Foxer421

Watchtower - WIP 5

Added 2025-06-02 13:12:39 +0000 UTC

Ok, here’s a full frame update with about 85% of the print or written graphics in place. I want every corner of this image to tell a story, and I absolutely want it to look like they have to knock over everything to get to the guns.

All things are some form of reference or are based in research. The stencil text in the rear drum represents a rare J ration briefly tried in the late 1930s - and largely forgotten by the end of 1945. The aviation maps are based on an antique I saw in a papers auction - the locations you should recognize. The chess layout atop the drum is an homage to the original Jungle Cruise queue decor, which was sanitized in the 2000s - with ammo, ivory, and deity carvings on the chess board pulled out of the scenery. The Jungle Medicine book is my personal nod to the “Jungle Spices” book on the shelf in Fantastic Mr. Fox. The beverage is Whistlefox instead of Whistlepig. The names on the guns come from lists of quintessential names from those nations. I might add a little more graffiti, a label on the near drum (Fandango Mangos) and a ledger next to the radio.

I want to move over and finish the airplanes, then work on the foliage. Event though text is not done, this may be my last update on the Watchtower for 2-3 weeks as vacation approaches. Be sure to check out Don Karnage’s love letter to these ladies.