How to Build Model Dioramas

Display your model ship or plane in a diorama to maximize the impact of all of your hard work. Build a diorama that is simple or add elements to it to make it as elaborate as you want. Research and then draw scenes on the diorama in which you will place your model.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wooden, plastic, tile or rock base Acrylic or oil paint Small stones Clay

1. 

   Sketch several designs of scenes in which you want to display your model. For instance, a model ship can be displayed on a base that appears to be rolling ocean waves, with the sky, clouds and birds in the distance. For a warship, you may want to include an enemy ship and a background painted like a war scene. If your model is a rusty, old pickup truck you can draw a bait shop and a lake or a farm behind it in your diorama.

2. 

   Place the base you have chosen on your work surface. Put the model on it and try putting it at different angles until you find the place you want to mount it permanently.

3. Take a marker and mark the area where the model will be. Remove the model and set it aside.

4. 
   Base with Painted Celluclay and Stones

   Use Celluclay, mixed according to product directions, clay or plaster cover the base of the diorama. Let it dry thoroughly.

5. Paint the base with acrylic paints.

6. Glue items to the scene base for a finished, realistic look. For example, glue small stones and miniature trees to the diorama base for a woodsy look. A small twig or stick will look like a log if glued to the diorama. Paint whitecaps in an ocean scene.