During this part of the clinic, I’m going to work through some of the processes that I use to create my ‘O’ scale (1/4” to the foot) structures and dioramas. Great ideas for structures don’t just pop out of thin air. Often I start with commercial plans from magazines, books and other sources. As well, many ideas for models come from photographs in magazines, in books, off the net or from the prototype. They can come from postcards, gift wrapping paper and even from a print out of a picture frame that I bought as a surround for a diorama. When I see potential ideas, I scan them into my computer, and store them into a file called “STRUCTURE IDEAS”. If I need inspiration I can scroll through these files on the computer. If you don’t have a computer (or a scanner), you can always photocopy any ideas you like and place them into a book with clear plastic pockets. Just glancing through will get you inspired. Always keep your eyes open for those great ideas that might lead to a great model.

After I have decided on what model I would like to build, I start to develop a concept for this model. This “CONCEPT” states what the model is to be, what I am trying to achieve and what the finished model should look like. This will help clarify what era and what condition the structures will be in. This concept and the concept drawings that follow, will include all the elements that will come together to form the completed model or diorama. It will include the model itself and the various building materials to be used, and the other physical details that will enhance the model such as fences, sidewalks, trees, vehicles, figures, signs etc. It may include a length of ballasted track with weeds and other junk at the rear of the structure.
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The Crested Butte Pilot

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An example of this is a diorama I built called  'ROGERS PLUMBING SUPPLY'  which was built from plans of the 'CRESTED BUTTE PILOT', from a book of plans called `Structures of the Old West'  by Joe Crea and Elwood Bell (pages 8-9). The drawing from the book is above. The plans below.   

In this case, I had photocopies of the plans enlarged to 1/4” scale. Onto these I made notes of the concept I want to achieve, including any changes or additions, as well as notations on what materials are to be simulated on the structure. Notes were also be made on what colours were to used and where, as well as details to be added not shown on the plans. I  even coloured the plans with pencils to get an idea on how it will look finished. I also made a list the special effects required i.e. lights and animation to be added and how they were to be  fitted. I also indicated the land form that I wanted the building to sit on.

I often have these plans lying around for several weeks so I can add more notes, ideas and other changes that I may make to it. These drawings are also handy to obtain a list of materials, detail parts, figures, vehicles etc. that will be required for the diorama. I can then make a start on collecting all these parts.

While the 'Crested Butte Pilot' is a nicely proportioned structure with loads of potential, a newspaper office can be a very bland structure, especially in a diorama. I decided to take this basic building and turn it into a plumbing supply, which would allow the inclusion of heaps of interesting details, such as signs, pipes, drums, bath tubs, as well as cars, figures and a small truck being loaded at the dock which I added at the back of the structure. For added interest, and to allow for the loading dock, the land was sloped down toward the rear. You can see where I have added this land form to the plans above.

Having decided what I want to model and have developed a concept for it, and having collated ideas, photos and other information that I will need, I hand draw up basic perspective drawings of the structure, like the drawings seen above. These drawings show the locations of windows, doors, stairs and the proposed land form, as well as any other major items to be included in the diorama. This drawing doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, and can be done using tracing paper over the original. It’s only being used to bring all our ideas together to see if they will work. Quite a few of these drawings may be required before I’m happy with my concept.

My interpretation of a diorama is a structure or group of related structures that are located on a fully sceniced base that is just large enough to hold those structures and their related details.

With this in mind, and the concept that has been developed for this structure, we need to compose the diorama. Composition is basically taking the written or drawn concept and turning it into a 3 dimensional object that encompasses determining the overall physical design of the diorama. It’s main purpose is to arrange the structure or structures and other elements in the diorama. This will be very important in dioramas, as they are normally viewable from all sides, and can sometimes have no obvious front or back.

The diagram opposite shows the top view of the composition of 'ROGERS PLUMBING SUPPLY' As can be seen, the diorama base is just large enough to hold the structure and other related details. The structure has been rotated slightly on this base.  

