War Pigs

[Grumpa]

Boys will be boys after all

 

[BarleyBop]

Don't know what I like better, the tank or the dio!
Both unearthly dark.

 

[Eagle-1]

Dark?

They got out, look, the hatch is open.

They all good.

Rob.

 

[Steve Ski]

The depth of work involved here is incredible, awesome!

 

[BarleyBop]

Boys will be boys

When you build one of these, how much do you plan ahead? Very detailed, or do you set a general direction and play it by ear?
Other folks like me may also be wondering how to get started with dios, or if they want to take the plunge!

 

[Grumpa]

The depth of work involved here is incredible, awesome!

Thank you Steve, glad you like,
Jim.

 

[Grumpa]

When you build one of these, how much do you plan ahead? Very detailed, or do you set a general direction and play it by ear?
Other folks like me may also be wondering how to get started with dios, or if they want to take the plunge!

There is some planning involved but basically I just get a theme in my head and just dive in.
After a while it begins to grow on itself and I'm just along for the ride.
One thing you may notice as you see more of my work will be the 'darkness' effect, I go through a lot of black paint.
I also try to photograph my work from low angles and utilize close ups. This gives the effect of size which is very
complimentary to military vehicles, especially armor.

For those who would like to try doing a diorama my advice would be to get a basic idea and layout
as one starts to place major elements the thing will begin to flower in your mind.
The more you do the more confidence you will gain.
As you progress to more dios the better they will become. New dio builders can get many ideas from more
experienced hobbyists but hopefully do not get discouraged by trying to compare your work to theirs
It takes years to develop skills and your own 'style' But in can be a great journey with many rewards along the way.
I've been at this game for over 40 years and am still learning.

Jim

 

[Grumpa]

Hey folks, just to let you know that I am back on track these days with my modeling, hard winter is here
and since I can no longer take the cold or do any kind of work I am adjusting my life to the indoor sports.
Cooking, helping Mamma around the house, keeping the wood stoves going etc.. and of course getting
back at the bench. I had not fully appreciated all my Colleen has had to deal with, especially the lifestyle
I plunged her into so many years ago, I am a very lucky man indeed. From raising two boys with a practically
absentee husband and father (workaholic you know) to raising chickens, goats, pigs and sheep
she's taken it all in stride.
I am walking at around 85% to 90% with no limp or cane, just can't do long distances or any type of rigorous activities.
So my mood is much better, I still have to deal with COPD but I just do my meds and know my limitations.

The reason why I chose this thread to announce my comeback so to speak is because one of the projects
I have started has to do with the tragic war in Ukraine (no politics, I promise).
It is a well known fact that Russia has had to resort to pulling obsolete and aging armor stock into the fray
with catastrophic results.
Many of these AFVs are abandoned due to break downs or destroyed like sitting ducks long before even reaching the front lines.
The human cost is staggering. The tank featured in this dio is a T72 a model developed over 50 years ago!
These units are no match for modern weaponry and tactics.

This new project features two T62s if you can believe it.....63 year old vehicles! I was stunned to think such a thing was even
possible but apparently it is true, they have resorted to using even these antique relics, pilfered from museums and terrible
outdoor storage facilities where 90% are too far gone and or corruptly stripped of parts and they have also confiscated
some private oligarch's collections replacing non-firing guns with guns stripped from non running wrecks.
So this particular piece shows two tanks in a macomb dance of death. I will do an in progress thread line on this one
if all else holds up well. Also have a couple or three 90% or more complete individual models and some older stuff
that was lost from my photo stash when switching from Windows 8 to 10 on my old computer
All new equipment now so I need to re-shoot and post them! I would have done this already but my injury just knocked
the living hell out of me.

Well, that is one heck of a pickle I have just put myself into and will do my best to follow through. Therapy you know.

So, time to stop wafflin and time to get crackin!
Cheers,
Jim and clan.

 

[BarleyBop]

He's back!

 

[kevin]

This new project features two T62s if you can believe it.....63 year old vehicles!

