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~ ! Clash in Tunisia ! ~ { Final Photos on page 37 }

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  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Willow Oaks Compound / Model Bunker
Posted by razorboy on Thursday, February 11, 2010 3:24 PM

Indy, that's gonna look awesome!

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Ventura (at the beach) in California
Posted by *INDY on Thursday, February 11, 2010 7:49 AM

here goes this

~~~~~~~~CHAPTER NEXT
                                                                  LAYOUT  of The BASE      
 
   Having this scene rollicking around in my head for over a year, I've had a fairly clear idea what I had set about doing----and as long as it takes to make it come about----I never stopped to draw out a much of a diagram of the full diorama---well, this is going to still take some imagination as it's just the basis for the groundwork, but this will provide some idea of what I'm up to---I need to play around with a few bits even still............
 
 
Layout   PHASE I  - Positions of the gun emplacement & motorpool. Everything is placed onto  9/16" Elmers Foamboard doubled to 1 1/8". The rest of the foamboard, florist foam  pieces and rocks are left loose to allow adjustment. I had determined the over-all dimentions I wanted for this Dio long ago, but it takes this kind of layout to be certain of the size. I already have a glass-sided wooden case this will all reside in.

The guns trailing arms will of course be dig-in---a good deal of effert will go into what dirt has been 'dug', displaced & moved.
The steps behind the gun will be a a dirt 'ramp' , up to the parapet, when topped with dirtwork, and everything that isn't the crude roadway will be made to slope this way and that, showing effects of wind and run-off. The vehicle placement here is approximate, as is the ammo box location, and the rocks are not all represented by any stretch.
 


Layout PHASE II   Fire Base
 

 


Here's the rag-tag gun crew in position. Remember I'm modelling a makeshift unit of personel sourced broadly for this team. This is to represent no regular unit, but one formed of desperation, only a small number of days from the end of the entire Afrika Campaign. The fire-position is a hold-over from the 1st World War, the blown sand hastily shoveled away from the rockline, to move the Pak 40 in close. (The rock outcropping will be greatly increased in size, and barried in sand at it's base)
 


I had greatly considered switching the positions of the two figures indicated, as I'd always pictured the infantryman looking over the battlefield as below, but it simply makes much more sense to have him in the rear, as 2nd loader, and the gun commander in the more likely spot, ready to call the shot.
 
 
The Alpine DAK Panzer NCO (on the far left) would be a late addition to the unit(supose his Panzer was destroyed ) He is a figure so often seen(as the sculpting and casting are top-shelf), but I haven't seen it  incorporated into a large grouping so much at all.
 

One other minor variation was these two possibilities for the squeemish fellow with his ears plugged, both seem to work to me. Of course any imput about these options is
welcome at this point. I even gave some thought to a 5 man crew without the 'call-shot' guy,(below) but found him to be just too interesting to leave out.

 

 

 

 
 
 
Layout PHASE III  The British Attack
 
 

Here's where the 'clash' in  ~"Clash in Tunisia"~ comes in. The "Tommies'  are moving quickly over a rocky approach, from the rear, and blocked from site of the guncrew largely by the Opel truck----There is at least one German(likely to be two) who is just now become aware of the attack, and is forced into action before a full assessment can be made, or warning shouted through the  
gun- fire filled air to his mates.
 

The "man' on point, is the (likely 17 year old) "skinny-kid" as it happens. Nearby is the man with the Thompson, should he find himself in trouble.
 

As well, I had originally intended all along to have the Soldier sighting down his Lee Enfield in about the place above, but am unsure if I will include him at this point, as I like the simpler scene without him, and don't want to create a "known outcome" to the situation, as he simply can not miss at that range. In any case adjustments need to be made to his helmet, so he's on the bench for now.
 

You'll notice I'm looking at a late addition to the  Axis forces(on the far left) in the form of a nice Fallschirmjager from Platoon(evidence puts some of these elite troops somewhere in the area at the time)I show him in essentially two positions in these photos, and may decide about that last thing, as I want him in motion, near ready-to-fire, but not quite there yet. It's a delicate balance to create a very rough action scene
 

These two are peeling off around the other side of the truck. The 'targets' are just coming into view of the Brenman at this point.
