by Matt Springer

This diorama depicts an Imperial platoon under the command of Admiral Thrawn. Thrawn, flanked by his Noghri bodyguards, is on Tatooine searching for an Alderaanian painting that may contain the names of rebel spies. In addition to stormtroopers and Noghri bodyguards, two Dewbacks, an Imperial officer, a TIE pilot, a gunner, and several Imperial navy troopers have joined the search; as has an Imperial Chariot Command Speeder.

The figures were West End Games metal figures. I painted them with Vallejo paints, using washes and dry brushing. The Dewbacks were action fleet toys that I sanded, primed, and re-painted. The ground was made using foam core, sliced into layers for a “hilly” look, and spackled for a sandy texture before painted. The Rocks were Armor Cast resin scenery pieces painted with Testors enamels. The buildings were from Monolith Designs, and painted with acrylics. The background is simply a photograph of the desert. Finally, the speeder was produced by the fine folks at 3d-Art-to-Part. The speeder had to be primed, and sanded several times. I used tamiya grays, J-bot decals, and an ink wash for Thrawn’s ride.

Thank you to all the guys and girls who have posted modeling advice for me and others through the years. It is with your encouragement that I have fully enjoyed this hobby; and I hope it shows.

Image: Bird's eye view

Image: Admiral Thrawn takes center stage