Airfix D-Day Battlefront Diorama - from Miss "Armyairforce"
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Airfix D-Day Battlefront Diorama - from Miss "Armyairforce"
Back in December 2017, I entered the Airfix Christmas competition and won this diorama set. I didn't enter for me, but for my daughter. Having MV's in the family, she's grown up with Jeeps and World War 2 history from a young age. I started her model making just before her 4th birthday with a Red Arrows Hawk, to help her to learn patience, following instructions, dexterity etc. Since then, we've made a few projects together, mostly her own work, but a huge amount of guidance and the occasional extra pair of hands from me.
The D-Day diorama wasn't started until a year later, shortly after turning 9. The set includes a Sherman and a Tiger tank, but we didn't think it realistic for both to be on the base together without the Sherman being a smoking wreck! Instead we left the Tiger off and replaced it with the Airfix WIllys MB.
We made a few other modifications along the way and added a bit more detail, again with most of the work being her own. I did some detail painting on the figures, made the camo net, sprayed clear gloss coats for the decals and matt afterwards, but the rest was all her own work. We finished it in early September this year. The results are shown below.
The D-Day diorama wasn't started until a year later, shortly after turning 9. The set includes a Sherman and a Tiger tank, but we didn't think it realistic for both to be on the base together without the Sherman being a smoking wreck! Instead we left the Tiger off and replaced it with the Airfix WIllys MB.
We made a few other modifications along the way and added a bit more detail, again with most of the work being her own. I did some detail painting on the figures, made the camo net, sprayed clear gloss coats for the decals and matt afterwards, but the rest was all her own work. We finished it in early September this year. The results are shown below.
Steve Carr - Only dead fish swim with the stream
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- armyairforce
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Re: Airfix D-Day Battlefront Diorama - from Miss "Armyairforce"
She's done a great job with building sessions around an hour when she was younger, working up to a whole day towards the end of the project. Having the Sherman, Jeep, House, base etc all as separate projects helped maintain interest as it wasn't months of just building before getting to paint and decals. Each part was made as a sub-assembly to completion.
A 1/35 scale Jeep is a possible next project.
A 1/35 scale Jeep is a possible next project.
Steve Carr - Only dead fish swim with the stream
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Re: Airfix D-Day Battlefront Diorama - from Miss "Armyairforce"
That’s a pretty impressive diorama for a 9-11 yo kid! What a fantastic lesson in patience and determination. Great job!
-Tom
-Tom
1944 Autocar M3A1 Halftrack
1944 Schelm Bros. M10 Ammunition Trailer
MVPA # 30507
1944 Schelm Bros. M10 Ammunition Trailer
MVPA # 30507
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Re: Airfix D-Day Battlefront Diorama - from Miss "Armyairforce"
Thank you. We really enjoy modelling together. Here's a previous project, completed just after she turned 8.
Steve Carr - Only dead fish swim with the stream
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Re: Airfix D-Day Battlefront Diorama - from Miss "Armyairforce"
Wonderful work and marvelous family project. You both should be very proud. Well Done.
Best, Eddie
Best, Eddie
V/r Eddie
1942 GPW #5739 "Sentimental Reasons"
MVPA & MVCC
1942 GPW #5739 "Sentimental Reasons"
MVPA & MVCC
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Re: Airfix D-Day Battlefront Diorama - from Miss "Armyairforce"
Thanks. We have a lot of fun while building and it has provided some great dad/daughter bonding time. This is one of our favourite builds so far, the Revell 1/72 Fokker DrI of the Red Baron and of course, his archenemy; Snoopy!
Snoopy and his kennel were scratch built.
Snoopy and his kennel were scratch built.
Steve Carr - Only dead fish swim with the stream
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Re: Airfix D-Day Battlefront Diorama - from Miss "Armyairforce"
You're a good dad.....
Tim
1945 WC-57 81674456
1944 WC-52 81750129
1945 MB 430629
1943 Ford GPW133609
1943 Ben Hur 0347395 (Gertstenlager)
1945 WC-57 81674456
1944 WC-52 81750129
1945 MB 430629
1943 Ford GPW133609
1943 Ben Hur 0347395 (Gertstenlager)
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Re: Airfix D-Day Battlefront Diorama - from Miss "Armyairforce"
I have not been able to see any of your photos in any of your posts.
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Re: Airfix D-Day Battlefront Diorama - from Miss "Armyairforce"
If you are using Chrome, it blocks http content in pages. Firefox works ok. I'm in the middle of transferring all my websites to a new host that is https.
Steve Carr - Only dead fish swim with the stream
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Re: Airfix D-Day Battlefront Diorama - from Miss "Armyairforce"
Great work for any age modeler.
I love the camo net, you rarely see that modeled....
I love the camo net, you rarely see that modeled....
Owner, 1944 Willys MB #366014
Former US Army Captain and REMF
Former US Army Captain and REMF
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