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Under water diorama

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  • Member since
    July 2021
Under water diorama
Posted by Rome Bob on Monday, July 12, 2021 9:11 AM

I would like to do an underwater diorama of the CSS Hunley attack where you can see above and below the waterline.  does anyone know a good acrylic product that is clear that the model can be seen below the waterline?

fox
  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Narvon, Pa.
Posted by fox on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 8:35 PM

Sorry I can't help but if you go to the "Ship" section of the Forums I'm pretty sure you will get a lot of help there. 

Hope that this helps.

Jim Captain

Stay Safe.

 Main WIP: 

   On the Bench: Artesania Latina  (aka) Artists in the Latrine 1/75 Bluenose II

I keep hitting "escape", but I'm still here.

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 9:07 PM

Rome Bob

I would like to do an underwater diorama of the CSS Hunley attack where you can see above and below the waterline.  does anyone know a good acrylic product that is clear that the model can be seen below the waterline?

 

There are several, but expensive. I used Castn' Craft from Hobby Lobby to create my sunken Zero. I was thinking of trying the car body resin from Walmart. It's less expensive but don't know how well it will work.

  

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 9:36 PM

Really, really love that build/dio.

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Orlando, Florida
Posted by ikar01 on Tuesday, July 13, 2021 9:40 PM

At one contest there was a dioramawith a battleship with protective nets and a British X-Craft going under it to drop its saddle charges.  The battleship was resting in a hole cut into some plexaglass that had been lightly textured and mounted to a solid background that formed the mountain near the ship.  The sides were also plexiglass tinted to show the water which was pretty clear and not too deep.  The overall effect looked good.

  • Member since
    June 2021
Posted by rocketman2000 on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 7:57 AM

modelcrazy

 

 

 

 

There are several, but expensive. I used Castn' Craft from Hobby Lobby to create my sunken Zero. I was thinking of trying the car body resin from Walmart. It's less expensive but don't know how well it will work.


 

 

I would also recommend polyester.  But there is a caution.  When it is setting (after you add the catalyst) it can get pretty hot.  It gets pretty hot when it is an inch deep or so.  So pour it in layers an eigth or quarter inch or so. Do not wait to long between pours.  As soon as it is no longer hot, pour the next layer.

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    July 2014
Posted by modelcrazy on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 8:44 AM

Yeah, it does get hot so go slow so you don't end up with slag for a model. 

I also recommend plexiglass for deep Dios. Resin is very heavy. 

Steve

Building a kit from your stash is like cutting a head off a Hydra, two more take it's place.

 

 

http://www.spamodeler.com/forum/

  • Member since
    July 2021
Posted by Rome Bob on Friday, July 16, 2021 7:49 AM

[quote user="Rome Bob"]

I would like to do an underwater diorama of the CSS Hunley attack where you can see above and below the waterline.  does anyone know a good acrylic product that is clear that the model can be seen below the waterline?

 

thanks for your help. My first crack at the forum. very helpful. "Rome Bob"]

 

 

 

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Saturday, July 17, 2021 1:15 PM
Scale matters here. If the dio is 1/16” equals a foot; Housatonic is 12 “ long, her draft is about ½”, and Hunley is 2 ½” long.
Your water box could be 16 “ square and 1” deep. That’s 256 cubic inches of resin. Or about 125 fluid ounces, which would be 6 or 7 of those cans.
And I’m going to guess your sub isn’t golf tee sized either.
I would suggest the clear plastic box idea. You can certainly add water texture to the surface piece with clear gel, paint etc.
Have fun, I’d like to see it.
 
Bill

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Saturday, July 17, 2021 1:40 PM

That cursed sub killed its crew twice!  

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Saturday, July 17, 2021 1:54 PM

Actually John, it was three times. Killed it's inventor the second time.

 

Bill

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Towson MD
Posted by gregbale on Saturday, July 17, 2021 6:52 PM

Many underwater dios dodge the whole resin thing by using a 'box' approach made of colored or tinted plexiglass with a cutout on the top panel (to which surface wave texture is added) for the ship. All kinds of artsy effects of lighting and such are possible...but what really sells it is how well what's below the surface is rendered.

Google around; there are lots of examples and a few great Youtube vids as well.

Greg

George Lewis:

"Every time you correct me on my grammar I love you a little fewer."
 
  • Member since
    June 2010
  • From: Australia
Posted by OctaneOrange on Friday, July 23, 2021 5:36 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCZVovoGonM

recommended how-to for dioramas is Luke Towan. He does dioramas for a museum, so knows his stuff.

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Friday, July 23, 2021 11:45 PM

Nice viddy.

It's pretty sad when the OP (original poster) goes radio silent after their intro.

It's been asked- scale?

We have no idea whether the model is 2, 3 6 12 inches long.

Done looking in.

 

Bill

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

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