The final stage of the diorama is to paint and position each of the tiny soldiers. What I hadn't anticipated is how fiddly this process is. Sanding each figure to remove plastic burs and spurs from the moulding process is something I found hugely difficult. Removing the excess plastic without losing the detail is a fine balancing act.
Painting each figure requires the finest brushes I have, and my aging eye sight provided an extra challenge. In the end I resorted to using a head magnifier.
As modellers will know, each of the tiny figures stands on it's own rectangular base. In order to make the scene as realistic as possible I've separated each figure from it's base. This means each figure will need to be glued into place. I know some modellers like to be able to move their figures around creating different scenario's, but that is something I'm prepared to forego.
Now the diorama is complete and I study the photographs, I wish I'd paid more attention to the moulding seams of the figures. The kneeling soldier (top photo) has a distinct line across his helmet, and the guy lying prone, bottom centre, has a pronounced line running the length of his body.
One day I may come back to this model and refine some of its faults but for now, it's purpose as a practice piece and introduction to scale modelling, has been served. I'm keen to get started on the larger "Operation Overlord" diorama which is what sparked this journey in the first place.
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