I think we are both in the same book but in different chapters both misunderstanding each other. I am not at all attacking the figure idea. IMO…I do not think the dio needs figures…for me it speaks for itself…again that is my opinion on a fantastic dio.
Yes, I do not do figures…one because most figures are infantry figures and do not properly show artillerymen. There are very few and I have chosen to leave them out. I also know my limitations…I generally inhale at figures and they become a burdon more than fun to make. I some instances I will use them, but generally no.
Landscape…Cityscape…fine, we are getting into correct terminology.
Lastly as far as the spirt…yes I understand the spirt and don’t take this as an argument. No, I am not a dio builder but appreciate a good build. Many dio builders look at what I do and try to lean me in the direction of a dio and figures. Not my thing…dio people concentrate on the scene and generall convey a message. I am more of a replica builder who uses “crude” dio items to enhance the model or with emplaced artillery, show all the required parts.
Everyone has a different approach, just models no base, stained base, a base to match the model environment, add figures or dios. I think everyone on the forum knows my background and can figure out why I do what I do.
My response was just to a fantastic build which touched me and I expressed my opinion. Since I appear to touch a nerve, I will leave this one alone.
Narayan - Sorry to hijack this thread. You are still tops in my book…outstanding work
Thanks everyone for all this invigourating discussion. It is amazing how strong the feelings are with dioramas. I have enjoyed reading all these comments.
What I do like is that opportunity to posy my builds here and get feedback and have sensible and civil discussions about various issues.
I should have made another quantum leap next week and will have more pics to share.
Here are some details I made this weekend for the hotel room “portal”
A radiator from strip styrene, copper tubing, aluminium tubing and wine bottle foil:
A radiator cover from a take-out container, styrene strip to make a frame and etched brass mesh. There is a little door on the top to give access to the radiator adjustment knob, which doesn’t line up…just like the real thing!
Add a few minor dings and dents to the radiator and it would be easy to imagine it banging and clattering away so it ruins a good-night’s sleep! We’ve all stayed in motel and hotel rooms with noisy radiators, dripping faucets, leaky toilets and so forth.[:)]
A quick update. I have more or less finished the hotel room window through which the viewer looks into the alley.
Here is an overall view of the window. The idea is that there is a venetian blind fully pulled up and on the right is the wand that adjusts the angle of the louvres…a cheap replacement for proper curtains
And when I hold it in place, this is the kind of view you get. I haven’t made the final assenbly but it should give a sense of what to expect. It’s good for me to see that there is enough light that comes from above to light the scene, which was something I was a little worried about, but apparently for no reson.
Sorry i havnt been over here on dio,s for ages, just saw this and WOW, AMAZING work, Looks real. Are you gonna add any life form to this? A black cat at least?
Bodge: I am afraid that there are no figures planned for this one. There is a plastic bag caught in the railing and an empty bottle, so there is evidence of life. Its kinda based on my experiences looking out of hotel rooms into alleys and I really didn’t see any activity…its a crappy view from a crappy hotel!
Adam, I would update more often if I had more time…there are all the real life distractions that take you away from the bench, like your job and your family and the “honey do…” list!
I really have final assembly and then its done, but I don’t want to rush it. SHould be finished this month if the stars align.
You could try modeling a cat–a scrawny, flea-bitten mangy one and test-fit it to see if you like it, but I like the diorama with no figures at all; not even a cat. It evokes a sense of loneliness and abandonment.
The box is all together now and the “window wall” is in place. Its all a little trickier than you think getting everything to line up and be square and flush. All that’s left to do is to make the lid…4 sides with a piece of Plexiglas held in with a rebate.
Narayan, forgive my tardiness in checking in again on this wonderful, amazing project of yours–this is simply stunning once again! You have a knack for details that I envy and admire. The smallest things do not go unnoticed by our eyes!
An absolute master piece as always. But we have come to expext nothing less from you[:D[
When you look at it in person do you get a sence of vertigo when you look out the window and fown at the alley? It looks do real in your pictures that I would be suprised if you did.
Thanks Karl and Carl for the kind words. Kudos from both of you means a lot. Very appreciated.
Karl: I really love the tiny details that bring out the real nature of something, The stuff you don’t remember but notice when its not there.
Carl: You are saved from vertigo by your peripheral vision. If there were some way of blocking it, like a velvet drape over your head like photographers use to use with bellows cameras, then you would definitely be reaching for something to steady yourself!
The is another view through the window. To get the look of a framed pane I had to add framing and a black seal on both sides of the clear plastic. It seemed to work well as an effect.
A detail of the window sill which has a stain from a coffee cup and a small burn from a cigarette. I added the pull cords for the venetian blind from stretched sprue
