Get into the Grove - Italy Late 1943

[stuartv]

Gun and base weathering just about done now, just need to blend it into the scene.

[stikpusher]

Outstanding work on the gun!!!

[lyle]

Lovely work on this!

[cheyenne]

Beautiful work man !!!

[Mike]

Absolutely gorgeous. Stunning work.

[handiabled]

The detail and paint work on the 88 is just mind blowing great!

[outerlimtz]

simply stunning. the flak gun looks amazing and the tree is sweet.

[406 Silverado]

When you joined MSC this build was under way, and I was wondering how long you've been working on this build.  This is going to look pretty sweet with all the figures and other details added Stuart. 

[Steve Zuleski]

That's lookin pretty sweet, Stuart!

Getting the dirt to show through I would be applying the colored dirt work and while still wet, apply the grass. I've used Heki grass matting in the past doing this, but not static grass. Not sure how that will work unless you go back over the area where the static grass is applied, after it's set, and carefully add dirt spot throughout. Sounds like an experiment is in order, Stuart.

Another possible option would be the Scenic Express summer grass clumps, etc. They've worked well for me.

[stuartv]

Jul 9, 2024 4:25:10 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

When you joined MSC this build was under way, and I was wondering how long you've been working on this build.  This is going to look pretty sweet with all the figures and other details added Stuart. 

I started the build May 23, so over year now on this.

[tcoat]

[stuartv]

Jul 9, 2024 15:00:30 GMT -5 Steve Zuleski said:

That's lookin pretty sweet, Stuart!

Getting the dirt to show through I would be applying the colored dirt work and while still wet, apply the grass. I've used Heki grass matting in the past doing this, but not static grass. Not sure how that will work unless you go back over the area where the static grass is applied, after it's set, and carefully add dirt spot throughout. Sounds like an experiment is in order, Stuart.

Another possible option would be the Scenic Express summer grass clumps, etc. They've worked well for me.

I am going to try static grass applied through a paper mask with a small hole and adhesive applied via a syringe with a blunt needle. I will first experiment with some plain card and post the results, I saw a YouTube video of this method, you can also layer by this method and looks like it will give me the sparse grass effect I am after.

If that doesn't work then I will apply it all by hand one clump at a time.

[Steve Zuleski]

Roger that, Stuart, please post the YT link if you would. I'm always up for new techniques, it sounds interesting and worth invesitgation.

[stuartv]

Jul 15, 2024 8:32:47 GMT -5 Steve Zuleski said:

Roger that, Stuart, please post the YT link if you would. I'm always up for new techniques, it sounds interesting and worth investigation.

Steve,

This is the link where I saw it done, also really good for water splash effects on models.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vAG-HRmYFk&t=298s

[Steve Zuleski]

Wow, Stuart, that is impressive. Excellent vid and thanks for the link, very useful. I've got some experimenting to do.

[stuartv]

I have painted up an old barrow for the orchard.

[stuartv]

Jul 17, 2024 9:16:33 GMT -5 Steve Zuleski said:

Wow, Stuart, that is impressive. Excellent vid and thanks for the link, very useful. I've got some experimenting to do.

Steve,

Here is the experiment for sparse grass cover using WWS Glue and grass system. Dabbed spots of the acrylic glue (ignore the clump in the middle as put too much glue there).



Then added 2mm dead grass, then removed the surplus using a vacuum with a stocking end on it, which helps the grass stand up more. Next tried using the WWS layer spray through a food container lid with a small hole punched in it, but that did work very well hence the clump in the middle. So resorted to watered down WWS acrylic glue applied with a small brush dabbed on each clump, then added 6mm autumn grass. I then repeated the process with 10mm Patchy grass.

Here is everything used

[stuartv]

Here is the first patch on the diorama base. I will make the patches more sparse as it goes under the tree.

I used 2mm summer and dead grass mixed for first layer, them 4mm mixed patchy and dead grass. Followed by 7mm wild grass and 10mm patchy grass.

After the grass was applied I applied more of the ground soil mix to hid the glue patches.

[Mike]

Excellent, Stuart! You are a scale artist. Truly.

I've done my own grass patches lately as well. I would suggest adding some acrylic colors to your glue. It hides the glue better. I used some tobacco dust in mine to simulate a dirt texture. I think that might help you a bit in your next batch - some sort of texture. I didn't think of the sock over a vacuum trick though. Great tip!

[Steve Zuleski]

Experiment is working, Stuart. I like what Mike is saying about tinting the glue, smart move. I don't have a static gun, not sure why, but I don't, lol. I can always try the vacuum trick too.

I'll be doing this as well, and I sure wish I had more Heki grass mats. I like to tint the sheet rock mud and then press in the grass. It's worked pretty good in the past, but if you don't thin it out it can be a pain and if you thin it too much it can crack. Lots of Elmers glue for that process is recommended. Then I'd go back and dust it and then rubbing alch spritz to cement in place. I had a funky reaction to my "Early Mornin Dew" dio, which is where the name came from. Total accident, but great effect. Experimentation is always a good thing.

Ruck On, Stuart!

[handiabled]

Great following this thread with other diorama modelers in tow. I'm taking notes from you all just in case I get brave enough to try one myself. This is coming together in grand fashion!

[stuartv]

Lots of progress on the grass coverage this week. The longer grass clumps are Sisal and are all added one by one. The shorter grass is 2mm and 4mm static grass. I think it looks right for sparse coverage that this part of Italy would have later Summer/ early Autumn (Fall).

[kyledehart5]

That base looks very cool!

[cheyenne]

Nicely done !!!

[handiabled]

Your application of the static grass looks perfect!

[Steve Zuleski]

That works just fine in my book

[stuartv]

Most the ground work done now, so ready to start adding the model to the scene.

[stuartv]

Trial run to get the gun carriage and mount in the best position. I think this this works, how does it look?

[stuartv]

Need some advice on composition, which do you prefer?

Option A as planned earlier on in this thread.



Option B, thinking on this is the gun crew would just pull the carriage straight off the gun.

[keavdog]

I like A. Clear field of fire.