Display Diorama Build

Basil posted:

That diorama is fantastic.  It's amazing how you transformed scraps into that scene.  What skill!  Did you take the pictures of the trees on your backdrop?  Can you give us some specifics on how you made the backdrop? From the choice of sky color to the addition of the trees, perhaps?

Hi Basil. There are many ways to do a backdrop, but I went pretty simple. It's not perfect but serves as a good background to enhance the subject (display track). The backdrop is a simple 24x48 inch sheet of 1/8th inch masonite (hardboard). The first step is to prime the surface. I painted the entire (smooth side) surface with white latex house paint I had on hand, applied with a roller. You could also use a true primer like Kilz. after it was dry I painted the surface again with the sky color. These are the two "blues" I used:

I thinned the paint slightly with water and again used a foam 4 inch roller to paint the sky. Use the full strength blue at the top and painted the white toward the bottom (horizon), blending the two as you go.

After that dried, I drew some cloud shapes onto some poster board and then used a exacto knife to cut out the clouds. The poster board was laid over the sky and the clouds were painted on using a cheap rattle can white spray paint.

The trees are simply some panoramic photos I took along a highway near my home. I imported the photos into a word document and printed them out. I cut out the sky portion of the photo leaving only the foliage. I then sprayed the back of the photos with spray adhesive and pressed them into place on the backdrop.

I did spray the entire photo scene with a clear matte finish to tone down any reflective shine the photos may have had. Then I simply screwed the backdrop to the diorama from behind. And there you have it. Hope this helps.

jpc posted:

I can envision a serious tank car wreck with seppage into the creek

And the, a wreck train to fix it

Wonderful and informative

Thank you

Jerry

I certainly hope that doesn't happen, but the stuff oozing out of that culvert I'm sure isn't very healthy either. 

Frame photos here - https://steves3roscale.shutterfly.com/pictures/3168

Excellent tutorial & great job with the steps

Mark, Exceptional work!

Mark,

I'm not here to hijack your topic.  I just want to post a photo showing the beginning of my photo module you inspired me to start.  Thank you.  

And the adventure begins...

Mark, it looks like your off to a great start, please keep us posted. 

Thank you Mark!  Yes, just making something material out of the ideas in my head is a start.  I'll post some more when I have something.

Mark, Great job. That's a project I also have been planning to do. Maybe your project will inspire me to start too. I also like the idea of a curved track. It will allow engines to be photographed from the front. Thanks for posting.

I'm going the foam roadbed route for this static display module.  I put down a layer of bits and pieces of 1-inch for a base.  I then put down 2 layers for the roadbed.  I plan to stack more in the rear for a mountain.  I'll put down O scale cork beveled roadbed under the track.  I only have a knife, and do not want to tackle the beveled ballasted roadbed with it.  Then I have some Woodland Scenics plaster gauze I want to try out along with a couple of rock molds.  Here we are as of last evening.

What are those dimensions Mark?  Guessing 2' x 3' x3" or so?

TedW posted:

What are those dimensions Mark?  Guessing 2' x 3' x3" or so?

Oh, I left out the most important piece of information.  Thank you for asking!!!

2' x 4' x 3".  You were close.  I thought of making it only 18" deep, but wanted to get a little more foreground/background scenery; then decided to skew the track more that first planned.  At least with this, it's easy to change if I don't like it.

Very nice, thanks for the tutorial.

I like it Mark! Whenever someone build out of scraps I watch, cause god know I have a ton of them just laying around! LOL 

Please keep posting as you go along!

mike g. posted:

I like it Mark! Whenever someone build out of scraps I watch, cause god know I have a ton of them just laying around! LOL 

Please keep posting as you go along!

Ha ha, Mike!!  I'll let you know when something I use is new!  LOL

Mark

i concur, this is a great "how to" and a wonderful motivator.

Any thoughts on these techniques and what approaches you might do differently on larger applications, such as your layout build?

Thank you both!

Great question!  Yes, first of all I won't use styrofoam for the roadbed.  I'll use plywood or OSB for that with homasote on top.  To not use so much wood and provide for a grade between towns, it will be an open grid.  I have built layouts using either open modules like this one and the L- girder.  I like both.  If I knew we would stay in this house until I am not able anymore or pass on first, I would go with L-girder, since my plan is a walkin affair.  However, we have moved before, so I may make modules that would be easier to move.  You can see my plan in the link in my signature line.

 I like cutting foam for scenery contours, then cover it with something.  The Woodland Scenics plaster cloth is something I'm trying for the first time, so this is a trial run to see how it goes.  The same goes with scenic features, I'll use methods I know and try some new ones as well.

Hey Mark, your diorama looking good. I felt this was a good learning experience when I built mine and will carry these techniques into my next layout.

Mark,

Thank you!  I was thinking, at first I just wanted to let you know you inspired me to get off my duff and do this.  I said I didn't want to hijack your topic.  Should I start a new topic with my build, or do you view this as a general topic anyone can hop on.  The call is yours!!

Mark, feel free to post on this thread. I think the title sums it up. So anyone can post their diorama build photos, tips, techniques, comments and questions. As the saying goes...Keep those cards and letters coming!