How I Build Dioramas(step-by-step)

I don't know about you guys but I really enjoy this modular approach to building dioramas.I find that the most exciting ,creative time I spend in modeling is in the research and initial building stages when your ideas begin to take shape.On a long project such as this,the modular approach leaves a lot of room for changes and the ability to spread your creative ideas over time.It also adds to the excitment of not knowing in advance how the project will finally look.As you guys know I take a lot of liberties and fantasy is a big part of what I do.I just enjoy the sense of freedom that it allows me.I enjoy being as accurate as I can in building the aircraft,cars,trucks etc.. but when it comes to storytelling I believe that if it could have happened in the historical era that I am depicting ,then go for it.Two things are going on here ,a great love of history and a need to tell a creative story.I guess that you could call it the Hollywood approach to diorama making.Sort of the difference between a documentary and a drama.
I could think of nothing more boring than being asked to build a diorama of something that already exists .In some former artwork of mine I have had people approach me and say "I really like that ,make me one." I know that they think that they are giving you a compliment but......Luckily ,I have never had to live off of my artwork so I have always been free to do my own thing,occasionally even slipping from artform to artform whenever I felt like it.
Dioramas are a lot of fun to do.Bringing to life your creative ideas is very rewarding but I sure would not want a 2-3 year project all laid out before me before I even start.
That is why I find the modular idea so rewarding as you can spread out your creative ideas throughout the project. The fact of not knowing exactly where you are heading can be very exciting.Not even you know how it will look when finished and that is half the fun.
Cheers! John.

If I decide to add the Camel to this diorama this is something like I plan to do.The airplane is being prepared to be towed to the RCAF for use as an airframe teaching tool.The airframe will be uncovered so that all of the inner structure will be seen.This will not be the most beautiful representation of this aircraft but you must admit that it is a different way of showing a model!
Historically the RCAF did purchase some old Camels around 1925 for the specific purposes of demonstation and airframe constuction .
Meanwhile,the floorplan and general arrangement drawings for the engine shop are underway and actual construction should begin soon.
Cheers! John.

I have been under the weather for the last few days but I hope to get back to the engine sometime today.At the same time I will be starting construction of the last major part of Phase 1 for this diorama,the engine shop and the engine test stand.The Mercedes engine will go in the shop itself, being worked on, while the OX5 is planned for the test stand.For those who are new to this thread,I will post a pic of the finished carpenters shop just to give you an idea of the arrangement and what things look like in 1/16th scale.
While I am in the planning stages any suggestions or comments would be more than welcome.Cheers! John.

From my friend Brian over on LSP.

I think it was good to provide a sort of summary and programme for future works. Seems like you have a lot left to do but there is much already complete. I hope that one day we can see the whole finished project. I would not try to add more stuff to the project but complete what you have already started. It is good to have a complete picture. Granted you can stretch it on forever if you keep on adding bits and pices and new minor projects within the main project but I think you need to draw a line somewhere. Just my thoughts mind you.


Thanks for the imput Brian.Right now I am planning to complete Phase 1 and deliver it to the museum.Phase 2 will depend a lot upon whether I can make arrangements with them to build a case large enough to hold both phases while I continue building Phase 2.Because of the modular type system that I am using this could go on for awhile.I am no spring chicken (soon 66) but so far I am free of any serious snags,so that is not an issue at this time.
I was thinking last night that I could still incorporate a 1/16 Camel into Phase 1 if I wanted to, by showing it being loaded on a trailer for delivery to the RCAF .Evidently Camels were purchased by them for use in their airframe school.Reid and Sons could have easily been invovled in such a transaction.I have seen somewhere a picture of a fuselage being towed on its wheels behind a van with the wings and tail assembly loaded on the vans flatbed.This way I could still use the new Camel kit and not build the 2nd hangar.Here again I could just build a skeleton type model and show upclose how the aircraft was put together.
However right now it is back to finish painting my 1:1 garage doors! UGH..... sad.gif
Cheers! John.

__________________
It has been said that the difference between a "pilot" and an "aviator" is that a pilot is a technician,and an aviator is an artist in love with flight.
JohnReid (Aviator)
Guide my hand in your work today.

Things finished or almost finished
1-1st Jenny (Canuck) 90% finished
2-2nd Jenny (basketcase) 90% finished
3- 2 Harley motorcycles
4-Mercedes show car conversion finished
5-Model T Red Indian Gas van finished
6-Model T Franklin mint diecast-needs weathering,flags and bunting.
7-Mobile trailer sign finished
8-14 scale figures finished
9-1st OX5 built and installed on aircraft
10-Mercedes 180HP for engine shop(Ken Foran) finished

Yet to be built
1-2nd show car (Mercer mod.)
2-Barnstormers car (H-S mod.)
3-Rolls-Royce parade car
4-Entex Model T van
5-Lindberg Model T car conversion
6-2nd OX5 engine for test stand (now underway)

The total number of cars and vans will depend on the size of the future parking lot.

When that is all done,I will be at the end of Phase 1.
Phase 2 will consist of the second hangar and its outbuildings as well as all the hangar furnishings.

I guess I had better step away from the computer and get busy!!
Cheers! John.