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,

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@Gangkoyt]

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

[@samgerros9846]

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

[@martindunn4545]

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

[@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 : )

[@fredrikvanlienden6749]

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

[@nickdewsnap9859]

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

[@CrazyLikeATiger]

Loved this series, and this is undoubtedly your best base yet. Cant wait to see the next project!!

[@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❤️

[@Obakedake]

Looks amazing, big improvement over your previous bases. Really enjoy this aspect of your builds and hope you keep doing them!

[@RESlusher]

Great work, Martin! Seeing your work makes me focus more on my bases and not just as an afterthought.

[@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!

[@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👍

[@coreyseals4269]

This was awesome and I'm glad you started doing these! This is a hobby within the hobby, and brings life to the model. Cheers to a job well done.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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👌

[@robertthompson1993]

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

[@SgtWayneNilesLSA]

You have every reason to be happy with that Martin. Thats great, and very helpful, thank you. Another brilliant job 👍❤

[@damienjohn]

seriously inspiring to see such an incredible level of detail! Amazing artistry.

[@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.

[@davidgolinsky]

I think this is your most impressive build to date. Everything about this build screams AWESOMENESS! 👍

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@Mattim78]

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

[@Nikitan275]

Great job on this diorama. Always love to see how realistic your models are.

[@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!

[@hijinkstodeath1722]

That looks amazing!!! 🤩 So cool getting to see it come together, and learn how! I’d love to see more.

[@JustClips]

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

[@axiolot5857]

I just love this channel, the explainations, the occasional humor, its amazing

[@williamsaloka9043]

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

[@nickcharles5891]

We need more Fridays. Martin you did it again!

[@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.

[@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.

[@-coelian-detlev2274]

Yes ready !! And I enjoy every minutes of all episode and It make my day every Friday .It was not boring in every sequence .Keep on going with the good work

[@NeilWB]

The series is perfect in length, content - everything really :)

[@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!

[@joshuashikles9095]

AWESOME job as always my friend. I watched the whole series. You can make the series as long as you want. As long as we have videos from you to watch that's all that matters.

[@teutosoldier]

Incredible diorama. Thanks for sharing the techniques!

[@huwtindall7096]

Outstanding. A whole bunch of great tips and something for me to work towards in my own skills!

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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!

[@ChrisK-LTC]

The series and the final project were just perfect!

[@SteveJonesScaleModellingSite]

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

[@casualmilsim2459]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@Ccccccccccsssssssssss]

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

[@lategaming4164]

It looks stunning! This is the most beautiful model/diorama that I have ever seen!

[@konradschreier7971]

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

[@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!

[@marlinblack6597]

Watched the whole series. Very informative and entertaining as usual. Thank you again for sharing your skill.

[@JcbeansDomain]

I've been following you since your tiger I rework, and I find that you really are finding your element in video presentation. It's relaxing and therapeutic as you say, and I enjoy the fact that you're sharing your passion online. Watched the whole line on the crusader and can't wait for your next project Uncle Night Shift. ;)

[@danielecassani9011]

Hi, thank you for the inspiration! This "almost diorama" looks awesome! I have always dreamt of a desert diorama, and using some of your tips I just finished a El Alamein diorama, it looks very good, all sandy and... deserty. I used also the road signs and some scrap around the barrels. It makes it very realistic. Thanks again, keep up with your videos!

[@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!

[@lukaskelemen3042]

Awesome diorama man, can't wait to see the upcoming 1/35th scale builds :D

[@tpaul802]

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

[@artvanos7167]

It is always nice to see the video on Friday and be inspired

[@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.

[@whittaker007]

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

[@keefr22]

Watched the whole series, enjoyed every single video! Excellent model on a great base!

[@stephen1942]

Another class act! I really look forward to your Friday videos.

[@mrc4910]

I enjoyed each video and always learn so much. Keep them coming - the more the better. 👍😎

[@Road.Tripping]

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

[@kamikazebadger2686]

Great video. The diorama looks amazing and you presented the stages so clearly. Thank you.

[@rq83]

Great work, please continue making videos. I loved watching and will be viewing all your videos. Keep Up The Good Work 😉

[@shawncraib]

This was awesome. Somehow your videos are always the inspiration I need fot a subject I'm struggling with. Thanks

[@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.

[@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.

[@miksstudio]

Another awesome job, been thinking about a foam cutter, seeing yours in use makes me want one even more.

[@greganixter7352]

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

[@valuedhumanoid6574]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 👌

[@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!!!!

[@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.

[@lmmodellismomilitare]

Very good model and base. Thank you for your video. Simple but so good. Really nice base and step by step.

[@MTMargraf]

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!

[@YUNOBF3]

Another brilliant series. Keep up the good work.

[@n00bstackz]

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

[@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!

[@teaurn]

I enjoyed that series, nice to see a British tank, and one of my favourites too - it's got a really interesting shape! 👍

[@norbertblackrain2379]

Simple is not a bad approach to archive great results!

[@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

[@danteogilery7948]

Thank you for this Mr. Night Shift ! Looking forward to next project!

[@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!

[@StevenRafael268]

i just watched this whole series and it really helped me with my british m3 stuart honey tank! so thank you for being awesome! :)

[@georgetaylor5482]

watched the whole series, very enjoyable, look forward to more, new tools are awesome.

[@NwoRun]

Marvelous colour application and scheme.

[@TheTedazerty]

I still can't wait for the weekend but now for some other reasons! Thank you that was great 👍 You make me wanna build smaller scales

[@noahstorstein7313]

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