The last of the photos talking about composition includes the wooden base. The cheap pine base was primed with red oxide aerosol, painted with a dark oil based umber and coated with neutral shoe polish. When the polish was buffed, the base looked pretty close to a piece of dark mahogany. I've drawn a triangle in Photoshop to illustrate the idea of the composition. The unusual shape of the base piece and the positioning of the components all contribute to the overall effect. The scene is established as Italy and I needed to decide upon a figure. My first choices were along the lines of a German Paratrooper or a Panzer crewman because of the interesting uniforms, with a chance to paint some camouflage. The figures I had at hand would have just been standing and not interacting with the well or signs. It was starting to get frustrating until I decided to finally use the Michael Roberts figure I purchased at a show in San Diego a few years ago. The figure is supposed to be a Marine from Korea, holding an M-1 carbine, with a cloth covered helmet. He is beautifully sculpted and I had him in mind to use with one of the well kits somehow. When I decided to have him holding a German helmet, the decision was made as to how the vignette would be completed. My research indicated that in WWII, U.S. forces were issued with one piece twill overalls, in all theatres. Initially issued to mechanics and armored personnel, the suits made their way around to other units and were in use even after the two piece suits became standard issue. I think if I had added a pocket to the right chest, it would become distinguishable from the USMC suit but I left it as is to preserve my eyesight. I did modify the figure by replacing his cloth covered helmet with a helmet from an Airfix multipose kit. I stretched nylon mesh over it to create the camo net and added chinstraps from paper and fine wire. I replaced his hand with one that needed only a little modifying to make it hold the helmet by the rim. I think the German helmet is from a Dragon kit and I needed to add a liner from Sculpey, as well as a chinstrap from wire and paper. Replacing the hand at the wrist was fairly easy because the figure is wearing an ID bracelet to hide the break. Go to page 3

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