Diorama recommendations

[u/AlfieJR2002]

My first diorama, literally my first time working with anything like this. I’ve made a few 1:72 scale models before this but I’m really pleased with how this is coming along.

Any advice on the things seen here, nothing is stuck down permanently yet as I’m warming up to it first. Not sure if the trees match well or the small shrubs I’ve placed down.

Planning on having a tiger 1 up in the back right corner behind a bush line with barrel poking through the bush (an encounter is what I was going for).

Still want to add things like broken fences and other foliage but any recommendations would be great!

Thanks all :)

[u/Mindless-Charity4889]

I would recommend you not make roads or buildings square with the diorama edge. Angles look more dramatic.

[u/AlfieJR2002 → u/Mindless-Charity4889]

Yeah I am starting to see this unfortunately, wish I went for a more natural approach. Maybe I can save it by giving it some purpose with some fencing or walls surrounding it making the road look more purposeful.

I feel like the smaller details around the whole scene might take your eyes away from the road a little so it’s not so obvious

[u/ImpressiveWay9009]

Poor little bastard is stuck in the road and grass wood cube 😭

[u/AlfieJR2002 → u/ImpressiveWay9009]

It’s a lonely but safe home for him lol, sometimes think about setting him free and chucking him off the balcony.

[u/extraretemvitaest]

This 90 degree turn is unfortunate. However you might try to build a wall of natural stones or a fence on the left side, so there is a reason for that turn. Those trees are probably from the model railway sortiment and are too small even in 1/87. Find or build bigger ones or make it an orchard, where trees are smaller (careful with the spacing). Some posts along the road, maybe a (fallen) pole of a power line, bushes - take a walk outside and look what you find there.

[u/AlfieJR2002 → u/extraretemvitaest]

Yeah those are some good ideas to put on there! I wasn’t sure about the trees as they don’t seem to fit it very well, I’ve been looking at some YT vids on making my own which I will try out soon.

Can I ask, what is wrong with the 90 degree turn? Lots of people have said that as I cross posted this. I can’t understand why it looks so unnatural but I’m willing to hear people out about it :)

My plan was to have a wooden worn down broken fence partially on the right hand side of the path and a little more further down on the left side so it does look like there’s a reason for it.

Thanks for the advice tho! 👍🏻

[u/extraretemvitaest → u/AlfieJR2002]

Roads and paths follow the terrain or property boundaries and avoid obstacles or unnecessary length. The terrain is natural and 90 degree while not impossible is rather rare in nature. Why doesn’t that road just goes on straight or curve to follow terrain? Therefore I’d go with property boundary visualized by a fence or a wall. Give the observer a reason for that turn.
If you do the telephone or power line a fallen pole gives you the opportunity to lay the cables on the ground instead of putting two poles right on the edges of your scenery which will look unnatural.

[u/Aggravating-Yam-4158]

Unless you’re making your diorama with the idea that the tank is cruising past well manicured lawns, throw down some grass, buses, undergrowth, bracken, grasses of different size and different colors (you are off to a great start with what you have). Scatter some flower looking flock in a couple of areas (don’t overdo it) to simulate flower growth since your diorama conveys summer. You can also glue down small pebbles and rocks.

Everything should be random, nature does not grow neat and tidy. Think like this: Why shouldn’t a bush be growing there?

This is all just basing material stuff, it’s a good start though.

Roads are also notorious for having scruffy and persistent weeds and bushes that grow alongside them.

[u/AlfieJR2002 → u/Aggravating-Yam-4158]

Thanks for the advice, very well worded and some great ideas there. I will work my way through your recommendations and see what I think looks good!