smoke/fire

I've seen it realistically done with an LED and some cotton. The effect was pretty stunning. Kpnuts does it with phenomenal results. He'd be the one to ask.  :)

I too have seen smoke simulated with cotton in shades of white and grey. I've seen an interior fire done with colored lights. I also know that model railroaders use small smoke generating units in some steam locomotives. From what I've seen (you can find examples on Youtube), they generate a thin stream of white smoke, which might look right for a fire that's burning itself out, but not so much for a raging inferno.

To be frank, the hazy nature, the amorphous shapes, the transparent wisps and multiple shades that are in realistic flame and smoke are very hard to do in a diorama "snap shot".  Often, it looks like the component modeler's parts: lighted or painted cotton -- and to me, often detracts from the overall impression.

It can be done, but often it's done poorly.  Our visual memory is very strong.  Ever see someone's painted figure and just SOMETHING doesn't seem right?  you can't place your finger on it but you know something's off.    Same thing with dioramas and poorly done smoke/fire effects.

I've seen few attempts at smoke and fire that are convening, however Mike B is right, Kpnuts did a fantastic job with his Warspite diorama.

Cotton is the only way I know of though.

Marines heres a photo of one of the best I've seen, it's been a while but I think it was done with cotton, lighting and paints. As you can see its possible but not many are doing it convincingly like this one. Its going to take some experimentation, but if you come up with something please post it and thanks.

jibber

That is really well done.  Would like to see some details on how it was accomplished.  Got a link?

Don

No like I said its been a while, sorry Don I don't, but wouldn't every plane guy want to try something like that. it's perfection, look at the black smoke coming up from the rear and I don't even see a prop? The color changes blend perfectly, this would take a lot of research and practice.

Here's a tremendous one from an unknown armorer from IPMS Russia posted on Facebook from a site called "Boogaloo Models". Truly stunning! I don't think there's any actual lighting in this--just paint!?

jibber

...it's perfection, look at the black smoke coming up from the rear and I don't even see a prop?

Well, if it's lit with LEDs, I wouldn't be surprised if the prop is motorized as well.

Don

Doog,

Another nice example, but I would agree that it's done only with paint rather than lit.  Lacks the depth and degree of color gradation that is evident in the Hellcat posted by Jibber. 

Don

Really good ideas ! may try them , thanks to everyone!

pordoi

jibber

That is really well done.  Would like to see some details on how it was accomplished.  Got a link?

Don

That fire/smoke effect is absolutely amazing.

That tank-fire looks like it came from an aerosol can of expanding foam spray insulation... Think it's called, "Great Stuff"... It takes enamels, latexes, tempra, and acrylics, but laquer will eat it.. If done carefully, I think one could slice it open strategically (if it is, indeed, expanding foam) and hollow it out for an LED source...

Hi thanks Mike and modelcrazy, marines1966 I also did an explosion with smoke in my Detonation dio in autos, I use leds hot glue and cotton wool.

Holy Crap! That is simply amazing.  I would love to learn that.