Model Forum / General / Models / August 2004

Hi everyone.
Most times I write to ask questions, and have gotten wonderful advice.
I thought for a change I'd write to say what I'm working on, and let you
know that I've benefitted from your input on this project.

My current project is a diorama in 1/72 scale, on an 8x10 frame.
The theme of my dio is meant to reflect British paratroopers storming a
destroyed bridge in Germany.
This effort has required me to create many of my pieces either because I
couldn't find exactly what I wanted or couldn't afford it.
So far I'm most proud of my bridge section. I created it out of wood,
and this consists of the single lane, sidewalks, side rails, entrance
ramp area, and complete simulated steel support structure. I think when
done I used about 130 pieces of wood.
I painted the supports to look like steel, which meant weathering them
for rust, and darkened slightly from blast damage.
The bridge itself was first painted flat black, then light aircraft grey
(which passes for a nice cement color).
Finally, I sprayed Krylon Flekstone spraypaint over it, and this gave me
the multi-colored concrete look I wanted.
I fine-tuned all this with some black pastel along road and walkway
edges, then white pastel over the flat surfaces to tone down the speckle
a bit.
I must say the result is pleasing. My all-wood bridge appears to be made
of concrete.
I created a base for the entry from styrofoam, and shored it up with
tile plastic sheet.
Since the bridge is destroyed, I had to create a few more supports
sticking out of the water. I glued these directly to the base.
I added a guard shack, sign, and phone poles from the Hasegawa
Checkpoint set.
I used thread for one set of wires cut and hanging into the water. I'll
run a second set of wires to the shack.
After much thought, I went with Woodland Scenics Realistic Water. It can
be poured straight from the bottle, and cures in about 24 hours.
This was best for me, because I had to be sure all the supports would
sink into it.
I poured it onto my base, then attached the bridge section, supports and
all.
For effect I sprinkled black and white powder around, plus some dirt
dust, over the water. The result seems credible.
Finally, I had some Nazi propaganda posters in scale I'd printed, and
used several of those draped on the sides of the bridge.

Presently what's left is to add the second set of phone lines, a bunch
of sandbags to one side of the bridge, maybe touch up the water if
needed, then move on to the figures. whew :-)

I'm using the Italeri British "Red Devil" paratroopers, and have picked
out an even dozen for my scene.
They will be fun, as this is the first ones I've done that had a camo
pattern to their clothing. whew again :-)

Sorry for this being so long, but I'm really excited about this project,
and hope it turns out as good as its going so far.
I'll definitely be taking pics when done (unless it suddenly turns
crappy), so if anyone is interested in seeing it let me know, and I'll
share some pics.
Take care, thanks again for all the great advice, and happy building!

Randy
IPMS Houston

We're living in a world that's been pulled over our eyes to blind us
from the truth. Where are you, white rabbit?