DITCY Part 2 *update 9-19*

Manny

I'll be excited to see how this one turns out.  One question though: I thought you were working on a dio with the pair of 250s and the Soviet arty piece.  Did you finish that (and I missed it)?  Are you doing them simultaneously?

ygmodeler4 wrote:

Are those Tamiya figures?

Yeah I thought that stand up fig looked familiar, it was my first figure that I did last year ish.

 I'm looking forward to the progress on this one.

deafpanzer wrote:

Welcome back Manny!!!  There is no question I will enjoy following your process.  Gonna get more popcorn seeds.

Okay, starting some basic composition layout with the main players...the building is likely to change so don't get too attached to it; I'll be replacing it with a farm building...the Opel will have the flak on the bed when finished (note the flak base in the bed)

I left off one "surprise" element that I will probably not reveal until it is finished, but I think it will take the dio to the "next level"...

Stay tuned...

Very nice Manny! Can't wait to see the Jaboschreck on the back of the Opel. Who makes the dead guy?

Erik

deafpanzer wrote:

Looking great!  After looking at your figures, it made me realize that I may have them too... do they come with the Sherman kit which I haven't opened yet?  If so, looks like Tamiya figures are coming out nicely.  Any chance I will see some maids running for their lives?

Geist wrote:

Very nice Manny! Can't wait to see the Jaboschreck on the back of the Opel. Who makes the dead guy?     Erik

bbrowniii wrote:

Lookin' sweet Manny.  Another masterpiece in the making!

ditto, you have a very creative mind and a very advanced skill that lets you pull off diorama's with seemingly ease. Seeing the progress pics of your dio's are almost as good as seeing the finished product!

Josiah

Hans von Hammer wrote:

I gotta admit, Manny... You get some really good, dramatic, ideas using stock figures...   I don't like to do stock ones because they're so recognizable, but you consantly pull it off, man...

Ya, I have the same Sherman kit with those guys... Good call on using other manufactuer's parts as well.. I do that with all the personal gear and TA-50, in fact, I got my figure's gear set up almost like an Army Supply Room, lol... I use the parts orgnizer cases and label them with bayonets, etc., e-tools, ammo pouches, canteens, packs, well... You get the idea... The Tamiya stuff from the 70s/early 80s doesn't bear close scrutiny anymore, but that's never been an issue with me...  There were only a couple of Tamiya rucks that were any good, one being the "horse-shoe" pack (NOT the one with the e-tool molded on) from the WW2 "US Army Infantry" set, the other was the medium ALICE pack from the 80s "Modern Infantry" set along with that one's M-17 pro-mask carrier..

I cast a bunch of those Horseshoe packs one boring evening... The middle one is the original part.  The left one is done in resin, the right with plaster.. I used Bondo Auto Body Filler (it's the two-part filler, not the glazing putty) for the mold material, rather than the more expensive RTV molds..  Both types turned out ok though I prefer the resin part better.. But as cheap as plaster is, and since it's NOT a real issue having a flat "back" part, plaster is my usual material with stuff like that..

Hans von Hammer wrote:

Ya, I have the same Sherman kit with those guys... Good call on using other manufactuer's parts as well.. I do that with all the personal gear and TA-50, in fact, I got my figure's gear set up almost like an Army Supply Room, lol... I use the parts orgnizer cases and label them with bayonets, etc., e-tools, ammo pouches, canteens, packs, well... You get the idea... The Tamiya stuff from the 70s/early 80s doesn't bear close scrutiny anymore, but that's never been an issue with me...  There were only a couple of Tamiya rucks that were any good, one being the "horse-shoe" pack (NOT the one with the e-tool molded on) from the WW2 "US Army Infantry" set, the other was the medium ALICE pack from the 80s "Modern Infantry" set along with that one's M-17 pro-mask carrier.. I cast a bunch of those Horseshoe packs one boring evening... The middle one is the original part.  The left one is done in resin, the right with plaster.. I used Bondo Auto Body Filler (it's the two-part filler, not the glazing putty) for the mold material, rather than the more expensive RTV molds..  Both types turned out ok though I prefer the resin part better.. But as cheap as plaster is, and since it's NOT a real issue having a flat "back" part, plaster is my usual material with stuff like that..

  Manny you're definitely getting my attention with this one. The deceased figure is pretty cool. I've used Tamiya figs quite a bit myself, though I prefer Dragon. I just swap the heads and some times the hands out for some DML's or resin one's.

    So what's the surprise element? Inquiring minds need to know. Let me guess the building will be a brothel and some of your trademark ladies will adorn the windows.

panzerguy wrote:

Manny you're definitely getting my attention with this one. The deceased figure is pretty cool. I've used Tamiya figs quite a bit myself, though I prefer Dragon. I just swap the heads and some times the hands out for some DML's or resin one's.     So what's the surprise element? Inquiring minds need to know. Let me guess the building will be a brothel and some of your trademark ladies will adorn the windows.

Primary figs are pretty much ready for painting:

Comments welcomed...

zokissima wrote:

Even at this early stage, I love the layout of this dio. IMO a far better product thant the last. Can't wait to see those figures painted up.

ygmodeler4 wrote:

Looking good, the added details really add life to the figs, cant wait to see what the paint does to them. I've never seen a sling on a BAR though.

ygmodeler4 wrote:

ahh, ok, I'll have to watch it again. It makes sense and I knew you could put a sling on it...I'd just never seen it thats all. Now lets get those figures painted so we can delight in the master painting of you Manny.

zokissima wrote:

Even at this early stage, I love the layout of this dio.

