Attn Diorama Builders

[The Mad Modeller]

I need help. Im getting ready to start work on my first dio. Im going for something like these.





My question is this. Where do you guys get your materials? I'd like to do one like the old Ford rusting in the desert or out in a field. Any and all help is appreciated. Im really stepping out of my norm here.

[mercman]

How much time so you have?

Seriously though, first you have to decide on how big a base you want.

As for materials go outside and start collecting twigs, small sticks weeds pulled up with the roots, dirt, sand, small rocks etc. Get a good supply of each. To clean them wash the sand in the sink in a pan, drain as much water as possible then bake it at 350 degrees for at least 1/2 hour. Do this with the dirt alos baking it. Why you ask it kills off all of the nasties that are living in it. Best go to the dollar store and get some cheap aluminum baking pans for this, or suffer the wrath of your spouse. Do this also with the rock wash , then let dry.

For tall grass you can use rope, or twine. cut into various lengths and untangle them so you just have a few strands in a group. I did a tutorial awhile ago on adding grass to dio's so check the dio section to see how its done.

themadmodeller.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=ddd&action=display&thread=6223

Also you can check out the train dept at your LHS for all sorts of grasses, and such that are useable. Woodland Scenic's will be your best bet. As they have a wide selection to choose from. This should get you started. Let me know when you decide what exactly your plan is, and we can go from there.

[mercman]

Here's an example.



The main ground work was done using wood putty Durham's Water Putty for wood. Dries like a rock. Rocks and tree branches added, along with lichen from the train dept of the Hobby Store.

The light colored grass is saw dust that I dyed with food coloring, and the tall green ones are from a decorator branch thingie I found at Wal-Mart.

This one I used Perma Scene for the ground work, to represent a plowed field, and the tall pieces that look like corn stalks are from a corn broom. The subject is a 41 Plymouth. The snow effect was done using baking soda.

[mercman]

Here's a pic of my dio building area. Notice some of the tools you'll need. Like strainers to help get the bigger pieces of junk out of the sand, dirt rocks.



The shelves on the left contain the stuff i mentioned in storage containers . The small cabinet has gallon size baggies with extra rock, sand and dirt waiting to be processed.

[nyratrod]

I agree with Mercman, the train dept. is great place to start and "Woodland Scenics" makes some great stuff to use. Check-out there web site for ideas.If your going to "rot out" sections of the vehicle, you can use a rotary tool from the inside to make rot holes. JUST BE CAREFUL! styrene melts quickly. Just go for it and best of luck.

[firemodelman]

Nice set up mercman.

[heepey]

Ken Hamilton's book is a great place to start. Start by looking at common things that can be used for miniatures of reality. Diorama supplies are everywhere. Sand from the driveway, trees from twigs off the bush in the backyard, Old picture frames for bases, etc.