looking for objects/figures for dios

Have a look at what the guys use for wargaming scenery like Wh40K.

Might not suit you, but those are your options unless you are confident enough to sculpt/build your own.

I think you'll have to be a little more specific, as I'm not quite certain what problems you're having.
What it comes to groundwork, there are a plethora of items you can use. I won't go through all the commercial stuff, since there is a lot of it, but the favourite amongst everyone seems to be calluclay. I've never used it, so no comment.
However, there are much cheaper alternatives. I use actual earth. Get some earth from your backyard, dry it out throughly, and sift, so that no small rocks and pebbles are left in. Mix a 60/40 mixture of white glue and water, and make mud
Use this on your groundwork. WHen it dries, it will be hard, and you can paint freely (soaks up craploads of paint though)
More recently, I've also seen some very good results with papie mache.
As to anything other than groundwork, again, you have to be more specific what exactly you are looking for, and in which scale as well.
BTW, the warhammer and warhammer 40k dio sets are limited in quantity and scope, and are realy meant for wargaming, not any serious dios. Most of the stuff for that is scratchbuilt (I used to be heavy into WH).

zokissima:
" I think you'll have to be a little more specific, as I'm not quite certain what problems you're having."

I'm new to dios. I've seen many and got a new bug for them. I was looking to get inot having buildings in some. I mostly deal with 1:72 scale WWII airplanes (all nationalities), but I am starting to get into 1/2 tracks and tanks and other armourments. I want something in my dios that fits scale to each. As far as the airplanes, more in to wanting something for crash sight type dios, and landing strip/runway dios, and possible hanger scenes doing maintenance (money permiting - those aftermarket details are so great looking, but a tad pricey, so I want to perfect the basics better first.). I hope this gives you insight, but I believe you gave me some good tips to start with (other than creating my own - I'm not that confident yet ).

And MM, wargaming scenery, huh? Have to check that out too.

Thanks guys

1/2 scale? That is HUGE! You sure it isn't 1/8, 1/16?

Mike

Celluclay is a great medium for base's as long as you follow some basic rules. One is to add plenty of white glue to the mix so that it won't curl up at the edge's. Two less is better and that means if your base is'nt going to be flat build it up to the general shape with styrofoam (or something similar) first because the thicker celluclay is the longer it take's to dry. As an example I laid out the ground work for a 1/76 dio 2 days ago and I'm still waiting for it to dry (got it a little thicker than I like). By the way celluclay is basically paper mache (although a bit finer).

HO is usually a little small for 72nd but depends on the building.
A lot of Wargame stuff can be used (20mm is close to 72nd). Check out the WWII stuff here
http://www.wargamesdirectory.com/html/periods/view.asp?ID=59
They also have lists for Arab-Israeli, Vietnam, Korea, Modern, etc.

QUOTE: but I am starting to get into 1/2 tracks and tanks

QUOTE: 1/2 scale? That is HUGE! You sure it isn't 1/8, 1/16? Mike

I believe he meant half-tracks. Like 250/251and so on.

grunkyman, when i started in on dio's I had the same problem. I did not have the money to build all the dio's that were in my head. As for 1/35th scale if you buy one building, say from Verlinden or Custom Dioramics, you can use it as your measuring stick. I started building with plaster-of-paris, it's pertty cheap, and you can carve in it before it drys completely. There are some good post that deal with this subject in the forums. Sorry dont do 1/72 scale but i'm sure some of these guys will gladly help. Good luck and post more question we are happy to help.

skarpotchi, Plaster of paris, huh? Now why didn't I think of that? Can't get much cheaper.

have you looked for any products from"VERLINDEN" they have amazingly detailed figures and buildings and all sorts of accessories for dioramas

custom dioramics make some 1/72 buildings as does verlinden.
you could also scratch build buildings with some balsa wood, Plaster of Paris.