Wunschdenken

Erwin Leetink
Since the kits for my current project is largely built and after painting 20+ faces I wanted to cut some plastic and sniff some glue, I decided to do a small project on the side. This is also an entry in the MiniArt campaign.
The subject of this dio will be the MiniArt Lanz-Bulldog D-8500, being admired by a passing farmer with a wheelbarrow. "If only I had one of those". Wishful thinking so to speak, or Wünschdenken in German.
The construction of the tractor is finished, ready to receive some paint.
Construction was rather straightforward. Only 2 parts gave some problems: a control rod was attached to the sprue with 3 gates, and, though successfully removed intact, broke in 3 parts while trying to clean it. Luckily it is easy to replace with some copper wire. The other one is the bracket for the exhaust. The instructions indicate it should be symmetrical, but once the exhaust is attached, it will be clear that it should not. So, while trying to correct it, this also broke in 3.
Besides all this, I added some minor details: a latch to lock the cover that hides the starter in place, a control valve on the end of one of the conduits (which should be scratch built by design) and a spring that keeps the cap on top of the engine cover in place.

A tractor needs something to do. A resin water cart, from Plusmodel has also been built, to be hitched behind the tractor. This will provide a nice contrast between the old fashioned cart and the tractor.
I only modified the drawbar: it has been shortened and a towing eye has been added by a local Eischenschmiede.

The wishful (or is it jealous) farmer has taken shape too. A old MK35 kit. The right hand came mangled out of the package, without fingers, so I had to replace it. I also turned the head to gape at the tractor.
And I want to add a little wildlife so an attempt has been made to create something that must resemble a blackbird from putty. This will be placed atop the watertank.

Ben M
Watching this, great idea for a diorama

Erwin Leetink
Thank you very much Ben. I appreciate it very much.

Erwin Leetink
The tractor and water cart are both ready, only in want for some dusting. I wanted to depict a fairly new tractor, which did not receive the battering yet, so I held back on the washes and pigments. The cart, however has seen better days and was treated with oils and dark rust paint. Except for the towing eye;that is brand new, being made from forged iron.

Ben M
Looking good! I like the wood effect on the cart and the newish-looking tractor.

Erwin Leetink
Thanks Ben...

Erwin Leetink
The farmer has also been painted

Torsten
I like your story and the build to this, I'll follow. Nice work at this point😎

Erwin Leetink
Thank you very much for your kind words. I think I will be able to finish the basic diorama next week... If my grass arrives this week, that is...

Erwin Leetink
And finished... Has been a nice little (30x24cm) project, with possibilities to try out some techniques which I have never done before. And they worked out remarkably well..
Thanks for watching and enjoy the pictures.

Rui S
Beautiful work 👍

Spanjaard
Excellent

Neuling
Very nice work in every aspect! 👍

Erwin Leetink
Thank you so much for the compliments, my brethren!

Mathias Decommere
Wauw

Jv
Very interesting and great work

Erwin Leetink
Once again I am grateful for your kind responses... 🤩

Kyle DeHart
I love this. Awesome

Villiers de Vos
Something out of the ordinary. Very nice work.

Mr James
Lovely dio. Very well done. Love the expression and the leaking bucket 🙂

Erwin Leetink
Once again I take my brows before your kind words...