaring ones are rediculouse.


As is your spelling of the words 'tolerable," "inaccuracies" and "ridiculous," Gino!

As you said yourself, a little research (and spell check!) goes a long way...Wink [;)]

You know I'm just funnin' ya, Gino! Don't get mad! You know I have the utmost respect for you.
Just thought it was a little ironic! Big Smile [:D]

I agree about going for 100% accuracy. Not necessarily about attaining 100%, but at least going for it.
Or at the very least, 100% plausibility!

Or is that the same thing?
~Brian
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Monday, July 18, 2005 9:39 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by J-Hulk

QUOTE: Originally posted by HeavyArty
Minor innacuracies are tollerable, but glaring ones are rediculouse.


As is your spelling of the words 'tolerable," "inaccuracies" and "ridiculous," Gino!

As you said yourself, a little research (and spell check!) goes a long way...Wink [;)]

You know I'm just funnin' ya, Gino! Don't get mad! You know I have the utmost respect for you.
Just thought it was a little ironic! Big Smile [:D]

I agree about going for 100% accuracy. Not necessarily about attaining 100%, but at least going for it.
Or at the very least, 100% plausibility!

Or is that the same thing?


Guess that is what happens when I post at 0530 here in CA, before heading in to work. Brain and fingers weren't awake and connected yet. Was just starting my first cup of coffee as well.

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Tochigi, Japan
Posted by J-Hulk on Monday, July 18, 2005 9:59 AM
QUOTE: Originally posted by HeavyArty
Guess that is what happens when I post at 0530 here in CA, before heading in to work. Brain and fingers weren't awake and connected yet. Was just starting my first cup of coffee as well.


Happens to us all, Gino!
0530? Yeesh! I guess ya gotta get up pretty early to protect the country!
Keep on protecting, Gino! Big Smile [:D]
~Brian
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posted by zokissima on Monday, July 18, 2005 11:39 AM
QUOTE: I often see dioramas that are very nice but then their accuracy is WAY off, and it just ruins the effect for me.

How do you guys feel about this? Am I waco?

See, now that's something I don't understand. Maybe I'm just not a nit-picker, but if a dio is nice, it's nice, and I could care less if it's 100% accurate. For me, models are an artistic outlet, and nothing more. THus dios are just an extension of the same outlet, and as such, since I don't count rivets, I also don't look at a dio to be 100% accurate in the shades of grass, the setting, etc. Some people just build for fun, and I don't think their builds are any less credible than those of the most anal of modelers.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Monday, July 18, 2005 12:30 PM
QUOTE: See, now that's something I don't understand. Maybe I'm just not a nit-picker, but if a dio is nice, it's nice, and I could care less if it's 100% accurate. For me, models are an artistic outlet, and nothing more. THus dios are just an extension of the same outlet, and as such, since I don't count rivets, I also don't look at a dio to be 100% accurate in the shades of grass, the setting, etc. Some people just build for fun, and I don't think their builds are any less credible than those of the most anal of modelers.


I guess it is all in how you see modelling. I was a history major in college. Have always been interrested in history, and am in the military. I do see modelling as an artistic outlet, but also as a way of retelling history. Furthermore, it should be retold accurately. It is like written history. There is plenty of revisionist history written where history is skewed to fit the needs and/or agenda of the author. When models are displayed out of context and inaccurately, I feel we as modellers are doing the same. That is why there is Sci-Fi modelling, you can do whatever you want there and who is to dispute you? I feel that if you are modeling an actual vehicle or event from history, it should be as accurate as possible. I still have plenty of fun in my modelling. Not saying anyone should change the way he models, just my take on it.

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Posted by zokissima on Monday, July 18, 2005 12:49 PM
I can understand that perspective, of attempting to portray history as accurately as possible. However, I do not consider models a fitting form of historical recording, just as many in academia would not, simply because models are models of tools, and tools do not completely tell the story of the moment. Whatever the case may be, I just don't feel that an inaccuracy in a diorama detracts from the finished product.
  • Member since
    October 2003
  • From: Clovis, Calif
Posted by rebelreenactor on Monday, July 18, 2005 2:45 PM
Thanks for the great responses guys.

