'Close Contact' OIF Diorama Street Fight Scene (WIP)

Post by **tiking** » Tue Mar 25, 2014 8:41 pm

Thought I'd show what I have been working on presently. I have come a long way with this diorama and had not think to post it here but thought it might be helpful to some others. So here goes:

Thought you might like to see what I have been up to. I wanted to put a building together from scratch and wanted to test out using materials I have never used before. But I understand this method has been used many times before and still in use today. So nothing new here.

I do hope the pics I put will tell the story much clearer than me typing lots of fancy words. This is no way comparable to any of the dioramas here on Armorama that I have seen, so this build might just be boring to most. But it is a build that I have enjoyed doing so far because the method is new to me.

This time I am working on a 1/35 diorama which I am going to call; 'Close Contact' . Focus is going to be on figures( not that good. Still a beginner) and a pickup truck on the street in Iraq. As you may see, I have already started and well underway but there is much left to do. So join me for those who are interested in military subject matters .

I decided to use pink form for the entire building facade . This is my first time working with pink form materials to build up a scene and I must say that I am pretty impressed with myself. I think it looks good but you can decide for yourselves.

I used a xto knife and a ruler and made careful incisions into the foam and then took a pencil and scribed it to make the bricks more defined, which I am quite satisfied with the results.

Pictures say a thousand words. You be the judge :

The pictures are as it is. So forgive me for the quality:

Post by **tiking** » Tue Mar 25, 2014 8:42 pm

Here I have painted the pink form with a concrete color that I had mixed at a paint store. I must say that the colors did much to the outlook of the facade. It made the foam look like concrete. After the concrete paint was dried I went over the form with a black wash which amazingly brought out the details and made the concrete even more believable. My not look like from your point of view. But I am happy eith the look.

Post by **tiking** » Tue Mar 25, 2014 8:43 pm

The roll-down doors are made of styrene. The I-beams is the one that I have on both sides of the doors to support it. The thick bar is the one I have at the bottom of the gate. Hope I was clear on that? Hard to explain in a good way.

The whole idea is to get an overall look that will look believable.

Post by **tiking** » Tue Mar 25, 2014 8:43 pm

This is an interesting technique which seems to be easy to master. I've done a little more work. More wash and painting done on the walls and painted one side a yellowish color..

Post by **tiking** » Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:17 pm

I've done a little more work. More wash and painting done on the walls. Added the tarmac roads, represented by using fine sand grain sand paper. Made holes for the drainage covers and Manholes. These are from Miniart. I then proceeded to paint the holes using a black color to give it depth. Then it was just a matter of fitting the covers over the holes. Making the holes were easy as the base is white form. Made cracks and small potholes which were easy. The cheap one. Added graffiti on the wall. Then I added real dust, real dirt, and earth pigments( from MIG) and mixed everything to blend it all in. on the roads.

Post by **tiking** » Tue Mar 25, 2014 10:18 pm

So far so good.

Post by **Daishi12** » Tue Mar 25, 2014 11:41 pm

Stunning work so far mate, very talented build

Post by **tiking** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 12:59 am

Thanks for looking in.

Post by **cib2265** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 1:52 am

Jaw on the desk good!

Post by **tiking** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 1:53 am

Ok. Thank you.

Post by **tiking** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 1:53 am

The over all look so far. This is view from the left side of the building:

Post by **tiking** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 1:53 am

Did some work on the roof. I glued sand paper to the sides and the top of the form to represent Stucco. At the top edges I used wall paste and then used the tip of paint brush to stipple the paste which in returned produced the Stucco effect. At on of the roof corners I chipped out pieces to represent broken concrete, maybe during a mortar attack or just simply worn out concrete. Either way, it looked the part. Then I painted everything with a concrete paint. Then, I used a sponged to dap a yellow paint. Then I went over everything with black wash to give it a worn aged look. Again, sorry for the bad pics:

Post by **FishBowlMan** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 1:06 pm

Looks great so far. Its going to be very atmospheric.

