My Best Diorama So Far? | Crusader Mk3 | Tamiya 1/48

My friends, it's time to make a proper miniature scenery in 1/48 scale. This time I'm putting all knowledge I sourced from the amazing FAQ Dioramas book by AK-Interactive into good use, and not only knowledge but also new toys - hot wire foam cutter and static grass applicator! Combined with those wooden road signs from last week, well, I think this might be the best diorama base I have created on this channel so far!
Patreon: / nightshiftmodeller
Instagram: / nightshiftscalemodeller
Road Signs: • Build & Paint: Miniatu...
Finishing the Crusader: • Legit Desert Weatherin...
Sherman Diorama: • Somewhere in Germany 1...
Enjoying this type of content? Well, if you're new here, then don't be shy to subscribe and maybe even turn on notifications because I keep posting stuff like this every week!
Disclaimer: Most of the weathering products I use in my videos such as Ammo by Mig Jimenez, AK-Interactive, Wilder and VMS were sent to me for free, but with no obligations to promote them. I received a lot of them a long time ago, even before I started this channel. VMS is also one of my Patreon supporters. Being independent from big and exclusive sponsorship deals and showing you a wide variety of different brands and products was one of the founding ideas of this channel and I will always stand by this.
Music: Quincas Moreira - Scratch the Itch - KZbin Audio Library

[@FancyBurrito]

I almost forgot it was friday when suddenly the weekly dose of modelling goodness popped up on my feed!

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Friday best day eh

[@Lancia_Delta_Integrale]

+++

[@Cypher791]

Every moment of my life works towards Friday 😐

[@michaelspitz9151]

@@NightShiftScaleModels Theres not many other options.

[@KumaFall]

@@michaelspitz9151 Saturday,

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

My friends, this project was so much fun! The FAQ Dioramas book from AK is a great purchase and I highly recommend it to everyone who's interested in vignettes, scenic bases and dioramas. Oh and of course even a very cheap static grass applicator from eBay can do wonders. No more trampled grass! I hope you'll have a great weekend!

[@mrtyalcnky4586]

This topic is really interesting, would love to see more, but how about some trees. I would like to know hot to build some trees that are spesific to northern-europe

[@orangelemon9786]

Thanks for the tips! They will definitely come in handy!

[@KoljaLauterbach]

I've looked up the FAQ Book... It's super expensive! Can you recommend it for a "beginner"? I've started modeling years ago and think about a diorama, but have no idea if I can bring up the needed skills...

[@michaelspitz9151]

What was the book you kept talking about, about dioramas.

[@douglascampbell9809]

Not sure if it will work but the polymer clay crowd uses something like a hand cranked pasta machine to make thin sheets. It may be worth getting your hands on a used hand cranked pasta machine.

[@cushionbelly2519]

The weekend is here and it's also Uncle NightShift day. Who doesn't like a weekly visit from Uncle Martin yes? Excellent series, thank you.

[@havanadog7987]

My friend: what’s your favorite day of the weekend? Me: Friday

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

I mean, everyone likes Friday :D

[@peterjozsef448]

@Night Shift The ones who know you like it even more🙌

[@jokenab2002]

@@peterjozsef448 So true!

[@Moody_Maj]

Honestly, you can 'blow your own thrumpet' as much as you want, I mean, You DO create some of the best tank miniatures I've ever seen, and the dioramas/vignettes are so good! You have really an ability in make things look realistic, with shades and little details (like the singley-painted rocks that just give something more in the scene). This said, I really loved this diorama, and I agree that it's better than the other two you did before, not that those weren't good, but this is just... better. I don't know exactly why, maybe because you've more 'experience' now, or this is just better respect the others. Anyways it was a pleasure to watch this video, and see everything from this series come together like it did ))) Greetings from Russia ^D^

[@theboundslayer2083]

I have to agree! Another great modeller is plasmo models, he does some great stuff!

[@sullybeccue1284]

I love the "Maa Friends" at the begging of each video it really makes me very happy. The tone of your voice is just so awesome.

[@Gangkoyt]

I love this guy it takes a real artist to look at a masterpiece and say it’s not finished

[@shuhratkessikbayev8886]

There are tons of benefits that come with Friday •No homework •Last day of work •Xur (Destiny the game) •Uncle Nightshift posting a video

[@trovarion]

it's cute how you described highlighting without all the terms that mini painters use, who use this technique primarily. :D great result, great video!

