This is a set i did while i was experimenting with gypsum/plaster. Built the base/supply station in a way that it's suppose to be like half sink into the ground. Especially those pipes. The initial plan was to put the station in position first then pour in mixed and colored plaster at the side

However, i didnt expect gypsum to harden so fast (from liquid to semi solid); half way pouring it had already turned into gel-like stuff. spent sometime to even cover the whole base up. Was pretty "hard ache" but just too lazy to rework the whole thing...... think will just treat it as a very expensive lesson :( (Hours and hours of work for 2 MG, modified, and scratch built the base).

Well, it does help to remind me not to make the same mistake again ;)

p/s: the writing on the pipe /wire, actually i kinda like them, just that many say they make the dio look unreal.....

Hi ray,
Its always good to see someone trying out a diorama as I do believe its the ultimate in scale modelling because of the extra need to tell a story and the more complicated composition skills required.
If I may offer a comment or two...

1) The composition has a lot of potential as the subject matter of an ambush can be very dramatic especially if you can model a 'surprised' look. Unfortunately mechas have no faces so the positioning of body language is important. You have some fundamentals correct as I think the outreaching hand to cover the face is good. It would be even better if the body leans aay from the ZAKU and also if the refeulling mecha is positioned away from the deck making some tension on the pipes!

2)To blend in all the parts, be it natural stone or plaster, it is always good to paint everything no matter how natural it looks. The only exception to this is when you can mimic nature well in scale and treatment. This is even more important for ground work.

3) you have a good eye for detail and a little bit more patience will do wonders!

Just my 2 cts and hope its not too critical!


Loo

Nice diorama, actually i like the wording of the cable too, but it seem flooding in air and have the very 'light' feel. For the charging cable, it should be very 'heavy' where there're many wires inside. Juz my point of view :lol:

Keep the work coming. Will u join the mid year compy??

Loo CK: Thanks a lot and no, it's definitely not too critical. Appreciate so much. :D

In fact there r even more stuff i myself not satisfied with. despite modelling techniques, just about story telling, i think the zaku which is quite badly damaged and under servere battle shouldnt be carrying 4 full load of ammunition! i think is illogical; just that at that time was enjoying myself so much in making the "bullets" couldnt care much about the logic part :P !

the base...... actually after my encounter with the plaster, i lost my mood/patience/passion, hence just throw in a few stones. actually i have some questions about how normally people do this kinda thing where some items actually sink into the ground. will seek help in the tutorial section.

P/S: actually i had email my application form to the email in the SFTPMS website, so i should wait for reply to tell me how i should bank in the cash?

Becky: Hi didnt expect to see u here too! at first i intended to make "heavier" tubes but having some problem actually bending to exactly how i wanted (Copper wire inside the tubes), even some afteri was satisfied, i found it hard to put them onto the mecha/kit. because, of all the small little stupid details i have gotta bend again so the tubes looks natural lying on them.

By the end, i decided to do some harder type of tubes, u know, like those we pump petrol.and this's the result.

P/S: thanks for liking the wordings on the tubes..... :P

I know this is a slightly old post but I've finally had some time to look at this one.

The advice from CK Loo basically describes the essence of dios. Imagine dios as a snapshot of a moment frozen in time. They can be serious or funny, full of suspense or action but they all have one central theme, they tell a story. The best dios are those that make you feel something when you view them and sometimes can even make you feel you are really there.

Don't worry about making mistakes even though its a costly one. While you may or may not have ruin an expensive kit or wasted some time you've gained something more valuable...experience.

The title of your dio is about ambush or suprise. You have managed to capture some of that by having:
1. Your refuelling mecha trying to defend itself by raising his arm
2. The cables attached to him make him seem even more helpless so increasing the tension of the scene.

However, if I were to push the scene further some alternatives are:
1. Make the attacking Mecha come out from behind some cover (i.e. rocks, forest, bushes, etc.). Have him bursting out from behind some bushes or even having him appear (half body) out of a nearby pool of water would have added to the ambush or suprise scene.
2. Having the refuelling mecha desperately reaching for his gun which is resting just out of reach against the 2 tanks would have added more tension and fear.
3. Placing the whole scene on top of a cliff with the attacking mecha just about to climb to the top of the cliff behind the refuelling station out of sight of the refuelling mecha.

The other thingy is tying up the groundwork with your base, kit, fig, etc. Your fig, mecha, kit, etc should feel as its part of the environment and not just something that was built just to accomodate the kit. No worries I'm sure all this will come in time.

Thanks so much. points taken. ^_^

I totally agree with u. there r many more things i could have done to further build up the tension. Initially i was planning to build part of a cliff and the zaku hover down from above aiming the GM. Well, i was too impatience. I couldnt wait to finish the kit and compromise too much. I guess this's a big lesson i hv learned :(

not only modelling technique i should learn but being patient too.

Again thank you so much, i appreciate it!