The layout will be very similar with Part One: three US figs, a building, a dead German and a vehicle...however, there will be one "surprise" element and some new techniques to depict bullets flying!

camo junkie wrote:

manny, looks like we're competing for top spot here...(not that im competing with ANYONE)! didnt really want to comment on this one until i saw the figures painted but...what the hell. their poses are incedible. if they were modern it would be more the look i am trying to give my dio. you can feel they're sense of urgency! not that i want them (im not a ww2 guy), but who makes them? and its hard to tell are the resin or plastic?

im surprised really. tamiya figs (as you said) are really pretty worthless. at least the ones that come with their kits. these look good though. and i agree, with a nice paint job no one will really be able to tell anyway that they're tamiya!!

was just looking at you guy standing up firing his m1...im by no means trying to come down on you i think the detail you added is really good...and perhaps you meant this as only for the pics...(again not a ww2 guy) but it looks like his sling is placed farther back than it should be. i say that because looking at the pic the loop is shown up front but you have the sling farther back. again manny i like your work whether ww2 or not...just thought i'd mention it in case you didnt see it! btw, speaking of the slings...is that brass?? did ya cut it yourself? its a nice idea is all!

Manny,

Really like what you have going on here. Hope its not too late, I was just going to add that the sling on the MG looks like it weighs a TON. The guy to running his arse off, but the sling is hanging dead straight down. I'd just add a little "bounce" to it .... IMO of course.

Again, nice job with these. The PE details add a lot for the action feel.

camo junkie wrote:

was just looking at you guy standing up firing his m1...im by no means trying to come down on you i think the detail you added is really good...and perhaps you meant this as only for the pics...(again not a ww2 guy) but it looks like his sling is placed farther back than it should be. i say that because looking at the pic the loop is shown up front but you have the sling farther back.

The Dragon M1's have the actual attachement points for the slings molded on the rifles...I used that one Tamiya rifle because of the cool grenade launcher on it---maybe the sling on the butt is a bit farther back and I can adjust it...

These are the WIP figs from DITCY...the last pic shows a fig with a real, working M1 brass sling as HVH describes (although I disagree that the front attachment is near the bayonet lug):

These are the WIP figs from DITCY...the last pic shows a fig with a real, working M1 brass sling as HVH describes (although I disagree that the front attachment is near the bayonet lug)

Hans von Hammer wrote:

These are the WIP figs from DITCY...the last pic shows a fig with a real, working M1 brass sling as HVH describes (although I disagree that the front attachment is near the bayonet lug)

camo junkie wrote:

thanks manny. like i said...my knowledge of said items/ww2 is very very limited!! didnt want to imply it was wrong...my curiousity just got the better of me!

No problem---that's one of the reasons I am on the Forum---to learn!!! No one knows everything!

Hans von Hammer wrote:

These are the WIP figs from DITCY...the last pic shows a fig with a real, working M1 brass sling as HVH describes (although I disagree that the front attachment is near the bayonet lug)

Looking GREAT especially the slings!  Now I have to ask you this question... were those made from scratch or can I buy them somewhere?  I don't think I will ever make those as good as yours. 

What happened to that cute dog?  Doog would have loved it!

deafpanzer wrote:

Looking GREAT especially the slings!  Now I have to ask you this question... were those made from scratch or can I buy them somewhere?  I don't think I will ever make those as good as yours.  What happened to that cute dog?  Doog would have loved it!

Grimmo wrote:

looking great manny! cant wait to see more! the figures look very dynamic, lots of movement, and leads to a folw in the dio. very good!

calvin_ng wrote:

MR i hope you havent started painting the BAR fig yet looks to me youve got the bipod on top of the gun when it should be attached at the bottom. other than that the figs looks really good with all that detailing.

Check out the pic I edited into my post prior to yours from Wikipedia...the lug you think is for the sling is for stacking rifles into a tripod...

   I didn't use Wiki 'cept for a pic... I used my 30 years in the Army, dozens of parades with M-1s, and FM 22-5...  Sling swivels are for slings... Stacking arms requires the use of the sling on one weapon to support the muzzles of two other weapons in the tripod... Subsequent weapons are stacked loose.

Hans von Hammer wrote:

Check out the pic I edited into my post prior to yours from Wikipedia...the lug you think is for the sling is for stacking rifles into a tripod...    I didn't use Wiki 'cept for a pic... I used my 30 years in the Army, dozens of parades with M-1s, and FM 22-5...  Sling swivels are for slings... Stacking arms requires the use of the sling on one weapon to support the muzzles of two other weapons in the tripod... Subsequent weapons are stacked loose.

Manny

Hans is right on this one - those are both sling swivels.

As far as the bipod goes, I think you are right in that the bipod should wrap around the barrel, but you have not put it on that way.  By the looks of it, DML should have had a hole drilled through the top part of that bipod so it would slip onto the end of the barrel.  Check out this link to see what I am talking about - what you have going across the top is actually what should be wrapped around the barrel:

 http://www.nicolausassociates.com/images/Poster-BAR-22X34-300dpi-Reduced.jpg

The way the bipod is currently mounted it masks the front site post...

bbrowniii wrote:

Hans von Hammer wrote: Check out the pic I edited into my post prior to yours from Wikipedia...the lug you think is for the sling is for stacking rifles into a tripod...    I didn't use Wiki 'cept for a pic... I used my 30 years in the Army, dozens of parades with M-1s, and FM 22-5...  Sling swivels are for slings... Stacking arms requires the use of the sling on one weapon to support the muzzles of two other weapons in the tripod... Subsequent weapons are stacked loose. Manny Hans is right on this one - those are both sling swivels. As far as the bipod goes, I think you are right in that the bipod should wrap around the barrel, but you have not put it on that way.  By the looks of it, DML should have had a hole drilled through the top part of that bipod so it would slip onto the end of the barrel.  Check out this link to see what I am talking about - what you have going across the top is actually what should be wrapped around the barrel:  http://www.nicolausassociates.com/images/Poster-BAR-22X34-300dpi-Reduced.jpg The way the bipod is currently mounted it masks the front site post...

As far as the M1 goes, if what you and HVH say is true, then everyone is right---the sling could go through either bracket, and I chose the lower one, but I must say all of my refs point to the one lower down being used to secure the sling...

