Greetings from Libreville - Gabon / Equatorial Africa

[praga]

The first of three dioramas for the upcoming exhibitions is ready. All built and painted by me.
The hotel is by Jens Najewitz I bought the resin kit many years ago.
The little house is a remnant of Outland Models from China. The TukTuk, the nice ladies around the lantern and the Vespa with passengers were bought by Germania at the EME. The militiamen and the tank crew are from FC Model Trend - as are some civilians and the white photographer. Some African civilians by S&S Tin models - as they carry the loads on their heads they were a MUST although it wasn't cheap due to the new UK customs regulations. And loads of other characters I could use as an African. The T55 is from Revell and the VW pick-up truck is from PJ-Models.

Greetings from Home (not Gabun), Jens Hilgraf

[Peter]

Fantastic made diorama! Great mix of figures!

[Bessiere]

Welcome to Bennos Praga. Your diorama is superbly done. Chock full of realistic details that bring the scene to life. I love how you have juxtaposed the civilians with military presence as it so often is in many African countries. The tanker chatting (or is he negotiating?) with the local "ladies" is a nice touch. The weathering on the VW is second to none. Your pictures are very well done and the natural light makes the scene look very real indeed. Congrats on a diorama extremely well crafted.
Cheers,
Bessiere

[k.b.]

What a truly remarkable piece of storytelling. All beautifully crafted and chock-a-block with interest. There are countless number of interactions taking place and for me personally it is all absolutely riveting stuff. So many details to take in. I also love the idea of mixing military vehicles and figures with civilians and boy do they all work well together.
Since I started writing this I have had to stop 4 times up to now to look back at your diorama, so much is there to take in. I do find myself listening to a voice in my head asking me where the main focal point of the scene is. It’s why I have looked back so many times. I can’t find one. I am sure for most it is probably the tank with its crew members looking so casual in the centre of the scene. However, the bag ladies toting their wares is also competing for my attention, as is the anti air machine gun and two of its crew members in particular I find most convincing, the guy standing with his gun behind his head over his shoulders and my absolute favourite figure in the whole scene - the chap in a yellow top with green combat trousers looking so relaxed, almost nonchelant sitting on those sandbags in the corner. He’s terrific. Admittedly he’s not very well painted, indeed many of the figures themselves are not, but it doesn’t matter, I dare to say it even adds to the character of the diorama itself. Any yet this careful analysis all brings me to what I think is the most fascinating of characters and is my personal favourite focal point - which is the dude running across the street. Why is he running? What message is he taking someone? We don’t know….. it’s the magic - the brilliantly contrived central point of interest in the whole scene - at least for me!
I’m eagerly looking forward to seeing further extraordinary work from you sir, my congratulations reach out to you as I pat you on the back. Thank you for showing your artistry here on Bennos.
Nb/ ah …. I almost forgot the photography. We literally feel as though we are there. BRILLIANT!

[MABO]

There is nothing more to write, that has not yet been written.
Very cool job!

[Iceman1964]

Repeating what already written: originality, painting, complexity, details... all first class !!!
A great diorama, best compliments !

[Kekso]

Cool work. I'm most impressed with buildings and vegetable crates.

Welcome to Bennos Praga.

Praga is our member for almost 13 years. You can only say "Welcome back" since we haven't heard from him for a while

[JurgenH]

A great dio they have made . With great attention to detail.

[Bill Slavin]

I would agree with the others, great diorama! There is so much going on, you have really captured the hustle and bustle of a modern African city. Like k.b., I, too, really liked the guy in the yellow jersey lounging on the sand bags - great pose.

[Minuteman]

An excellent diorama, fine work indeed !

[C M Dodson]

There is a real ‘air’ of the place in this fabulous and different diorama in my opinion.

An unusual subject matter crafted with real attention to detail with the compositions.

The present Sudan crisis unfortunately brings these conflicts into focus.

Your photo angles are really nice and the result is almost as if you could walk into the scene.

Although you probably would not want too!

Best wishes,

Chris

[Susofrick]

Very cool work! Dream of making urban dios, but don't have the space. And luckily not the time either.

[Santi Pérez]

I join the opinions of all the mates, it's difficult to add anything new, praga.

This new diorama, like all your previous ones, is a real eye candy. Wherever you look, you find a lot of wonderful details.

My deepest respects, sir.

Santi.

[Rich W]

Very nice. So much going on and lots of lovely details. I'm sure this will attract lots of attention at the exhibition.