1/4 century ago I built this vignette using the figures from a Churchill Crocodile and a Harley-Davidson by Tamiya in 1/35 scale. I generally never build or paint figures. I liked the pose of both figures and I had just finished reading a book about the British retreat to Dunkirk. 

I am currently in Cali, Colombia and met an ex-girlfriend who I had given the vignette to. She asked me if I could fix it up for her. I was so surprised that the little thing still existed! She was also very excited about me being there and being able to rebuild it a bit. 

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After 25 years the little diorama had taken a beating, but there was no dust on it! I could hardly remember it and what I had put in it... I noticed a few broken and missing bits from the motorcycle, but here it is. I hope you like it. The first two pictures show the vignette in the shape it was.

The oil drum came out of a Heller kit. The dynamite crates were built of 1/32 Midwest Birch plywood. The dynamite sticks were made from stretched sprue. The bundles of explosives were tied with very thin strips of masking tape. The road sign was made with a 1/4"x1/4" Balsa wood strip. The rope is a thick cotton string. The detonator box was made of plastic bits. The captain's cigar is a bit of a bamboo toothpick. 

My now again girlfriend is very thankful for the repair work. It pays to be a modeler! This was a true trip down memory lane again. Happy modelling and happy landings. ( I had a real happy one!) 

Edward Allen Fuquay

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