Mery Christmas, Ardennes 1944.

**Grofaz45** · 12-29-2018, 02:58 AM

Hi,
I normally post on the edged weapons forum but I also build models and decided to post some of my old ones here for viewing, this first diorama is an old Tamiya 1/35th kit with some figures and the old Italeri ruin and telegraph pole. I added the cables and various pieces to the scenery, bits and bobs of stowage on the Sherman all tied down and some extra detailing to the Sherman. The snow is bicarbonate of soda mixed with alum (powdered glass) to add a frosty sparkle to it and fixed by spraying the dio with clear odourless hairspray then sprinkling the snow on with a tea strainer while holding the whole piece on it's side to get the wind blown blizzard look to the snow then laid flat for the ground snow, snow on the tank is carefully placed then fixed with the hairspray and finally matt varnish the whole thing where it has shiny spots as the hairspray tends to dry glossy. Hope you like it, It's the only winter diorama I have left and thought it appropriate for this time of year.
Cheers! and Merry Christmas and a Happy new year to you all. Andy.

**Larry C** · 12-29-2018, 03:16 AM

These dioramas never cease to amaze me by those who I can only call gifted in this kind of art form..to portray history as it happened.

Love the detail Andy..its is just outstanding

Regards Larry

**reneblacky** · 12-29-2018, 03:23 AM

It is fantastic! and much dedication & skill needed for this art! Thanks for showing.
Happy New Year when it comes!

**Grofaz45** · 12-29-2018, 03:23 AM

Hi Larry, Thanks for your kind remarks I just played with the photo editor to try to make some look like old wartime pics just for fun. Andy.

by Larry C

These dioramas never cease to amaze me by those who I can only call gifted in this kind of art form..to portray history as it happened.

Love the detail Andy..its is just outstanding

Regards Larry

**real steel** · 12-29-2018, 03:40 AM

Just fantastic, really !! I envy your patience & skill.
D.

**OsiusGaming** · 12-29-2018, 03:54 AM

That diorama is insanely beautiful!

**MAP** · 12-29-2018, 05:43 AM

Love it.

I played a bit with the photo too. (if you don't mind).

**HoundsTooth** · 12-29-2018, 08:23 AM

This must of taken a LONG time. But worth it - first class display. The snow looks fantastic btw.
nick

**TabsTabs1964** · 12-29-2018, 09:50 AM

It is a simply amazing diorama.
The footprints of the soldier in the snow are fantastic.
It has a photographic realism.
Congratulations and thank you for sharing such wonder.

**Grofaz45** · 12-29-2018, 03:31 PM

Hi, Many thanks to you all for your very kind remarks I made this particular diorama in 2003 and it did win me a few awards at various shows including a gold medal at the U.K. I.P.M.S. Nationals but I sold it eventually so the photos are all I have left now. It took around 80 to 100 hours to complete, the footsteps in the snow were made by gluing left and right boots from a figure onto long sprues then measuring roughly the stride taking into account the guy is running then impressing the boots into the freshly applied snow to make the prints then a bit of brown wash in each print for dirt under the snow. Map no worries about using the photos feel free mate. I'm going to post some more of my models as I enjoy showing them, I don't build so much now and my techniques are a bit old school for todays competitions but I have a few projects on the go.
Regards, Andy.