"A Cold Day In Hell" *Complete*pg6

Stik, thanks for the reply...I hope their expressions tell a story, cold ,tired, hungry ect...thats what I was shooting for...Hope the finished product translates it even more, thanks again!

 Falschimjager, I hope it takes on a double meaning, I wanted to play on the old saying...The GIs are thinking it will be a cold day in hell to come across Germans that are not shooting at them and then in the most literal sense, A Cold Day In Hell. I will say the peice is base on the saying and has been on the back burner for a long time...Every time I see a Bulge photo or film clip thats what comes to mind...again I hope it turns out that way..thanks for a great question..more to come soon.

I recall a story from the Bulge where a GI had shot a German in a similar position... He was rather puzzled why the German didn't fall, or react at all for that matter... Upon reaching the German's position, he discovered that the German was already dead from a gunshot wound through the forehead...  Perhaps a similar vein could be done here, where the GIs have taken out a German position only to discover that they had just "killed" a couple of dead guys...

Perhaps the aftermath of a rifle grenade blast, but the Germans are still crouched there as if nothing had happened...  All you'd need is an M1 with the grenade-firing attachment installed... The Tamiya US Weapons set has one of those...

Awesome! I remember you asking about how to paint frozen/cold figures a while back. Glad to see the WIP! Love the idea and I love the title. It’s also the title of a graphic novel I’ve been working on for a few years. The title was a double meaning because it was going to take place in the winter initially and the characters (insurgent type gorilla fighters) are trying to survive a post apocalyptic America where Russians, Chinese militaries and German military contractor/mercenaries have over run the country.

A cold day in hell referring to both the day-to-day survival aspect of living on the hellish winter landscape, and also one would have thought prior to the war where the story line takes place, it would be a cold day in hell before America was invaded.

     SternO thought this pic might give you some ideas for your frozen Germans scenario.

     Might be cool (I know bad pun) to have them frozen while manning an MG42

   I have another one of a soldier frozen in his foxhole but I'll pm that one to you.

    Looking forward to seeing more of this one.

Chris, Love the Graphic novel..fantastic idea! The art work is great too, did you create it? We are definatly on the same page, just a few decades apart! Glad you like it..Started on the base yesterday, will have some more pics by this weekend I hope...thanks for the comments and best of luck with the GN..

Panzerguy, Been looking for pics on the subject for a while now and have not come across one as good as the one you sent PM....Thanks a million!!!! That is exactly what I have in mind..and The MG 42 just came off the sprue a couple of days go...I think it will be a two man gun team frozen where they sat...As usual I hope I can pull it off...Thanks agian for the pics, they gave me alot of inspiration for this peice..will keep you updated

Stern0 wrote:

I just moved a week ago and trying to revamp/ organize my work space, ]

I know how that feels!! We moved from Florida to S Carolina a little over a year ago and I'm still organizing and finding things. I also have to either build a nice display case or buy a curio for my completed packed models stored in the attic. Your GI's are looking great so far, and should turn out to be masterpieces as your 'Bridge' Dio did.

Stern0 wrote:

Chris, Love the Graphic novel..fantastic idea! The art work is great too, did you create it? We are definatly on the same page, just a few decades apart! Glad you like it..Started on the base yesterday, will have some more pics by this weekend I hope...thanks for the comments and best of luck with the GN..

Thanks a lot I did create it. It's all Photoshop work, I have a WACOM tablet so I can "draw" right into it. Looking forward to more pictures, and thanks for the luck! Good luck on your build

PJ, Thanks for that great compliments! Moving is such a pain anyway, it's taking forever to get my work space in order (Takes back seat to wifey's plans) And room enough for everything...forget about it! Just had the conversation with my neighbor...I have given away most of my builds over the years, only kept a few...Would love to have a barn to hold everthing, best of luck in your organizing!

Chris, Awsome photoshop work....do you have anymore? would love to see em. Thanks for the well wishes, I'll need the luck, wisdom and support as usual more pics soon!

hey Fellas!

Did a little on the base, Here are a few pictures starting from the first layer of sheetrock mud to where it stands now...the white "snow" line is just for my reference. The last pic includes some of the tree parts, they are not attached, but gives a little perspective...The white lump at the back left will be a root ball from the fallen tree....all comments needed!!

Stern0 wrote:

I actually took a break this weekend and wrote a article for the mag about the The Bridge

Very cool- that's one great dio -looking forward to the article!

