Airfix Matador and 5.5" gun in Sicily

[B4en]

This is based on a real photo of a Matador and 5.5" in Sicily. (Or possibly a 4.5") All the gristly details of the build can be found in my workbench thread here: https://uamf.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=24990 if you want them - pages 1-5.

The Airfix Matador has been given a fairly thorough makeover with new wheels from T16s and more other detailing than I want to think about. The gun was replaced with another of T16s's 3d printed examples - thanks Stu! Figures were freely adapted from whatever suitable ones I could find. The base was made up from packing material and Polyfilla to resemble the photo as far as I could manage, and decorated up with various diorama products - Hornby, Woodland Scenics etc. Turns out it's the biggest diorama base I've done, and it was really more fun than I expected.

As the original photo holds no clue to the identity of the unit I plumped for the 66th Medium Regiment, who were certainly in Sicily at the time. I'm no expert on vehicle markings though so these are just my best guess.

Hope you enjoy!

[Lone Modeller]

First rate.

[JamesPerrin]

Superb. That base is a lot bigger than I expected.

[Clashcityrocker]

All the elements of this diorama look excellent B4en.

Nigel

[hardcastle]

Way cool Dude!
Well done

[B4en]

Thanks very much everyone! The old Matador kit details up very well, though I've not got to the bottom of the rectangular roof hatch on this example.

That base is a lot bigger than I expected.

Same here James, and I built the thing! Most of the time I actually thought the Matador would be too large to fit. Did the slope on the bend itself a little too steep as it turned out, but that's why the guys at the back of the gun are desperately working the handbrakes!

[DavidWomby]

Brilliant. I love the person's arm peeking out of the side. Terrific detail.

David

[iggie]

Excellent work Ben, a great little scene.

[B4en]

Thanks very much guys.

[Tim Reynaga]

What a great little diorama! I love quiet, yet busy scenes like this which reflect the most-of-the-time reality of military life. The model and figures are nicely executed, and the setting really brings them to life.

Well done, I say!

[B4en]

I love quiet, yet busy scenes like this which reflect the most-of-the-time reality of military life.

Haha thanks Tim and me too - combat poses for figures are so passé. (I'm just getting old and more interested in mundane activities I guess.)

[KellerModeller]

Brilliant models & figures, the mediterranean landscape is spot on (at least as far as I can judge from some walks in the pyrenees..) !

[Stuart]

I love this little scene Ben - it looks awesome!

[B4en]

Thanks for looking in guys and I'm glad you like it. Doing this made me much more inclined to do diorama stuff, though I'm fast running out of display space again.

the mediterranean landscape is spot on (at least as far as I can judge from some walks in the pyrenees..) !

I never did get to Sicily, though I'd love to go in the wild Tarantella season! I did look at a lot of photos to try to get the colours close so it's nice to know that worked out. Thanks!