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Never Abandoned

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Introduction
The idea for this diorama was to combine an abandoned Jagdpanther with U.S. soldiers, one of which has been wounded, in a battle scene. A medic figure stands by to assist the wounded paratrooper, in a sign that a brother in arms will never be abandoned, despite the attempts by the Germans to recapture the vehicle. I had read that many Jagdpanthers had been abandoned due to lack of fuel rather than being knocked out in battle. I wanted to depict the interior in working order so I chose to represent a vehicle that was still serviceable and perhaps just recently left behind due to advancing U.S. forces. In my research I also read that the 101st Airborne had hooked up with the 2nd Infantry in France during 1944 and thought this would give me the opportunity to mix up the types of figures I could build and paint.

The model I chose was Dragon's 1/35 Jagdpanther Late Production Smart Kit (no. 6393) which I complimented with CMK's Interior Set and Griffon Models Full Detail Set of photo etched brass. The building is a modified Miniart Italian City Building and the base is scratch built from cork.

About the Author

About bruce d (meaty_hellhound)
FROM: ALBERTA, CANADA

first time i built a model it was a hot rod and i was five year old. i painted it using blue nail polish and it was the best model i had made yet (given it was my first it wasn't that impressive). but i have tried to keep that feeling for over 40 years, each model i finish gives me the gratification...


Comments

Really nice write-up, well detailed. Thanks for putting it together, really good work. cheers
JAN 16, 2011 - 06:32 AM
I remember this Great to see it laid out as a feature.
JAN 16, 2011 - 10:56 AM
Thanks for sharing this as a build story, I remember following this as well. Inspirational as always my good man
JAN 16, 2011 - 06:29 PM
thanks guys for the kind words and cheers to Darren, Keith and the Armorama staff for their work in putting this feature together. bd.
JAN 17, 2011 - 05:04 AM
Bruce, Exceptionally great piece of work! Well thought out. Nice composition and detail. Freedom has a price that is paid with the sacrifice of so many lives in so many ways. We must never forget all those around the world that fought for freedom then or now especially those that have ultimately paid with their lives. You've captured just such a moment in time. -Eddy
JAN 23, 2011 - 11:37 AM
Hi Bruce, Good article and excellent build, I like you mix of kits. Great lttle dio, well thought out and executed. Al
FEB 02, 2011 - 04:23 AM
thanks Eddy and Alan as well a big thank you for all those who have contributed their work and techniques online. with that extra knowledge i have seen much improvement in my builds and i have the courage to push a little further with each project. cheers, bd.
FEB 02, 2011 - 04:51 AM
An incredible and inspiring build Bruce! Fantastic job on all aspects of the diorama. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us!
FEB 27, 2011 - 09:07 AM
just wanted to thank all the great people i met at the local model show today who were kind enough to share their positive feedback on this diorama and also offered me constructive feedback as to how i could improve my projects. a special thank you to Roger and Terry who took the time to share their input and a chance to check out their wonderful works for inspiration. this was my second model show i have entered and it was an interesting experience. cheers to all the fellow modelers and their great projects, bd.
JUN 04, 2011 - 05:29 PM