Tamiya 1/35 M21 Mortar Carrier

[lawman56]

Joe, this is pure art! Looks easy to do but surely needs a lot of artistic talent to get such a fantastic example of a stone base!

Are you doing resin copies of this?

Thanks Thomas . I hadn't actually considered making copies, as I'm still learning how to cast without making a mess! I do plan to make a silicone mold of it before I get too crazy with the painting, just in case I do want to cast it later. If I can pull it off, the mold will allow me to make it out of plaster or resin.

[lawman56]

Here's the finished cobblestone. As per Thomas' suggestion, I've made another batch out of plaster. once I'm done carving the stone, I'll mold it in silicon so I can make resin or plaster casts as needed.

I try to view every element of a diorama as a separate model. The kit itself, figures and base. Makes it easier to visualize for me that way. Lots of pics online, lots of local observances and basic weathering were used to achieve this look.




And here's a few of the finished vehicle. I just need to make 3 more free-loaders.








More to come as I get closer to finishing. Then to finish my 250/1 in the background, and start my PBR.

[LyleW]

Joe, that is simply amazing work. Both on the base the the model. That is a great way to look at these things, as seperate builds. You are a true master of this art.

[Stikpusher]

Coming together very nicely!

[Thomas_M]

What a cool looking driver!

[lawman56]

Thanks guys I'm glad I had this nice Tamiya kit to help ease the frustration of the Dragon half track. My buddy placing aftermarket limitations on me helped as well, otherwise I fear I would have covered the M21 in fancy doo-dads!

The driver is the only kit figure built stock. Only thing I added was the chin strap. The others will be slightly modified to depict being in a moving vehicle, which means I need to wake Igor and start digging into the Frankenstein box.

[lawman56]

Here's the basic concept. I'll be adding rubble, dirt and other goodies as time allows between creating the rest of my crew and working on the Sd.Kfz. 250. That base will be a little easier, since that dio will take place in Russia during Operation Citadel, but the crew will be more difficult. Germans love lots of trinkets and baubles.



As usual, thanks for looking!

[Stikpusher]

It's nearing the finish line! Looking real good there.

[Thomas_M]

...Germans love lots of trinkets and baubles.

Oh, really?


(Source: http://www.giantbomb.com/m4-sherman/3055-2726/images/)

[lawman56]

Lol....well Thomas, I guess I should have specified. The Germans loved to WEAR trinkets and baubles, we liked to collect slightly larger things, like tanks, aircraft, artillery, etc....

I've always gotten a laugh out of that picture. I think the fact that it's strapped to the rear like a fishing boat is what does it.