I've had an idea for another diorama, but this time one that can stay outside. Based on this postcard;



Ten tents or perhaps more, a few military figures, horses, and perhaps a gun limber, could make an interesting scene.

First prob is the tents. SWMBO suggests making a conical shaped bit of wood and then papier mache for the canvas. Whilst true that it would speed production, there would have to be several layers of varnish added to render the tents waterproof. ' Modeltown' (cheap figures) make some military type peeps that would be ideal. So, anyone any ideas on making several tents?

Mikey

I think I'd consider making them out of canvas or similar cloth and shellacking or doping them. It shouldn't be too difficult. Only problem I see is where to put the invading Prussians.

Have you noticed the stone pass (must be muddy sometimes) and they used some stone to write something in front of the first tent.

Yes Laurent. One of the things that attracted me was the stones. I know British army units of that time would often create their regimental badges in stones. Maybe its the same thing/

Mikey

Interesting picture. Seems there is a path of stones in front of each row of tents.

I like the wood cone idea; what about covering it using the tissue paper and dilute pva trick that you've used before?

Maybe try making one each with different methods of making canvas, and then leave them outside to see which survives best in the rain!

Good idea Clive. I've worked out that for an 8cm figure the tent would need to be 10cm high which equals a 30cm diameter circle of canvas. the cone of wood appeals more, if only to use as a 'former'. I could then treat as per the tarpaulins. so how the he** do you make a cone of wood 10cm high?

mikey

Is the cone just a former? Would it be better to make it out of a card or placticard circle with a wedge cut out of it, and then the edges of the wedge brought back together to force it into a cone shape? Or have I missed the point here?

As an aside, guess which web site I have been searching on this morning!...









There are many, many more on there, but I fear I will bore everyone senseless!

Click here for the full list, if you wish to see it: http://cartes-postales.delcampe.fr/list.php?language=F&x=0&y=0&searchString=camp+militaire&searchMode=all&searchTldCountry=fr&cat=-2&searchInDescription=N

Another good find Clive. No I dont want to bore anybody either but i've just measured our metal funnel for parraffin and its just the right size and shape!!

mikey

a short while after the last post I had a brainwave! (rare for me). the rubber sheeting we use for the roof tiles is grey on one side and white on the other. Two 30cm circles cut out with a wedge. glued with waterproof et voila. Pics later batteries are flat in cam!

mikey

Sounds like a good idea. I guess you'll also see a more natural 'sag' of the tent from the weight of the material?

What a fantastic hobby this is! It enables me to combine two of my passions;trains and history (havent been able to work 60's music in yet!).

Anyway, whilst researching the 'army on manoeuvres' I came across the fact that 1910 was a time of development of the static observation balloon. Tensions were running high across Europe and several small (48 men) units were sent into the countryside to learn and practise inflating and moving these balloons. Sausage shaped or spherical, of different sizes ,they would become a common sight throughout France. Watch this space!

mikey

This is the rubber sheeting we've used;



and this is two tents cut from it;



mikey

Heres the three tents i need secured by knocking in a length of dowel that has had a small hole drilled in the top, tent placed over it and a small raindisc nailed through the hole to stop the water getting in;





Now for the balloon!!

mikey

Like it!

très bien !!!!!

For some time now the army has been carrying out manoeuvres o0n the outskirts of town. I can now reveal the secret weapon they have been developing.... its a supersize CATling gun



his name is fizz and if he doesnt keep out of the railway i will put a rocket up his a***e and launch him into space!!!

Mikey

Are you sure it's not a partly deflated hot air observation tabby?

Great idea that, the army camp I mean. You just need some 3mm ballast chips now to create regimental badges in the soil. Or maybe grains of rice stuck in, ends downwards. Or something.

Had to post this pic of French soldiers connecting the hydrogen cylinders ready to inflate the balloon. another pic from the excellent site Clive found ;'Delcampe'

I can really imagine one of these guys with a gaulloise in his mouth!!



mikey

Not around hydrogen cylinders, surely!?