discussion Dioramas...To build or not to build...That is the question.

[spanner570]

Hello everyone.

When I joined Scale models in 2009, there were very few dioramas being built, but gradually I have noticed a lot more of you folks are presenting them on S.M......Equally, I see people writing that they "Wish I could do that, but I know I can't".....Why?

Modellers on here all have the skill to produce great models, or they wouldn't be on here, so why do some members baulk at the idea of building a diorama, however simple?

I well remember four years ago, posting my first ever dio. on this, my first ever forum - a Tiger tank in the snow - I hovered over the submit button for ages before hitting it!

I needn't have worried. The response was friendly and helpful.........

I reckon this is the crux of the problem. Members have the ability, but are worried about showing their first dio. for fear of getting 'Flak' and being ripped to bits, or a best ignored - as happens elsewhere......This will never happen on this great forum. What you will get is good, honest advise by the shed load!

So to those who fit into the above, have a go, make something simple - a dirt road and a wall or fence, with perhaps a simple bush - it doesn't even have to have a bit of plastic placed on it. Post your effort, get advise and proceed quietly up the learning ladder.

I only use household castoffs, so no excuses about not having anything to make your dio with!

They are great fun to build and your imagination will know no limits! So let's see more peeps taking their first tentative steps into the crazy, but fun world of dioramas.......

As Oddball would say "No more negative waves, baby!"

Cheers all,

Ron

 

[papa 695]

Well said Ron I'm not the best diorama modeler on here but since i joined have built a few , and have only got better with the help from the members on this mighty fine forum So i will echo what Ron as said and GIVE IT A GO

Happy modeling

 

[Gern]

I'll second that! No worries about pin marks, mould lines, seams, PE, paint, decals or weathering. I can see lots of bits on mine which don't look absolutely right - but what the h**l, I'm enjoying myself and that's what it's all about.

Gern

 

[john i am]

I have found that building a dio for you newly finished model can be as equally or more satisfying as building the model. I have lots of models without dios but of late all my new builds go on a base of some description like Ron said abit of grass a wall and like he already said most of the materials used are throw away items so let's see more dio "s happy building everyone

 

[Guest]

In most cases I prefer building the diorama more than the model itself, I'm a great fan of scratch building and I think that even the simplest of bases makes for a better display.

Some of the most satisfaction I've had in modelling comes from making railway accessories for friends and building bases and buildings for role playing games.

I fully agree with what Ron has said above, in fact I could just cut and paste his text here as its about what in would have said.

Now if I can just top up my mojo I'll be back at it, I've got a feeling my half finished "Prometheus" build will be making an appearance shortly as its been sitting there looking sorry for itself for ages

 

[spanner570]

Thanks for the positive response boys.....

Let's hope our combined enthusiasm for dios. and scratch building will persuade other members to join the 'loony gang'!!

Ron

 

[Guest]

I to have posted a couple of "simple" dio's and got great comments from the members here on this forum. One small dio that I threw together got me a 3rd place award at last years Avon show. So go on give it a go, it doesn't have to be large or complicated small and simple to start off with.

Go on you know you want to.....:dancing1::grinball1:

 

[rickoshea52]

Just what constitutes a diorama? Is it parking an aircraft on a strip of grass with a servicing vehicle and some figures or is it more than that? Maybe an action scene that depicts movement like a squad of soldiers relaxing at the road side. But doesn't an aircraft with moving propellers capture that too?

Well I guess I have a diorama too, only a bit on the large side at 6' by 2'. Can I call my model railway a diorama?

Whichever little strand of the modellers DNA you have running through your veins we all have moments of self doubt about building models. When I went to my first model railway exhibition I remember coming away thinking "I'd love to be able to do that but haven't got the skill". Now that I've created and continue to build my little "diorama" I look back and wonder what all the anxiety was for. I approach building plastic model aircraft kits and the like with that outlook. Don't be afraid to try a new technique or tackle atricky or "hard" subject. You might just surprise yourself. Trust me, the feeling you get when you overcome that obstacle that has been bugging you for ages is very special.