Oh sweet! I liked The Bridge!

Wait... what bridge...?

Hah, really..   I did really enjoy The Bridge!

Here is a little more work on the base and I have started my frozen Germans....lots more to do on the figs..had to do a few modifications...enjoy

Chris, had to laugh about the tracks comment....I have always liked the dragon models and built a sd.kfz..the tracks were awsome, just took a while...but the Sherman I built that came with the GI figs I'm using in this build, was a B**ch! I ended up buying some others and they sucked too...so it sets with one set on and the other set forgotten...I enjoy Armor but don't build because of the tracks...a sorry excuse I must say. BTW what do you think of the dead germans? they will get more done to them, I feel they are a little hokie in the pics, I hope the will look better when done...

Here is a little more progress on the Germans and the root ball...all coments welcome.

Thanks for the comments Chris! The head wraps are just painted masking tape and the "cuffs" are the same but I was going for more of a hands wraped in rags.... lol..figure these two were doing anything to stay warm...thanks again!

Hi Steve,

    You've certainly captured the air of misery in the scene, both in the hopelessness on the German's faces and the bitterness of the weather.       The object is realism, and you're nailing it; great work!

Take care,

Frank

Frank,

Thanks for the posiitve feedback...I try to get as realistic as possible...lots of work to do on figs and the base...more to come.

Stern0 wrote:

Thanks for the comments Chris! The head wraps are just painted masking tape and the "cuffs" are the same but I was going for more of a hands wraped in rags.... lol..figure these two were doing anything to stay warm...thanks again!

I thought that's what those were on their hands--some sort of rags to try to keep warm and it was all they could find. To no avail, too. Definitely catching the mood of the diorama very well.

   SternO this is starting to come together. The fallen tree is well done.

  The figs look really good that's a nice touch with the cloth draped over their heads. My only suggestion would be about their face's I think there to white. You may want to consider painting the faces in flesh tones and then dry brushing some white over that leaving some of the flesh exposed.     

Tom, I'm trying to use stuff around the house for snow as opposed to buying It....Against all I have seen on the subject, i used Baking powder...Unfortunatly my work space has been relegated to my basement which is very dank! I layed down a thin coat of white glue and sifted the powder on it..It looked good...went to check on it the next day and it had swelled up to about three sizes larger...A major BLIZZARD the messed up part was it looked real as hell...just a whole lot more depth and it didn't stick...just fell off when inverted....I do have other methods in mind though

Panzerguy...Thanks for the feedback..I'm a little torn on the color of the faces...from personal experience I know it dos'nt take long for the skin to turn colors on the living..My philosophy is; If it is this cold, their skin, (most of all the tip of nose), would be black before death...then after being dead and frozen for any period of time there wouldnt be much color left...I may be way off on this..but I will be looking into it...Thanks again!

not to laugh at your pain but.... i understand how that is. i wish i had an alternative 4 u! only did one snow scene b4 and that was using that fake snow for model railroads! that was a looooong time ago. i know u want to use home stuff (i get that) but below is what it looked like in case u wondered.

Tom, OH YES..very nice snow..I have'nt even looked into buying any...unfamilar with any of it...I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to find...here is a few pics of how mine turned out once I dumped the other 28 scale inches off...wish I had taken pictures of that, it was worth a good laugh this was a test run...more will go on top of germans and their equipment. Thanks for sharing that fantastic Dio!

i wouldv'e liked to have seen the other 28 inches for a laugh too but whatever. what ya got looks good. i think the idea is to have the germans frozen correct? are ya gonna make some miniature icecycles hanging from the trees or anything? i think the baking soda worked great...i might put more on (sorry dude) to give that holy &^$%^& its cold and snowing everywhere feel! that or the ice...but...i know how it is when u have an idea and everyone wants to add their two cents in then things change then gets confusing... (no offense to anyone). but i think it looks great and i cant wait to see it finished!!

    SternO how's this for a ref pic

 It's Jack Nicholson in the final scene of the ‘Shining'

 Also check your PMs

Nice firt dusting, lol 28 scale inches huh? Would'a been fun to see lol

I also like the idea of giving the Germans and their eqipment a light dusting, as if they froze before the latest snow fall, good sense of the time they've been there, adds a lot more to the dio

Looking good Steve! By the way, check your messages! LOL!

rb

panzerguy wrote:

SternO how's this for a ref pic    It's Jack Nicholson in the final scene of the ‘Shining'    Also check your PMs

Gee, I always thought he was permanently glued to his seat at the Staples Center (home arena for the Lakers)!