       
     You can begin to see that these vehicles I've spent all this time with, are not just decorations off to one side, but actually importaint elements to how the story is unfolding.
 
 
 
One 'over-all' shot of --what I got--- at this point.          I have this sitting on the shelf this week like an unfinished chess game. I like to think about things at this point and move little things around a some---then I'll remove it all and set everything in the case to keep the dust off while not working with these elements. The base will  soon be blocked-in, sided-up, topped-off, sprayed-down....1...2...3....Easy as that   Stick out tongue
 
Thanks for staying tuned--let me know if I'm mad                     INDY

"Well...you gunna pull them pistols, or just whistle Dixie?"

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Ventura (at the beach) in California
Posted by *INDY on Thursday, February 11, 2010 3:06 AM
Mike ~ Thanks for that info. I imagine it should apply to a great part of Tunisia, but do you have any info /  knowledge  fo the area I'm modelling in particular---The Mereth Line--Rocky, mountainous area near Matmata ? Photos are scarce--there's little to nothing there to this day--and in pictures I have there's NOTHING living, just rock & sand, maybe a few scraggly bushes? As for the prickly cactus--that would be an interesting addition, and I've seen it in Tunisia photos for sure---though not specifically near the place in question(I have a nice 7 foot example of that cactus in my front yard so the handy reference make scratchin the plant even more of a good idea.......)      Hey again, Thanks

"Well...you gunna pull them pistols, or just whistle Dixie?"

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: San Francisco, CA
Posted by telsono on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 7:30 PM

Indy - being a biologist by profession, I usually take notice about things like that. The German Alpine troops in Kuban used them there is a picture floating around.

As to Tunisia you will probably find only dogs, donkeys, goats and sheep. The dogs would be pointed noses mongrels with short haired coat, peaked ears and a long tail, basically like a domesticated jackal. Jackals would be found scavenging around as well and a lucky hunter may bag a gazelle. Vultures always follow armies as well. Forget lizards, I researched it and the largest is 12 to 15 inches, no bigger than a shoe, hardly noticed in a dio. If you have a donkey it would probably be attached to an Arab. 

You can use the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia sp.) as its a cosmopolitan weed. Its on six of the seven continents and you see it alot in pictures from North Africa. 

Mike T.

Beware the hobby that eats.  - Ben Franklin

Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out. - Ben Franklin

The U.S. Constitution  doesn't guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself. - Ben Franklin

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Ventura (at the beach) in California
Posted by *INDY on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 6:57 PM

Strern~ Baby...er..yeah..I suppose that's importaint  Surprise J/K I know it is--how the high-maintainance part  relaxes for you soonPropeller

~Andy~ Big SmileGood thing you got shadesCool 2 months on the truck / 4 th month on this Dio--it'l be done by March, around my 2 year mark in scale models.

~Narayan~ I think that's pretty good advice--and from a man that looks more citically at the ground than anyone I can think of!  You know of course the flat 'playa' in the above pictures is only for the sake of those picturesCamera---the Dio will be an uneven bit a terrain---You will soon see the basic mock-up & mind you the topsoil is of course not in place so much will appear flat so far----even so, your advice is good to keep in mind, I think, when I go to laying out that final earthwork--don't worry, my  best work goes into the dirt!  Cowboy

~Mike~ well Hello and welcome-- you have displayed some rare-seeming knowledge upon entering the  thread! Interesting indeed---camels in Russia--little-known of  I would think, outside those that study such beasts--And at least I know you've read through this long build---catching that comment about that Kubel picture--Thanks for your interest---

I'm guessing your animal knowledge vast---A friend and I we're discussing having some sort of critter in this scene--tell me, what kind of animals would likely be found near the Mareth Line, at Tunisia's extent?

"Well...you gunna pull them pistols, or just whistle Dixie?"

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: San Francisco, CA
Posted by telsono on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 6:15 PM

Indy - Great job! But I must point out the camel in the picture of your Kubelwagen is the Bactrian (two hump) found in Asia. They are found in southern Russian all the way to China and the Germans even used them for pack animals especially in Kuban. The Dromedary (one hump) is the predominate one for North Africa and the Saudi pennisula. Note the hairy neck of the Bactrian, the Dromedary isn't as shaggy.