I agree with Gino, I like to get it as close as possible. I like doing the research, for the most part. I think its just a personal thing too, I'll always know that every little detail is as close as possible to how it really was.

But lets say it was something so obvious, like, (since most dios include armor)
A King Tiger in a german gray scheme with some figures wearing summer gear and weapons from 1944 and the dio was titled stalingrad. How would you feel about this?

I know it would drive me crazy, in fact I have seen one that is somewhat of what I described.
John
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Monday, July 18, 2005 2:59 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by rebelreenactor

But lets say it was something so obvious, like, (since most dios include armor)
A King Tiger in a german gray scheme with some figures wearing summer gear and weapons from 1944 and the dio was titled stalingrad. How would you feel about this?

I know it would drive me crazy, in fact I have seen one that is somewhat of what I described.


Me too. That is one of the aspects I am talking about. Artistically, it may look descent, but it is still historically inaccurate, or at least inconsistent. Not a good dio presentation as far as I am concerned.

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Northern Virginia
Posted by ygmodeler4 on Monday, July 18, 2005 4:05 PM
I agree with you guys there. If the dio is representing a battle and is obviously inaccurate then it would drive me crazy. But if it is displaying a patrol or just one city scene in like 1944 in some city then I dont think it has to be as accurate.

-Josiah

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Portugal
Posted by madspaniard on Monday, July 18, 2005 4:17 PM
I agree in precision in time and by scenario of war as possible
pedro
Fw 190 A-3 Richtofen JG
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: USA
Posted by philp on Monday, July 18, 2005 4:30 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by HeavyArty
When models are displayed out of context and inaccurately, I feel we as modellers are doing the same. That is why there is Sci-Fi modelling, you can do whatever you want there and who is to dispute you?


Gino, you gotta watch out what you say in these things. There are just as many Sci-fi experts out there who gotta get it right and we are talking about things that only exist on film, as models or even computer graphics. You should see some of the debates that go on about the correct color of the Starship Enterprise (TOS). This is fun because the color of the model used doesn't look like how the ship looked on the show due to lighting.

While I try to make my models as accurate as I want, I like to build OOB so don't go into correcting dimensions, shapes, etc. It does bug me when I see a DAK dio and they are armed with late war guns.
Now can an inaccurate dio win a contest, sure. Most contests are judged on modeling skill with storyline a big part of a dio. Accuracy usually only comes into play if there are 2 models or dio's that are built as good as each other.

One of the guys who used to me in our club said it best.
"It's just a hobby."
Do what you want.

(by the way, did you see that M1A1 dio over on Armorama, sweet)
Phil Peterson IPMS #8739 Join the Map http://www.frappr.com/finescalemodeler
  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: coastal Maine
Posted by clfesmire on Monday, July 18, 2005 5:05 PM
Accuracy is a definite plus but a diorama that is well modeled and lacks accuracy does not make for a lousy diorama. Accuracy is the icing on the cake, it puts a well modeled diorama over the top and makes it a masterpiece instead of just a nice diorama. For the rivet counters of the world, it may be tragic, but for the model builders that just plain love their hobby, go for it the best you can.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Monday, July 18, 2005 5:09 PM
QUOTE: (by the way, did you see that M1A1 dio over on Armorama, sweet)


Which one is that? Have a link?

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    June 2004
  • From: East Stroudsburg, PA
Posted by TigerII on Monday, July 18, 2005 10:54 PM
I'm in total agreement with you John. Accuracy is what makes or breaks a diorama. Especially when it comes to vehicles and AFV's. Recently there was a post on this site regarding a diorama with a Panther tank at Stalingrad. I had to inform the poster that the Panther wasn't in service with the Panzer units at the time of Stalingrad. So a grave inaccuracy would have been built. I think that its guys like us who look for the inaccuracies in dios that make us enjoy a well built and accurate diorama.

