Scenic Route - Afghanistan Diorama

My friends, creating a small, desert mountain road diorama can be pretty easy, yet a small scene can still contain lots of details and tell a simple story!
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Music: Quincas Moreira - Scratch the Itch - KZbin Audio Library

[@Saefogeo]

I can't believe that someone thought about making and selling a box of AFGHAN TRAFFIC SIGNS FROM THE 2000'S 😆😆😆 I knew that the level of detail someone can put into this kind of models and dioramas could be insane but man... I was just like 🤪🤪🤪 Another superb diorama as usual. Love your channel man 😍👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@karolmalinowski9097]

Yeah, MiniArt is an absolute godsend in the scale models world. Not only their products are great quality, but also cheap.

[@tuckeyuk]

It's almost as if there was a massively well known war there in the early 2000s!

[@Zheeraffa1]

11:16 I was wondering: Is that a steep incline, or decline? In Europe, it would be an incline, but that's because we read from left to right, but Dari and Pashto are RTL.

[@jkull173]

@@Zheeraffa1 it’s the same, they don’t look at images from right to left, it’s not text that is written.

[@karolmalinowski9097]

@@tuckeyuk early 2000s? Aren't you forgetting something?

[@NoName-sb9tp]

Uncle Nightshift is the only one I watch that will happily paint pebbles

[@Celebmacil]

I like how that one dude standing by the technical with his rifle on his shoulder's AK has the buttstock installed upside down. Interesting detail.

[@wightclaudia]

Hey guys - I am an afghan road sign and so was my father before me and we can both definitively say as signs that Martin did a great job capturing the likeness here

[@eliquidmatt]

Hey Night Shift.. you all good? Been a while since we've seen you ma' friend!

[@aven8792]

Best part about Friday nights : night shift videos

[@historex54tamiya]

I have been modelling for over 30 years, now run my own figure company. Fortunate to have met some of the best and own a few of their legacy …….BUT I can honestly say you inspire, your work is excellent and the fact you share, makes you, to me , one of the best modellers of today. I do not use that term lightly, you have fast become the Verlinden , Paine of the now!

[@Curry_Communist]

Whats ur figure company?

[@tankbuilder9618]

What’s your company if I may ask?

[@bonbon3215]

Company name?

[@captainramius5047]

*becomes most efficient modeller in history* Chad energy radiates even faster

[@planetearts5182]

Verlinden pratiquait la même philosophie lorsqu’il créait ses dioramas très rarement guerriers du reste. Ses figurines empruntaient des postures nonchalantes de la vie quotidienne, le matériel de guerre n’étant qu’un prétexte pour mieux les sublimer et refléter une époque. Avec vos créations vous lui rendez un grand hommage. Continuez à nous émerveiller ! Merci encore. 🇫🇷

[@HueJanus71]

Black 2.0 for the base edges would really make this diorama pop even more so, stunning work yet again nightshift.

[@paulfranklin4276]

I ddi two tours in afghan and this model is great... good job dude

[@gunnarsoderhielm3425]

I really appreciate your little talk about how you do "peaceful" dioramas at the end, because it's exactly what I like to do as well for dioramas and your videos are certainly a reason for that. I didn't think military dioramas of big manly soldiers in extreme action scenes were really for me, but then I found your calmer and gentle scenes and I find that so much more interesting. Like you said, showing the humanity of soldiers, even during war.

[@pinkydemongames5969]

I've watched this video on my dads computer, it's very therapeutic to watch you make dioramas like this, idk it just relaxes me

[@daspanzer135]

Looks great! Your dioramas are always so realistic and interesting.

[@thewingedporpoise]

I love this little hilly dusty desert road, looks like something I've driven on in Oregon! I also adore the detail of the top of the upper sign being mostly dust free, telling us that it's above where dust gets kicked up

[@Nascar_Recreation]

Nightshift was definity tired in making of this.

