NTC Life | MCV Mortar Carrier Diorama

This 1/35 scale diorama recreates a snapshot of life around an MCV Stryker mortar crew during a rotation at the National Training Center (NTC).

Rather than focusing purely on combat, this project was designed to capture the atmosphere and everyday reality of living in the field the dust, downtime, gear scattered around the troop area, camp chairs, MRE boxes, fuel cans, and the constant layer of desert sand covering everything.

At the center of the scene is a detailed MCV Stryker mortar carrier positioned inside a defensive berm while the crew prepares and operates the mortar system. Off to the side, two soldiers sitting on ammo crates add a bit of humor and realism inspired by real Army field experiences.

The terrain was built using layered AK Interactive and Vallejo terrain products, natural rocks, pigments, and weathering techniques to recreate the dry, dusty environment of the Mojave Desert at Fort Irwin, California.

This project combines military storytelling, realistic weathering, and personal experience to create a diorama focused not just on the vehicle itself, but on the people living around it.