"The Bridge"Saving Pvt Ryan.

OH YEAH BABY!!! HOOOOORAH!!!

   Terrific. I haven't seen to many guys pull off a dio depicting a movie scene. But you got it Panzerguy! I look at your diorama and i can hear the sounds. The rumble and clatter of the tank, guys yelling, the panic and you can even hear the P-51's inbound to hit that Tiger.... You have put some work into this. You skills at scratchbuilding are awesome! That bridge is magic. Your figure painting is great too.

    Some of the weapons you used are different from the movie. I don't remember MP44's or 'Grease Guns'. But hey, that is trivial and certainly doesn't take away from the work of art you have produced.

    One thing that would have looked good would to have a deeper crater near the german side with Corporal Upham hiding in it.....

    Only your FOURTH dio?????!!!!!!.....

    Boomer...

 

ASTONISHING!!!!!

That is one gigantic dio. The german with his helmet flying off is great.  And the look of terror on his buddys face.  Did you look for a figure that resembled Tom Hanks or was that just a coincidence? Great job ... beautiful work!!!  

"the look" may be knowing his buddy was throwing a grenade...stay and boom, jump the wall and get shot

Let me first say that I admire the amount of work you put into this, and the sheer size of it demonstrates your passion for the hobby and subject matter. 

Having said that, I am not a big fan of "monster dios" for several reasons: 1) Folks tend to automatically think and say the dio is "great" JUST because it is big (bigger is not always better IMO); 2) The dio tends to lose cohesiveness (too many dead areas that are a " no-no" in composition); 3) The story is diluted or becomes confused. I call this the "Heaven's Gate" syndrome. Sorta like a movie that has promise playing way too long and trying to cover too much ground, which in the end flops. 4) Although there are hundreds of hours put into it, the quality usually suffers because it is hard to maintain such a level of detail across something the size of a monster dio. Only one modeler comes to mind in consistantly pulling this feat off, and that is Bob Letterman of VLS fame. 5) lastly, and selfishly, I have seen a lot of really good smaller dios get overlooked just because they were lost in the shadows of the mediocre monsters...

Having said that, I think this is one of the better monster dios I have seen in this Forum...appreciate your sharing the "other woman"...lol... 

WOW! WOW! and WOW!

That's your fourth Diorama? I just wanted to say that you've done a great job of scratch building and creating this whole thing. 

Just like what boomer pointed out is M3 Grease gun, which from what I understand, was not available (even though M3 started its trial and testing in 1942) to paratroopers during Normandy invasion.  They were mostly issued with Thompson SMG, M1A1 Carbine and M1 Garands.

It is just awesome looking build and looking forward to see more of your work!

Not to pick a fight with Manny, or hijack the thread, but I think that 1) the artisitc rules are different for a large scale piece compared to a small one (you have to have "dead spots" or the peice becomes overwhelming t ot the senses); 2) the way you look at a large Dio is (or should be) different versus a small Dio; and 3) there definately is a place for them in modeling.  I do agree that small peices can get lost in the judging shuffle against a large piece, but in my view, they shouldn't be judged together in the same category.

O.K. enough of that.  I like it.  Only thing missing is the P51

 

IA Novice wrote:

Not to pick a fight with Manny, or hijack the thread, but I think that 1) the artisitc rules are different for a large scale piece compared to a small one (you have to have "dead spots" or the peice becomes overwhelming t ot the senses); 2) the way you look at a large Dio is (or should be) different versus a small Dio; and 3) there definately is a place for them in modeling.  I do agree that small peices can get lost in the judging shuffle against a large piece, but in my view, they shouldn't be judged together in the same category. O.K. enough of that.  I like it.  Only thing missing is the P51

No problem with what you said...I just gave my honest opinion about my view on Large Dios in general...there was a dio similar to this on the cover of a MMiR issue awhile back, and this dio is much better than that one...

Like I said, the opinions I expressed are my own, and I am not lumping them with small dios when I give this view...to one of your points, I think that the LARGE pieces tend to become "overwhelming" regardless of composition... 

I will say, however, that most of the "master" dio builders (I am referring to those folks who do it for a living) tend to focus on much smaller scenes...

Mansteins revenge wrote:

I will say, however, that most of the "master" dio builders (I am referring to those folks who do it for a living) tend to focus on much smaller scenes...

It helps to stay small if you're gonna pump 'em out for a living. Get more made, make more money. Doesn't set a standard, it's just good business sense.

I like 'em big as well as small, and IMHO, think that there's no such think as dead space in a large dio when done to the level of perfectionist obsession- like this one. I wouldn't dare consider the amazing detail done on the bridge itself "dead space". I'm one of those guys who can stare in wonderment at the stonework and all the debris. Nothing looks put in place by accident. That shattered window pane made me gasp, honestly.

I think the composition is beautifully balanced, the detail work is stunning.

I gotta know... how did you get the ripple effect on the surface of the water? 

Steve

 

 

 

 

My last dio was 20' long by 10' wide and had little trains that ran around it. Of course the level of finish was in no way like this.

I was wondering though, because I used to like to wargame, is there a use for a dio like this as a wargame board to help feel better abt the time spent and area required?

