I’m about to embark on designing and building my first diorama. I wish to build a portion of a race track and will be using some of my Tamiya 1/24 Racing cars as part of the scene.
I’m looking at recreating something similar to this:
My final design will probably be based on one corner instead of two - as this is my first diorama I don’t want make it too complex.
From what I’ve read and gathered by reading various posts on this forum is that for realistic grass the best type to use is ‘Static Grass’, so’ll I’ll be using that.
I’m stuck as to how to go about constructing the ‘rumble strips’ - (red/white curb) … although they look flat they are usually convex in terms of shape so I’m guessing I’ll need to use clay…?
I did a quick search on the forum for clay but couldn’t really find a beginners guide - I’ve never used it… is this the solution for the rumble strips?
“DAS is a moist modelling clay that is ready to use and air dries to a hard, durable matt finish without need for firing. Packed and sealed in foil.The most suitable tools for working with DAS are spatulas and chisels. DAS can be coloured using any technique, but ideally with temperas or fibre-tip pens. To protect DAS objects, finish with varnish”
Racecar Dio, eh? Sounds like a AUTO forum thing really but okay. A Dio’s a dio
You got a photo of the track / " rumple-strip" 'things you want to model? Maybe we could give you a solid plan(s) for making them if we saw it. Alot of guys on here are spledid scratchbuilders and can make anything out of just about anything. From what you describe I was thinking maybe a thin strip moulding might be available to do what you need easier than the clay idea…
Not really sure as what they look like… Got any photos of the real thing? I’m a plaster/celluclay guy, so my experience is with those mediums rather than clay… Vespaboy is a real pro when it comes to modeling that kind of stuff… Maybe he’ll chime in here…
Well, bud…looks like they come in a big variety of styles. What scale is your car(s)? If it’s 1/25 I’d maybe use matchsticks(maybe rounded off) or pick up some bass wood strip(cheap,easy to cut /shape) let us know how your doing.
Thanks for the responses. My inspiration for a racetrack diorama came from examples made by others such as this rally-based diorama:
Its a great way to show off car models. My car models are 1/24 scale.
Sorry about not including real images of the rumble strips - thanks to Indy for real examples!
I think this is going to be a Clay/Plasticine job… I’m not sure how I could get the curved rumble strips with wood?
I’ll probably buy some of the DAS for DAL stuff. [:P]
I haven’t got a final design/layout yet as I am just doing all the research, hence no concept pics, the rumble strips are pretty much where I’m, stuck.
Indy, those strips look great - are they made from wood… how would I go about fitting them onto a corner? (curved)?
For the tarmac I’ve heard black sandpaper does a really good job so I’ll use that unless anyone else has any better ideas.
well, i cant speak for everyone (obviously) but for your tarmac, it is asphalt correct? i used in my dio the real thing. an asphalt roofing shingle (cut to size & painted) for an asphalt road! much better than sandpaper in my opinion. if your curious to see what it looks like check out my mayhem in the hood dio probably on page 2 or 3 of this forum. now im no racer/car guy, im sure indy or others can help you out better than i, but the idea is there if your interested. [:D]
Yeah I think asphalt is the better term. I would certainly like to see what this roofing shingle looks like, I did browse the thread you mentioned (23 pages) but I couldn’t really find that asphalt shingle unless it was actually the dirt road lol… any chance to a direct link?
Awesome diorama by the way, love the figures! - Are you using just something like MDF wood as the base?
nope using oak wood for the base. [:D] ummm…there isnt a dirt road in my dio. its the “black asphalt road” you see on pg 2 at the top. im sure i have it in other pics but why check through all of them. should’ve told you that instead of sending you all over looking. sorry. thanks for the comps on it btw…but back to your issue. check pg 2 and let me know if you see what im saying about the road. everyone else seemed to like it and it only makes sense since it’s asphalt!
ohhhh, well that makes sense, this is the correct thread, had a really quick look at the pics and your right, that asphalt looks damn good. I’m going to read the whole thread and I’ll get back to you on any questions.
As you plan this out, think oabout size. At the apex, the curve may be 4-5 cars wide. That’s going to create quite a footprint. Click on the link for a short clip of the entry to the Esses coming out of Big Bend at Lime Rock Park. (Note: crank up the speakers!)
ajlafleche you are indeed right - I discovered this last night and if I do end up producing the track true to its relative scale it will completely take over the whole set…[:O]
Thats why I’m thinking of picking a really tight hairpin or slow speed corner, this will hopefully reduce the width.
Ok so I read through the thread, and there are quite a few different ways to make the road surface. but as you said asphalt shingles are the easiest and they look great!
Problem is, in the UK I can’t seem to find a supplier for the shingles… If I can’t find any I might have to end up creating the road using one of the guide from the thread I guess.
you know dal, i didnt even realize your form the u.k. well, there are a number of different ways to do it as aj and indy have stated along with the ones posted in my thread. good luck with it as im sure you’ll not have an issue!! [tup]
Ya gotta love Google