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Modeller Build Logs
Firefly IC Diorama |
| By James Wechsler | | Started: | Jul 15, 2007 | | Updated: | Aug 31, 2007 |
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This blog is intended to be a bit different than most in that a big focus will be on the diorama aspects. The focal point will be a Firefly IC (a welded hull M4 based Firefly). This will be built using the new Dragon Sherman III kit and the following Formations sets:
F079 M4 Conversion for the Dragon Sherman III
F022 Low Bustle Firefly Turrret
F018 Sherman Pioneer Tools
F050 Sherman Headlights
F046 Sherman Siren Assortment
F047 Sherman VVSS Track Skids
F013 US Cables and Clamps
The diorama is going to show the Firefly driving over a temporary bridge with a wrecked Panzer I command tank partly submerged in the river below.
I intend to include a number of chapters on making the ground work and also on how to make the water.
Up next: The M4 Conversion |
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| The Base – Initial Construction | Aug 1, 2007 |
So after playing with my sketch and looking at the dimensions of the bridge and the Panzer I command tank, I determined that I’d need a base that was 12 inches long, 6 ½ inches wide and at least 4 inches high.
For constructing complicated terrain such as this, I’ve come to like to use polyfoam. I have a big sheet of this stuff that I bought at a hardware store (it’s used for insulation) and its 1 ½ inches thick. So I cut three pieces to the dimensions above and also a sheet of left over plexiglass for some strength. I glued them all together using Elmer’s spray glue. Later, after shaping, I’ll be boxing it all in with sheet plastic and that will really add strength and a more finished look.
For the shaping work I use an electric carving knife as shown in the picture. If you have one for use in the kitchen, earn some points and buy your wife a new one and take the old one. You definitely don’t want to use it on food after cutting up polyfoam. I bought mine online for only about $20 so it’s not a bank buster.
But before I begin the shaping of the terrain I’m going to finish the Treadway bridge and the Panzer I command tank so I can fit them on the terrain as I do the shaping.
Up next: The Treadway Bridge |
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