Join the Navy and blow up things!! The latest diorama shows the post-World War Two U.S. Navy UDT version of the boat used to drop off and recover the best of the best.
I had this model back in the late 1960s as I remember the “frogmen” figures that inspired me to set a goal for becoming one of them, things didn’t work out along those lines but I completed over twenty years in the Navy retiring at the highly respected Chief Petty Officer’s position. This model reminded me of the inspiration so I took on the task of detailing the model and mounting it in a sea-borne setting as it should be.
The boat model; I used all of the parts included in the kit with the exception of the .30 caliber machine guns that I replaced with ones from Academy Models along with adding ammo cans and splinter shields which in real life were at on time made from very thin metal. The painting was strictly by the book as Navy Standard Grey in various shades would appear to be weathered and worn by saltwater. The inflatable boat was painted jet black with a coating of acrylic gloss to show lots of water inside and out, this was then secured to the landing craft with all of the correct lines and hopefully all the required knots as shown in the directions booklet.  Additional details were added including a ready service box on the forward bulkhead opposite the coxswain’s station, these were and still are used to store explosives or flares on naval ships. Also, sea bags and storage bags are seen toward the stern of the boat.
The figures; I used the three figures shown in the photos with little detailing or adjusting as the arms and legs were pretty well defined. The boat crew figures were painted Navy dungaree working uniform colors for the period and weathered by dry brushing all of the surfaces to show wear and tear. The UDT member in the inflatable boat was painted flat black with a coating of acrylic clear gloss as this UDT member would be wet all of the time!
The base; Where to start? That is a real question to ask when you have just built a watercraft with all the props and rudders installed. I gave up the idea of showing all of that work in favor of the rough seas that would highlight the entire boat. I used a white packing foam sheet with a section carved out of the hull and used acrylic caulk for the water effects with blue and white acrylic paint for the coloring. Lots of glossy paint was used along with letting the caulk set up to the point where I could move it around to simulate waves and swells. The foaming sea was then positioned on a finished section of shelving.
Please note, if sea-sickness should prevail over you while viewing the diorama, please refrain from getting sick in the boat!! Enjoy
John
Thanks so much for this information John. I have a few vignettes and small dioramas in mind. One is a 1/700 submarine that I have plans of a water line display. Creating water is a challenge for me, so I’ll be asking you a couple of questions soon.
Thanks again for this post. A fine display indeed.
Jorge,
One of the tricks I read about a few years back is the use of aluminum foil crumpled up and then spread out, this leaves a wavy pattern which then you gently press the foil onto a layer of Plaster of Paris or as I like to use the acrylic caulking like I use for water. Check out my HO scale RR on Hobbies in a Barn for my river rapids. The idea of using foil is OK but caulk gives you time to shape the wave with a stiff paint brush, when the caulk is dry then paint the colors with acylic craft paints.