Things have conspired to keep me from the bench most of the week. However I have managed a session today and have now got the groundwork down using plaster and some nice slightly gritty sand. This will cure overnight and hopefully be ready for further stages tomorrow, talk about cutting it fine!
Whilst I'm in the mood for base building I thought I'd get the base done for the Belgian Leopard before next weekend's Yeovil show. I'm using my usual Ikea picture frame with a Meng hesco barrier cut up to add a bit of interest behind the model. I've also made a lamp with spotlights from plastic rod and strip.
The plan here is to add a gravel surface with some weeds and perhaps an old oil drum. This will hopefully depict a parking area on base in Kosovo. A figure has been sourced, he is a Bravo 6 US figure. I think with some changes he should work well for a Belgian soldier. I won't have him done by next week but at least the model will be secure on a base ready for transport to the show.
Here is the base all finished with the model and figures in place. I think it sets the scene very well and although not what I originally envisaged it has worked out well in the end.
After an extended period of me fannying around trying out a couple of ideas, which ultimately failed. I've gone back to a simple tamiya base with rubble areas and a rough road for the model. Not what I envisaged but better than nothing and at least it puts the model in a suitable setting for the battle for Berlin.
With any luck this should be all finished by the end of the weekend and ready for our first show of the year which will be at Yeovilton on the 6th April.
I've now finished off both figures, each took about 4 hours to complete. I'm very pleased and think they will work perfectly with the tank on a small dio base. Which is now my next task.
Well I have now made a start on the figures beginning with the tank crewman. As ever the casting and detail is superb with these Alpine figures and it is painting up a treat. I also do like the pale coveralls which will give a nice contrast next to the tank.
Here is the model all finished after adding a bit more dust effects on the road wheels and weathering the tracks. I've also added the stowage and finished off the exhaust outlets with plenty of soot pigments. I'm really pleased with how this has come out, I think its weathered just right. So next I'll be painting the figures and working out a base idea.
