Normandy Bocage diorama

[AlanG]

Really shows the value of having a plan before you start building!

I wouldn't go that far as to say i had a plan lol. I had an idea in my head and i'm sort of winging it. I've changed the 'plan' so much since it's original concept. Mainly due to my lack of building skills and funds. But it certainly is fun. I'm really enjoying doing this. Even researching the armour i'd like to build for it (yes i really did say armour!). I have a research book for Christmas or birthday that's arrived and i'm itching to have a look at it. But SWMBO just glares when i say i'd like to

[GerryW]

Often the most rewarding bit is when things come together.

[adt70hk]

Coming on very nicely Alan. Shame about the seafoam though.

ATB.

Andrew

[AlanG]

Yeah i might get the Gaugemaster seafoam next time rather than War World Scenics (WWS). Same price but comes in a bigger box by the looks of it so won't be so crushed either. I was really disappointed with it as i had watched a load of the WWS YT vids and their product seemed great. They do different sizes and i opted for the small which is perfect for most of my needs.

[Mini Me]

Hopefully the next batch will be better and you'll be able to move things along.......keep up the good work. Rick H. :thumb2:

[AlanG]

Final placement before i start adding leaves, painting and gluing bushes and trees. Any advice welcome as to anything i need to add or look at before i start gluing.

[Jim R]

Hi Alan
Great stuff. It really does look the part. I bet you have a big smile on your face
Jim

[AlanG]

Yeah there is a smile Jim. Only my second ever dio and i'm really enjoying this. Some frustrations along the way and trying to figure out how to use 'free' items i find. I've accepted that in trying to replicate the image i have in my head, i know that my skills (or wallet) aren't good enough. But still it's looking ok. Should be a lot better once i've painted the trees and added the leaves. That should (hopefully) give it a more atmospheric feel to it with bigger shadows etc.

[GerryW]

That looks stunning - great details included as well - yes, you can chuck loads of money at something, but it won't necessarily make it any 'better'.
Be careful of 'overcooking' it (think that I did that with my second attempt at a dio)

[AlanG]

Overcooking? Do you mean adding too much?

[GerryW]

Overcooking? Do you mean adding too much?

Yes, sometimes 'less is more' - personally, I'd say that you're near-enough there, possibly the leaves will be the finishing touch, as you say, the shadows will probably set everything off right - be interesting to see the effects, but it's your decision and creation after all, (I've not done any more dios than you!) will watch with great interest.

[Guest]

Nothing amiss with this Alan. I love doing dioramas and the more you do the easier it is to "see " what you want to convey . I'd have been really chuffed if this was mine second attempt.
Have you thought of growing your own seafoam ? Not really hard and you'll have a great stock .

[GerryW]

John, does it (seafoam) need anything special (hot house etc.)?

[AlanG]

Have you thought of growing your own seafoam ? Not really hard and you'll have a great stock .

Thanks very much John. Yes i have thought about growing my own but i don't have germination boxes to start them off in. Also space to place them is a little limited. But i would seriously love to grow my own. would open up a whole new dio area for me

[Guest]

Thanks very much John. Yes i have thought about growing my own but i don't have germination boxes to start them off in. Also space to place them is a little limited. But i would seriously love to grow my own. would open up a whole new dio area for me

I was a little hesitant at first , used bottom heat and did everything by the book . That produced more than enough the first year. The following year I was supprised to find young seedlings all over the green house, many had landed in compost over wintered and germinated.
Remember the plants grow in the Gobi desert and the temperature drops at night. Many people now selling the seed , but I went to Chiltern Seeds. https://www.googwww.chilternseeds.co...aristata_seeds.
Give it a try .