I do indeed love the snow.. and the scenery..  Really cool!

Sorry for not checking in lately

-Lasse

Thanks Chris, Huxy! Been very busy lately....sorry if I have been slow to respond.

The Snow was a riot Psst....wish I wasn't so shocked....I woud have gotten pics...Might do it again just for kicks Hope to have some new WIPs soon.

Hey fellas,

 I did find some info on the german ammo cans(Thanks Smitty!) and it does not seem that the tops come off...I did find out where they were hinged though!

Hey fellas,

Got a little done on the MG pos. Been very busy lately and have not done much. Still a little to do, next update may be completed. Thanks for checking it out!

Thanks CJ, sorry it took so long to get pics up...Glad you noticed that dam lid!!!  A thorn in my side!

wow... thats looking unbelievable, hey if all your updates are this good, I'm not one to complain if they don't happen at super speeds lol by all means take your time

The only thing I noticed, and I had been looking at the pictures a few times over, so not a big deal, is that some left over glue on the tree near those ammo belts? Or a "wet" spot? If you didn't want it there, I guess you'd have to paint over all that natural wood? So I'd suggest adding the powdered snow over top, also on the ammo, again- would work to make it look like they were there a while.

Looks really real though- again, awesome update Stern0!!!

Chris, Thanks for the Positive comments! I wish I had something to do with the speed...I only have two gears...one is stop. The left over glue was my bad judgement, I used zap insted of white glue and is got away from me...it will all get a final light dusting of "snow", so it will cover it I hope....and it will ,as you said, give a time frame of how long ago the Germans expired. Thanks again for checking it out!

Hi Stern0

Excellent work, with great dynamics and detail!

The pictures need a little bit of tweaking with the white balancing, though!

I hope you dont mind, but I took the liberty to modify one,

just to illustrate the differences.

The original:

After some white balancing and saturation corrections:

Keep up with the excellent work!

Hi

I am glad you liked it. I just used the good old ACDSee Pro software with the following steps:

1st - Auto  exposure

2nd - Contrast & Fill light

3rd - Saturation & Lightness

4th - Unsharp mask

Again, it's all in the eye of the beholder, as the saying goes!

CJ, Good point and good eye. It does have a dusky look..I think the cleaned up version helps with me see it a little clearer just so I can see what needs to be done...i'm still working on the photo part of the hobby, which is another whole hobby! As you know I will take the finished dio outside to get some good light, but will wait for a overcast day for sure to give it a grey look! I do want it to look coooold! 

Barruel, I think it is all personal preference, I do like to see what can be done with photo software though...the only think I noticed about the tweek is it lightened up somethings on the figs (around the ammo pouches) that dont fit in....it surely does make the snow look white...thanks again!

Stern0 wrote:

As you know I will take the finished dio outside to get some good light, but will wait for a overcast day for sure to give it a grey look! I do want it to look coooold!

When you get your overcast day, it might be fun to experiment with taking pictures at different times of the day. Perhaps taking the pictures at dawn or dusk might add to the illusion of being cold.

Hey Guys,

Here are a few of the just about completed Cold Day In Hell Pics. There are a few small details that I need to address ( I'm sure you fellas will find them!) These pics were taken in the afternoon with moderate cloud cover...I may try a different light next time. Thank all of youguys for your input and ideas. ALL comments welcome.

Thanks CJ! I am not very pleased with the pics I posted, I will post a few more soon with all the flaws fixed...Thanks for the kind words and for keeping up with this.

BTW i put the pic of the glue in just for you! It is one of the flaws I will fix! Good eye!

Very well done SternO and actually featured on the Razorboy Miniatures Homepage. 

Well done Steve,

razorboy

CJ, I will leave the glue, I guess it dosn't look so bad...It could be ice for sure!

Dave, Thanks for the kind words and for the Front page on RBM, I'm honored!

Chris, Thanks for the props! You always get what I'm trying to say..yes the GI's are a little taken back and that is why I have the angle as you said....you can bet they will be talking in whispers! Thank you guys for checking it out!

Hi SternO...

     Wow, that diorama REALLY says a lot of things, and like was mentioned before, the three GI's seem to be just as spellbound with the scene before them as WE are!

     OUTSTANDING work my friend!