[@FalloutProto]

You could say he was working the… night shift

[@SirCabooseCCCP]

@@FalloutProto 😑

[@KumaFall]

@@FalloutProto that’s too good, get out

[@joed5959]

Martin you were given an amazing Talent stay safe.

[@YUNOBF3]

Excellent video. This diorama turned out brilliant and I personally like the minimal narrative and "peaceful" nature of your work. Looking forward to the next one.

[@markfergerson2145]

It has been said that being a soldier comprises long stretches of boredom punctuated by moments of terror. Other modelers try to capture those moments with varying degrees of success. I'm happy to see the boredom. For that matter, this may be one of the transitional moments in which the brothers are trying to determine who is on their side this week, and will they run into friend or foe down the road?

[@billb89]

Love the Toyota FJ in this scene!

[@theonlycharms8915]

You should maybe start a series with an airplane I think they would be awesome because I am really trying to get into model making and your videos help a lot and I am really into airplanes so I think it would be awesome to see how you would paint an airplane

[@blainetoms]

i always love the storytelling in your work its so awesome - i know you said this was the lastv video of 2022 but could we maaaybe have a little recap video of all of the projects you made this year? i'd love to see the scenes sat next to each other to see the progress and changes you made along the way with each one. plus it'd be awesome just to see them all out on the table at the same time. - have a great christmas and new year!

[@KramGnilrad]

You made 2022 a better place! Thank you

[@bumholekid1383]

Afghanistan has beautiful mountain forest actually.

[@braucsdaddy]

Next time you paint a large volume of wood like this, doing one side at a time, start off by applying a coat of lacquer thinner to open the grain on the wood up and then apply a thin layer of diluted pva. This will seal the grain and prevent the veneer from absorbing the medium of the paint and allow it to go a lot farther. If you’re using household paint this step could arguably be negligible but i know you’re running a business so any steps you could do to save resources would be worthwhile, especially if you’re using modeling acrylic lol so, yeah I’d probly seal that wood first. This turned out gorgeous by the way, I love how you can take a fairly common uninspired model and somehow make me want to get it and do something with it myself! You are by far the best scale modeler on you tube ma’ freeend!

[@pattygman4675]

Great to see something more modern, good to test your comfort zone. Happy Christmas and a happy new year.

[@MrFatShanks]

See you in 2023 mate! Thanks so much for entertaining me throughout this year and you really deserve the break. Take it easy ma friend ;)

[@kylebroflovski5333]

The difference made by painting the individual stones was wild. Immediately looked so much better as it highlighted this was a rocky area and not a sandy desert

[@flatbrokefrank6482]

The two figures make the difference!

[@t-5538]

Night Shift house tour!

[@MrHrannsi]

Aha! The secret weapons of diorama builders, dirt from the garden™ and cat litter. Fantastic as always Martin.

[@loupiscanis9449]

Thank you , Uncle Martin . Thank you for all your 2022 content , Happy Holiday's for you and your tribe , 🌲🎅🌲 . See you next year . 🐺

[@yefartz108]

Martin it's good to be humble but those figures ARE excellent

[@bazookabill3081]

Wow. Between you and PLASMO you produce some beautiful work

[@jonathanmead]

I’m pretty sure that Luke Towan has the trademark for yard dirt on scenic models 😉

[@SmallSoldier]

If you add Woodland Scenics Foam Tac Glue to the foam first the terrain material will stick like "poop to a shoe"! I think you could use regular PVA glue as well, Great work as usual Martin.🍻

[@markloraine5882]

Honestly, with the outcome of this diorama I think you should continue with the Iraq/Afghanistan look. Maybe one of those dioramas but with a t-62, or a m1a1 Abrams.

[@pascalkeller516]

Merry XMas to you also ! Thank you very much for all these beautiful artworks you provide us along the year ! Greatings from Switzerland !