[@127TROOP]

Awesome to see you turn the pages of the FAQ Diorama book into reality....it does tend to jump around depending on the technique, but you put it in the chronological order, and ‘oh boy’........

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

There are many channels that focus on this hobby. Yours is among the best. Hands down. And the occasional chuckle is a bonus.

[@sergiovasconcellosocriativo]

This is a Trophy for the tank. In my opinion, the vignette helps to highlight the details of the tank and at the same time create a free area for better appreciation of the kit. Beautiful work... cheers!

[@alairlibreinsfreie5785]

yes, i watched the entire series... not too long at all.... it's many years that i build my last tank model.. i was a boy still.. i was not good at it , wich combined with a lack of patience was the recepie for some mediocre results... . so it's unlikely that i will go through the pain again, but it is highly pleasing to watch you doing it, and doing it well... and your unique style of commenting is a powerfull stress deterrant... so here i am, to my great surprise hooked on a modeling chanel... keep on your good work.

[@simonbailey6492]

I love your work, watching has reignited my desire to start making again after 40 years absence. Keep the fascinating detail coming as its great to see such painstakingly intricate work bare fruit in such a wonderful way.

[@paramounttechnicalconsulti5219]

I really enjoy these videos because you actually have the ability to enjoy yourself. Painting rocks one-by- one? Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but jsut the way you always say "It was oddly relaxing" is oddly relaxing! Go-go-go, now-now-now, this person wants this and that person wants that IMMEDIATELY! That is most people's lives and it becomes a shame becasue they can't enjoy something for the sole fact that (gasp!) ti is fun and relaxing! Good on 'yer and great workmanship!

[@noelpetroni6491]

I love watching your videos. Not boring and I learn a lot from them. It's even entertaining how you speak and describe the project. I look forward for more.

[@SmallSoldier]

That turned out EPIC Martin! I love all the individual stone colours and they looked so natural once blended with the dust wash. The barrels and signs were also a great addition that adds a lot of visual interest then counterbalanced with the ditch area on the opposite side. This is definitely something you should be super proud of... I know I would be. Cheers!

[@ETMargraf]

Thank you for this series. Right now I am building the Tamiya 1/48 British Universal Carrier in a Tunisia scene. So far I have used your techniques on armour texture, flame cut marks fender bending, and I plan to do more. Thank you Uncle Night Shift!

[@alexthibodeau979]

Me at 13:02 : Wow that looks finished! Also me: *noticed that the video is only halfway through* Every time I think your work can't get any better, you add another complex layer that makes things so much more satisfying

[@apathtrampledbydeer8446]

Looks awesome!!! The part with the barrels looks great, and the angle of the turet just does something for me, beautiful!!! Weather a dirty road, do the dirty on a weathered road!!!!

[@garylawless3608]

I really enjoyed the journey with the Crusader Uncle, and the vignette shows it off so well! I look forward to to your video postings every week, as they have given me some great ideas to help me improve my own modest modelling attempts, so please keep them coming. Cheers from Australia!

[@martindunn4545]

My favorite day, you've inspired my own projects so much!

[@sunnygringo]

Martin is obsessed with perfectly straight 90° angles ;) and painting the small stones individually ^.^

[@stephenbridges2791]

Outstanding result! I really like it. $100 is really not bad for a wire cutter with a table. I watched the entire series and most assuredly will watch the 1/35 one, as well. As far as I am concerned; you can make them as long as you like. I will watch it all. You have one of the best modeling channels on KZbin. Good job!

[@remybouwer5509]

A great vignette! A really like these simplistic once myself! Is shows the vehicle in a ‘natural’ setting and comes more alive. I am a big fan of Ruben and his AK Diorama FAQ books. Learnt a lot but still learning on every vignette I build!

[@samgerros9846]

Constantly blow away by your projects, can’t wait for the next series

[@CraigH999]

I think I enjoy 1/35 scale the most. I don't care about the length because you give good details while not dragging it out too much. I like the series idea of the model build along with a diorama. You have master craftsman-level skills and your voice-over adds an extra dimension to your videos. Easily yours is my favourite channel of the genre on KZbin. Well done! Cheers from Canada and stay safe, everyone!

