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Model-Related Handicrafts
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Topic starter
21/01/2026 2:08 pm
Military historian and collector, modeler, sculptor and champion of the diorama and shadow box, Sheperd Paine was my hero, mentor and guru. I never met the man but I used his many tutorials and portfolios to guide me through the making of dioramas. From the sculpting and painting of figures to the detailing of groundwork as well as the machines of war, he was a true master and IMHO the equal to Francois Verlinden. Both their techniques of drybrushing and weathering were invaluable to bestow realism to any scenario. Paine worked with Monogram Models, Tamiya and Dragon Models offering support personnel and other accessories that would turn a static model into a realistic vignette. His aim with his dioramas was to create, in his words, "a 3-D painting; creating a story without words". He did some work with Franklin Mint over the years and I have 3 pieces of maritime sculptures, but my real pride and joy is his "To The Last Man" rendering of the Battle of the Alamo in pewter. I was tempted to paint the figures, but it seemed a bit blasphemous. Just look at the dynamism and ferocity he put into these figures... amazing!
22/01/2026 3:55 am
I remember building 1/32 Monogram tank models and studying the how to guides of his that were included. Here is one my Shermans I modified from early to later version.
This post was modified 3 months ago by grockwood
Topic starter
22/01/2026 10:35 am
@grockwood Yes, old Shep got you thinking out of the box. Super detailing, weathering and conversions got you doing research as well as problem solving. Here's an Opel Blitz Mautier with a AAA mounted taken from one of my dioramas.
John Bono and Christopher Moroni reacted
22/01/2026 2:45 pm
Great Opel Rich. Love the photo of the frame assembly. The grime and rust plus the detail on the radiator is amazing.
Topic starter
22/01/2026 2:56 pm
22/01/2026 3:54 pm
These are all tremendous examples of detail and realistic scale replicating that says much without saying a word.
I'm always impressed with models & dioramas such as these. I've learned a fair amount working on my N-scale railroad but rarely tackle vehicles unless it something from WW II.
Like you Rich, I'd be tempted to paint that pewter sculpture, but it needs to remain as is..... it's art!
Rich Sufficool reacted