Introduction

I originally thought that Claude was mad when he started the original project building the Château, but to then continue expanding I knew he must be a little crazy. Most modellers I know can build a reasonable sized diorama and a most when they try to build one too big give up before its ever completed, but this new book Capturing Clervaux show that with right subject and enough enthusiasm a life long ambition can be created.

The book

This is the second book in the saga, concentrating on the surrounding village to the Château, to find out more about the initial build then you will also need to pick up the original book - Capturing Clervaux - A modellers tale. This new book is a 148 page feast on diorama building, produced in colour through out it teases the senses with the scale of work that went into this project, it really is a labour of love.

the book begins with a simple introduction explaining the reasons behind the eight year project followed by a history lesson to help set the scene and the period in time that it was based. It then delves into a master class in diorama building, most of which were learnt as various problems needed to be solved by the author as the project progressed. Building roads using cork bricks, and creating building from the simple to the more complicated and dressing up the interior and exteriors are covered through out the covers, plenty of in progress pictures help understand the how these were done.

when you consider that pretty much the majority of items in this diorama have been built from scratch you really do appreciate the time and effort that has gone into this project. The book itself is not really a step by step introduction into diorama building but more a photographic presentation of how this project came together, and some of the techniques used to reach the completion of such a large project.

I have was luckily to have reviewed the earlier book when Claude began this project and to now see it at the final conclusion, I really dont have enough respect or words for a modeller who can build such a large project and not get side tracked. There are many threads here on Armorama where he has shown some of his work as it progressed. when you consider this has been his life muse for the last eight or more years then you can only begin to understand the dedication he has put into his work.

Conclusion

Browsing through the book the craftsmanship of the work that has been done is among that of the best diorama builders around in my opinion, the book will not only spark the creative minds of any diorama builder but but modellers as a whole,

highly recommended reading