[@j.s.connolly8579]

There aren't enough 'A's in DAAAAAMMMMNNN Martin! YOU REALLY ARE an AMAZING MODELER! I'm SO GLAD I found your KZbin Channel! ALWAYS Inspirational! Just Incredible! :D

[@casualmilsim2459]

Only just gotten round to watching this series of videos as I'm painting my own Crusader. Very impressive work. Thank you

[@andrewschanck3363]

MARTIN!!!! Beautiful. You are a beautiful human with a beautiful vignette.

[@bilbobagins5994]

This may be a stretch for you to make a series about but, Takom makes some wonderful 1/35 scale model kits with interior and it would be very interesting to watch you build and paint.

[@George-auty]

especially weathering the interior

[@robertworth5328]

@@George-auty fully support this one - have a couple of MiniArt interior kits waiting to be built, would love to see "The Master" build similar

[@tpaul802]

So good! That diorama is so detailed that it looks like a 1/35 scale model. Blow your own trumpet any time.

[@markfergerson2145]

I think the series was ust about right. The episode on the signs was appreciated. As someone who's lived in a desert I also appreciate the effort to differentiate the various colors of rocks- most people seem to think everything in a desert is the same color.

[@scalerailmodelling2846]

I’m watching through all your videos from the start! Great tips and help for us other modellers

[@destructulus]

Love seeing how you change techniques when you do something the next time over, and now looking forward to that big 1:35 model.

[@kivitelezo]

Considering that Crusader is one of my little secret favorit tanks it is not a suprise how much I love this build! Amazing work!

[@nickbutler7935]

It has all come together very nicely, great work. I liked the base sides just done with 'Mr Surfacer', looked like you had done it on a breeze block.

[@alexhatfield2987]

I'm no expert, but I've watched you hone your skills and its been fascinating to watch you develop as a modeller,. You've every right to feel proud. It's really damn good model of a Crusader tank set in a really cool diorama! One of the best modellers on KZbin.

[@orbitalair2103]

I watched all these, from when you started. Length is about right, I didnt feel it was dragging on like some folks do. Thats a great scene.

[@noahstorstein7313]

Ma friend. That new level of limited chipping is perfect! Definitely keep using it.

[@rainwater739]

Luke Towan has a youtube channel dedicated to step-by-step instruction videos on making various kinds dioramas. I'd highly suggest it for anyone wanting to learn more about techniques and such. They are also just entertaining as hell. I love your videos! Keep up the good work!

[@Nemesisrooster]

Lukes work is mind blowing. Photo realistic at It's best.

[@rainwater739]

@@NemesisroosterHis sky-rise with like 20+ interior rooms was so cool to watch! I'd love to just spend an afternoon looking into all of the windows!

[@grimfist79]

Unfortunately it seems uncle Nightshift might have not seen it. 😆

[@Nemesisrooster]

@@rainwater739 The sky rise is unreal. His beach scene always blows me away, when he puts it against a real sky backdrop you really can't tell it's a diorama.

[@SteveJonesScaleModellingSite]

A vehicle of this quality certainly deserved a base. Wonderful work as always. Great to see

[@jonathansteadman7935]

That's truly inspirational modelling and diorama work for us to aim for, or in my case gives a perspective. When my friends tell me my models are really good I can go 'nah, THIS guy's models are 'really good... excellent in fact'! Beautiful work Sir 👍

[@chriswobcke7271]

To me, its looks just fab! I like its simplicity, as so often dioramas are artificially crowded and unrealistic. Great job. Thank you.

[@oxtcn]

I've just binged your videos, and your enthusiasm is infectious. The style of your videos brings a smile to my face, and it's great to see you taking pride in the hard work you put in to your models, and the amazing outcome! I love the small bases you make, as they all feel more open, leaving more for the imagination, somewhat like books vs. films. Keep up the awesome work! I could watch your videos all day. (As I did to catch up to the current vids) I wish there were more to binge! I wish you tonnes of success, as I'm going to be looking forward to vids every week! Greetings from Hungary!

[@jamiesworkshop3198]

I love it!!! It turned out very nice indeed. I like how a simple base places the model in it's environment and really brings it to life. Also protects the finished model from being handled.

[@nickcharles5891]

We need more Fridays. Martin you did it again!

[@boomsticks_and_battlefield]

I don’t remember how or why I found this channel (I dont even make models or have the time/patience to) but I’m so glad that I did. There’s something so satisfying about watching the projects evolve in each video. Love the content

[@Modkits131]

You’ve helped inspire me to start making my own videos, thank you uncle Nightshift👍👌

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

Awesome!