The diorama base should be only just big enough to accommodate all the various elements to be sited in the scene so as not to distract from the center of interest, in this case the structure.

A rough guide to a basic balancing system is to divide the scene into thirds from left to right and into thirds from the front to the back, and use these lines as the major set up guides in composing our scene. These lines are best not parallel to the edges of the base as stated in Point 1 above.

An example of this is the use of fences, pointing figures or the strong line of the edge of a road to lead the viewer to the main element in the scene. These angles should direct to viewer into the scene, not out of it. An example of this is having the front of vehicles point into the scene, not out of the scene.

All the above points (not rules) are only a guide and a great starting point, but dioramas are not all the same and will have different requirements. Remain flexible and feel free to experiment and go by my golden rule: “IF IT LOOKS RIGHT, IT IS RIGHT”. Move the various elements around on the diorama base, keeping the above points in mind, but settle on what looks right.

When I have decided on the model I am going to build and worked out the concept, I try and find something that can be added to the diorama that will make it stand out from other models. This can be something as simple as adding an unusual load to a piece of rolling stock or an unusual vehicle in front of a structure, a group of interesting figures or heaps of great signs. Varying the use or type of materials can also give your model a lift. We can also consider an odd shaped diorama base for our model. Even a splash of colour like a new car (especially a red one) or on the clothing of a figure in the scene can attract and hold a viewer's attention.

To allow for the option of having the land slope on the diorama, you can build the base out of a layer or several layers of 50 mm thick polystyrene foam. You can edge this with cardboard, or if it is an irregular shape, thick paper will work really well. If you are going to display the diorama by itself or enter it into model competitions it is advisable to paint the edges of the base a colour that will enhance the model.  

Other options are a sheet of MDF board or real wood that has a routed or shaped edge and then stained to match the model. White or coloured card or heavy coloured paper is also great to cover the sides of a base. If your land form is fairly flat, there are cheap picture frames available that make great diorama surrounds  

A diorama or structure always look finished if it haves some type of surround or frame, and these give you a place to handle the diorama without damaging the scenery.  

PICK A STRUCTURE THAT YOU ARE REALLY INTERESTED TO BUILD

Make sure that the project will hold your interest, as scratch building a large structure or diorama can take many hours to complete. If it is a very large project, try and break it down into smaller sub-assemblies or separate models that can be fully finished, and then incorporated into the overall project. This will keep your interest and spur you to keep going.                                   

PICK A STRUCTURE THAT HAS THAT SOMETHING EXTRA

Some buildings have real character as soon as you see the plans or photographs and just scream out to be modelled. You can always add things you see in other structures and combine them to make a very interesting building.

ADDING THAT SOMETHING EXTRA

Sometimes you will see a plan, photograph or an idea for a structure but it does not have that something extra that will make a good model. The initial example of the “Crested Butte Pilot” is a good example of this. Turning it into plumbing supply with lots of external detail such as pipes, drums and even a new bath tub can turn a plain structure into a really interesting model. Other plainer structures can have their character enhanced by adding such things as interesting sets of figures, vehicles, signs and other details. Even putting the structure on an interesting foundation or on a steep slope can really add to the model.

TRY USING DIFFERENT MATERIALS

To add interest to a structure, try placing it on a stone foundation instead of wooden stumps or varying the roof materials. There are many different materials that can add interest.

ADDING HISTORY TO THE MODEL

Many structures are added to or changed over the years, so consider using more modern or different and less weathered materials on these additions. Even things like a new sign placed over an older and much faded sign give the structure character and interest.

HAVE EVERYTHING ON HAND

There is nothing more frustrating than starting a model and then finding you are short of that vital piece or section of timber. I start collecting details and other items for a project often long before I start it. As I collect these pieces, I store them in a re-sealable clear plastic bag, and mark the bag so I know what model they are intended for.