'Close Contact' Diorama (WIP)

[moon puppy]

Well, after buying some denatured alcohol, and soaking the figures in them to remove the paint, I finally took them out after 8 hours and the results were not that good. The paint seem to come off easily but so did the plastic. So I had to throw away two of the usmc figures. So typical. And these were the two main figures I wanted to use in this scene. So that means I will have to build the other two remaining ones and luckily I had one resin figure from Blast Model that I will add to the present ones. Oh well. Next time I will not leave them in for so long. I am going to start on the figures this weekend. So my apologies for not having any pics to show of the usmc figures. Hopefully next update.

But here are some over all pics of the entire diorama, which I took outside. I painted the concrete barriers black/yellow strips and added drums to the mix to make the scene more interesting. Still going to weather the building some more and the surroundings.

Outstanding artistry

I love how the weathering is so randomized, the streets look real

 

[tiking]

Thanks guys.

 

[tiking]

I have been asked many times how I made the garbage bags. I made the trash bags using this method:

1. I cut a small piece of GLAD food rap plastic and cut it into the size I wanted; more like a square shape napkin.

2. Then I took some sugar( sand works fine too) and placed some in the center of the plastic.

3. I gently folded all four corners together then used a piece of thread to tie the plastic together.

4. Then I took a spray primer and sprayed the entire plastic. You might want to use a plastic type spray that is compatible with such materials. I did not have any on hand. So I just used a car primer spray can.

4. After it dried for an half hour to an hour, I took a black spray can( Tamiya Matt Black, but any will do, I guess) and spray the bags until I covered all areas except the bottom. This area will not be seen anyway. That's it. Instant trash bags.

I am a cheapo modeler. So O try and look for all cheap methods to building. That is why I decided to do this project.

 

[jknaus]

I really like it. So simple to do too.
James

 

[tiking]

Glad u approve.

 

[tiking]

I have been working on the figures for some weeks now, on and off, when the time permits. It has not been easy as I have re-done camo paints many times over. I now have immense respect for figure builders. It is the most difficult form of modeling that I know of. Getting the right skin tone is still an issue for me, as well camo painting. But I will get there one way or the other. It will take time. I have read many articles and continue to study the different variations one can achieve. But I am not going to compete with figure builders just as long my figures do not look like a 3rd grader as painted them, I am fine.

So here is the results of my attempts at getting this camo painting job to look right. So far I am OK with the results after several weeks of trying to get it right. I still have four more USMC figures to do. More sweat and tears but the battle continues... I still have more details to add to the actual diorama.

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[Bagge]

The figures looking very good so far

Nice to see the dio in daylight!

//Mats

 

[willem]

Totally agree with you Tiking, realistic figure painting is the hardest thing of a diorama
Took me years to get where I am, and that is not even near the masters

But it is very important that they are at least "acceptable" or they will bring the whole scene down, no matter how fine the rest is done :evil:

Problem is that there is not one single perfect method for everyone, there are many ways leading to good results.
You have to find a way that suits your skills (after many practicing)
Keep on trying, your dio is sooo good now, you GOT to finish it satisfyingly.

Greets, willem

 

[tiking]

Thanks guys. They were not easy to do. I literally pulled my hairs out.

 

[moon puppy]

Outstanding!

 

[Bagge]

Thanks guys. They were not easy to do. I literally pulled my hairs out.

Be glad you still have hair to pull! for me it's worse
//Mats

 

[tiking]

Hahaha! Good one Mats.

 

[tiking]

Well, things have been progressing slowly as you all know. Less time for building due to everything around the family. But I do a little each time I get a chance. Here are some pics of the roof details and little additions I have added so far. Made some water tanks and piping taken from my box of tricks. The concrete support blocks were made from the same pink material, Styrofoam

Remember, I am trying to do everything on a budget without putting holes in my pockets. I added a small generator from odd pieces from my bag of tricks. AS long as it looks the part, I am fine with it. Not a huge difference but details none-the-less. Will be doing some painting and refining of the details as I go along. I also added electrical cables around the building in a some-what sloppy manner as I was told this is common over there. More details still to come. A couple more Satellite dishes and what-nots.

I have just bought another set of USMC soldiers and awaiting Tamiya paints. I lost the right arm of Blast resin figured I had already painted. It got lost in the snow. Could not find it since then. So, here we go again for another round of painting figures. DAMN!!! I'm getting tired of this.

Oh well. So sorry if you were expecting my next update to be figures but these things happen, for some, more often than others. More weathering on the facade will be in order as well.

Decided to repaint the cargo bay of the pickup, white and added extra armor to the sides to make it more interesting:

 

[Bagge]

//Mats

 

[moon puppy]

Most excellent

 

[SA Dave]

Man I love all these small details AWESOME.

 

[tiking]

Thanks guys.

 

[lupanzer]

...I´m very impressed with the building...it looks so real

Best!

Luiz.

 

[tiking]

Thank you Luiz.

 

[Cheyenne]

Very , very cool , I have been following this but I can't remember if you covered how you made the black garbage bags , ........... soooooo , how'd ya do them ?