I have a question - single figure vs. several=diorama?

My understanding is it's based more off of story or a plot line as opposed to figures/vehicles involved.

If it's just like a 3D photograph it's more of a vignette

If it's got action that tells a story- like three or four figures dragging broken skis and a downed comrad with a broken leg and some pine needles all over him- that'd be a diorama IMHO

just my 2 cents... I know this has been asked a few times before.

Personally, I think if your single figure dragging a machine gun is displayed on a base that looks like actual terrain it is a diorama... A very simple diorama but still a diorama.

It does tell a story.. He is walking somewhere with a machine gun.

Many contests limit the number of figgies that can be in a vignette, to say three to five...if there is a vehicle involved, then usually it is considered a dio regardless of the number of figures...The story, or lack of one, really has nothing to do with the designation, as many dios are weak on story as well...Base sizes for vignettes are also usually restricted to smaller dimensions...

Some vignette examples:

Small dioramas:

Medium-sized dioramas:

Special case...although this scene only involves figures (no motorized vehicles), the size of the base/scene and other elements would most probably relegate it to the diorama category:

Good points, I conceded

Hey wait Many- what's that? A Vietnam dio?? I haven't seen that one before-

You got any more pictures on another thread? Looks like a real nice one- I like the chunk of wall on the ground next to the MUTT

Single figure dragging an MG=figure category.

Three figures manning MG=vignette.

3 figures manning mg as enemy APC passe=diorama.

YMMV.

Or no figures... in order to provide a sense of desolation and loneliness...

Been looking for this one, Manny... Don't know the name of it though.. I think it was "Lille of the Lamppost" or something like that..  First saw it in a REMF dio, along with the Sergeant's (although I see you have him as a Private here) Citroen and few black market items that he's trying to "impress" Lille with...

Hans von Hammer wrote:

Tha's the one... Got a book around here somewhere's that features it, Osprey series, IIRC..

Hans von Hammer wrote:

Or no figures... in order to provide a sense of desolation and loneliness...

That B-24 is/was in Libya correct?  Those are great

Mansteins revenge wrote:

Many contests limit the number of figgies that can be in a vignette, to say three to five...if there is a vehicle involved, then usually it is considered a dio regardless of the number of figures...The story, or lack of one, really has nothing to do with the designation, as many dios are weak on story as well...Base sizes for vignettes are also usually restricted to smaller dimensions... Some vignette examples:   Small dioramas: Medium-sized dioramas:   Special case...although this scene only involves figures (no motorized vehicles), the size of the base/scene and other elements would most probably relegate it to the diorama category:

My fav is the squad milling about next to the American Jeep

ps1scw wrote:

Hans von Hammer wrote: Or no figures... in order to provide a sense of desolation and loneliness...     That B-24 is/was in Libya correct?  Those are great

Yeah, The B-24 is Lady Be Good and the B-25 is depicting one of the thousands of warbirds that is awaiting it's date with the scrapper in the Arizona desert sometime in the late '40s...  Sad endings to two mighty warriors there...

Both are Shep Paine dios with Monogram 1/48th kits..

I painted that eons ago but I believe it is an Andrea white metal piece...

Found it... It was in an Osprey Book.. I don't have a scanner, so forgive the photo quality.. I took a picture of a picture...

Sure did...

The second dio was a pair of Churchill Mk VIIs from the 3rd Bn Scots Guards coming over the hedgerows on a composit unit of Heer and Waffen-SS near Caumont on 30 JUL 44...