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Diorama or Display.....Where to start?

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  • Member since
    November 2005
Diorama or Display.....Where to start?
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 26, 2004 10:28 AM
Hey guys,
I'm ready to make a small display base i think for one of my recently completed aircraft. Where do i even start? i have a 1/48 scale p-51 that i just want to put on a wood type base, maybe like a grass/concrete thing going on, i don't know. i just want to take the next step and have a cool display for my plane. i have been checking things out on here, but i figured a post on it couldn't hurt too much!! any help here is greatly appreciated. i'm sure there's a lot to go into it, espeically to what i want, but i'm just thinking something simple to start out. thanks.

brian
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Saratoga Springs, NY
Posted by Jeeves on Friday, March 26, 2004 10:42 AM
You may want to start by looking into a Verlinden type base-- they offer PSP, and in some cases tarmac as well I believe....or just cut a similar sized piece of MDF or similar material and put some groundwork on it.... there are some great books out there on terrain modeling. Some companies sell wooden display bases- but they can get pricey...
Mike
  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Massachusetts
Posted by ajlafleche on Friday, March 26, 2004 11:42 AM
Well, if you're parking it on grass, just get some Woodland Scenics turf, as fine as you can get, in the railroad section of you LHS. Cover the plaque with white glue, you don't have to make it square, just so it extends beyond the edges of the aircaft and sprinkle the turf on it so the glue is fully covered. Dril a hole in the base where one of the main gear will be and drill a hole at the bottom of the corresponding wheel Place a piece of brass rod in the wheel and super glue the plane to the bse.
Now, this isn't a diorama, since you're not telling a story, just placing an aircraft in the environment.

Remember, if the women don't find you handsome, they should at least find you handy.

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Indiana, USA
Posted by cassibill on Friday, March 26, 2004 12:03 PM
Look for a pre made unpainted plaque. Pick a size that seems workable. I'm not sure of the exact dimensions of a p51 in that scale. If you can't find a precut plaque try looking at cabinet fronts they are usually available unstained and are easy to finish. For concrete I'm thinking about trying a spackle/Celleclay mix..

cdw My life flashes before my eyes and it mostly my life flashing before my eyes!!!Big Smile The 1/144 scale census and message board: http://144scalelist.freewebpage.org/index.html

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: USA
Posted by philp on Friday, March 26, 2004 1:58 PM
Brian,
I used the Eduard PSP base for my Tamiya 1/48 Mustang. Mounted on a plaque from Michaels. Quick and simple.

The grass idea suggested by ajlafleche is also a great look and you can do a tarmac with some poster board painted grey with some separation lines drawn on.
Experiment.
Phil Peterson IPMS #8739 Join the Map http://www.frappr.com/finescalemodeler
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 26, 2004 6:05 PM
Long time since I have done aircraft, but I see some nice 1/48 figures and vehicles around now and then, if you were thinking about going a bit further.

Figures, even just one, do a great job of showing scale. Not everyone who looks at your P-51 will have a clear idea of the real planes size, so this helps.

Matt
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Friday, March 26, 2004 6:19 PM
Hi Waltz,

It seems to me that there is a very fine line between display and diorama. As in most art, it is the eye of the beholder. Do what makes you happy. This forum can give you more support than you can imagine. Just have fun and do what makes you feel good.

Richard
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