Also, a big dio like this would be a really great opportunity for a group to get together and build, shoot the sh*t, etc. Maybe it would be sectional...

Just a thought, and a very cool diorama too.

Boomerang wrote:

One thing that would have looked good would to have a deeper crater near the german side with Corporal Upham hiding in it.....

No coward's in my dio's!!!

SteveM wrote:

Mansteins revenge wrote: I will say, however, that most of the "master" dio builders (I am referring to those folks who do it for a living) tend to focus on much smaller scenes... It helps to stay small if you're gonna pump 'em out for a living. Get more made, make more money. Doesn't set a standard, it's just good business sense. I like 'em big as well as small, and IMHO, think that there's no such think as dead space in a large dio when done to the level of perfectionist obsession- like this one. I wouldn't dare consider the amazing detail done on the bridge itself "dead space". I'm one of those guys who can stare in wonderment at the stonework and all the debris. Nothing looks put in place by accident. That shattered window pane made me gasp, honestly. I think the composition is beautifully balanced, the detail work is stunning. I gotta know... how did you get the ripple effect on the surface of the water?  Steve

I used tin foil to make them.

Panz....one thing that has been barely touched upon is the 'hand sculpting' that you told us about.....before I clicked on a pic I was thinking...."oh, here we go..."

I think you've done a fabulous job.....and not being a dio builder....I can speak from a distance as a modeler that admires craftsmanship. Not often that I click....then re-click on pics, but spent a long time on this post. (Usually do that on Manny's dios)

Perhaps a WIP post would have lessened the shock for dio builders.....but a build from the heart....whatever it is....is dear.

Nice work,

Nam 

PS: You still have a girlfriend? That's the unbelieveable part!

SteveM wrote:

Mansteins revenge wrote: I will say, however, that most of the "master" dio builders (I am referring to those folks who do it for a living) tend to focus on much smaller scenes... It helps to stay small if you're gonna pump 'em out for a living. Get more made, make more money. Doesn't set a standard, it's just good business sense. I like 'em big as well as small, and IMHO, think that there's no such think as dead space in a large dio when done to the level of perfectionist obsession- like this one. I wouldn't dare consider the amazing detail done on the bridge itself "dead space". I'm one of those guys who can stare in wonderment at the stonework and all the debris. Nothing looks put in place by accident. That shattered window pane made me gasp, honestly. I think the composition is beautifully balanced, the detail work is stunning. I gotta know... how did you get the ripple effect on the surface of the water?  Steve

LOL...the builders I am talking about actually are the ones "setting the standard"...builders like Doi Masahiro and Yoshi Hirano...

You could hang a P-51 above it coming in for the kill.  That would be sweet.

Mansteins revenge wrote:

LOL...the builders I am talking about actually are the ones "setting the standard"...builders like Doi Masahiro and Yoshi Hirano...

Setting a standard in quality, maybe. But not necassarily in size. And I believe size is the issue referenced.

Tin foil... been thinking about that technique, but afraid the foil would adhere to the resin. Would you mind expounding upon your method? I'm working on something that's about one mistake away from the waste bin. If I could achieve that ripple effect, I think it could be saved.

Steve

 

SteveM wrote:

Mansteins revenge wrote: LOL...the builders I am talking about actually are the ones "setting the standard"...builders like Doi Masahiro and Yoshi Hirano... Setting a standard in quality, maybe. But not necassarily in size. And I believe size is the issue referenced. Tin foil... been thinking about that technique, but afraid the foil would adhere to the resin. Would you mind expounding upon your method? I'm working on something that's about one mistake away from the waste bin. If I could achieve that ripple effect, I think it could be saved. Steve

I used realistic water from wood land sceanic's crumpled up some tin foil laid it on top of the "water"and pressed down not to hard just a little. After a few hour's peeled it off, at first the ripple's were just so-so but as it hardened over a few day's the ripple's showed up even more.Hope it work's for you good luck. 

Sounds easy enough... thanks!

Steve

 

 

 

I tryed that woodlands scenes product and never got it to dry, must have been a bad batch or something. I'm sold on Envirotec product now and you can use nonstick alunimum foil and a mold or top, it will not stick.

I think the Dio is great, I'd love to see it in person. This is strickly a novice beginers opinion but I say WOW!

BTW, I to think it would have been neet to see the Cpl cowarding in the corner... 

I personally think that it is a very good representation or adaptation of the bridge scene of the movie. Your efforts alone that you have exerted in coming up with this dio (I believe) merit you a round of applause. And certainly there is a lot of talent there. Yes there are inconsistencies and inaccuracies but IMHO those have been eclipsed by the beauty of having accomplished something that big.

Whether the size of the diorama reduces its ability to give a focussed story is already beyond the point because that is something that cannot be easily remedied at this point in time. Unlike if there is some minor problem with camo, or weathering that can be retouched or repainted without requiring the modeler to do major modifications. 

As for me, you dreamed of doing this diorama, you worked hard in putting it to reality and now that you have actually done it, you should feel rewarded. I think that is what the hobby is all about.

Well done!

