Question on Diorama Base - Corkboard.

Modeling Subjects Dioramas
1

I’m building a new diorama using a 1/72nd Italeri C-47 and CG-4A glider. To use as a base, I have a 18"X24" bulletin board with a cork surface (the kind you hang on the wall to post notes on). I was wondering if any of you have any experience using cork as a base for gluing grass mat or sandpaper squares? I don’t see white glue affecting it, but I am not sure about its suitability when it comes to warpage and adhesion. I’ll see if I can post a photo later.

Here we go:

Thanks!

Gary

2

Hello Gary!

Last year I have put some corkboard on the walls where I live - and I have to tell you, that it can be quite funny when it comes to reacting with some glues. Some don’t affect it much, but some glues cause it to expand, and that means warping. Same thing would probably happen should the dio be subjected to temperature/humidity changes - so I’d advise against using cork here, maybe you could keep the frame and take a plywood plate or something like that? Good luck with your dio and have a nice day

Paweł

3

I agree with Pawel. I used it once on a dio and it was a hassel. Stick with a soild surface or insulation board. Good luck with your dio and enjoy

4

Thanks, guys!

I have received differing opinions on the suitability of the cork board. On the pro side it allows a greater freedom in sticking things like fence posts or telephone poles in, although I doubt there will be much like that in the diorama I have planned (edge of an airfield tarmac would have few obstacles). Also, indentations and grooves can easily be cut into it if you want to show tire tracks or depressions such as trenches, gun pits or bomb craters. On the negative, it can absorb water and expand and contract with resulting cracks and loss of adhesion.

The other side of this bulletin board is something like panel board, and it is a hard, smooth surface that is a dark gray. I looked at it and said “Tarmac!”. It would be good for a hard, concrete runway with a bit of work (weathering, oil stains, striping, etc.). But it’s flat, and you would need a bit of work to show any kind of variation in surface. However, as this is an airfield, the flatness shouldn’t be too much of a problem.

Here’s a picture of the gray side:

Gary

5

Gary,

I think you should go with the particle board, especially for the “tarmac” parts, for the “dirt” parts you could go with styrofoam. You have the option to do it in parts, jigsaw-puzzle-style. As for working with styrofoam, I have had good results - you can see them here:

http://www.vietnam.net.pl/M55mod3en.htm

I hope it helps you, good luck with your build and have a nice day

Paweł

6

GAF,

It sound’s like you have answered your own question and have it under control. I like your idea and can’t wait too see it.

Pawel - Great job on your Nam Dio…it turned out beautifully!!

7

Jeff - thanks a lot!