As far as the bipod, I don't know; I'm no expert on US small arms but the DML instructions were pretty clear in how to assemble it...I also had the Tamiya BAR as an option to use and much of the detail on the DML BAR was absent on the Tamiya one, particularly when it came to the bipod and mount...Either way, it is academic to me as "it looks like a BAR" in the context on the dio, and as I have always said, I takle pics of my stuff closer than anyone in here and challenge anyone to photograph their dios to the same close level of scrutiny as I do when it comes to figs, etc...Having said that, there is an easy fix in shaving down part of it if I can find a pic of the "correct" mount... 

Mansteins revenge wrote:

bbrowniii wrote:  Hans von Hammer wrote: Check out the pic I edited into my post prior to yours from Wikipedia...the lug you think is for the sling is for stacking rifles into a tripod...    I didn't use Wiki 'cept for a pic... I used my 30 years in the Army, dozens of parades with M-1s, and FM 22-5...  Sling swivels are for slings... Stacking arms requires the use of the sling on one weapon to support the muzzles of two other weapons in the tripod... Subsequent weapons are stacked loose. Manny Hans is right on this one - those are both sling swivels. As far as the bipod goes, I think you are right in that the bipod should wrap around the barrel, but you have not put it on that way.  By the looks of it, DML should have had a hole drilled through the top part of that bipod so it would slip onto the end of the barrel.  Check out this link to see what I am talking about - what you have going across the top is actually what should be wrapped around the barrel:  http://www.nicolausassociates.com/images/Poster-BAR-22X34-300dpi-Reduced.jpg The way the bipod is currently mounted it masks the front site post... As far as the M1 goes, if what you and HVH say is true, then everyone is right---the sling could go through either bracket, and I chose the lower one, but I must say all of my refs point to the one lower down being used to secure the sling... As far as the bipod, I don't know; I'm no expert on US small arms but the DML instructions were pretty clear in how to assemble it...I also had the Tamiya BAR as an option to use and much of the detail on the DML BAR was absent on the Tamiya one, particularly when it came to the bipod and mount...Either way, it is academic to me as "it looks like a BAR" in the context on the dio, and as I have always said, I takle pics of my stuff closer than anyone in here and challenge anyone to photograph their dios to the same close level of scrutiny as I do when it comes to figs, etc...Having said that, there is an easy fix in shaving down part of it if I can find a pic of the "correct" mount...

Manny

Yeah, I'm with you that it does not really matter which sling swivel you used, and it does look like that one was used most often...

As far as a pic of the correct mount...  Did the link I posted not work?  If not, try a google search for Browning Automatic Rifle and click on the Images tab.  You'll find plenty of good pics.

Mansteins revenge wrote:

Either way, it is academic to me as "it looks like a BAR" in the context on the dio, and as I have always said, I takle pics of my stuff closer than anyone in here and challenge anyone to photograph their dios to the same close level of scrutiny as I do when it comes to figs, etc...

I don't quite understand this response.  You seem ticked off a little.  Isn't one of the reasons you take such detailed pics to show off the detail?  Isn't one of the reasons we all post work here to get feedback and constructive criticism?  Isn't it a benefit of this site that, since you freely admitted that you are not an expert on US small arms that some people who are more familiar are willing to offer some suggestions?

At the crux of it, it seems to me if you are going to post such detailed pics to show off your precision, you should expect and appreciate critique that are intended to help you make your details even more precise.  We're just tryin' to help...

If I am reading you wrong on this, accept my humble apologies...

Mansteins revenge wrote:

bbrowniii wrote:  Hans von Hammer wrote: Check out the pic I edited into my post prior to yours from Wikipedia...the lug you think is for the sling is for stacking rifles into a tripod...    I didn't use Wiki 'cept for a pic... I used my 30 years in the Army, dozens of parades with M-1s, and FM 22-5...  Sling swivels are for slings... Stacking arms requires the use of the sling on one weapon to support the muzzles of two other weapons in the tripod... Subsequent weapons are stacked loose. Manny Hans is right on this one - those are both sling swivels. As far as the bipod goes, I think you are right in that the bipod should wrap around the barrel, but you have not put it on that way.  By the looks of it, DML should have had a hole drilled through the top part of that bipod so it would slip onto the end of the barrel.  Check out this link to see what I am talking about - what you have going across the top is actually what should be wrapped around the barrel:  http://www.nicolausassociates.com/images/Poster-BAR-22X34-300dpi-Reduced.jpg The way the bipod is currently mounted it masks the front site post... As far as the M1 goes, if what you and HVH say is true, then everyone is right---the sling could go through either bracket, and I chose the lower one, but I must say all of my refs point to the one lower down being used to secure the sling... As far as the bipod, I don't know; I'm no expert on US small arms but the DML instructions were pretty clear in how to assemble it...I also had the Tamiya BAR as an option to use and much of the detail on the DML BAR was absent on the Tamiya one, particularly when it came to the bipod and mount...Either way, it is academic to me as "it looks like a BAR" in the context on the dio, and as I have always said, I takle pics of my stuff closer than anyone in here and challenge anyone to photograph their dios to the same close level of scrutiny as I do when it comes to figs, etc...Having said that, there is an easy fix in shaving down part of it if I can find a pic of the "correct" mount...

