French Artillery at Solferino 1859

[Iceman1964]

Happy new year to everybody !

I’m starting a new diorama about the Solferino battle in 1859 (Second Italian Independence war or French-Austrian war) where I will use the masterpieces from Massimo Costa.



The diorama will also have a group of soldiers hit by an howitzer shot, more or less like this



while for the explosion I would try to simulate something like this



The problem now is how can I reproduce the explosion....
Metallic wire with cotton and gypsum ? Some foam ?
Have you suggestions ?

Thanks for the help !!!

[Ben Bob]

It looks promising.

There was a discussion earlier that may be useful to you: http://bennosfiguresforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=102&t=23889

Note my link in that thread has exactly the effect you are looking for.

[Mai Strac]

Great figurines, great idea and great.....modeller!!

[C M Dodson]

This mat help.

Scroll down to the section Boom bang crash .

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=22713&start=240

That picture, whilst dramatic is not a gunpowder explosion as it appears to have a prosperous element.

Gunpowder is a low explosive compared to the high explosives of today.

Best wishes.

Chris

[Iceman1964]

Thanks a lot !!!
The links are a real mine of info ! I think leds are out of my range, I will focus on "cotton & Co".
Very useful the point about low explosives of the time, I hadn't thought about it.
I need now to think and test different ways... stay tuned !

[Peter]

Looking forward to this nice diorama! Can't wait to see the next steps!

[huib]

This guy imitates a rocket launch by using painted cotton wool with a tiny led light inserted.

[Iceman1964]

I’m still thinking about the explosion….
In the meanwhile I have completed the 3 guns, now I’m starting with the figures.

[C M Dodson]

Those cannon are very impressive indeed.

The rocket looks great too.

Do not forget if using cotton wool that it gets fluffier if you warm it with a hairdryer.

Best wishes,

Chris

[Peter]

I really like how the guns are painted!

[MABO]

Me too, good presentation of metal parts.

[Iceman1964]

Thanks to everybody for the nice words (Grazie for the Italians )

I have completed the first gun team, here it is.

[huib]

Very nice. Good painting of the figures.

[Peter]

Excellent painted guncrew!

[Santi Pérez]

Fantastic paintwork both on the crew and the guns, Iceman1964.

My best congratulations.

Santi.

[Iceman1964]

Also the crew for the second gun is ready.
Slowly but let's go on

[MABO]

Superb painting, Iceman! But the figs are very good as well.

[Iceman1964]

Completed also the last gun crew ! Now let's try with the explosion , I think I'll go with wire and flocks, I'll show you the results

[Bluefalchion]

That crew moving the cannon makes for a dramatic scene!

[C M Dodson]

Very nice indeed.

The chap bent with the rope is excellent.

Best wishes,

Chris