Razorboy WIP [The Trench]

[razorboy]

A while back I began a diorama project that I may actually finish! Set during the opening days of the Kursk Offensive it includes a Dragon 1/35 Sturmgeschutz III Ausf.G "Early" along with two crewmen (modified Dragon figs) and four or five Grenadiers (also from Dragon). The Stug. is supporting the clearing of a Soviet communications trench and the commander is surveying the next set of intrenchments in the distance.

The tank:
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN2071.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN30630001.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN30760001.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN30760001.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN30990001.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32510001.jpg

The Cast of Characters:
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32130001.jpg

I converted "Grenade Guy 1" from a Gebirgsjager mortarman by removing the climbing boots and adding the jackboots from another figure.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN30520001-1.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN30830001.jpg

I didn't care much for the "Out of the box" flammenwerfer rig, so I have made some modifications. The molding on the hydrogen bottle (small bottle) and it's size didn't suit me so I made my own out of sprue and added a 'leftover' PE strap and buckle from my M41 project:
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN31580001.jpg

I used some Evergreen Brand .020" white styrene rod for the hydrogen propellant line and added another shorter piece for the flow handle on the fitting at the bottom of the fuel tank -
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN31640001.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN31670001.jpg

- and some black tubing from my Tamiya 88mm Flak gun kit for the fuel line:
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN31740001.jpg

Russian #1 has a scratchbuilt RPG-40 in his right hand. The RPG-40 was a hand-held anti tank grenade and looked a great deal like a short can on a stick. To duplicate the "can", I used a piece of sprue and added the "rings" from fine gauge wire -
RPG-40:
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/rpg40elefantmn7.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN31830001.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN31850001.jpg

The Base:
I "sandwich-glued" two pieces of styrofoam resulting in a piece that is 10" x 12" x 3 1/4" thick, then made my cut-outs.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN30690001-1.jpg

Less than 10% of the 'O.P.' interior will be visible when the diorama is completed though I still feel the need to complete it.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32140001.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32120001.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32170001.jpg

The Observation Post was lined with tinted Celluclay, then the wood was added:
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32180001.jpg

The trench walls and floor were constructed in similar fashion:
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32470001.jpg

I will keep you updated.

rb

[razorboy]

I got two of the grenadiers "Kitted-Out" with all of their gear today. There is still a bit of filling and seam removal to be done on these fellas and the others but it is fast approaching paint time. The standing figure will be MG 42 ammo carrier #2 and the kneeling figure in this set of pics is flammenwerfer guy's assistant and I thought that title justified a fixed bayonette.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32540001.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32560001.jpg

I will do this for all of the infantry figures prior to painting then paint all of them assembly line style, doing all of the smocks and helmet covers at the same time. This will insure greater continuity in colour and pattern as I usually mix my own paint.
rb

[razorboy]

I worked on the "Squad Leader" last night and got all of his equipment attached (except for his binoculars and MP40) and today will give him the once-over for any needed filling and additional seam removal. I will work on the "Grip" appearance of his hands prior to permanently affixing the binoculars and MP40. The kit shows him with a stick grenade in his belt and I have forgone that and substituted a signal (flare) gun instead.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32760001.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32770001.jpg

I am almost ready to shoot some paint on the Stug. -
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32810001.jpg

but at this point I am undecided as to wether I will use a canvas cover on the gun mantlet or not. If I do, it needs to be done prior to spraying. I'll decided on that sometime today.

razorboy

[razorboy]

I got the base coat down on the Stug and inside of the road wheels last night.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32850001.jpg

Some touch up here and there on the hull and rear, paint the other side of the wheels, paint the fighting compartment roof section, then shoot some camo..

rb

[razorboy]

McIvan, I glue them with super glue paint and all .....
I've applied my camo pattern to the Stug. and have the ladeschutz about 75% finished:
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32880001.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32890001.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32900001.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32940001.jpg

rb

[razorboy]

AC Spectre and Airborne Bob, thanks.
I'm going to try and complete both crewmen today and place them permanently in fighting compartment. I think I'll leave that MG 42 out of the interior and replace with some smaller crew item like a holster or water bottle. As far as the Stug goes, I have her painted and decals on, now comes the 'fun' wheel painting and weathering of the lower hull, then the tracks, then the overall final weathering.
I'll finish the figure construction this weekend and hopefully have them painted completely (except the fleshy areas) with a base coat on the smocks and helmet covers before I finish the camo patterns (all in one session to better insure continuity). I'll finish the groundwork as soon as the figures and Stug are completed and although I'll be using celluclay as my groundwork base, I am trying a different "approach" this time ... we'll see how it works out.

