June 7, 20224 yr #1 This is my next project. I saw a diorama representing the T-54 entering the Presidential Palace grounds in Saigon on April 30, 1975; and it was a very good-looking diorama, but the T-54 and parts of the diorama were not accurate. So, I decided to try my hand at it. These are a few advanced WIP pics of Tamiya's T-55A which I tried to backdate as a T-54. It was basically an out of the box build, except for the Aber aluminum barrel, Trumpeter individual track links and Star NVA Tank decals. As always, ALL comments and critiques are greatly appreciated. Semper Fi. Manny
June 8, 20224 yr #2 Aah, a new diorama, great! Superb paintjob on the tank. Excellent weathering, the tank´s surface and tracks really have a 'metal' look, well done! Looking forward to see more WIP pictures soon.
June 12, 20224 yr Author #4 Hello all, well I've added a forging log and slats of wood to the back of the tank and gave it some more weathering with pastels. I still have more weathering to do and some other things to add. But I got started on the crew. They are from Paracel Miniatures, they're made in Vietnam in resin. These miniatures are the 'NVA tank crew at rest'. They are well made. Enjoy the pics. Semper Fi. Manny
July 7, 20224 yr Author #7 Hello All. I hope everyone had a good 4th of July. It should have been better; but I've digressed. I did some work before the holiday weekend and some yesterday. These are the figures for the diorama. These are just preliminaries as they still need their wash and drybrush. Then I tweak the tank some more and add the figures and some other stuff. As always, all comments and critiques are greatly appreciated. Semper Fi. Manny
July 7, 20224 yr #9 Great looking NVA figures. Looking forward to see them united with their tank. Well done!
July 16, 20224 yr Author #10 Hello everyone! Sorry I haven't posted any progress pics in over a week. Summer is here and I've been indulging in some outside activities. But here are some WIP pics. The figures are done and just need to be put on the T-54 and the NVA soldiers will go on the base. There are a couple of things that I need to do to the tank, and it will be done. Then I can concentrate on the base, which won't be too extravagant. So, enjoy, and as always, all comments and critiques are greatly appreciated. Semper Fi. Manny
July 17, 20224 yr #11 Outstanding weathering of the tank, Manny! Like the red dusty look of the wheels and the tracks. Figures are looking great as well, amazing work!
July 24, 20224 yr Author #13 Hello Everyone! Well, I can honestly say that the tank is finished. I weathered it some more, added the VC flag (Archer Fine Transfers) and added the foliage. (Ivy and palm/fern leaves). The figures are in place and now I'll be doing the groundwork on the base. As always, all comments and critiques are greatly appreciated. Semper Fi. Manny
July 24, 20224 yr #14 Another top notch model completed, outstanding work, Manny! As I said, the painting & weathering are uber-realistic, the figures are looking real as well. Plants and the flag are a nice touch. I think it can´t get better thank this. Awesome T-54 conversion. Looking forward to see this gem on it´s base.
July 25, 20224 yr #15 Manny, you did an outstanding job with this one. The weathering and attention to detail is excellent. To echo Lars, the flag is a perfect touch. Great work as usual!
August 2, 20223 yr Author #16 Hello everyone! I can honestly say that this diorama is done. I consider it a K.I.S.S. type of vignette. I kept it simple, but I hope it still conveys The Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. I hope you like it and comments and critiques are greatly appreciated. P.S. I haven't decided where I'm going with my next project. But I do have an idea. Semper Fi. Manny
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