Check where the slings are from this Volstad boxart:

Mansteins revenge wrote:

Mansteins revenge wrote:  bbrowniii wrote:  Hans von Hammer wrote: Check out the pic I edited into my post prior to yours from Wikipedia...the lug you think is for the sling is for stacking rifles into a tripod...    I didn't use Wiki 'cept for a pic... I used my 30 years in the Army, dozens of parades with M-1s, and FM 22-5...  Sling swivels are for slings... Stacking arms requires the use of the sling on one weapon to support the muzzles of two other weapons in the tripod... Subsequent weapons are stacked loose. Manny Hans is right on this one - those are both sling swivels. As far as the bipod goes, I think you are right in that the bipod should wrap around the barrel, but you have not put it on that way.  By the looks of it, DML should have had a hole drilled through the top part of that bipod so it would slip onto the end of the barrel.  Check out this link to see what I am talking about - what you have going across the top is actually what should be wrapped around the barrel:  http://www.nicolausassociates.com/images/Poster-BAR-22X34-300dpi-Reduced.jpg The way the bipod is currently mounted it masks the front site post... As far as the M1 goes, if what you and HVH say is true, then everyone is right---the sling could go through either bracket, and I chose the lower one, but I must say all of my refs point to the one lower down being used to secure the sling... As far as the bipod, I don't know; I'm no expert on US small arms but the DML instructions were pretty clear in how to assemble it...I also had the Tamiya BAR as an option to use and much of the detail on the DML BAR was absent on the Tamiya one, particularly when it came to the bipod and mount...Either way, it is academic to me as "it looks like a BAR" in the context on the dio, and as I have always said, I takle pics of my stuff closer than anyone in here and challenge anyone to photograph their dios to the same close level of scrutiny as I do when it comes to figs, etc...Having said that, there is an easy fix in shaving down part of it if I can find a pic of the "correct" mount...  EDIT: Check where the slings are from this Volstad boxart:

I think that maybe that big blob that looks like it is obstructing the sight, IS the sight...maybe it needs drilled out?

Mansteins revenge wrote:

Mansteins revenge wrote:  bbrowniii wrote:  Hans von Hammer wrote: Check out the pic I edited into my post prior to yours from Wikipedia...the lug you think is for the sling is for stacking rifles into a tripod...    I didn't use Wiki 'cept for a pic... I used my 30 years in the Army, dozens of parades with M-1s, and FM 22-5...  Sling swivels are for slings... Stacking arms requires the use of the sling on one weapon to support the muzzles of two other weapons in the tripod... Subsequent weapons are stacked loose. Manny Hans is right on this one - those are both sling swivels. As far as the bipod goes, I think you are right in that the bipod should wrap around the barrel, but you have not put it on that way.  By the looks of it, DML should have had a hole drilled through the top part of that bipod so it would slip onto the end of the barrel.  Check out this link to see what I am talking about - what you have going across the top is actually what should be wrapped around the barrel:  http://www.nicolausassociates.com/images/Poster-BAR-22X34-300dpi-Reduced.jpg The way the bipod is currently mounted it masks the front site post... As far as the M1 goes, if what you and HVH say is true, then everyone is right---the sling could go through either bracket, and I chose the lower one, but I must say all of my refs point to the one lower down being used to secure the sling... As far as the bipod, I don't know; I'm no expert on US small arms but the DML instructions were pretty clear in how to assemble it...I also had the Tamiya BAR as an option to use and much of the detail on the DML BAR was absent on the Tamiya one, particularly when it came to the bipod and mount...Either way, it is academic to me as "it looks like a BAR" in the context on the dio, and as I have always said, I takle pics of my stuff closer than anyone in here and challenge anyone to photograph their dios to the same close level of scrutiny as I do when it comes to figs, etc...Having said that, there is an easy fix in shaving down part of it if I can find a pic of the "correct" mount...  EDIT: Check where the slings are from this Volstad boxart:

Manny

I don't know about Hans, but I am not arguing with your sling placement - it's fine.  I was just commenting that the thing in front is a swivel. 

I mean, if you want to have a debate over nomenclature, technically, the M1 Garand does not have a 'sling swivel'... but I don't think that discussion contributes at all to the work you are doing this dio, so I'm gonna shelve it...

Mansteins revenge wrote:

I think that maybe that big blob that looks like it is obstructing the sight, IS the sight...maybe it needs drilled out?

Definately a possibility - I don't have that figgie set, so I couldn't tell ya, but if there is no front site 'molded' onto the top of the BAR, perhaps.

Another possibility is, as I look at the pic of the guy with the BAR, it looks like there is a slight half moon depression on the top of the bipod.  Is it possible that they have molded the top half of the bipod mount onto the BAR already, and the bipod legs mount underneath to 'complete the circle' as it were?  Like I said, I don't have this figure set, so I have no idea what the instuctions indicate...

Manny

While I don't have any US figure sets (specifically) I do have the BoB Sherman with the 'bonus' figs.  I just ran down to my basement and pulled those out.  On the 'extra' BAR in that set, it is pretty clear the bipod mounts under the muzzel of the BAR.  There is a very distinct 'notch' for the barrel to sit in.  I don't see the same notch on your bipod, but....

And as camo junkie said - it isn't a deal breaker.  Most folks probably would never notice (I actually didn't until camo junkie pointed it out (HA, this is all HIS FAULT!! ).  Since you have the darn thing in your possession and you can see what seems to make the most sense, ultimately it is your call as to what to do with it.  Your dio will still be awesome, I am sure...

bbrowniii wrote:

Manny While I don't have any US figure sets (specifically) I do have the BoB Sherman with the 'bonus' figs.  I just ran down to my basement and pulled those out.  On the 'extra' BAR in that set, it is pretty clear the bipod mounts under the muzzel of the BAR.  There is a very distinct 'notch' for the barrel to sit in.  I don't see the same notch on your bipod, but.... And as camo junkie said - it isn't a deal breaker.  Most folks probably would never notice (I actually didn't until camo junkie pointed it out (HA, this is all HIS FAULT!! ).  Since you have the darn thing in your possession and you can see what seems to make the most sense, ultimately it is your call as to what to do with it.  Your dio will still be awesome, I am sure...

bbrowniii wrote:

And as camo junkie said - it isn't a deal breaker.  Most folks probably would never notice (I actually didn't until camo junkie pointed it out (HA, this is all HIS FAULT!! ).

this is what i get for asking a question! let the record state...my ignorance will be my undoing!