Thanks for following,
razorboy

[razorboy]

Just for poots and giggles last night I put the ladeschutz in his position inside of the StuG.. I took a couple of close-ups with the old Nikkon and man .... I gotta start using a magnifier or something. I missed the piping on the epauelettes and and some of the camo pattern looks really rough up close. I guess my prescription requirements have finally outrun my current lenses! http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Moving%20Pictures/Smiley_blind.gif

Well anyway, I guess better the eyes than some of the other mechanics of nature so here is a 'not so close' shot until I can get him properly attended to:
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN32970001.jpg
... oh and he still needs shading and blending on his face and fliegermutz as well.

rb

[razorboy]

I finished the StuG. crew today - the headphone wires are made from copper wire.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN33130001.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN33090001.jpg

rb

[razorboy]

Started the painting on some of the Infantry figures today. Squad Leader's camo is done but that's about all, he still needs lots of work before he's ready.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN33220001.jpg

As you can see, the others are in various stages of "Paint". Back to work tomorrow so I'm not sure when there will be enough future progress for a new update, certainly by this coming weekend.

Thanks for following,
razorboy

[razorboy]

Did a lot of figure painting today and although there is still a lot left to do on these fellows (as well as the others), I think this warrants a post:
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN33340001.jpg
More to come - thanks for following this build.
rb

[razorboy]

That camo is awesome.

Thanks Boss,
I have decided to standardize the zeltbahns and have removed the smaller version originally seen on MG42 ammo guys 1 and 2. The smaller zeltbahn rolls just didn't look acceptable to me.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN33360001.jpg
rb

[razorboy]

I worked a while on the figures today and got some accoutrements attached and a little painting done on MG guy, MG assistant #2 and on Grenade guy #2:
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN33400001.jpg
rb

[razorboy]

I got all of the Grenadiers camo'd today... still lot's left to paint and assemble:
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN33520001.jpg

The Flammenwerfer frame pack waist belt was fabricated from aluminum foil:
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN33540001.jpg

razorboy

[razorboy]

I constructed a small "Test" section of groundwork last night. Very time consuming but I think well worth the result ......
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN33830001.jpg
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN33840001.jpg
Needs a bit of shading here and there and it will take a LOT of time to apply but I think this "Mix" is appropriate.

rb

[razorboy]

I used the same basic groundwork method I always use - http://www.armchairgeneral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=72672 - with the exception of tinting the celluclay mix green this time instead of brown. Using Woodland Scenics Medium Green Course Turf, some natural dried seaweed and bristle from a .99 cent natural bristle brush as my "Vegetation". I used hemostats to grip the bristle at the proper length, then cut it from the brush with sharp scissors, then pressing the bristle into the wet celluclay, fanning it out slightly. The other "Vegetation was placed on to the celluclay with tweezers.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN33730001.jpg

Once dry, I airbrushed the whole thing in a dark green (water base paints only on styrofoam!), then over sprayed it in spots with a lighter green. Highlights were added with a brush here and there.
razorboy

[razorboy]

Working on the trench, the StuG and maybe even some more work on the figures this weekend ....

rb

[Bootie]

Look forward to it.

[Lord Bane (FGM)]

Very impressive work Razorboy. Amazing.
Lord Bane

[razorboy]

I started applying sections of the ground ground work today -
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN33910001.jpg
- Once dry, it will be airbrushed various shades of green and high-lighted.

rb

[Wigam]

Very very good work indeed. Makes one want to give it a go.

[Bootie]

Youve enough work building a real house... LOL

[Nathangun]

Brilliant work there Razorboy.

[razorboy]

Thanks for the kind comments fellas. Hopefully more to post soon.
rb

[razorboy]

I first sprayed some medium green over the applied groundwork, sprayed the earth -tone in the appropriate areas, then I added (with paint brush) some lighter tones here and there. I sprayed some darker green at the base of the taller grass clumps and finished up with a final highlighting (paint brush) of some light sage colour and apple green.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN34040001.jpg
I was careful not to overspray onto any of the wooden structures but should I find some overspray when done, a wash of dark brown will blend and or conceal any overspray.

rb

[Earl of Grey]

AH, almost forgot about this - really, really impressive. I think I need to put some more pictures of all of our (my wife's modelling, too) W.I.P.s up here...

Question, though: How detailed is the StuG's interior? I'd need some good pictures of that one for a special project and haven't found too much suitable stuff on the internet so far... Would be very glad if you could help me here!

[Wigam]

Youve enough work building a real house... LOL

Thats just it, maybe I can redesign the back of the house to look like the diorama ??? lol

[ACSpectre]

As always RB, your work gives the rest of us something to aspire to.

[The Fisher King]

Looks good enough to mow.

[razorboy]

I put some paint on the groundwork laid down last weekend .... I also test-positioned the StuG. and the figures where I think will ultimately become their final positions.
http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN34060001.jpg

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee2/froglevelzcool/Stug%20III%20build/DSCN34080001.jpg

rb

[ACSpectre]

Looks excellent.

[razorboy]

Thanks AC, more shortly.
rb

[razorboy]

After a 6 month break I have resumed work on the "Clearing the Trench" diorama .... perhaps we'll see 'er done afterall!
rb

[Wigam]

excellent news then razorboy, I am looking forward to seeing the finished product.

[AirborneBob]

I too am looking forward to your next masterpeice...

[razorboy]

Thanks Guys, I have determined to work ONLY on equipment and weapons this weekend ... an area I routinely spend waaay too little time on. Once the firearms and all accoutrement are finished, I'll start back on the figs. - pics soon.
rb

[Nathangun]

How is this coming along razorboy ?

[razorboy]

Really S-L-O-W-L-Y!