Karl - Let me first say P*ssed....Absolutely not!!!! It is this type of discussions that makes this forum great. It allows someone to learn and see various opinions.
As far as "justifying", no, what I was trying to express was my view....I "justified" this build when I began...not at the completion. Not being "mainstream" sometimes I feel I have to give a concept of where I am coming from.
For me it's not the destination, but the journey. I was thrilled to see the level of participation and comment on the "build" and details. The final completion is as you say a matter of "art". As an engineer and retired Army officer I tend more towards "reality" in my art. In that vein, yes, I followed the picture. But the great thing of this forum is to present multiple views and thoughts. This is what makes this great for a newbie who is trying to get ideas. IMO neither is wrong, just different.
If I was trying to create a build to get a BIS...yes I would go your route, I would further build a lot of German armor. The only BIS for me that counts is the felling I have at completion. When my models are in a show, it is for "show" and any award is nice extra. But for those who are into competition, and feel the "thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" I would agree with your route. It is more impressive to the judges.
I knew there would be a group of readers who would be looking for this to be a "chips ahoy" build. Many of the winter camo does look that way after extended use as I am sure if this vehicle survived, a few weeks later it looked that way too. As I have said many times, I am in the minority here. I build US and tend to build for experience or from historical photos.
I submit there is a difference from a diorama builder and an armor builder. The armor builder builds the vehicle, the diorama builder build a scene. You are a diorama builder who adds armor to the scene (or cars). It is the difference between hard rock and classical music, both art, both good but both different. Yet both sides can learn and teach the other to expand their horizons. In that respect, I have hoped I have learned from your "hard rock" and it has helped improved some of my "symphonies"
I also agree with you on the display as a vehicle should have grass, snow etc around it. There are many who build and don't mount or if they do use stained wood. This is a personal preference for me and for others I understand all the views. This is rock, country, jazz and classical. Again it is all art, but all different.
I greatly appreciate your comments and those of all of the members of this forum. I don't expect you all to agree....if you did, it would be boring. I always want comments, good or critical, its how I and others learn & teach. If I ever find myself getting P*ssed, it's time for a new hobby.
Sorry for the long and protracted answer but I though I need to fully explain so no one takes offense.
Disatermaster & Panzerguy - Thanks for looking and commenting...see above...but please always give me your comments. As I said, it's what make this group great.
Marc - Thanks, hopefully I will see you in Danbury!
Ogrejohn & Doc - Thanks
Rounds Complete!!