[@Modkits131]

Night Shift Amazing scenic base it’s very gud👌

[@morrisg]

Well, since you asked Martin: I found your site through a link from Evan (Panzermeister36) maybe 6 months ago. I watch every episode all the way through. The episodes are about right in length and cover the right subjects. It's really nice to see both the armor kit model builds AND to see you use your scratch building skills when making the diorama. It inspires me to just go and try things and see how they turn out, learning what works and what doesn't. Also fun to see what new tools you've found: static grass! Who would have thought of that!

[@blsully]

Loved the series. I'm not a regular here but I do try to catch up on your videos when I have a chance. Thanks for all your efforts and your constant sense of humor. Really enjoyable videos.

[@timothyperrigoue3997]

Without fail... Friday after work, I settle in and have my weekly Night Shift fix. Also there is nothing wrong with being happy with the outcome: Really satisfying results. The Crusader videos have felt very much like you were sharpening a number of techniques that you've been attempting to perfect all along. The only negative from my point of view is... I now want the same hot wire cutter you have!

[@Jacob562622]

I loved this video, the Crusader is my favorite British tank. I'm going to be using a lot of these terrain technics for my gaming minis. This has been a great series, thank you for making these amazing videos!

[@U012]

No, lie. I've almost watched all of your videos. Good work, man. Thanks for the content

[@Eben666]

Black is absolutely my favorite for Bases. I aggree 100% . I Like Your big styro Cutter. I have only a small. ...not Optimal. The Dio and Modell is for me perfect. I Like this Style.

[@patrik-4163]

You are getting better and better in making dioramas, can't wait when you start making some bigger dioramas with some story in it! Loving your videos ,soo relaxing❤️

[@simonwallace-tarry355]

You should be very proud of this, just absolutely fantastic!!! I spend so much time watching and wondering how the hell I apply because I might stuff up, but that's the way we learn. Thank you!!

[@Mattim78]

Great looking diorama/vignette! I really enjoyed this Crusader project, looking forward next Friday🙂

[@n00bstackz]

Dude thanks to your tutorials I managed to churn out weathering/chipping on my gunpla contest entry in 1 night.

[@Road.Tripping]

Much more advanced Uncle! Really lovely work and I like it too! Well done!

[@tobysellors941]

Absolutely great! I recently purchased Tamiya's 1/35 Crusader because of your vids!

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

ooooh, have you seen the newly announced Crusader from Border Model?

[@tobysellors941]

@@NightShiftScaleModels no I haven't, my local model shop probably had it but I like the Tamiya kit; it's got two figures and stowage like Bren guns, helmets, etc

[@joshgibbs3337]

My week is not complete without a Uncle Night Shift video! And it’s been a crazy week and this made it all the better!

[@chadusmaximus7057]

Thank you for this night shift you have single handedly turned my day from bad to good. Thanks for these videos and well done : )

[@scomike8030]

Awesome and the videos are never too long, but that's me. I enjoy watching an excellent modeler at work. You offer great advise and encouragement. This series was terrific. Thanks.

[@erickirwan8703]

Loved this series. Picked up some great tips for a display I want to make for my British "Dingo" armoured car, when it's finished. Many thanks👍

[@antonvoloshin9833]

Wow, This one is a huge leap from previous variants! It's quite enjoyable to watch your progress on this diorama making thing. Guess this is the sheer amount of fine details that makes this one really stand up front, and overall, so to say, "refinement" - all this diversity and crispness in all levels of details scale. You mentioned gathering all sorts of references from photos and google views and this time spent really pays off.

[@NightShiftScaleModels]

It's also because desert scenes are usually quite rocky and rocks are probably the easiest way to add tons of visual interest to a scene. And of course, the Diorama book has so many cool tricks!

[@boryancrum2196]

Your other scenic bases were good - this one is excellent. I'm really happy with how your rocks came out, I'll definitely be incorporating those techniques. And the static grass applicator is just 👌

[@gregrandolph]

What do I think? All your work paid off. I think the base with all the little details, especially the signs, looks fantastic, and it really compliments the tank. Most important: you are pleased with it.

[@ScaleMilitaryModels]

Getting rid of the waste... Proceeds to create more pieces of waste... Amazing work!

[@konradschreier7971]

Very worthwhile video, particularly the back stories on the techniques. 👍👍

[@robertthompson1993]

You've outdone you in yourself, again. My favourite out of all your projects. I'm already excited about next week's video.

