Ok i'll join the dio brigade

[spanner570]

To be honest Allyne, I like it just as it is, especially the gap on the left......perhaps one more in the group on the right, or a couple of smaller versions to the front.

It's your model and it's different things to different people! How about having a play around with different arrangements?

It'll look great whatever layout you decide on....

Ron

[AlanG]

The gap is going to have another tree in it at least. I was going to try and put another different type of bush in there but need to get it to look right first before i show that one. Not sure it can be found in the bocage but hey it'll make it look different

Keep the advice coming though please as i am finding it invaluable

[spanner570]

How about a length of simple two board or wire fencing along the top before the trees/bushes are finally added? Might break it up a bit.....Give summat for the yanks to lean on too!

[Guest]

looking great and those bushes are well bushy :beer:

Sent from my GT-S5670 using Tapatalk 2

[AlanG]

Ron the yanks are supposed to be hiding from the Germans lol. I know what you are trying to say though. I don't want to over do the hedging.

Cheers Mark

[aaron]

Great job...what did you use for foiliage on those bushes? they look really good

[AlanG]

what did you use for foiliage on those bushes? they look really good

Mixture of green scatter from John's shop

Timberline 20Cu In Fine Sage Brush Blue 20310F Scale Model Shop

[Guest]

If you're worried about the look of the tree in the pictures, i wouldn't it looks fine to me ... just need the wire twists covering with filler or something and the foliage adding ... it'll be fine and dandy mate.

Your bushes look ok too ... we have to remember that nature is more random than our brains allow for so any shape, any size and position will do.

As Ron says, gaps are good sometimes ... an open space in a dio can even become a focal point.

In short ... i like what you've done so far

[AlanG]

Here's my home built gate out of lollipop sticks. Not totally painted as i messed up so might even have to build another if i can't rescue it. Also added a gorse bush next to the gate to add some colour to the dio

[spanner570]

Taking shape nicely Allyne. This latest photo gives a better idea of what you are aiming at....and your aim is true!

I hope you don't mind me sticking my dippy in again mate, but how about this.....Where dios are concerned, never throw anything away, things can always be re-cycled.

Take your gate for instance, I can't see what's wrong with it, but if you don't like it, keep it, but wreck it more and leave it lying on it's side with grass growing through it, then fit your new one. It would make a nice mini feature!

Putting my ex joiner's hat on, see the diagonal gate brace? Make sure the hinges are on the left as you look at the photo with the brace going up to the opposite side. The brace is to stop the gate sagging, but you could well know that already!lol

Yep, looking good.

Cheers,

Ron

[AlanG]

Yeah i knew about the brace as i've just fitted a gate in my garden lol. I probably won't throw the gate away but the more i look at it the more i dislike the colour. I tried to recreate an older wood colour but added far too much brown and not enough grey. But i don't mind as this is only my first attempt at a dio and i am on a steep learning curve

[Guest]

I think you're starting to be your own worse critic Allyne (and i think all of us do it) ... everything looks fine to me, the gate's colour doesn't look out of place at all (although i can see what you want to achieve with an "old" looking wood).

As for the hinge and brace bit ... i'd best have a check to see if i've just done mine the right way round cos i had no smeggin' idea about that

[AlanG]

You are probably right Colin. I am being a little critical of myself. Just trying to make a decentish job of it though as i am so amazed at the really good work done on here on dios. I'll defo take everything everyone is saying on board. I have the plans for another few other dios that i really want to do. Infact one of them was supposed to be done before i even started this one but i need a special part for that (all will become clear in time lol).

[Dustbin]

I would give the gate a rub with a wire brush, add a dark wash to soak into the scratches left by the brush and then drybrush a lighter colour on the surface,finally adding some pigments. But then thats just me ! Still looks good though Allyne.

Paul

[yak face]

Great job so far allyne , it all looks fab to me. I too like your bush and young ron beat me to it with the brace tip, you cant keep an old chippie down! The gate looks fine BTW , maybe if youre not keen on the colour just drybrush some light grey over it ( most old ,exposed wood usually ends up very light in colour) with a bit of green on the top edges after for a moss effect.Keep at it mate , its going to be great , cheers tony