Here is my latest diorama that I have been wanting to do for a long time. It is a diorama that takes place during the ardennes offensive around Houffalize in December of 44'. it's a crashed M8 Greyhound belonging to the 82nd recon of the 2nd armored div. The armored car has lost control in the slippery, muddy/icy conditions and basically wedged itself down a ravine very close to a stream. An SS Jagdpanzer IV and some infantry were in the area and are taking a look see. One of the M8 crew has injured his leg in the accident and is actually hiding under the M8 because he is immobilized from the injury. The rest of the crew will not leave him after hearing of the Malmedy massacres so they are huddled up behind the trailer with guns drawn ready to fight it out if necessary. I'd like to add that I was inspired to do this diorama from the works of 2 great modelers and 2 guys which were responsible for getting me back into the hobby in the year 2000, Marijn Van Gils and John Rosengrant. I know john and always loved his "Lucky Strike" dio as well as Marijn's "Santa is Coming to Town" and many other works of these 2 dudes. This is my spin on a combo of both works with some Dan Capuano thrown in as well. Here are the pics.

Another master piece...

Hi Dan,
as always great work re. painting, details and lifelike natural setting - wild boar (one of Germany`s silver bullets/"Wunderwaffen" back then) included . My favorite is the fallen tree- looks like the real stuff. The partly tense (weapons at the ready - shouting) and partly relaxed poses (taking a smoke, changing their gear) of the Germans do not convey the story too much IMHO. On the other side as an American soldier expecting no mercy from these guys I would point my gun already at the threat nearby in a very tense pose (or take deep cover and sh$t my pants - although that might be just the German in me - Americans fight it out of course) .
Anyway that is just nitpicking on a really high level - and your scene is done - so no more chances for changes.
As said - great atmosphere, perfect groundwork and paintjob!
All the best, Martin

Excellent dio Dan!
I like it very much.
Cheers
Pawel

Fantastic work Dan.




Steve Deyo

Great diorama, this is how it should be done: clear story, excellent composition, lots of details to look at and very well executed!

Nice of you to credit the modellers that inspired you. My initial thought on viewing was 'this is just like Marijn van Gils' dio', but with the credits that's not an issue. You have also done certain things slightly different. I like the more tense situation in your dio particularly.

Cheers,
Adrian

yea not ashamed at all to give respect to those that inspired me. I had stopped modeling in about 1991 but after a severe back injury in 99 all I could do was basically sit around so i took a trip to the hobby shop and saw the stuff Rosengrant and Mrosko were doing with Warriors and I was floored. That Lucky Strike dio from John stuck in my head ever since. I knew since then I wanted to do something in a similar setting including that classic 5 figure Warriors Ardennes german set. Not too long after I saw the euro militaire military modeling special with Van Gils "last Round" i think it was called and I became totally hooked. I wanted to create something of my own for a long time but with my spin on it. Well, here it is. Thanks.

Very nice work
and .. trees that look like trees

would be interesting to know how you made those trees

God you must have a large cabinet. Awesome figures and fantastic level of painting, I keep looking and seeing more details.
Thanks for sharing

Bob

Superb ground work mate. Highlights are the trees and the fast-flowing river.
Excellent all round.

I have just noticed a "wild Boar" near the Stug IV in the tree line, or am I seeing things.

Amazing diorama.
Excellent setting.
Ciao by Maco

Superb. I love WW2 armoured cars and your work and detailing of this is marvellous as is the Jagdpanzer too. The figures are incredible too. Overall a fantastic combination of AFV and figure artistry and a great tribute to those who inspired you.

Cheers

Huw

..speechless..

Simply............WOW!!!!!!!!
Fokion

I simply love dios like this one. Excellently done!!

Xenofon

Excellent work on all aspects of this diorama Dan.


Cheers David