MR, Can't wait to see your "bullets" in action......something I have tossed around for years...My first post on this forum was "suspended action".....traveling bullets hitting tombstones was what I was looking for....never found a convincing way....always looked a little hokey...looking very forward to yours...

I saw where you seemed to get a little testy about how close you shoot your pics from to capture your detail...I could not find the provacation for it...were you challenged in some way? I always though your figs had that little something extra (drilling sleaves..ect.) These are no exception...I do know that I get close pics of mine and I know they are crappy! 

Stern0 wrote:

MR, Can't wait to see your "bullets" in action......something I have tossed around for years...My first post on this forum was "suspended action".....traveling bullets hitting tombstones was what I was looking for....never found a convincing way....always looked a little hokey...looking very forward to yours... I saw where you seemed to get a little testy about how close you shoot your pics from to capture your detail...I could not find the provacation for it...were you challenged in some way? I always though your figs had that little something extra (drilling sleaves..ect.) These are no exception...I do know that I get close pics of mine and I know they are crappy!

Testy? Me? LOL...hah, just trying to make the point that if looking at the BAR w/o the benefit of extreme close-up, it looks fine...I think I'll look inyo cutting that part down a bit if I can do it w/o breaking the whole front-end off...thanks for looking in---things should start happening faster now...still trying to settle on the building I'm gonna use...

calvin_ng wrote:

OH im sorry MR didnt mean to start a fight, now i see it. I guess tamiyas intstructions are to blame LOL.

Well, I'm not sure anyone is to blame...But I should have shaved the part down a bit once I compared it to the DML illustrations...the part provided is much "fatter" than what is depicted...I'll get it looking right before its done...thanks for pointing it out...

As far as the M1 goes, if what you and HVH say is true, then everyone is right---the sling could go through either bracket, and I chose the lower one, but I must say all of my refs point to the one lower down being used to secure the sling...

Manny, my initial comment about the sling ws in response to Camo Junkie's comment about sling placement, where he said that he thought the sling was placed too far back on one of the rifles.. I just pointed out that the M1 sling could be placed in either swivel and that yours were ok... Didn't mean to come off like I wanted to start liftin' hind legs... 

When it comes to slings, soldier preference is the measure... The only time sling placement is an issue is during parades and formations where uniformity is an issue..  Myself, I top-slung my M-16 in the field the entire time I was in the Army.  I looped the sling around the butt just behind the charging handle and the front end around the handguard ring, kinda like this:

I did so because my weapon would be muzzle-down at sling arms, and I also didn't have to sling it across my back in order to use both hands, and it wouldn't slide down my arm either.. Top-slung, I could quickly raise it into firing postion sling arms as well...

Hope this clears up any misunderstanding..

Hans von Hammer wrote:

As far as the M1 goes, if what you and HVH say is true, then everyone is right---the sling could go through either bracket, and I chose the lower one, but I must say all of my refs point to the one lower down being used to secure the sling... Manny, my initial comment about the sling ws in response to Camo Junkie's comment about sling placement, where he said that he thought the sling was placed too far back on one of the rifles.. I just pointed out that the M1 sling could be placed in either swivel and that yours were ok... Didn't mean to come off like I wanted to start liftin' hind legs...  When it comes to slings, soldier preference is the measure... The only time sling placement is an issue is during parades and formations where uniformity is an issue..  Myself, I top-slung my M-16 in the field the entire time I was in the Army.  I looped the sling around the butt just behind the charging handle and the front end around the handguard ring, kinda like this: I did so because my weapon would be muzzle-down at sling arms, and I also didn't have to sling it across my back in order to use both hands, and it wouldn't slide down my arm either.. Top-slung, I could quickly raise it into firing postion sling arms as well... Hope this clears up any misunderstanding..

I'm sure you have some good reference photos of BARs already. But if not...

camo junkie wrote:

and me manny?? ya never acknowledged my comments...not that ya have to but they were not meant the way they seemed...as stated...it was just curiousity/ignorance only!

Hey, Camo--its guys like you, bbrowmi, Hammer and everyone else in here who comments who keeps me motivated...some of the best ideas for DITCY Part 1 came from you guys...

Keep passing the ammo, guys!!!

Hey Manny!

Well, I'll be honest; I haven't had time to read through the whole thread, but I love the idea! I like the figures, and the truck with the gun on the deck looks really unique--soemthing I have never seen modeled! VERY cool, and original to boot!

I DIG IT!

Hopefully, by the time I get home, you'll have worked your magic on the figures--can't wait to see them come to life ala' the "Manny Touch!"

the doog wrote:

Hey Manny! Well, I'll be honest; I haven't had time to read through the whole thread, but I love the idea! I like the figures, and the truck with the gun on the deck looks really unique--soemthing I have never seen modeled! VERY cool, and original to boot! I DIG IT! Hopefully, by the time I get home, you'll have worked your magic on the figures--can't wait to see them come to life ala' the "Manny Touch!"

Manny: Did you decide to go with the flak on the Opel when you saw those nasty ejector marks on the side panels of the truck bed?  What was Mr. Tamiya thinking

I'm building the truck now too and I'm not sure what to do...

SMJmodeler wrote:

Manny: Did you decide to go with the flak on the Opel when you saw those nasty ejector marks on the side panels of the truck bed?  What was Mr. Tamiya thinking I'm building the truck now too and I'm not sure what to do...

I haven't yet decided if I am gonna leave the sidewalls and rear door off completely, have them in a lowered position, or fully upright...If I do the later, I will have to fill and rescribe those marks......I am going to wait and see how high the flak sits in the bed before I decide...

Just bringin' some pics forward so I don't have to keep jumpin' back & forth to re-read what's gettin' talked about...

Hans von Hammer wrote:

Just bringin' some pics forward so I don't have to keep jumpin' back & forth to re-read what's gettin' talked about...

