SteveKrieg
Company Commander
G'day all,
Been awhile and for those tracking (so to speak) my diorama series on the Armor/Mech folder this one (the first befitting a thread on 'Ground Pounders') is another on the production line.
This scene will show a shallow shell scrape dug out of the harsh North African landscape to enhance the story of Machine gun Battalion 8 which featured prominently in the first year of the Western Desert Campaign; particularly the so-called 'siege' of Tobruk in 1941 (where it was almost wiped-out against stout defence by the Australian and British garrison.
I had thought of reconditioning a similar position I had built for the 2019 101st Airborne in Normandy series but thought I might need that more European scene for future displays so a fresh build it be using the same materials as the American airborne .30 Cal pos (ref my early threads covering the 101st in Normandy series).
I'm using a thinner base this time around and have covered it with a sand mat. I then applied a mix of 'Wood and Scenics' sand and light brown course ballast over a base of craft glue and then generously sprayed over it with adhesive to seal the deal. Once cured, I'll then get onto the fun bits.
The MG34 will be in mounted on a Lafette 34 tripod in alternate configuration, that is with its rear legs remaining locked in carriage position with the front leg extended forward and the whole mount resting on its rear feet. This position provided a lower silhouette and highly suitable for shallow MG positions firing on fixed lines which the Lafette was primarily designed for.
The 2-man crew will be dressed and equipped accordingly (using the old DML German FJR Willi/Joseph figure mortar team figs) and the MG34 accessories including spare ammo containers, spent casings and such. Crew equipment, sandbags and personal items to finish.
Should be a relatively easy build then, with that break over, back onto the FoA '88 Flak gun.
More pics to follow...enjoy, Steve
Been awhile and for those tracking (so to speak) my diorama series on the Armor/Mech folder this one (the first befitting a thread on 'Ground Pounders') is another on the production line.
This scene will show a shallow shell scrape dug out of the harsh North African landscape to enhance the story of Machine gun Battalion 8 which featured prominently in the first year of the Western Desert Campaign; particularly the so-called 'siege' of Tobruk in 1941 (where it was almost wiped-out against stout defence by the Australian and British garrison.
I had thought of reconditioning a similar position I had built for the 2019 101st Airborne in Normandy series but thought I might need that more European scene for future displays so a fresh build it be using the same materials as the American airborne .30 Cal pos (ref my early threads covering the 101st in Normandy series).
I'm using a thinner base this time around and have covered it with a sand mat. I then applied a mix of 'Wood and Scenics' sand and light brown course ballast over a base of craft glue and then generously sprayed over it with adhesive to seal the deal. Once cured, I'll then get onto the fun bits.
The MG34 will be in mounted on a Lafette 34 tripod in alternate configuration, that is with its rear legs remaining locked in carriage position with the front leg extended forward and the whole mount resting on its rear feet. This position provided a lower silhouette and highly suitable for shallow MG positions firing on fixed lines which the Lafette was primarily designed for.
The 2-man crew will be dressed and equipped accordingly (using the old DML German FJR Willi/Joseph figure mortar team figs) and the MG34 accessories including spare ammo containers, spent casings and such. Crew equipment, sandbags and personal items to finish.
Should be a relatively easy build then, with that break over, back onto the FoA '88 Flak gun.
More pics to follow...enjoy, Steve
