Here is the final scene with the model and figures in place. All I needed to do was add a little bit of dust effects to the figures boots to tie them into the scene. Very happy with how this came out and the kit itself is an absolute beauty. Although this has been a rather protracted project I have enjoyed it when once I managed to get back into the modelling groove.
After a very productive weekend I've now got the base almost finished and have also added some tarps, a wooden crate and a couple of wine bottles to the scene. Not much more to do now before I finally add the figures to the base.
I have now moved onto the base and as usual I'm using a picture frame with plaster groundwork then sand and small stones added. Followed by static grass and then some stretched sprue plants to finish it off. It's all had a coat of Mr mahogany surfacer as a base coat before I start spraying the grass and earth effects.
With the model and figures in place I think the scene although compact tells the story very well.
The model has now had a base layer of mud effects added before a couple of rounds of dust effects went on. I only have a little more in the way of weathering to complete then I can move onto the base to finish the project off.
With the matt coat all cured I've started adding some more pin washes to the model specifically around all those lovely rivets and bolts. Some mud effects have also been started on the bottom of the hull Starting with a dark earth colour blended with odorless thinners.
The model has now had a couple of filter washes then a matt coat to seal the decals in. I've also fitted the wheels now rather than later so I can also work on the composition of the base whilst adding pin washes and dust effects to the model.
Here is the model after some detail painting, gloss and decals. Very happy with the look of the model now especially with those nice bright decals.
The camo patches have now gone onto the model using tamiya Xf 26 deep green followed by flat black brush painted to finish it all off. There is just a little touching up to do now before a gloss coat goes on.
Over the weekend I managed to get the first colour on the Panhard using tamiya XF-13 JA green followed by some fading using flat flesh, XF-15. Next I will spray the camo patches using XF-26 deep green.
A vast amount of bollocks has kept me away from the bench this month but I have now managed to claw my way back to it and finish off both figures for the 1940 dio. There has also been a slight change of plan regarding the final composition of the diorama as I'm now only using the Panhard and two figures. The decision came in two parts, firstly I have very little room for a large dio and secondly I just want to get this finished!
So here are the figures all done,
Also some excellent news for myself & Brian in that we will be attending the IPMS Belgium Plastic & Steel show again next year in October at their new venue in Putte, Belgium. I have seriously missed going to the show, our last trip over was in 2022. So this has really boosted my enthusiasm and gives us both a goal to aim for.
Today Stonehenge Modellers attended the annual IPMS Abingdon show at Larkmead school. This is our final show of the year as a display so I was looking forwards to a good show. After picking up Brian and a blast down the A303 & up the A34 we were soon at the venue and set up in record time.
The show was divided into two halls as well as a lobby entrance with a good supply of clubs and vendors present. They also had dedicated catering as well which looked to be very popular and reasonably priced. The halls had very good lighting and the space for traders and clubs was well laid out. A competition was also being run for those who wished to enter.
From the start we were kept very busy chatting to the public and fellow clubs and before I knew it lunchtime had arrived. This period is usually quiet at most shows and this was the case here. After an hour the visitor numbers increased again and we had plenty of interest in our display.
I had a thoroughly enjoyable day talking to some very interesting people and looking at some excellent club displays and models. Finally come packing up time we both agreed it was an excellent show and one we will certainly be coming back to next year, a perfect end to our display year too. A big thanks to the chaps at IPMS Abingdon for putting on the show and all the hard work that takes to make an enjoyable show for everyone.
