When in 2020, I built Glencoe Model's Bristol Sycamore, I placed it in a jungle casualty evacuation scene set during the 1950s Malayan Emergency. My focus then was on the model and the historical backstory that was more important to me than the diorama I created to display it. After 3 years exposed to modelling fumes and paint spray in the loft, time had taken its tole on both diorama and model. Had it not had such historical and emotional connection, and with a new project in the planning and space being a premium, I would have just 'black bagged' it - a fait already met by my early Vietnam, Korea, and Falklands dioramas!
Having a plan for a new epic diorama, I thought refreshing this old Malayan scene, keeping true to my original vision but applying skills honed over the past few years - this one having been my first ever proper scale modelling diorama - would give me some much needed practice.
I dusted down the old diorama clearing all the loose foliage and figures and built my own wooden frame in which to both display it and to give it extra strength, its original base having been just cardboard glued to a larger 'multi diorama' base.
As well as giving the land a new layer of grass and a good covering of undergrowth, I 'borrowed' trees from my Pegasus Bridge diorama - it will be due its own makeover in a year or so - and dug out an old bottle of scenic water. I got a bit carried away with the water, adding a feeder river to my lake, which on reflection probably adds a bit more realism to the scene.
I strategically placed reeds around the new river and dusted off the figures. I didn't think they looked too bad for their years, so left them with their original paint.
The old Sycamore model was also looking OK to my eye. Yes, if I were building it today, I'll have added a bit of weathering but I was keen to keep it as original to my 3 year old self and so just gave it a clean.
When doing a little more research on the period I came across this picture of a Westland Whirlwind ...
Finally, here's a little video to complete the project ...
I now feel suitably ready to move on to the next one :)