[@TheOnlyMasterChef]

Having been to Afghanistan - these trucks are pretty common there even if they're not what comes to mind when you think "Afghanistan".....and none of the many roadsigns we put out there lasted more than a month after they were put up except the massive overpass or highway ones. This was doubly true for any rural signs which often disappeared within 24 hours. Everything got knocked over with a truck or yanked out with a mule and recycled into local sheds or whatever else needed a flat sheet of steel. Just another example of how us westerners never really understood the place or the people, even in the beginning, and how that misunderstanding led right back to the place Afghanistan is once more. Model is awesome though, as is the diorama work. I am glad to see you do a 4x4 and I am hoping to do something similar with the Bronco Gaz 69 I've got sitting around waiting to be finished.

[@Osito23481]

You know its gonna be a great day when he uploads😆

[@h2owl205]

I will never not be amazed with how good the figurine top-down painting method is. It's so simple but the amount of depth and detail it captures is astounding.

[@Seektheday]

Its great. I use it in miniature war games as well. Simple fast and good results

[@JedenSiedemDwa]

Human element is very important. All the best for You!

[@travisjodyh.842]

Love this video. If you’re looking for a new challenge, how about a diorama with railroad tracks?

[@ukyo6195]

An another diorama about a stupid war. ❤

[@tomtruesdale6901]

That turned out very nicely.

[@scaleModelAddict]

Awesome storytelling. Having the gun guy not looking at buddy is killer.

[@lookingoverstrangeterrainl3667]

Although Afghanistan is a mountainous desert country, there is a lot of green, more so than you would think, especially in the northern regions of the country. More often than not, the high ground close to some if not most roads has some sort of rock masonry retaining wall. Overall this is very cool.

[@johndillon8051]

Great work in composing this. It really captures a moment in time perfectly. Cheers to you sir!

[@tpbbuzzelli1327]

Beautiful Craftsmanship

[@allys537]

Big Chungus, Kings and Queens, Afghanistan diorama, smart mud? This guy has it all! way to wrap up 2022, see you next year ma-friend!

[@lostsock9852]

great diorama uncle! Personally, I think the men should've been facing each other, but it kinda works also as it is

[@JimFlanagan4206]

Absolutely fantastic! Good call on painting the truck blue. It really pops on that diorama. One of the best I've seen you do.

[@user-so4tx7zs5r]

The diagonal slicing over a mountain is old but classic.

[@tpaul802]

Merry Christmas Martin. I can't wait for 2023

[@mr9263]

The diorama is amazing! well, as always

[@t3ripley722]

I just wanted to say, you inspired me to get into dioramas! I just finished my first ever diorama, a Mercedes G-Wagon and cats in a park, for my wife’s Christmas present. She liked it so much she cried 😅 But I DEFINITELY need to get an airbrush now. Painting the whole thing by hand was NOT fun 😭

[@htc4898]

Merry XMas and happy vacation! See you 2023.Regard from New Zealand.

[@DasKrampusAirsoft]

That was amazing! I was deployed to Afghanistan, and you nailed it!!

[@SDOne-or6vm]

Enjoy your holidays my friend. I wish Santa Clause brings you a 1/16 model for an epic modelling journey in 2023!

[@derpdude1015]

I an truly impressed by this diorama! Well done. I would love to see a diorama using dunes, perhaps an army camp, or a tank laying stuck in the sand, that would be so cool snd different to anything I've ever seen before.

[@LockheedC-130HerculesOfficial]

Now this does put a smile on my face

[@Jeffsmodelgarage]

Very nice diorama Martin looks simple but very detailed cat litter never thought of it lol cheers my friend

[@milybanily]

There are only a few road signs in Afghanistan, but believe me there is no a single one without bullet holes. Regards from Spain.

[@gusthomas]

Really really really awesome diorama! Simple but so realistic. One of my favorites for sure

[@fluffykoala5265]

Amazing job! Happy new year everyone!

