What do I put this stuff on?

For my dioramas i use a sheet of Styrofoam. Then I cut it to size using a saw, and covering the top with plaster soaked paper towels.

Why didn't I think of that? : )  Great idea...thank you!

Buck

I've been using 3/4"  MDF as a base. It's very a very stable material. I use clear silicone to glue pink insulation foam to it. The foam is easy to shape and makes it easier to "plant" trees and other stuff.

Sherblock

...What exactly do I put it on?...

Anything you want -- literally.  You want something essentially light weight because you will be adding weight to it as you go.  Waterproof is a concern, provided on what you intend to use for ground cover.

Go to a Hobby Lobby store- they have all kinds of shapes and sizes of pine bases.  Very cheap- get the size you want, stain and seal it with polyurethane, and you will have a beautiful base for your model.  You can also add model railroad grass and / or gravel to it, if you like.

I'll be sure to detailfreak, but I'll have to expand my lightbox a little.

 I'll be sure to do that detailfreak, I'll have to expand my endless backdrop for photos a little bit though

Track down a copy of "how to build dioramas",actually you can order it here from Kalmbach publishing. Large dio.s I would only use plywood for strength and its resistance to warpage.good luck and keep us posted!!!!

I just use pieces of wood cut to size from any old furniture i can get hold of. Once i have built up any groundwork i edge it with balsa wood which i then stain and varnish.

Oh, I was thinking a wood board would work well. Those peanut-butter things were pretty good too!

Welcome Sherblock.

So, you want to dive into a 1/35 scale diorama? I would first sugest looking for an article on how to do so (or take a look on some of the topics on diorama building here) and then, what I would do next is go with a wood base.

I used particle board (from a cheep desk that started falling apart) once, but something like plywood or a plank of wood will work (mabe it's better, but at the time I was sort of in a pinch with money).

Of course, if you were doing a 1/72 scale diorama, you could get by with the lid from a jar of peanut butter (Look up "Peanut Butter Panzers" in the armor section for examples)

I will admit, I'm no expert at dioramas (I'm working on my first one as well) but a little research does go a long way.

I hope you enjoy the forums, and if you have a question, just ask.