 

[geegad]

ive done a few in the past but i like to concentrate on the model that takes me long enough.but i dont think you can beat a good dio

 

[Guest]

Dioramas can be full scale or scaled down representations (now mainly models) of anything a person wants to build.

The word diorama is a joining of two Greek words meaning "through which that is seen" (varying on whatever ancient Greek translation you choose) and started as a moving theatre (similar to shadow theatre of sorts)

Basically speaking whatever takes your fancy and you build it can be considered "dioramic"

In answer to your question Rick, your model railway is most certainly a diorama and at 6x2 I'll bet its impressive.

 

[Guest]

The only problem I have with dio's is storage space, which is a big problem for me. Having said that I will be starting my S.Y. Scotia later this year, and because it is a relatively small vessel being built at 1:90 scale, I am tempted to do a dio of it shown trapped in ice in the Antarctic - will think about it once the vessel is finished. Derek

 

[rickoshea52]

See for yourself on my blog. Ricky's Railway

Thanks.

 

[Guest]

See for yourself on my blog. Ricky's RailwayThanks.

The rock faces (Woodlands Scenics rock face learner on your blog) are really impressive.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for sharing rick.

Impressed with the weathering of the trains.

I picked up a load of woodland scenics type stuff cheap from the model railway shop in town, quite impressed and saves a load of messing with not having to make it.

 

[Guest]

It was my understanding that a Diorama told 'a story'

I.e., you can look at it and read the story happening there.

a model displayed on a simple base , say for example a tank on sand with an oil drum or two, or a jeep in mud next to a road sign typically seen on a small-ish base would be referred to as a 'vignette' like the use in photographic terms, a tool to draw focus into the chosen portion you wish to display, (the model here but it would be a faded surround on a portrait designed to draw you to the sitter rather than the background).

That said, I think any base is great, I have never made a single one and have had some great ideas for some but lack the motivation to do it.

I do have a Tamiya Sherman tank with figures that i'd love to build and set on a base so maybe, if I find the go, that could be my first one?

 

[aaron]

Great posts...i wish i could just build a stand alone model but no...its gotta have figures and a base, its like an ocd.I love looking at dioramas and hopefully this thread will lead to more eye candy. Theres no such thing as a bad diorama...wip yes but bad, nah not in my opinion.Good thread Ron.Im sure everyone has access to dirt pva and twigs

 

[Guest]

Very well said Ron!

I think the diorama is the best place to learn about our hobby. I always try to do new things and tricks on the dioramas, I know is just my second diorama and is on the way... but the things I learn on it, after I practice on the tanks, cars or any kind of model can do.

And all the members here are friendly, and always help you or comments new ideas for your build!

No more to say...just do some dios!! lol

Regards

 

[Guest]

The rock faces (Woodlands Scenics Rock Face Learner on your blog) are really impressive.

A friend of mine who has a big railway layout with scenery, and is a geologist, said this when I told him about Woodland scenics Rock Face Learner:

"Excellent for granite, possibly also for Carboniferous Limestone (as in the Peak District). Selection of the correct type of rock is as important as anything else for determining location, so beware! In the south and south east sedimentary rocks would be more likely, but ensure the layering ("bedding") is consistent.The picture of a rock face in Rick's layout shows the importance of using vegetation to hide the contacts between the rock exposures. Photographs of the real thing are invaluable. Natural bark can be used to good effect too."

 

[Guest]

i have done a couple and i love designing them in my head and translating into 3d. i love figuring out different ways to build something. if i can do it then anyone can ....really give it a go you'd be surprised just how creative we really are.

Scott

 

[eddiesolo]

Well said Ron, have a go. I am rather good at Dio's...my issues are with figures, can I chuff paint them with any realism. Strange, but there you go. Warhammer dio, use junk and PC fans, bits of old cables etc and they turn out great, do a sunken wreck dio and 9 out of 10 times it works a treat...give a figure to paint and I'm stuffed.

Si