SAA T-72A "Labna" ca 2014

[Steven]

Thanks Gents
I am struggling to get any benchtime (we have two young children...) but have managed to mount the Impro stand off - armor. Ref pics shows that the space between the plates would be filled with just about anything believed to offer protection: Tiles, stone facedes marble tabletops, pavement etc.
I am also posting some trial pics of the loading of the ammo on the engine deck with the two geezers taking a break a(nd a selfie) from feeding The carrousel of the autoloader.
Happy New Year to all

 

[Neil Merryweather]

I have to say that is simply stunning!
I'm not a tankie so I wouldn't dream of criticizing in any way, but the detail you've crammed into it and the setting is outstanding .
Love the idea with the figures as well - are they scratchbuilt or off the peg ?
Superb job all round!

 

[scottie3158]

I have to agree with Neil, excellent work.

 

[Steven]

Thanks Gents
Figures are stock - I cannot remember if it is evolution or paracel. One is actually flipping the bird to the Camara and that particular finger broke in transport so first order of business is to make one

 

[Steven]

Stuff to fill the stand - off armor:
souced from the surrounding urban environment, so I have included thin cement slabs, some decorated pieces, and some marble tiles most likely pulled form walls, gardens etc.




Marbled look is unintentional but i like it....

 

[JR]

So convincing Steven, the detail is something else. Well done.

 

[Steven]

Thanks a lot guys.
Figures:
mostly ready for priming but in terms of posturing i am toying with the idea of having the one flipping the bird who is slightly leaning backwards ,leaning aginst the stack of filled ammo, rather than the tank. Placing them out in the middle of the space behind the tank. thereby better filling the space on front and thematically tying them better to tha ammo
Compare the below pic with the above post showing them against the tank
I will try to post some pics in situ but would like your thoughts an this

 

[Neil Merryweather]

Like that a lot

 

[JR]

Steven
Agree with my experienced colleague Neil.

 

[Steven]

thanks for the comments Gents - it is going to be a tough call -seeing both scenes in situ does not make the choice any easier, I am still on the fence what do you guys think?
Leaning aginst the tank:

Leaning against crates:

empty space behind te tank could be filled with gear/provisions

 

[Mini Me]

Crates

 

[Neil Merryweather]

Crates

Ditto

 

[Andy the Sheep]

If I were them and where are them, I'd rather have a tank behind my back than some ammo crates.
But I'm not them and from an "artistic" point of view the crates option is better.

 

[minitnkr]

I'd rather relax against the more substantial tank.

 

[stillp]

Their pose seems more natural leaning on the crates.
Pete

 

[Steven]

Some good points thanks Gents

 

[Steven]

Still test Fitting some details;
Adding som provisions in the shape of water bottles to the engine deck I might be adding an open toolbox there as well -
Lads are having a fizzy drink - to underscore the "having a break" - theme
Empty ammo crates thrown to th side - will be a lot more dominant in a small space once the lids are on...might have to rethink placement
a personal weapon ( most likely an AK) will be added too - leaning against the stacked crates

 

[Steven]

Thanks gents
Cast of characters is growing: in a supporting yet undecided role: the toolbox where should it go? I first thought it a means to fill a corner on the engine deck but it might serve better supporting a sub -storyline the delapadated state of the wehicle
I have very early in the build added a grease leak on the right hand foreward roadwheel
Putting the box next to it maybe with some tools at ready makes a scene within the scene - repair work having been abandoned to drink a soda and goofing around at the back - would that work?

 

[Neil Merryweather]

It's too nice to be somewhere other than around the main focal point in my humble opinion

 

[Mini Me]

Placing the tool box as you have it, in front of the road wheel, would have it in the way of any perceived work that would be taking place.....it would need to be placed to one side or the other to facilitate access to said work area. Just a thought from an old mechanic....