Once upon a time in the early 80s I used to make model kits, and actually modelled the same Opel Blitz with the flak on the back.

 Looking forward to the developments on this one.

model maniac 96 wrote:

This is an amazing build, you said that the weapons were dragon, are they Gen2? And what set did they come in? Thanks, Jim

vespa boy wrote:

Once upon a time in the early 80s I used to make model kits, and actually modelled the same Opel Blitz with the flak on the back.  Looking forward to the developments on this one.

Vespa, this is actually the brand-new Tamiya offering...you probably are referring to the old Italeri offering, which is still a very good model even today...

I'll be paying more attention to the ground-work on this one... 

Mansteins revenge wrote:

...it is even worse since they are on the wood-grain...I haven't yet decided if I am gonna leave the sidewalls and rear door off completely...

Manny: Amen to that!  You can't really putty/fill them, very easily anyway...and sanding them would be messy too.   I think I may drape a flag, as part of my dio', over one side and strategicaly place the fuel drums on the other side.  As for the rear door, I may have it down with a figure sitting on the bed and maybe another standing with with his arm "blocking" the ejector mark.  I hate having to "cheat" to fix a problem that shouldn't be there at all.  It seems like a rookie move on Tamiya's part.  BTW, look at the box the kit came in and look at the side photo of their finished model.  The ejector marks are clearly visible on the rear panel!

US figgies painted:

Please comment or I'll send a three-man assault group your way...

WOW! great looking figures Manny!!!

yep...better than mine manny...but you knew that!

Glad to see themm painted, it was worth the wait...but wheres the cow??

Im calling false advertising!

Josiah

The loose straps on that helmet are really nice though, really looks like he's hauling

Can't wait to see the barn/farm building- dead cow and all!

Any paint on the KIA yet?

Hi ,Manny, I was over in Armour and got curious, nice work going on over here, like the progress so far and the work on the figs is first class. Goos luck with the rest of your Dio.

Terry.

Good stuff, Manny. 

Rick

RickLawler wrote:

Good stuff, Manny.    Rick

Mansteins revenge wrote:

Please comment or I'll send a three-man assault group your way..

Fantastic figure work.  Best shot... the straps make it look real.

wing_nut wrote:

Mansteins revenge wrote: Please comment or I'll send a three-man assault group your way.. Fantastic figure work.  Best shot... the straps make it look real.

I finally found (be here this Friday) an old VLS barn that I will be using as the backdrop building, after much searching (it was one of the original Verlinden building released in plaster)...I also secured some farmyard equipment that always seems to be out-of-stock when you need it...l guess you can surmise that this scene will be taking place in a farmyard...

...then there will be the Opel flak truck and a German corpse to add to the tension in the scene...I also have planned one "surprise" element and another "surprise" technique to help convey the sense of "lead in the air"...stay tuned...

Hey man is that the barn that verlinden did with the panther with zim running along side it in one of the early Verlinden way books? if so its great and ive wanted to get it for years just never seen it. Oh and dont think your fingernails have gone unnoticed but they do need clipping

Homeboy with the Garand at his shoulder is kinda scary. Glad I'm not a 1/35 German on this dio...

jthurston wrote:

Homeboy with the Garand at his shoulder is kinda scary. Glad I'm not a 1/35 German on this dio...

Yeah, he definately has some hostile intent, doesn't he!

Outstanding work here Manny.  I don't know how you do it, but you do... not just the painting, but the story - got me on the edge of my seat...

Bodge wrote:

Hey man is that the barn that verlinden did with the panther with zim running along side it in one of the early Verlinden way books? if so its great and ive wanted to get it for years just never seen it. Oh and dont think your fingernails have gone unnoticed but they do need clipping

LOL, on the fingernails!!! Really nice work on that Jagdkitty and figgies in Armor...All kidding aside, you are one of the few in here, in my humble opinion, who can give me a run for my money on 35th scale figs...although, IMO, you are the second best figure painter in here---LOL---.  

Bodge wrote:

Oh teach me Master, teach me

Was that the same VLS Barn you were thinking of? Came in Fri and am working on it today...gotta love the plaster stuff...also, painting the "secret element".....

Mansteins revenge wrote:

"Secret element" to appear tonight, boys and girls...

I'm all goose pimply with anticipation...

bbrowniii wrote:

Mansteins revenge wrote: "Secret element" to appear tonight, boys and girls... I'm all goose pimply with anticipation...

Mansteins revenge wrote:

Bodge wrote: Hey man is that the barn that verlinden did with the panther with zim running along side it in one of the early Verlinden way books? if so its great and ive wanted to get it for years just never seen it. Oh and dont think your fingernails have gone unnoticed but they do need clipping Here it is...took some "string-pulling" at Great Models to secure one...this bad-boy is OLD...but perfect for my dio...it is the one with the Panther... LOL, on the fingernails!!! Really nice work on that Jagdkitty and figgies in Armor...All kidding aside, you are one of the few in here, in my humble opinion, who can give me a run for my money on 35th scale figs...although, IMO, you are the second best figure painter in here---LOL---.

Changing up the game plan on the building.  Going with this one instead. Little to no damage. Will look like a "working" farmyard...already have the plaster pieces together; some nice resin shutters, roofing and doors with this one:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://tank.boy.jp/1t-13.jpg&imgrefurl=http://tank.boy.jp/1t-s.htm&usg=__5rjvrUmabBDIY6zJheZ3Mu8p3OE=&h=705&w=940&sz=174&hl=en&start=109&um=1&tbnid=mIgPDh-SJCCtNM:&tbnh=111&tbnw=148&prev=/images%3Fq%3DItaleri%2BDemag%2BD7%2Bwith%2BFlak%2B38%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Dactive%26sa%3DN%26start%3D100%26um%3D1

Mansteins revenge wrote:

bbrowniii wrote:  Mansteins revenge wrote: "Secret element" to appear tonight, boys and girls... I'm all goose pimply with anticipation... Nope, not a goose...