Take care 

Frank

Frank, Thanks for the great compliments! I'm very pleased that the feeling of this peice translates so well...Thanks for checking it out sir.

MM, Thanks for the kind words...The glue in question is on the last pic, the shot from the rear next to the ammo belts...Nothing i'm going to  sweat at this point though...it does kinda look like ice. Still need to improve my figs, but with all the tips I've picked up here I feel they are getting a little better...How do you think the corpses turned out? Thanks again!

PJ, Thanks for putting your eye on this one....Different is probablly the best comment I can get, Thank you...Yes, I'm sure there was alot of this on the Eastern front, (Makes me feel sorry for them.) I always get a giggle when I here Eastern front..I think of Hogans Heros and Shultz getting threatened with being sent to the Eastern Front...He wanted no part of that! The look on his face said it all...Thanks again for the great feedback!

The GI's actually look sorry for the enemy.

There're two prevailing attitudes among men in combat... There are those that think, "There, but for the Grace of God, go I" and "Better him than me"...

Both are evident in this piece... Outstanding work, my friend...

   Steve, this thing just sends a chill down my spine and right back up again! You have captured a moment in time that really conveys the saying ‘War Is Hell' even in winter.

   One look at those Germans faces and you get it. Outstanding job.

Many Thanks Col. ...Your interpitation is poetic sir, Thank you for looking that deep into it. It pleases me to get such responses....

Steve, wow...I never thought It would have that effect...Very glad you like it that much..This one worked out, for the most part. I'm still not happy with my figs...hope there is improvment.Thanks again for your very kind words! 

OOOH, MAN! This kinda macabre, ghostly, spooky stuff is rightup my alley!

I'm jealous that I didn't think of it first!!!! WAY COOL!!!!! 

Pictures look good Sterno - really- you made this scene work & a Dio never fit its title so well !

I got the shock when I took a look at those frozen MG'rs, like it looks horrible, but rightly so. One of those common, but little spoken of horrors Grampa didn't ever wanna talk about'.

Nice use of those Dragon figures, the feel of stepping in the snow comes through(I used these same figures in a my 3rd Dio-soon to post. You may really like my painting on them, but your use of these guys for your scene is--->great<---- keep 'em comin....

Karl, Thanks for checking it out! Your ghost tankers and the creepy scarecrow were good inspiration for this peice...I remember the first time I saw the ghosts and thought what a tasteful way to portray death... this is not that clever. Thank you again for your favorable remarks.

Indy, Thank you for your kind words, I thought this would be a little much for the faint at heart, but like you, most seem to have gotten it. Yeah, gramps probablly would want to forget that scene for sure! Can't wait to see your figs...keep us posted.

EDIT: I do see the figs!!! Great job...I don't think I have ever compared two of the same...amazing how different they turn out!

Hey Stern0

What an amazing little scene you have put together here.  I really 'like' it - I put like in quotes only because this scene is not something to like, the reality of it that is.  However, the artistry you put into it is superb.

I'm going to disagree with CJ - I think your title is perfect.  Considering the scene, I would say that dark is a good mood to set...

bbrowniii, thanks for checking this out and for the kind words, I agree, not much to "like" about the scene, but I do like that it provokes such reaction. I was a little worried about it being a little to brutal for some folks, but I think it all worked out. Thanks again!

bbrowniii wrote:

Hey Stern0 What an amazing little scene you have put together here.  I really 'like' it - I put like in quotes only because this scene is not something to like, the reality of it that is.  However, the artistry you put into it is superb. I'm going to disagree with CJ - I think your title is perfect.  Considering the scene, I would say that dark is a good mood to set...

Stern0, this diorama is right up my alley, as they say...I'm sincerely bummed that you thought of it first--what a brilliant idea, and execution of it. I think the whole thing--the composition and your skill in painting the elements and the groundwork, etc--all just masterfully done!

I also have to add that I think the title ("Cold Day in Hell") is just epic, man! It's a perfect fit, and I hope you keep it!

My helmet's off to ya! ......

Stern .... Very Nicely Done!!!! I think, IMO, that CDiH is a perfect name for it. Fits right in, while at the same time brings out the details of the build.

Again, nice work.

Indy,MC good points! I think the title says what I trying to say....it seems it translates, Thank you guys for the support!

Karl, Thanks for the props!! I'm glad this one turned out ok. Was worried about the subject matter, but it seems to be embraced. Nothing for you to be bummed about...you could probably redo this one and do it right! Glad you like the title too, and where were you when I needed snow advice!!! Thanks again for checking it out!

