Cavalry Charge at Marston Moor - version 2

[PLG]

Hi Guys

In the completed models section is my diorama of the Ironside cavalry charging infantry at the ECW battle of Marston Moor. I did take it to Telford but, unfortunately managed to damage the ensign holder - well knocked him off the horse - and, not having my modeling glasses with me I could not fix it so did not actually enter it.

Having returned home i saw a couple of things about the base I did not like; in particular the turf would be damaged by the falling horse. Also the composition is ok, but the viewer cannot really see the leaping horse with all four hooves off the ground.

big decision - build version two!

The plan is to use the core figures but add a couple more, on a slightly bigger base to fit the additional figures amd revised composition taking the new total up to about 15.

Step one - build a new base.

Fortunately woodwork is my other hobby and this took abut 12-15 hours in all. This photo shows the new base alongside the original. not only is it a bit bigger but the decorative edging is in a darker wood - utile rather than oak - which I think will look better.

Something you cannot see very well is that the base slopes down towards the front at a steeper angle than the original which will (hopefully) make it easier to see the figures at the back.

Next will be back to some sculpting.

peter

 

[Malkie]

You have shown that even the best diorama can be improved upon with a fresh outlook, and have the courage to upgrade the existing one. I will be interested to see the final outcome.

Malkie

 

[NigelR]

I saw the damaged version at Telford and it looked pretty good to me, but I think these improvements will make it even better. You put so much work into the figures I think it's worth the effort.

Remember your glasses next year......

 

[Briggsy]

Wow a real glutton for punishment, but bigger will definitely be better with this even though it is already very dynamic.

Cheers Simon

 

[Merryweather]

Whoop de dooo, looking forward to this!

 

[PLG]

malkie - you're not the only one interesting in how it will turn out-so am I. Although I have a vision in my mind I am sure it will turn out differently, probably not as good!

nigel - thanks, it was a disappointment to break something. My stupidity in not being careful enough. Such is life.

Simon - I think we sre all gluttons for punishment to a degree. hopefully i will enjoy building version 2 as much as I did the original.

Neil - whoop de doo exactly!

i have started to sculpt a couple of foot figures being trampled. To get an idea ov the poses I googled pictures of horse races where jockeys had fallen off. Found some very useful photos such as this one:

peter