Darn... well did you find a way to mold some rounds flying through the dead cow? Kinda like Saving Private Ryan when they take the MG position yea?! I can't think of any other way you can model flying lead...

The "death" elements: 

War is hell...

Bodge wrote:

Very impresed, lookin awsome . I purchased a video called the Falaize gap recently and it would be right up your street on this dio as there is loads of footage that was new to me and ive got a lot and loads of devastation after the battles. They say the countryside absolutly stank of dead carcases of men ,cattle and horses. Some of the footage is quite grafic seeing dead germans with a face full of maggots wigling around .Some thing you dont see much   the true horrors of war.Saying that though its a cracker of a DVD and iwatch it over and over as my next dio is gonna be around this time and theme.

Wow...I'd like to get my hands on that video...

psstoff995 wrote:

Mansteins revenge wrote:  bbrowniii wrote:  Mansteins revenge wrote: "Secret element" to appear tonight, boys and girls... I'm all goose pimply with anticipation... Nope, not a goose... Darn... well did you find a way to mold some rounds flying through the dead cow? Kinda like Saving Private Ryan when they take the MG position yea?! I can't think of any other way you can model flying lead...

Bodge wrote:

Oh well i guess youll be posting that unwanted one on to me then, just let me know when you want my postage details The other farmhouse is also impresive.

Mansteins revenge wrote:

Bodge wrote: Very impresed, lookin awsome . I purchased a video called the Falaize gap recently and it would be right up your street on this dio as there is loads of footage that was new to me and ive got a lot and loads of devastation after the battles. They say the countryside absolutly stank of dead carcases of men ,cattle and horses. Some of the footage is quite grafic seeing dead germans with a face full of maggots wigling around .Some thing you dont see much   the true horrors of war.Saying that though its a cracker of a DVD and iwatch it over and over as my next dio is gonna be around this time and theme. Wow...I'd like to get my hands on that video...

I'm with Manny on this one!

Bodge, what is the title and where did you get it??

By the way, superb dead things, Manny!

I got the DVD from Bovington tank museum last time i went ,it really is a cracker.Plus there are loads of extra bonus footage thats nearly as long as the original title all on the same time in france and belgium. I just looked on ebay and there were about 8 copies on buy it now,s at £13.99 with free postage. Just type in the full title. 

Thanks for the box art and the DVD title- any idea if it's part of a bigger series?

Manny- did I miss a new thread you started? Just wondering if I'm behind on your surprise element and suspended 1/35 bullets on fish line.

psstoff995 wrote:

Manny- did I miss a new thread you started? Just wondering if I'm behind on your surprise element and suspended 1/35 bullets on fish line.

agentg wrote:

Ok enough's enough. BUILD IT! This is way cool and I can't wait anymore, sorry not enough coffee yet.

model maniac 96 wrote:

agentg wrote: Ok enough's enough. BUILD IT! This is way cool and I can't wait anymore, sorry not enough coffee yet. Ditto.

agentg wrote:

.... sorry not enough coffee yet.

HOLY CRAP!! 430P and not enough coffe yet!?! HAHAHAHA!!!!

Major elements complete...working on composition before laying groundwork...please give feedback on this comp. or I'll haul that cow carcass over and dump it in your front-yard...

Still have some work on the farmhouse to complete...attaching doors, shutters---some detail painting on the structure...

Was hoping to fit the cow into the extreme foreground instead off to the side? Hmmmm...

My words simply just won't do it justice...Amazing work. Figures are always so frustrating to me. Honestly, I don't understand how you do it. Good work! The first DITCY was great too. Great composition in this scene. Keep it coming!

Jon

Excellent, Manny! I love the action in it. The elements look terrrific!

NOt sure about the cow--I think that the composition looks a little too symetrical with the five figures basically ringing the base like numbers on a clock. A little asymetry would help, I think. Maybe you could move the running men back toward the shooter more, and leave more space between the cow and them.

Is this going to be a dirt road/terrain type situation? Because I think that if you're going to have a paved/cobblestone situation, it would be better to leave the cow out. 

Stunning work as always Manny!

It looks great, coming along very nicely.  

the doog wrote:

Excellent, Manny! I love the action in it. The elements look terrrific! NOt sure about the cow--I think that the composition looks a little too symetrical with the five figures basically ringing the base like numbers on a clock. A little asymetry would help, I think. Maybe you could move the running men back toward the shooter more, and leave more space between the cow and them. Is this going to be a dirt road/terrain type situation? Because I think that if you're going to have a paved/cobblestone situation, it would be better to leave the cow out.

I have been thiking of ground I have it narrowed down to packed earth, w/ ruts in it...or semi-cobbled, which you often see in Europe where an old road has been left to the elements and the earth has reclaimed large patches of the stones...hard to explain but I'm sure you've seen it...

the doog wrote:

Excellent, Manny! I love the action in it. The elements look terrrific! NOt sure about the cow--I think that the composition looks a little too symetrical with the five figures basically ringing the base like numbers on a clock. A little asymetry would help, I think. Maybe you could move the running men back toward the shooter more, and leave more space between the cow and them. Is this going to be a dirt road/terrain type situation? Because I think that if you're going to have a paved/cobblestone situation, it would be better to leave the cow out.  Thanks, doog...I agree...I have been thinking and I believe w/ some minor tweaks I can move the cow to the immediate foreground and have the two runners between the cow and the truck... I have been thiking of ground I have it narrowed down to packed earth, w/ ruts in it...or semi-cobbled, which you often see in Europe where an old road has been left to the elements and the earth has reclaimed large patches of the stones...hard to explain but I'm sure you've seen it...

1st off great work Manny.  But, I think Indy has a good point/idea. I certainly have no room to talk, but the cow does seem off to me.  

