richdlc Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Hi guys - this is one I finished last year. It's a 1/32 Fortress, scratch built and based on the old Combat Models vacform. Total construction time was 18 months. The HK Models kit was released about a year into the project, and my build features a couple of pieces from that kit (like the tailwheel) but 99% is built from scratch. The model is fully detailed inside and out (apart from the bomb bay) and the entire thing is skinned in pewter sheet. The trailer is scratchbuilt, the Diamond T wrecker is from the Accurate Armour 1/35 kit and the jeep is Tamiya 1/35 with Eduard etched detail set. Figures are cannibalised from Zoukei Mura and the spares box. The dio took a gold medal at last years IPMS UK Nationals. I haven't had chance to enter it in any more competitions due to the logistics of getting it there (I don't drive and the dio base alone is 3 feet by 1 and a half feet). The diorama was also featured recently in a two part article in issues 55 and 56 of AIR Modeller Magazine - both issues are still available in paper and digital format here: My link The following images are a selection from those which were professionally taken for the magazine, and I've waited until I had them in my possession before creating an article here as they are much better than any I could take. Finally, you can check out the whole build article here: My link Thanks for looking! Rich Quote Link to post Share on other sites
richdlc Posted November 13, 2014 Author Share Posted November 13, 2014 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
richdlc Posted November 13, 2014 Author Share Posted November 13, 2014 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Crazy Snap Captain Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 FRIGGING WOW!!!!! That is a stunning dio. Take a bow sir! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
scotthldr Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Totally insane modelling Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Loach Driver Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 One of the best dioramas I have ever seen. All the figures tie in perfectly and the vehicles and plane are perfect too. Great work. LD. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
coneheadff Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Speechless.... Wow! That's a piece of art!!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fulcrum1 Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Stunning Quote Link to post Share on other sites
phantom Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Wonderful. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
richdlc Posted November 13, 2014 Author Share Posted November 13, 2014 cheers guys, I"m glad you like it :-) Especially glad it passes muster with the American viewers. Just so you know, this machine never actually existed - the serial number is for a machine that was due to be made in 1944, but the contract was cancelled. That gave me free reign to do whatever I wanted with regards to the unit, nose art etc. I would love to bring this to something like the IPMS USA Nationals, but I can't see it ever happening - not unless I booked a seat for it on a transatlantic flight or something!! thanks for the feedback! Rich Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ENS. "Bones" Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Move over Mona Lisa.... This has got to be one of, if not, the most masterful pieces of art ive ever had the pleasure to look at. Unbelievable detail, truly amazing!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Joel_W Posted November 13, 2014 Share Posted November 13, 2014 Outstanding. Simply Outstanding. It's easy to see why it was an IPMS National Winner. Joel Quote Link to post Share on other sites
xZ0ub1rx Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 fantastic work! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
compressorman Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 Wow, this is eye-poppingly great! I am in love with the faded od green on the plane itself. If you don't mind, what color did you mix with the green for the faded affects? Also, the grass is fantastic as well! You should be very proud of this one. Chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Aigore Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
durangokid Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 Amazing, I don't know what else to say. Words cant describe that! Bryan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mirage@enthusiast Posted November 14, 2014 Share Posted November 14, 2014 No words.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
richdlc Posted November 15, 2014 Author Share Posted November 15, 2014 Hi guys - many thanks for the kind words! In answer to the question re: paint. I've always used Humbrol enamels. In this case I mixed Humbrol Olive drab with a little yellow and a little green and just experimented really. Shading was done with progressively lighter shades of the base colour. Real Fortresses seem to be different colours depending on the light conditions, who you ask at the time, the age of the machine etc etc. Everything from a purple colour to a light-ish yellow to dark green, so i compromised like I say, a fictional machine, a compromise paint job, but it does the job. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wege Posted November 15, 2014 Share Posted November 15, 2014 http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p160/richcarrick_2007/shell19of114_zps6b621ca8.jpg That image... I walked to the kitchen for something..came back and thought 'wow'... if the aperture were reduced by two? four? stops then that could seriously be seen as a 'photo from the time' with an increased depth of field. Bravo for your hard work sir. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
crackerjazz Posted November 16, 2014 Share Posted November 16, 2014 Wow, that is plain incredible! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
barkin mad Posted November 17, 2014 Share Posted November 17, 2014 Hmm it's just a wee bit good I s'pose --------------------- Quote Link to post Share on other sites
richdlc Posted November 21, 2014 Author Share Posted November 21, 2014 many thanks for the nice comments, glad you like it! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cag_200 Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 This is absolutely stunning work ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Major Walt Posted November 30, 2014 Share Posted November 30, 2014 I love what you have done here! I've got the magazine article as well. A major inspiration, sir! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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