Sorry guys to be a pest and a nuisence but Natalie and i are doing another history project Well this time it is being based around the landing of Juno beach So what i am after firstly is some tips on how to do the sea leading up to the beach How do you do water on a model what is the best way remembering i am not an expert (mind you not an expert on alot really ? ) Then the beach scene same again please That's for now folks Am doing the scale 1:72 Regards Michael
Michael, to some extent it depends on the scale of the model. There are several different techniques I am aware of (not an expert modeller myself) involving painted plaster or similar and another using clear epoxy compound with colour beneath. I think it depends on painting skills which might be the best. As for beaches I suspect again scale is a major considerstion, but using sand applied to damp adhesive would probably be too 'gritty'. Probably better to build up the beach contours and use a flat paint of the appropriate colour. More important perhaps to get details like vegetation, vehicle tracks and roads as realistic as possible. I can post some scans from a few modelling books if you are interested. Mike
Michael, to some extent it depends on the scale of the model. There are several different techniques I am aware of (not an expert modeller myself) involving painted plaster or similar and another using clear epoxy compound with colour beneath. I think it depends on painting skills which might be the best. As for beaches I suspect again scale is a major considerstion, but using sand applied to damp adhesive would probably be too 'gritty'. Probably better to build up the beach contours and use a flat paint of the appropriate colour. More important perhaps to get details like vegetation, vehicle tracks and roads as realistic as possible. I can post some scans from a few modelling books if you are interested. Mike Mike i will be really interested if you could i think i am going to need all the help i can. I have started at the project at 1:72 because i bought a load of British and German soldiers last week when i was off and also some Landing crafts which i have already made but not coloured yet I have also been looking for some Churchill AVRE tanks with the help of Owen but can't find any 1:72 Michael
I have also been looking for some Churchill AVRE tanks with the help of Owen but can't find any 1:72 Best get your wallet out, Michael airifx 1/72 churchill d/day AVRE painted and completed | eBay
Michael, attached some scans from Francois Verlinden's 'The Verlinden way Volume 2'. I would suggest the 'modelling plaster' technique might be best for a D-Day diorama at 1:76 as the Channel was very choppy that day and hardly 'clear' water! The technique will involve careful 'dragging' of drying plaster and a good 'dry brushing' exercise so I would suggest a bit of practice on scrap bases. I think I have another book that describes sand and water modelling techniques, I will try to find it and scan some pages. Mike
Found the other book I was thinking of, scans attached from Graham Dixey's 'Military Modelling, guide to military dioramas'. A very old book! Let me know if you want better copies. It has occurred to me that for a historically accurate portrayal of the beach you would need 1/72 or 1/76 models of large LCTs (Mk3 or 4) which would be about 2 feet long at that scale or LSTs which would be even larger, none of which are available to my knowledge. However if it is a school project and you are not going for total accuracy I guess you are using the old Airfix LCT and Sherman kit. Good enough for a school project, I built one many years ago, and I look forward to seeing your (and Natalie's) progress. Mike
Personally I'd choose to portray the beach with the tide out , therefore having a huge flat expanse of sand & no need to do the sea itself.
Just had a thought, Michael. I've actually got a small tub of sand collected from Juno Beach last year. If you would like to add it to the diorama for a little 'authenticity' then give me a shout and we can sort something out.
Oops! I hadn't noticed there was a thread on As I said in a PM, Henk shows a number of Hobo's Funnies variants. Cromwell Models used to have a number, but they have closed, I think. I'll have to look around a bit.
Michael, if you don't mind the 1:76 scale try Milicast Models Far more than 1,000 items, so you have to search a bit. Lots of Funnies. Have also a look at - Dan Taylor (Mulberry) and - Accurate Armour (LCT(4) and LCT(5) as well as beach obstacles) on the same site. As I am interested in funnies myself, you could PM me for the details I have listed. Regards Aixman
Bingo! Milicast are top quality but top price as well, that's resin for you. Revell used to have a Churchill AVRE as well (previously Matchbox)
Lovely LCT4 on the Milicast site, but a bit expensive....£225! Milicast Model Company :: Accurate Armour 1/76 :: 1/76 Landing Craft :: 1/76 LCT(4) Landing Craft Tank
Yippee this is great guys cheers for all your inputs and links loads to digest and take in Regards Michael
Now that you are at it see this link as well. You may dispense with the bridge if you don't need it and still stay with an AVRE.
Michael, attached some scans from Francois Verlinden's 'The Verlinden way Volume 2'. I would suggest the 'modelling plaster' technique might be best for a D-Day diorama at 1:76 as the Channel was very choppy that day and hardly 'clear' water! The technique will involve careful 'dragging' of drying plaster and a good 'dry brushing' exercise so I would suggest a bit of practice on scrap bases. I think I have another book that describes sand and water modelling techniques, I will try to find it and scan some pages. Mike Another approach is to blend modelling plaster with acrylic gels which can be obtained from your local artists supply.
For the water, you could try using a thin layer of B&Q ready filler, shaped to look like waves etc. Then, when it is dry cover it with a coat of diluted wood glue and when dry, paint the required colours. For the beach itself try using actual sand, glued down with dilute wood glue and sealed with an appropriate sealer. If putting landing craft on the water or beach dont forget to make an impression with the craft hull before everything dries. Malcolm
Have ordered this AVRE so far Churchill Crocodile Tank (A02321) Model Kit and Accessories by Airfix am going to leave the trailer from the back off what do you think When doing the sand is it best to mix the UPVA glue in with all the sand am i correct in thinking that
When doing the sand is it best to mix the UPVA glue in with all the sand am i correct in thinking that I'd rather 'paint' the area quite thickly with PVA glue then spinkle the sand onto the glue. Well that's how I've been doing the bases on some wargames figures recently.