[@nikolajusic]

nice job, i started doing models but stoped because i dont have moch free time, BUT waching what you do here- i'm gonna get back too it....tnx uncle :D

[@samadams933]

This not-a-diorama project was very good, informative and of course makes me want to get back to my studio because it’s inspiring. Your skill and enthusiasm is infectious, so the videos and narrative keeps the videos from feeling l o o o n g. Just the right length. I always watch the whole video. Also, I treat the Night Shift video sequences as a reference library. When I’m working on something and I need a refresher or some info...I just go back and look stuff up. Usually easy to find because they are an appropriate length. Keep ‘em coming.

[@nickdewsnap9859]

Awesome. The terrain looks real and blends perfectly with the weathering on the tank. I hope you keep making these.

[@endgovernmentextremism]

I keep catching myself smiling for extended periods while watching your videos. That's unusual for me.

[@ariochiv]

Superb. It's small, but just the right size to keep the focus on the tank, which is the star.

[@JustClips]

wow absolutely blown away by this whole build. the diorama looks amazing and the tank too! keep it up dude.

[@alexguest]

Series feedback? I continue to enjoy your mix of - for you - tried & true with new & experimental techniques. Growth is a great subject matter & you’re showing result you like & I can - possibly - emulate later. Thanks, man. I’m looking forward to the next one.

[@stellarpod]

Wonderful work with the usual superb results, my friend. Always enjoy your videos. And yes, I watched the entire series (with great anticipation for each segment I might add). As always, thank you for sharing. Steve

[@allys537]

The series on this one was great, I love the result. it is a good length, for those of us whom don't watch television shows this serves as our replacement of a weekly show. I like the 20-30 minute time block as it fits well.

[@peterbiggin7193]

Doing the base definitely adds to the whole build and I really want one of those hot wire cutters

[@whittaker007]

I like it. The roadside signs are my favourite part, they look so awesome!

[@TwinIonEngines]

Honestly this is one of your best dioramas yet, it looks fantastic! And I'm a huge fan of desert themes. Keep being an inspiration to us!

[@norbertblackrain2379]

Simple is not a bad approach to archive great results!

[@williamsaloka9043]

Fantastic, Mr. Shift!! Very well done!! Excellent content, as always...

[@andersdenkend]

Awesome base. If I will ever be able to do something just half as nice, I am already a happy man.

[@teutosoldier]

Incredible diorama. Thanks for sharing the techniques!

[@utgar131]

Very inspiring video series, I am going to use some of the techniques used here on a diorama i am currently working on.

[@GnLeugim]

a suggestion, get a metal nail, hold it with the crocodile to make it easier to connect the two ends of the static grass applicator! ;)

[@Ccccccccccsssssssssss]

Thanks Uncle Nightshift! Your videos always make me so happy!

[@garycooper3487]

A very nice build. I must admit to having a soft spot for the Matilda tank if I do a desert scene, but you have really done the Crusader justice. I might have to get one myself.

[@riverbankjournal]

I watched the entire series, very enjoyable and informative as always, and the end result is beeeeautiful. I like the fact that you always try new techniques on every build, and you aren't afraid to say if they don't work quite how you expected. Bravo!

[@NwoRun]

Marvelous colour application and scheme.

[@CypherC300]

Super cool to see the finished project! Almost as exciting as finding out what the next model is going to be when next Friday's video drops!

[@Rosshannah1695]

Beautiful vignette, I like the mk2 crusader, but that's just a personal thingy. The build and base videos were superb, it's hard to truly appreciate your own work, especially when it's so immersive, as I can't really appreciate anything I've done till a couple of weeks later, as my patience only goes so far. Fantastic work sir, God bless from a far less patient Scotsman.

[@greganixter7352]

Watched the whole series, and you are very very enjoyable to listen to

[@credoimperialis]

dude your power over dioramas is rising!!!!!!

[@cemaa4338]

It's great. The whole story is very good from start to finish. Timing is also good. Not too long and not too short. everything is in order. My English is weak. That's why I couldn't even write half the praise I wanted to write. I follow you with Google's automatic subtitle translation :) Sometimes automatic subtitle translation doesn't work. It makes me sad. Greetings from Turkiye. :)

[@fredrikvanlienden6749]

Your skill making bases has improved by a lot! Looking forward to next project!

[@dagored4077]

I started to watch out of interest in the subject and ended up staying to listen to your narrative. Great job!