TigerII

Achtung Panzer! Colonel General Heinz Guderian
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 1:15 AM
I dont care if its accurate or not.Just as long as I have fun building it,its ok to me.
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Philippines
Posted by Dwight Ta-ala on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 2:25 AM
Accuracy is a big word. Since we are modeling in a smaller scale I don't hink we can ever be really accurate in representing the actual thing as the physical limitation in size would make it impossible to duplicate some items in scale.

Maybe we can go for historical correctness...

But for me I am not really looking for that...but I applaud those who do.

I just build...

  • Member since
    November 2004
  • From: Canada
Posted by sasd on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 6:38 AM
Anyone into "situation modeling "? Pick a story and build around that story,doesn`t
necessarily have to be from actual history and have fun with it. Sure,some things have to and should be fact like Allied vehicles green or a desert colour,German early war grey,late
a desert colour,you have to get some things right but unless someone wants a piece done accurately right down to the actual and proper ruksak on a figures back because he or she was there,not gonna happen,if it looks like a ruksak it is a ruksak and I`ll use it. Modelling a situation allows for more freedom I think,plus the fact that all forces scrounged and coveted booty from either side makes situation modelling that much more fun.
"nuff said"
"Battleing Bastards of Bastogne"
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 9:04 AM
You mean my diorama concerning the T-72 in the lime-green and fluorescent purple camouflage that defended Hickam Field from the Germans during the Pearl Harbor bombing just won't cut it?

Wink [;)]
  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan
Posted by bilbirk on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 9:30 AM
not important at its supposed to be fun not a bunch of work. but that is my opinion
  • Member since
    February 2005
Posted by Kevleerey on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 1:00 PM
Thats my problem, with working on my dio, I can't seem to find any info on what numbers to use, what figures, etc. Where do you do research? tried google, but cant find hardly anything, and I want it to look real.
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Valrico, FL
Posted by HeavyArty on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 1:21 PM
QUOTE: Originally posted by Kevleerey

Thats my problem, with working on my dio, I can't seem to find any info on what numbers to use, what figures, etc. Where do you do research? tried google, but cant find hardly anything, and I want it to look real.

Depends on what your subject is. There are lots of books, websites and other referances out there. Also forums like this where you can ask questions is a good resource as well.

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

Check out my Gallery: https://app.photobucket.com/u/HeavyArty

"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." -- George Orwell

  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Omaha Nebraska
Posted by FireFox31 on Tuesday, July 19, 2005 10:30 PM
me personaly, i build em for the fun of it and for my own enjoyment, now if i was building a contest dio, thats a totally different ballgame there for me.
"Simple" "Budget Builder From Hell" Mike
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 3:14 AM
Well it depends on if you’re a beginner or an old pro and if you can afford to be accurate. Some people just getting into the hobby could get scared off by the "rivet counters". Also some folks may not be able to afford the new Tiger Tank Early Production type with the Special Turret from Dragon....In order to create that dio scene from Italy or where ever. I've said it before, "This is a hobby." Try to have fun and improve your skills, with time and experience you can work on being accurate. As for myself, I am at a finical point where I can go out and buy that Tiger Tank if I want, so for me getting the equipment for that "year" right, is a goal I strive for. And if I find I'm not having fun building a dio. I find it's because I'm wasting too much time looking for references. Like you other guys said sometimes you have to "Just Build It"...My 2 cents [2c]....SoapBox [soapbox]

Try to enjoy the hobby.
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Montreal/Canada
Posted by JohnReid on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 8:57 AM
Very! Cheers! John.
Guide my hand in your work today.JWRR. My goal in life is to be as good a person as my dog already thinks I am. My Photoshop: http://s6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/JohnReid/
  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: CANADA
Posted by Kelly_Zak on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 10:13 AM
Well for me, if it's accurate, it's accurate, if it's not oh well, that's the way she goes boys. I've seen contest winners in the dio category that have won, and yah, they're probably not accuate by some peoples' standards, but there's probably a reason it won: It caught the peoples' attention, and just had the "wow" factor. You could spend an eternity making every bootlace period correct, but in the end, if a dio just has something that the judges/people like, it's gonna win no matter what. My 2 cents [2c]
"There you go with those negative waves again!"
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