What is this "pink form" that you are using? A google search didn't reveal anything (and for those of you wondering, that search term can be used safely at work)

Post by **Rodney** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 1:23 pm

WOW that is REALLY something.

Where did u get the styrene for the garage doors??

http://m.youtube.com/user/MrBobsBuilds · Post by **Rob** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 1:58 pm

Beautiful work on the diorama. Really looking forward to seeing it develop

Post by **tiking** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 3:16 pm

FishBowlMan wrote:Looks great so far. Its going to be very atmospheric.

What is this "pink form" that you are using? A google search didn't reveal anything (and for those of you wondering, that search term can be used safely at work)

Thanks. The pink form is simply Styrofoam. It is used as insulation in houses. Your local hardware store should have this material.

Post by **tiking** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 3:21 pm

Rodney wrote: WOW that is REALLY something. Where did u get the styrene for the garage doors??

The styrene i had on hand. But Evergreen should carry them.

Post by **tiking** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 3:21 pm

Thanks Rob.

Post by **tiking** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 7:16 pm

Did my first try at scratch building a satellite Dish. Nothing fancy or over complicated. I decided that I want the roof to be removable. So I added tooth-picks at the top of the lower wall. Then I will be able to push the roof directly on top of the lower piece, thus holding it in place without the need for gluing. Scratch built bracket supports for signs and what-nots, signs, air-conditioner...Detailed the broken tile on the sidewalk. Iraqi sign.Some weathering done to the inside cab of the driver side of the pickup. Added some wiring to give the impression that the air-conditioner is functional, so to speak.

Now, the look may not be 100% prototypical but it is the overall look I am looking for, especially when I am on a budget and do not have much to spend on commercial accessories. So for you nit-pickers, you can hold back your cries.

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Post by **FishBowlMan** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 10:26 pm

tiking wrote:The pink form is simply Styrofoam. It is used as insulation in houses. Your local hardware store should have this material.

Thanks for that, mate

The satellite dish and aircon unit are absolutely superb. With the wiring and everything else you are making, you have a great attention to detail. Thanks for showing us your progress

Post by **tiking** » Wed Mar 26, 2014 11:57 pm

FishBowlMan wrote:
tiking wrote:The pink form is simply Styrofoam. It is used as insulation in houses. Your local hardware store should have this material.
Thanks for that, mate

The satellite dish and aircon unit are absolutely superb. With the wiring and everything else you are making, you have a great attention to detail. Thanks for showing us your progress

Thank you kindly.

Post by **Lee** » Thu Mar 27, 2014 7:12 am

That is stunning scratch building tiking, really very impressive. Can't wait to see the finished article....

Post by **coladito1** » Thu Mar 27, 2014 7:51 am

Very realistic!! All this hard work is going to pay up!! Outstanding!!

Post by **tiking** » Thu Mar 27, 2014 9:26 am

Thank you guys . Appreciate the love..

Post by **alextheblue** » Thu Mar 27, 2014 9:49 am

Amazing work, the level of detail is just outstanding and if anyone nit-pics on that satellite dish they need their eyes testing.

Phenomenal skill!!

Post by **tiking** » Thu Mar 27, 2014 11:26 am

So far here is the overall look of the front side of the building. I think it is beginning to look much better. Still lots to do, although it would be considered ready to go but I need to add more details. Lots.

Post by **tiking** » Thu Mar 27, 2014 11:27 am

As you can see, I already started on the figures. Took about 2 hours just trying to file up on all seams and get everything perfect on these two figures. These will be the insurgents. I have about four more of the US soldiers to do. - at least try to. Please keep in mind that figure painting is my weakest point.

These are the figures I am using. I was forced to start over with the USMC figures because I was not entirely happy with the results of the camo. But will post some shots when I think they are 'OK' to put up. The pickup in the pics below is the new MENG pickup truck, with the 'open doors' option. I am going to get another one for another build in the near future. Good clean kit.

