Project 4 | WW2 Diorama

Development Project 4: Desert Trap

Constructing a diorama consist of phases while painting of the various models and figures can proceed in parallel. There is no single path to follow. Creativity, improvisation and ingenuity come along your journey of modelling with joy. Attend to an original image is just a direction, but don’t fear to diverge. Neither did I. I would rather say that the results became even better than was planned.

Sometimes a goal can't be achieved because of missing the resources or it just doesn’t work out the way you want it and for the sack of time... Everything is adjustable afterwards at later point in time. Although after placing the plastic soldiers for instance it would be harsh to accomplish.

Duration

The first project took perhaps 2 months in total. Even shorter as the design is straightforward and board size small compared to Scenario 3. Wanted to start initially with another thema, but just had a vision and not to loose that. Almost all models were already present or a few extra to be created along building. The period of build took place during spring 2022. This project depicts a convoy pass through a valley, actually 2 rock formations, by the German Afrika Korps, flanked by the Royal Italian Army, awaiting a ancient desert fortress on the other side defended by British 8th Army. Board size is round 40 x 85 cm.

Phases

Having said that the steps are shown in a consecutive picture style to provide a clear idea of the development in different stages. Although this is the fourth diorama I'm still learning and using different techniques. This time foam which is also used for furniture fill purposes. The clay fortress wasn't that easy to complete to the level of my delight in mind. Had to use the dremel to scrape away a few layers to keep same thickness everywhere. Father-daughter not on same ferquency... First time working with clay (and tiny wood) on this scale, but turned out in better shaped than thought off.

Process

The build stage wasn’t taking a long time of thinking or finishing. As deserts have little to cover up, the sheer amount of time was sprinkling sand. I used 4 types of sand; from flat sand to sand with different types of stones. Multiple layers of sand required whilst drying the applied glue. A bit underestimated as this special granulated sand is very refined. A killer was painting all figures during build; Italians, Germans and the British during the build. Normally I have figures alraedy painted partly upfront.

Chicken or the egg story. What do you need first; all models and figures completed or start already with scenario. What wins is that in reality also the landscape is there before humans arrive.

Phase 1

I run into a piece of foam (type also use in furniture) which is attached to a thick reclaimed wood wallshelf. I found foam ideal to build up rock formations. The diorama setup is simple, just some steep rocks on both sides and a path runs trough it.

Phase 2

Having 2 large Italian canons in mind can only be placed in a corner. Covered the foam with paper machee. The small size of the board, rather too small for the amoutn of pieces, wasn't a blocker to proceed with all models and figures.

Phase 3

Burythe whole model with paper to prepare for painting. This is fixed part of the process to know where eventually the accents of different material will ground. Another assest, it helps as connector between pieces and the board.

Phase 4

Modelled a fortress with wall, arch entrance and tower. Quite a challenge, but construction made out of clay with toothpicks and matches to keep the ceilings from collapsing.

Phase 5

The raw model of the fortress consist of different parts which had to be sanded to make the walls smooth, slimmer and straighter. Clay sinks in unfortunately and some places thicker than others. Perhaps a mold is the rigth approach.

Phase 6

Painting is a mandatory job; mainly the rocks. Some adjustments done in the board itself as craters to simulate impact of explosions and creat inequality in the landscape surface.

Phase 7

The high rock formation on one side required some attention as could be potential ambush place. The naturaal look had to be increased by shaping the rocks with arches and such.

Phase 8

Slowly moving to completeness. Formalize where each tank, artillery, figure, etc. will settle. Difficult and took some vehicles away as too much.

Phase 9

The lower section covered with different types of sand. Started littering on the attack side and paved towards the defenders; also sand on top of the rocks.

Results

Admitted, looking at the results, mixed feeling. Pretty occupied scenario with maybe to many army forces on a 40 x 85 cm map. Is it realistic? That is never my personal goal. Just like to combine the pieces rightfully. Of course some models or figures disappear, replaced with another, after shuffling around different sets. Along the execution, ideas come and go. That’s the fun. There is no max and limit other than the size. Therefore regrets as it is no real representation and, on the other hand, satisfied as resulted differently than anticipated from the beginning.

World War 2 Theme Diorama

Development Project 4: Desert Trap

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