discussion Rehashing Hurtgen forest diorama

[rtfoe]

Those trees really do look good.

Thanks Jim, on observation does anyone notice if pine trees all grow vertically straight up or do some slant? I've heard that the pine trees in the Ardennes were planted and not wild. Is this true? Much like our rubber trees in rows.

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[scottie3158]

Wabble,
The trees are looking really good.

 

[Richard48]

Mighty fine Wabble.Talking of trees i saw on Armorama 3D trees for vechile camo.Seems the spruce frongs can be teased into shape to place on say a Panther or Tiger.
Carry on Mr Wabble.
Richard

 

[Neil Merryweather]

Thanks Jim, on observation does anyone notice if pine trees all grow vertically straight up or do some slant? I've heard that the pine trees in the Ardennes were planted and not wild. Is this true? Much like our rubber trees in rows.

Cheers,
Wabble

In the absence of a reply from someone more learned than myself, my gut feeling is they are always vertical unless one has fallen over, which might well happen in a shelling situation.
It's well known that many injuries were caused by chunks of tree because of shell bursts, rather than the shrapnel directly.
As for the planting pattern, I imagine there were areas of both planted and natural forest.

looking very convincing, by the way - and well worth the effort.
cheers
Neil

 

[minitnkr]

Generally straight. Most wild unless as borders, snow/windbreaks around farms or residences.

 

[rtfoe]

Wabble,
The trees are looking really good.

Thanks Scottie, I've never seen the underneath of a notek light till you improved on your kit part.

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[rtfoe]

Mighty fine Wabble.Talking of trees i saw on Armorama 3D trees for vechile camo.Seems the spruce frongs can be teased into shape to place on say a Panther or Tiger.
Carry on Mr Wabble.
Richard

Thank you Richard, that's interesting, will check out Armorama...what's the thread title?

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[rtfoe]

In the absence of a reply from someone more learned than myself, my gut feeling is they are always vertical unless one has fallen over, which might well happen in a shelling situation.
It's well known that many injuries were caused by chunks of tree because of shell bursts, rather than the shrapnel directly.
As for the planting pattern, I imagine there were areas of both planted and natural forest.

looking very convincing, by the way - and well worth the effort.
cheers
Neil

Always can rely on your expert observation Neil. Yup, artillery could easily distort the otherwise perfect upright stance of the pine trees. Splinters would be like porcupine needles. Okay so it's safe to have random placements of the pine trees then.
Let's hope the end looks good.

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[rtfoe]

Generally straight. Most wild unless as borders, snow/windbreaks around farms or residences.

This would make a strong confirmation for randomly growing pine trees in my Dio instead of placing them neatly and well spaced. I need the bunch up to fill the empty spaces of the branches. Thanks Paul .

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[Richard48]

These Wabble

 

[rtfoe]

These Wabble

Well wadayou know...I have the same stuff but a Japanese brand which I got from Akihabara. Used it on my Bombs Away diorama.
Cheers,
Wabble​​​​​

 

[Richard48]

Anytine Wabble

 

[rtfoe]

Ha, you guys thought I had forgotten my Ardennes Dio huh... I got side winded by the Donkey build but managed some modifications on these figures from surplus putty.
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​ Trying to extend his blouse for the later version. I will need to redo his sleeves, extend his trousers and add leather ankle puttees. Also to discard a row of his rifle ammo pouches and replace with Thompson magazine pouch and add a spade where I have flattened at his hip for it.
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​ ​​​​​​​This other rifleman also gets the same treatment but will leave his ammo pouches on. Will be adding canvas ammo bandoliers also. Will redo his collars and add neck scarf...same as the other figure. All this done within an hour and surprised.
I will repaint all the figures and won't replace the heads as most will be covered with a scarf or wooden caps.

Cheers,
​​​​​​​Wabble

 

[minitnkr]

Wabble, see rosiesnell/hurtgen for great photos of trees & bunkers.

 

[rtfoe]

Wabble, see rosiesnell/hurtgen for great photos of trees & bunkers.

Will do, thanks Paul.

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[rtfoe]

Hi All, while I'm tinkering with figure modifications, I removed the tanks from the Dio so I could improve on the tank crew. Photos also helped referencing the positions when I finish with them.
There is still a single pine tree standing. The rest of the tree positions are marked with inserted bits of trunks that were not used.
I will slowly rearrange the Dio including the telegraph poles and replace the lines with thicker wire where sag can be controlled. I will even add a sign post at the intersection. The road will need improvement withore dirt and ice build up. The stream will be iced up too.

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[Richard48]

Stunning Wabble.Just top stuff.
Richard

 

[rtfoe]

Stunning Wabble.Just top stuff.
Richard

Thanks Richard,
I'm just winging the groundwork by looking at references having not experienced snow. You guys would have a better idea of how it looks like. I have a question, when does snow appear wet or dry? Would it be glossy below zero degrees temperatures or look powdery? References for the Bulge vary at certain periods from sprinkling to a few feet thick. Do icicles form only when there is rain? Appreciate some feedback.

Cheers,
Wabble

 

[scottie3158]

Snow is such a variable depending on the conditions so it is difficult to say snow can be quite wet or quite dry. If exposed to freezing temps it can be very powdery and sparkle in the dark. Icicles can form when the temp is just above freezing allowing the snow to thaw a little but freezes again as it drips. Given your skills whatever route you take it will be convincing. There are plenty of after market products out there. You can use bicarbonate of soda as well but this can yellow over time

 

[rtfoe]

Thanks for that reply Scottie, now I know a bit about snow characteristics. I want to do icicles so I guess mine would have formed during fluctuating temperatures and frozen solid when temperatures dropped again.