[@stellarpod]

This turned out to be one of my all-time favorites. I love the simplicity. As always, thanks much for sharing. Steve

[@darkwood777]

Thank you, Martin! These videos are inspirational and educational. I think my dioramas are gradually improving as I apply your methods. Enjoy your holidays and see you in January.

[@JDSG360]

Cant wait for your next project! Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you all!

[@ThePudge1976]

Martin, thanks so much for this series. I have two completed SAS Pink Panthers complete with Eduard photo etch upgrades and have been staring at them in fear for weeks. Like you I had to connect chasis and body before painting. You (again) have given me the ideas and confidence to attack them! The sandy pink colour should respond well following your blue techniques for fading. Thanks so much.

[@alankeith7866]

Thank you Martin for another great video! Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

[@KevinoftheCosmos]

You're a diorama making legend. So inspirational, friend. Truly.

[@willfox662]

very relaxing vid as always! i especially loved the rock texture on the slope, it looks so real!

[@hardysscalemodels]

That is absolutely superb! 👏🏻👏🏻

[@damiandighton5199]

Thank you for another year of awesome modelling. I can't wait for next year and what you will be doing. Merry Christmas and a happy new year.

[@pilgrimgrey4191]

Happy Christmas man and all the best for 2023. Thankyou for all the videos through the year they have been a blessing in many ways. Keep smiling…

[@zoroalakazam]

I love the tracks and dirt....it looks so much natural....great stuff👍👍👍

[@coenvancamp1976]

Beautiful, as always! A nice deviation from the tanks. Can't wait for your big new project. Happy 2023!

[@iliveitup7418]

Love your work. Been following your channel for a few years now. Never boring

[@BladeRunnerC]

As always a true delight my friend 🤗🙏. Thank you for all the pleasure you have given this year and I hope you and your family have a wonderful Merry Christmas 🎄🤗🎄🤗🎄🥳🥳

[@michaelbevis2473]

Thanks for this country rd video. I’ve just begun paInting a base for a Panther stuck in a ditch in N. Italy and was using the Somua diorama as a concept to start from. Invaluable info and as always, awesome! Enjoy the fruits of your reno. And yes, I’m trying to not just collect kits. Stay safe.

[@martianmuppet]

Great work, thanks for uploading.

[@raymondbarnell9123]

great as always

[@fjdexx]

A wonderfull Dio. Love it. Thx for showing and have nice christmas and new year!

[@Mrdrcaptaintroy]

Gorgeous! Have a wonderful Christmas and new years.

[@dickieadcock]

Truly a master.

[@jowen1503]

I'd really love to see a diorama of a father and son holding hands walking towards the sunset over a hill.

[@dainiusltu5945]

😮😮😮😮 so simple, but so mesmerising and detailed ❤😮

[@daniellejones5981]

Another masterpiece! Merry Christmas!

[@gixxerman]

Happy Christmas and a happy new year Martin to you and your family. Thank you for all your hard work this year I've enjoyed every video. Looking forward to seeing what's next. Enjoy your rest.

[@jurgen6768]

Fabulous video once again . Thank you so much for posting I'm picking up many weathering tips etc .

[@thatotherguy7596]

That one is a real eye catcher. It's nice to see you branching out a little.

[@hugotogner168]

I really love this series. You did a brilliant job, as always, and I hoped for a long time you will do some Afghanistan diorama one day. And I also wish you and all modelers here in comments merry Christmas.

[@bluebooooo7165]

Just a nice 3 part series! Nice!

[@MarcinEstkowski]

Pleasure to watch!

[@fabricedevos4273]

Great result, really! 🎉 I like what you do because you always have a smart approach on the way to achieve your goal, and you share it. Thank you 👍🏼

[@dsbg187]

This is so beautifully impressive

[@davidbotto7312]

Happy Holidays, Uncle Night Shift

[@paulpat8180]

Best I've seen in a long time 🎉

[@SkyrayModels]

Very cool ground effects.

[@casualmilsim2459]

Incredible work yet again. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too.

[@goforitpainting]

Professional as always.