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Poland 1958

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“Poland 1958”
If you have been around for a while you may have seen this diorama before. It’s one I had finished in 2005.
Photos were displayed on the now defunct WW2modelmaker site. Since that site went away I wanted to post them here as a photo feature. I had intended to take new photos and submit them to Armorama for some time and I have finally gotten around to it.
The theme and story is simple: 1958, somewhere in rural Poland. Two bicycling students, stumble across a farmer who has a derelict Panther in his yard that has yet to be salvaged by authorities. There is also a Steyr that had been somewhat ‘civilianized’ after the war and used until finally junked.
The models are Tamiya with the figures and cows from MK-35. 1:35 scale
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About the Author

About Charles Reading (CReading)
FROM: CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES

I live in the mountains north of Santa Cruz California. I have been building now since the early 1990's when I rediscovered modeling. Most of my kits are built with dioramas in mind. I took a "creative block" hiatis for a couple years - 2011 to 2013. I wasn't active in the modeling world. During tha...


Comments

Excellent work! The rust work is very convincing and shows the neglect and years of abandonment. I especially like all the attention to detail. Great job IMHO! Sorry about the double post..still trying to learn my way around here...I'm used to the format from a few years ago
JAN 02, 2009 - 06:18 AM
Thanks to all who commented on this feature. As stated, this one was done a while back and I would probably do some of it a bit different now. I had seriously thought of breaking this dio up and re-doing the Panther in another scenario but got involved with something else and never got around to it. Perhaps one day I will take a closer look and try to 'update' some areas that I was never really happy with. (for instance, although I liked the shape,I was never really pleased with the overall color of the tree) Thanks again for the comments Cheers, Charles
JAN 03, 2009 - 12:44 AM
You have the same problem as myself Charles ... you are your own toughest critic!! Great dio, and lovely to see it again. I remember this from a few years ago as well. I guess ... considering the amount of models one sees every year ... this is mark of how good the dio actually is. The mix of contents, composition and finish are all excellent. Great use of the styer.
JAN 03, 2009 - 01:53 AM
Always nice to see the old hits getting a new light every now and then! I think I already commented on that diorama Charles, but once more I really like it, it's avery realistic highly entertaining subject, full of colours, and then I like the various states of rust of the vehicles! Congratulations for yet another cornerstone of your work
JAN 03, 2009 - 06:38 AM
Fantastic diorama. I love diorama that show under represented topics and this is one of them. Great job. Big question-- who makes the car?
JAN 03, 2009 - 08:15 PM
Thanks again guys......... Frank, I'm afraid you're right! I am rarely satisfied with the finished product and never know when to say 'it's done' JB, Your comments are always welcomed. Tylusfaust, The car is the Tamiya Steyr Kommandwagen. I added the 'hard top' and modeled it after an internet photo I had seen of a "civilianized' Steyr
JAN 04, 2009 - 04:58 AM
Very clever and nicely done, amigo. The weathering on the vehicles is excellent, the cows are a great touch and the two gals on the bikes is top notch. I like the fence too. Great project and no one is trying to kill anyone or in a hurry or bounching along on a rocky trail. Good stuff. Ironmike
JAN 05, 2009 - 04:17 AM
Great to see this one again! Enjoyed it the first time around, like it as much this time! Thanks for sharing! Cheers - Tim
JAN 05, 2009 - 05:26 AM
Love it, very interesting, great job. Would love to know a bit more on the finish on the panther; it really looks like metal. And nice rack on the blue bike babe. Looks like this might turn into one of those Polish farmer and the student legend tales.
JAN 05, 2009 - 09:05 AM
Mike, Tim and Bill, Thanks for the comments on the diorama. LOL The Panther was primed in black then successive light coats of Rustall put on with an old airbrush until it looked the way I had intended. The slight hint of colors were put on with pigments lightly brushed then misted with alcohol. This process was repeated until a subtle color change occurred in the overall rust tone. Although you can see it somewhat in the photos, it's actually much easier to see the slight changes in color and texture in person. The camera I own just won't pick up the minute details. Cheers, Charles
JAN 06, 2009 - 03:20 AM