ok Dioramians, I need your help.

Modeling Subjects Dioramas
1

i am about to complete a Bf109E-4 1/48, and i would like to display it on something more than a shelf. im thinking an airfield. so i think i would like to take a stab at a diorama. but i am extremely unfamiliar with diorama supplies, kits, techinques etc. if anyone has any previous airfield diorama experience I would love some suggestions, directions, references, etc.

i know tamiya makes this http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=32533 - i have seen it in my hobby store, but i know there must be more out there.

thanks in advance.

2

Many of airfields during WWII were nothing more than just open grassy field (in Europe). You could do an airfield with grassy surface and add figures and structures to it. You can get grass from your LHS or even at art supply stores or even train stores. Also for your basic base, you can use a picture frame, then add celluclay to make the surface. apply white glue on top of celluclay and sprinkle some dirt and then add grasses.

3

thanks for the input. can you shed some light on the figures and equipment? who makes a good selection?

4

Here’s a site for ground cover and grass:

http://www.sceneryexpress.com/departments.asp?dept=1032

Here’s some accessories:

http://www.squadron.com/SearchResults.asp?offset=0

Some pricey resin figures:

http://sandlehobbies.com/plastickits/czechmasterkits/figures/32/cmf32098.html

5

awesome thanks bro

6

I believe Hasegawa, Academy and ESCI (no longer in business) have ground crews and equipment in 1/72 scale. Tamiya has nice selection of 1/48 scales these days. There are also resin figure kits in 1/48 scales. From what I get from your post, you are probably looking for more towards to 1/48 scale.

7

My only recommendation to a first-timer (as I posted on another thread a few days ago) is to avoid making your diorama cluttered with unnecessary figures and accessories.

Best advice to to take a good look at some period photos of your subject to get some ideas of a “typical” airfield setting and let your diorama tell a plausible story. For example, if your model doesn’t have the engine cowl removed, fuel cap open or gun access hatches open, then it obviously isn’t being serviced, refuelled or re-armed, so there’s little likelihood that there would be toolboxes, fuel drums or ammo boxes around.

Keep it simple. A nicely built model on just a basic, no-frills base can look as good as one with all panels removed and service personnel crawling all over it. Maybe just have a pilot or a couple of ground crew relaxing in the shade of the wing, taking a moment’s peace from the stress of war.

8

My only recommendation to a first-timer (as I posted on another thread a few days ago) is to avoid making your diorama cluttered with unnecessary figures and accessories.

Best advice to to take a good look at some period photos of your subject to get some ideas of a “typical” airfield setting and let your diorama tell a plausible story. For example, if your model doesn’t have the engine cowl removed, fuel cap open or gun access hatches open, then it obviously isn’t being serviced, refuelled or re-armed, so there’s little likelihood that there would be toolboxes, fuel drums or ammo boxes around.

Keep it simple. A nicely built model on just a basic, no-frills base can look as good as one with all panels removed and service personnel crawling all over it. Maybe just have a pilot or a couple of ground crew relaxing in the shade of the wing, taking a moment’s peace from the stress of war.