 Just looks like they would of had to back the truck in since the cow is there, it kind of blocks off the path that you would assume the vehicle took before stopping.  Maybe just a lil tinker-in.  Just my   for what ever thats worth

INDY has some great points, Manny--I also am having doubts about the feasability of the moog. The matter is the base dimensions, and the difficulty of cramming all those elements in there and still having some necessary "dead space" to give it that feeling of authenticity.

Are you married to the moog? YOu might be better served getting a chicken or something for that kind of animal element; I think the cow may be justa little too big for the scene and base at this point...?

the doog wrote:

INDY has some great points, Manny--I also am having doubts about the feasability of the moog. The matter is the base dimensions, and the difficulty of cramming all those elements in there and still having some necessary "dead space" to give it that feeling of authenticity. Are you married to the moog? YOu might be better served getting a chicken or something for that kind of animal element; I think the cow may be justa little too big for the scene and base at this point...?

I think I am gonne retain the cow and get a bigger base. I am gonna check where I got that one and see if I can up-size---I like the oval shape because it removes corners that a swuare would give that I really don't need. A larger base will also gove me more room for other goodies I built for this dio, like a plow and other farm impliments...thanks for the feedback everyone!

 Herr Feldmarschall, I think you got enough to chew on at this point, I just  found this shot & had to think of DITCYII. I always like finding similar reference to my works before, during even after. Blow this up and look at the tension, how ready to snap off a few shots these guys are.

P.S. Having 'slept on it' I envisioned a (slight slope?) with moo moo on a downward facing hillface, maybe with the building even more elevated? Seems unacceptable to get rid of the moo-cow, and everyone wants to see ALL the elements you came up with, right?  IDK, just what popped into the 'ole noggin, we'll wait 'til you go to town on it...................Indy out.................

Manny good to see this coming together. I think Indy and Doog really covered the main points. To me the truck and the building are the main bulk of the composition and need to be more asymmetrically placed so that they guide your eye around the scene not only on the base but with each other. All I am suggesting is lots of fiddling with the big elements until they sit right in the available space. Keep on working you are getting there.

PS I really don't like the cow...just my opinion.

INDY wrote:

Herr Feldmarschall, I think you got enough to chew on at this point, I just  found this shot & had to think of DITCYII. I always like finding similar reference to my works before, during even after. Blow this up and look at the tension, how ready to snap off a few shots these guys are. P.S. Having 'slept on it' I envisioned a (slight slope?) with moo moo on a downward facing hillface, maybe with the building even more elevated? Seems unacceptable to get rid of the moo-cow, and everyone wants to see ALL the elements you came up with, right?  IDK, just what popped into the 'ole noggin, we'll wait 'til you go to town on it...................Indy out.................

INDY wrote:

Herr Feldmarschall, I think you got enough to chew on at this point, I just  found this shot & had to think of DITCYII. I always like finding similar reference to my works before, during even after. Blow this up and look at the tension, how ready to snap off a few shots these guys are. P.S. Having 'slept on it' I envisioned a (slight slope?) with moo moo on a downward facing hillface, maybe with the building even more elevated? Seems unacceptable to get rid of the moo-cow, and everyone wants to see ALL the elements you came up with, right?  IDK, just what popped into the 'ole noggin, we'll wait 'til you go to town on it...................Indy out................. I have actually had that pic bookmarked for years...one of my favs...and I guess subconsciously my dio refelcts some of that scene...cool...

No kidding? HA~! Thats increadable, At least we know we're on the same page.(pun intended)         Interesting timing ain't it?I'd never seen this/\/\/\

Manny i really like the figure painting and the attention you've given to the detail. i like the flak with the subtle chipping, and the moo moo. lol . if i may what paints did you use.  great work

calvin ng

P.S i just thought that i could make a dio similiar to yours, just with a G.I tripping over the cow though :-)

calvin_ng wrote:

Manny i really like the figure painting and the attention you've given to the detail. i like the flak with the subtle chipping, and the moo moo. lol . if i may what paints did you use.  great work calvin ng P.S i just thought that i could make a dio similiar to yours, just with a G.I tripping over the cow though :-)

Mansteins revenge wrote:

Major elements complete...working on composition before laying groundwork...please give feedback on this comp. or I'll haul that cow carcass over and dump it in your front-yard...

Dude, those uniforms are stunning! Incredible work.

Steve

Hey Manny

Great work!  Just a quick question/suggestion.  I know you are having some issues with the layout and were thinking of a larger base.  What if you simple put the truck a little further from the building and at an angle, with the front towards the building.  The GI with the rifle could be at the right rear corner as the other two GIs dart across the gap between the side of the building and the truck.  The dead cow could fill the dead (no pun intended) space created on the right side of the truck. 

I'm not sure if your base allow you that degree of flexibilty, but if it did, it might save you the trouble of prepping a new base.

bbrowniii wrote:

Hey Manny Great work!  Just a quick question/suggestion.  I know you are having some issues with the layout and were thinking of a larger base.  What if you simple put the truck a little further from the building and at an angle, with the front towards the building.  The GI with the rifle could be at the right rear corner as the other two GIs dart across the gap between the side of the building and the truck.  The dead cow could fill the dead (no pun intended) space created on the right side of the truck.  I'm not sure if your base allow you that degree of flexibilty, but if it did, it might save you the trouble of prepping a new base.

Agreed, wanting more.

deafpanzer wrote:

Where's Manny?  I am afraid he has been busy painting more female figures for us because he knows we like 'em... I admit I have been looking forward to see more of this DITCY Part 2.

[quote user="Manstein's revenge"]Where's Manny?  .

.been working on a small vignette with a girl in it...I am trying to concentrate on wrapping this dio up and also the other WIP: I have not been posting as much, but I have completed the buulding in this dio so things should start moving more to a clip...

Not "as much" indeed.   And not even a teaser photo this time ! Very mysterious,  Herr Feldmarschall ,            very mysterious you are.