 

I've only been on the diorama forum once or twice, but I have to say this project is awesome.  I build planes and an occassional tank, but haven't tried a diorama since I was in high school ( a LONG time ago).  But this is really something!  I spent about 45 minutes looking at these pictures, just marveling at the details.  So impressive!   I read the book about 10 years ago but never saw "Saving Private Ryan".  It's hard for me to sit still in movies like that -- I want to do SOMETHING.  I get so caught up in the thing, I feel I need to 'help out' or some such.  It's bizarre.  As it is, my legs flip and flop all over the place when I watch a football game.  My kids think I'm like a carnival ride or something when they sit on my lap during a game. In any case, this diorama is first class!  If I had the opportunity to see it personally, I could pull up a chair and gawk for another hour or two. Thanks for sharing!!

 By the way, I can't remember the final battle details all that well from the book -- it's been a while since reading it.  Which character in the diorama is Tom Hanks'?

Bob

Panzerguy

I saw your bridge at AMPSEAST and was amazed. These pictures are great and show the detail but in person it goes to the next level.

After I came back from the show I remember telling my wife about your dio. Now with the photos I can show her.

Great job

Rounds Complete!!

 

Hogan wrote:

I've only been on the diorama forum once or twice, but I have to say this project is awesome.  I build planes and an occassional tank, but haven't tried a diorama since I was in high school ( a LONG time ago).  But this is really something!  I spent about 45 minutes looking at these pictures, just marveling at the details.  So impressive!   I read the book about 10 years ago but never saw "Saving Private Ryan".  It's hard for me to sit still in movies like that -- I want to do SOMETHING.  I get so caught up in the thing, I feel I need to 'help out' or some such.  It's bizarre.  As it is, my legs flip and flop all over the place when I watch a football game.  My kids think I'm like a carnival ride or something when they sit on my lap during a game. In any case, this diorama is first class!  If I had the opportunity to see it personally, I could pull up a chair and gawk for another hour or two. Thanks for sharing!!  By the way, I can't remember the final battle details all that well from the book -- it's been a while since reading it.  Which character in the diorama is Tom Hanks'? Bob

Hogan thank's.The figure leaning against the motorcycle is Tom Hank's.I see you'r a Colt's fan, myself I'm a Pat's fan,and since I'm sure they will beat the Charger's today next week's game should be another AFC classic.

I love it, it portrays to me the choas of a battle with small individual fights going on everywhere and the workmanship is beautiful, im definatly no expert on diorama,s but i know what i like and i like this a lot very well done Panzerguy. 

great job on the dio

and as others have said if you watched the movie and know the scene it isnt far off at all from it.

watch the movie and all of the so called dead spots in this dio wont look like dead spots anymore because the action is placed as it was in the movie.

Wow! When I saw the title to your post, I thought, oh neat, a dio of a movie scene.
Then I saw the first picture, and I said, holy cow, that can't be 1/35 scale, it would be too big.\
Then I read your post and was amazed.
I love the attention to detail. I think a large dio like this is like several vignettes put together to form a snapshot of a story, and this is a perfect example. Each little group of soldiers can be its own vignette, yet you put the time in to combine them together. Not only do I like finding the references to the film, but I love your own detail. I noticed you even included the boat they used to get the tnt for the sticky bombs. the
rubble and destruction is cool, and I liked the smashed mirror. In addition, the figures are well done, and that tank has really seem some action, awesome battle effects. As I'm working toward a rather large dio myself, I hope I can even come close to pulling off what you have accomplished.
Don't listen to those guys who are against huge dios, like I said, they are like a collection of vignettes.


---Sawyer

kenny_conklin wrote:

great job on the dio and as others have said if you watched the movie and know the scene it isnt far off at all from it. watch the movie and all of the so called dead spots in this dio wont look like dead spots anymore because the action is placed as it was in the movie.

Also the movie is more ground level so it will compress the scene and when we look at the diorama from any position other than eye level straight ahead you will see more "open space" than the movie might suggest

a very good point Dan! If one recalls the 'long' camera shots from the film....it's easy to visualize them based on Panz's dio.

Equally....many of the great smaller dios we see can appear much larger depending on camera angle....how the subjects have been placed in relation to the dio borders etc.

There's a lot more to these things than many of us realize! 

namrednef wrote:

a very good point Dan! If one recalls the 'long' camera shots from the film....it's easy to visualize them based on Panz's dio. Equally....many of the great smaller dios we see can appear much larger depending on camera angle....how the subjects have been placed in relation to the dio borders etc. There's a lot more to these things than many of us realize!

and there is a lifetime of diorama posibilities in the end scene alone.

What was the wheeled cannon thing the Germans were using? I think it was a 2cm but left on the wheels and it looked like they were loading with 4-5 rounds dropped into the gun

This one is pretty sweet in all respects.  I tend to want to disagree with those wanting to add a Mustang to the scene.  On top of trying to figure out how to pull off the forced perspective view of that-- I also think it is unnecessary.  I think the German behind the tank pointing upwards speaks volumes to the imminent destruction that is incoming...

 This is one of those builds where you could probably see something new everytime you look at it...I would also love to see it in person sometime...very cool!