"The Bridge"Saving Pvt Ryan.

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

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.....

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.

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

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

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...

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

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!

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... 

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!!!  

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...