Detailfreak, Thanks for that compliment..one of my biggest worries was keeeping it tasteful but real...I was still afraid of offending someone..But...I guess it worked out. Thanks again for checking it out!

CJ, MC, and Jim....you guys are toooooo kind, thank you much....I sent Pics of CDIH to the mag with not much about it, kinda halfass if you will. Go figure they put it in! Note the caption (sheetrock and mud )  I hope there is no confusion...I may try mud on the next one, its the only thing I havnt tried!!! Thanks again Fellas!

~SternO ~ Hey Man _ I just saw it too ! that's great to see in monthly gallery- A cut above(a little edgy for those guys maybe?) Anyways congrads & again great job on it, and you know the old man said you're lucky if the press gets your story 75 o/o right your doing OK.! LOL ( Did it to me too, a few times, nature of the beast)

 Indy

CJ,Congrats on "Gun for Hire" What site is it on?..I rarely visit other model sites. Yes! we can always count on family to make us feel real good about our builds, always good to have that solid ground. My wife is always the first and mostly the only one to see them before you guys!  Thanks for the glue advice...I'll print and post them on a warning sign in the shop!

thanks about my vignette. my wife also see's everything b4 you guys. remember ya got to start them off when they're young, so when your feeding him, bring him into your work area and explain those rules to him. make sure he knows!!

camo junkie wrote:

yeah i know my mother-in-law has me thinking that (star) because my gun 4 hire was published on another site. she's got a big heart and means well!!! anyway buddy, it should be fun teaching him and building with him...rule #1...dont sniff the glue!!! rule #2 dont eat the glue, rule #3 dont glue dad's toys to the bench!!!

Rule #4: Don't paint the doggie and/or the kitty with Daddy's airbrush!

Jim, that will go on my warning sign also..thanks!

Jim Barton wrote:

camo junkie wrote: yeah i know my mother-in-law has me thinking that (star) because my gun 4 hire was published on another site. she's got a big heart and means well!!! anyway buddy, it should be fun teaching him and building with him...rule #1...dont sniff the glue!!! rule #2 dont eat the glue, rule #3 dont glue dad's toys to the bench!!!   Rule #4: Don't paint the doggie and/or the kitty with Daddy's airbrush!

now jim...we cant have the kid thinking daddy's boring and wont let him have ANY fun!!! maybe i should've posted this as a question to the forum...please input the rules for steve's baby as to what he can and cant do modeling wise!!

Camo...your killing me...

tmn856, your way too kind sir...but thank you for the wonderful comments! I am overwhelmed at the responses I have gotten for this peice.....I had no idea it would invoke such reaction from anyone (well maybe a ten year old would say "thats cool") Thank you kindly!

that's y i said you shouldnt judge your results on what we do. do your own work and people will respond to it as you've seen. see what you've managed to do with this one is create a rare subject while using everyday figures that could be used on almost any type of dio. you've invoked thought and feeling into it and that is really pretty hard to do. an artist lives for that as they want people to buy their work and the only way to make someone want it is it has to "speak to them".  maybe after everything that's what im trying to say steve...this piece speaks to people. continue doing your own work...its good!

I completely agree w/ Tom on this one ....

I think that you're getting the reaction that you're getting b/c you've taken an idea that NO ONE has thought of or done before .... and its very thought provoking at that. For me, at least, it stabs at the heart of the very evil that war provokes, and specifically those cold ARSE winters during WWII. Just the thought that these GIs are are already on edge, they're on patrol and the suddenly one of them sees the distinct round, unnatural shape of a helmet and its too late .... "but why am I not dead yet?", is what's going though his brain ... instead of a burst from that MG42. .... I could go on ... but that's the point. From your still scene, I'm able to tell myself a story every time I look at it.

Just think how many stories you've been able to "tell" w/ this one!?! .... Consider too that this scene of yours had a REALLY good chance of actually happening. Think of the memories it would have brought back.

I had a tire blow the other day (dang construction workers!) and I thought for a half second that I was dead .... damn IEDs. THAT's the kind emotion that this draws.

MUCHO KUDOS for Mr. Steve-0!!! Congrats brother! .... I have no doubt that FSM will pick this one up ... Congrats again.

hey Jim!

He is yet to be born...t minus 10 weeks or so..i CAN'T WAIT! thanks for asking!