Mike T.

Beware the hobby that eats.  - Ben Franklin

Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out. - Ben Franklin

The U.S. Constitution  doesn't guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself. - Ben Franklin

  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Boston MA
Posted by vespa boy on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 9:51 AM

Indy, My only peice of advice for your ground work is to make none of it flat....I hope you can get the ground to be as well observed as the vehicles. Even small contours keep your eye moving around the scene. A really good exercise is to go outside with a spirit level and see how everything slopes on way or another. Keep us posted.

http://public.fotki.com/nkhandekar

This ain't no Mudd Club, or C.B.G.B.,
I ain't got time for that now

  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Carmel, IN
Posted by deafpanzer on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 9:32 AM

Looking GREAT!  The only thing you neglected to add to your build... plenty of sun block.  I swear I get sunburned every time I look at your pictures.  Very long process but it is paying off already.

Andy

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Charlottesville Va
Posted by Stern0 on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 8:20 AM

Not much time for much other than the baby i'm afraid...I think it is leveling off now, so I hope to have some time soon....keep up the good work!Big Smile

Always Faithful U.S.M.C
  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Ventura (at the beach) in California
Posted by *INDY on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 8:05 AM

~BoB~ Thank Mr. !  "Stunning" I like that--got that alot on this one!

~RB~ Thanks my Friend

~STERNO~ HEY! Great to see you posting--I've wondered where you went---Just not getting any Bench time /  posting time either I guess? Well, Thanks for the comments--hope to see you going on another Dio / Vignette

~BilL~ Right on Buddy--That's all coming up soon-like

  Okay guys  PEACE!        (  or    WAR!-------whatever you're into  Stick out tongue)

 

"Well...you gunna pull them pistols, or just whistle Dixie?"

  • Member since
    January 2012
Posted by I make stuff on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 1:35 AM

Beautiful work so far, Adam.  Can't wait to see the base and finishing from here.

Bill

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Charlottesville Va
Posted by Stern0 on Monday, February 8, 2010 9:02 PM

Fantastic work Indy...super realistic...great job!Big Smile I got to get back to the bench!

Always Faithful U.S.M.C
  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Willow Oaks Compound / Model Bunker
Posted by razorboy on Monday, February 8, 2010 8:22 AM

Great looking set of vehicles Indy! 

rb

  • Member since
    August 2009
  • From: Cary, North Carolina
Posted by M1Carbine on Monday, February 8, 2010 1:42 AM

Indy, beautiful buddy, looks stunning.

 

When can i take it for a spin...............LOL

Bob

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Ventura (at the beach) in California
Posted by *INDY on Monday, February 8, 2010 1:23 AM


Well, Guys, The vehicles for  the 'motorpool' area of the Dio are complete, except for that final dusting of dust when they go into position(a good thing to save for last to avoid mussing-up)  Here's a few of my 'motorpool' shots

 

 

 


 

An ultra-zoom of the storage stuffs

 
 
 
 
......So this is lights-out on this whole phase of the build. I'm already moving pieces around on a mock-up of the base(I know....finally  !   )The figures and vehicles seem to be going right into their intended places---
       -I'll show 'ya what I got next time on.....
 
                             ~ ! Clash in Tunisia ! ~  
                               

 

"Well...you gunna pull them pistols, or just whistle Dixie?"

  • Member since
    October 2009
  • From: South Carolina
Posted by jetmodeler on Sunday, February 7, 2010 9:29 AM

Now it really looks real. It kind of fooled me when I first saw it.

 

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Ventura (at the beach) in California
Posted by *INDY on Saturday, February 6, 2010 7:45 PM

 Hey Jetmodeler --- You wanted to see the Opel in a black and white shot---

 

Mark Bannerman made this from one of my photos---cool huh?

"Well...you gunna pull them pistols, or just whistle Dixie?"

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Ventura (at the beach) in California
Posted by *INDY on Friday, February 5, 2010 2:23 AM

~GENTS~ I greatly appreciate all the fine remarks regarding the 1st wave of Opel Photos. You all have great taste ! Oh Man! there's a compliment that goes both ways..