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Post by **Filmman586** » Thu Mar 27, 2014 11:57 am

Wow! Awesome!

Post by **tiking** » Thu Mar 27, 2014 1:56 pm

alextheblue wrote:Amazing work, the level of detail is just outstanding and if anyone nit-pics on that satellite dish they need their eyes testing.

Phenomenal skill!!

Hihi! Thanks.

Post by **tiking** » Thu Mar 27, 2014 1:56 pm

Thanks for the support Lou.

Post by **elscorpio** » Thu Mar 27, 2014 3:09 pm

This is art ! just Awesome!

Post by **tiking** » Thu Mar 27, 2014 5:11 pm

elscorpio wrote:This is art ! just Awesome!

Too kind. Thank u.

Post by **tiking** » Fri Mar 28, 2014 12:21 pm

I think I am satisfied with the insurgents. I used what I had on hands, vallejo. Now I need a good MATT clear spray to tone the shine. Any recommendations? Not the best but I am still a novice at this figure painting venture.

Insurgent Figures:

Post by **jmar829** » Fri Mar 28, 2014 3:12 pm

Post by **tiking** » Fri Mar 28, 2014 10:12 pm

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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Here are some scenes with the insurgents on the dio and some outside shots. Natural lighting is sooooo perfect for camera shots. Hope the overall scene is looking good. Still lots of details to be added but things seem to be progressing slowly. I had thought to be done with this dio but life keeps making way for other matters.

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Some outside shots of part of the diorama and insurgent figures in place. I think it is starting to look like the scene is slowly coming together:

https://www.youtube.com/user/bnealuk · Post by **T3hGuppy** » Fri Mar 28, 2014 11:37 pm

Hey dude.

I have just caught up with this one and great work dude.

Some really useful tips that I will have to make use of in the future.

Post by **tiking** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 12:03 pm

Thanks for looking.

Post by **Schoof** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 2:11 pm

Wow .... what a beautyful work you are doing here !!!

Post by **Paul** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 2:32 pm

Damn, that some stunning work, it looks superb outside too

Post by **tiking** » Sat Mar 29, 2014 3:41 pm

Thanks all. Appreciate the likes.

Post by **tiking** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 7:15 pm

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:

Post by **StalkingButler** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 7:35 pm

wow, I thought that the first outdoor pic was real

Post by **tiking** » Mon Mar 31, 2014 4:24 am

Thanks for looking.

Post by **Nige201980** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 7:53 pm

OMG this stunning work mate truly unbelievable WOW

Post by **UKguyInUSA** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 8:23 pm

Crazy realism!

https://www.youtube.com/user/bnealuk · Post by **T3hGuppy** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 8:24 pm

I thought the same as StalkinButler.

Your really have mastered the real feel

Love it very inspirational.

Post by **rodrant** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 9:32 pm

One more to get 'fooled' :The first picture so real , i thought that it was som ereal photo that you had as reference

,

What a realism !!! A superb work !

The detail on the garbage bags ... i watched more than once the photos and always some very nice details ...the beer can in the pick up , the sewer .So much detail!

My compliments sir !

Post by **Coen** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 10:53 pm

This is probably the best build that I've seen in years Charles. Mostly because you're being kind enough to share every moment of it with us.
Master class work buddy. Truly!
Humbling and inspiring.
I'd love to see what you use for tools.

Post by **tiking** » Sat Apr 05, 2014 5:30 pm

Coen wrote:This is probably the best build that I've seen in years Charles. Mostly because you're being kind enough to share every moment of it with us.
Master class work buddy. Truly!
Humbling and inspiring.
I'd love to see what you use for tools.

Thanks Coen. My tools are nothing more common than the ordinary modellers tools.

Post by **Coen** » Sun Apr 06, 2014 4:29 am

You're certainly doing the uncommon with them my friend!
Well done.