I'm already looking forward to it. I would like to see your paint work and weathering as you go along.
I've seen a couple videos on u tube about T62s in Ukraine. Couldn't figure how to post links, but they are out there.

 

[Grumpa]

Thanks guys, things may be a bit slow going at first until I get my legs back under me (pun intended).
Am revamping the bench to make a more ergonomic workspace, but it will still be a mess.
Am a bit shaky early in the day until I get my meds and some food into me but as I am a bit of a night owl
it kind of works out.

While I am not completely out of the woods yet, I am progressing as well as can be expected for a man of
my age.
Exercise has worked wonders for getting my physical and especially my leg strength improving though
of course it is scaled back to senior levels. I did suffer greatly from atrophy due to forced inactivity
losing over thirty pounds (four stone) in six months. Pain, depression and stress did not help
matters.
My doc ordered a full body CT scan because he was greatly concerned about such drastic weight loss
but scan showed no abnormalities.
Have picked up around 12 pounds and since I was about 20 pounds overweight before my injuries
I am at optimal weight now. Mamma did a great job of fattening me up though in a healthy way
and exercise is bringing back muscle mass, hopefully this is not a rally before I drop dead

My weathering techniques are based on a very dark baseline, usually a very dark brown to black and everything
worked outward from there. Many layers and much head scratching are required and knowing when to stop
is of utmost importance
This gives the impression of subtle color blending, depth and shadow, also shooting from very low angles, basically putting my
self at the basic height of a 1/35th scale soldier lends greatly to the illusion of size and by slightly sinking subject into dio base
gives the impression of weight.

I know I am rather long winded but I am very passionate about my artistry and love sharing, especially if I can help to
kindle a spark in others who may be frustrated about final results.
Only time and perseverance and most importantly patience can win the day and as one slowly improves ones
eagerness and joy will certainly follow.

Thanks for indulging this old coot,
ATB to all and may your CHRISMAS be healthy and happy for you and yours and best wishes for the New Year

Jim and The Clan.

 

[kevin]

Many layers and much head scratching are required and knowing when to stop
is of utmost importance

Yes, thats what I've found on my armour builds. The painting and weathering process has become my favorite part of modeling these days. I usually end up overdoing the weathering, but painting or washing over those parts, or just some of them, just adds another layer to the effect.
I've started a new project myself, a post apocalyptic diorama, just so I can rust, burn, and weather some vehicles to the extreme.

Oh, I am almost done with "Other Losses". A chapter in history I was unaware of.

 

[Grumpa]

Yes, thats what I've found on my armour builds. The painting and weathering process has become my favorite part of modeling these days. I usually end up overdoing the weathering, but painting or washing over those parts, or just some of them, just adds another layer to the effect.
I've started a new project myself, a post apocalyptic diorama, just so I can rust, burn, and weather some vehicles to the extreme.

Oh, I am almost done with "Other Losses". A chapter in history I was unaware of.

there are so many twists and turns in the stories of WW2 it is remarkable indeed.
I just finished a book called 'Shadows in the jungle" the story of the "Alamo Scouts" a very well written account
of the special recon and covert teams working in the Pacific theater behind enemy lines performing everything from
pre-invasion recon to POW rescue missions. Very good reading and yet another one of the unknown epics
of the war.

Jim.

 

[wjbrandel]

In my book list to buy. Thanks for the info.

 

[Grumpa]

In my book list to buy. Thanks for the info.

Another great book is 'Stalingrad' by Antony Beevor, an awesome account of the epic battle with many references to
personal experiences of the sufferings and horrors lived by those fought and died there.

Jim.

 

[kevin]

I'm almost finished with this....
It's fiction, but the author was there. Released from Soviet captivity in 1950, wrote the the book in 1957.

 

[Airborne01!]

Always admired your work Grumpa and these are no exception. Glad you're one-up and mobile!
Steve

 

[Grumpa]

Always admired your work Grumpa and these are no exception. Glad you're one-up and mobile!
Steve

Thank you, I have made great strides in my recovery just need to be careful not to overdo things.

Jim.