.Good grief                                   Here's one more in a similar light.....


~You guys may remember the fuel-can-rack from my brief P.E. solder demo?
 

This was really surplus to the parts needed for the Opel, but I'd always wanted another jerry can mounted on my Kubelwagon...so I made the late addition
 

I wanted the white water-indicating stripes to look quite faded, but the sand colors to be a close match to blend-in the late add-on
 

 
 
 I thought I'd shoot with the same 'playa' set-up I'd created for the Opel  shoot. I think it's even more effective with the smaller vehicle, although I still have yet to add the proper sand effects needed for placement in the Dio , as I did with the truck.
 

 

~Now it's better equiped~ After-all....it looks like a bad place to run out of petrol, chow, or water 

 

"Well...you gunna pull them pistols, or just whistle Dixie?"

  • Member since
    August 2009
  • From: Cary, North Carolina
Posted by M1Carbine on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 5:16 PM

Adam...........WOW, WOW and WOW.  A true stunning masterpiece my friend.

 

Bob

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 1:04 PM

Truck really conveys a desert environment---had to squint my eyes looking at in on the computer screen!!! Bravo...

  • Member since
    October 2007
  • From: Willow Oaks Compound / Model Bunker
Posted by razorboy on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 5:29 PM

Looking really good Indy!  The time invested in this project has yielded great results, well done.....  And I agree, definately "Cover - Worthy".

razorboy

  • Member since
    September 2009
  • From: hamilton , Ontario
Posted by EliteModelling on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 4:31 PM

im with Andy! this would make an amazing cover page for FSM.  this was a internesting build and turned out to be a master piece! thank you for you post and time.

-Adam J.

 

  • Member since
    October 2009
  • From: South Carolina
Posted by jetmodeler on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 3:00 PM

I agree with Andy. It should be on the cover.

 

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 2:44 PM

I could not agree more Andy!

This thread is a valuable resource for any extreme desert weathering and a wonderful example of the Extreme Weathering Style!

Congratulations on crossing the finish line with this one Adam!

YesYes

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
  • Member since
    April 2009
  • From: Carmel, IN
Posted by deafpanzer on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 2:37 PM

WOW!  I can't say anything more except for this.... it belongs to the FRONT COVER for next our FSM issue!!!  Yes

Andy

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Ventura (at the beach) in California
Posted by *INDY on Monday, February 1, 2010 9:55 PM

The Completed German 4 x 2 3 ton Truck (Opel Blitz)

 


 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 

                  IT IS DONE ~ ! 
 
         I have loads of pictures but I have just selected a few for now and I'll send the rest in for a possible feature elsewhere.
 
Thanks for waiting. I have several more good pictures I like , so it's agony posting only these but it will have to do for now. Thanks again everyone for your support along the way-- and having  this finished of course greenlights the construction of the Diorama base, and completion of the build    !  Yeeaahh!
 

"Well...you gunna pull them pistols, or just whistle Dixie?"

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, February 1, 2010 8:45 PM

Looking too cool for school---git er done, Indy !!!

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Posted by mm23t on Monday, February 1, 2010 2:33 PM

Just an excellent piece of work.Yes

Medals are not "Won", they are "Earned".

Mike..

 

 

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Everett, WA
Posted by Schnobs on Sunday, January 31, 2010 3:38 PM

Absolutely Fudging Fantastical Ginourmoulsy Supercalifragilisticespialidocious Cool!
 
Well done Sir and a tribute to all your research, hard work and incredible talent!

Seriously though Adam this is one of those posts that you file in the tutorial file and refere back to it when you build similar vehicles or need to weather anything in a Desert environment.

Thank you so much for sharing this with us!  Yes

"There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance. That principle is contempt prior to investigation." Herbert Spencer
  • Member since
    October 2009
  • From: South Carolina
Posted by jetmodeler on Sunday, January 31, 2010 9:48 AM

The supplies look really good. It looks like you put hours into the smallest things. They look great!Bow DownBow DownBow Down

 

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