This is my first dio attempt. this ref. pic is used with the permission of the web master of that site. DC. http://www.specialoperations.com/usspecops.html.here is what I've done so far (the base) pics taken and posted with camera phone.excuse the plastic in the photo I did this @ work. I'll post better pics taken with camera hopefully by the end of the wk.Just wanted to show what I've been up to.tips,comments and suggestions welcomed .sk2

Hi, I don't see any reference pic. Tell us a little more about the diorama idea. What is supposed to represent? I guess a river - am I right? What materials did you use and what figures/vehicles will you use? The more we know the more we can try to help.

Photos look good for camera phone

The shape is good so far. If you are doing the diver in the river make sure there is enough 'interest' in the edges that draws a viewer in to the figure. With just shoulders and head showing there won't be a ton of 'subject' exposed to draw people in.
Good start - just put some thought into 'how to get a viewer to see the diver'.

@ exer. there is a link to special operations.com right after dc. maybe I put it in to close its above the first pic.
the base is styrofoam. covered with tinted plaster (a little tan,brown and green.) i used a razor blade to cut contours applied the plaster let it set a couple of minutes took a wet brush to remove some of the plaster. as for the figs I'm using dml navy seals team 3.the two figs with the rebreathers..
@ slodder.that's what's been bothering me. it was to plain .I was thinking of adding a pier but some one on this site has done it already.some one suggested I add a fig that they(seals) will be sneaking up on or by unseen .I thinking of going this route and using figs with their backs to the water .and or adding tall trees to the front to force the viewer to look through the trees at the action. Thanks sk2

Good - you're thinking about it, that's a good thing. Now is the time to 'play', experiment with things like the dock or other figures, or different river bank applications. Do the experiments before your pour the water. Once the water is on, you're committed.

Try a few styles of brush one either side, or a log across the whole thing with moss and 'gunk' on it. take a few test photos and see what they look like - and ask here.

Good start.

I'm guessing this base is pretty big, then. If i'm getting the right vibe, you may be loosing your figures to the scenery. Which may not be a bad thing, since you want your guys to be stealthy. But rethinking the base to a smaller, more focused one might be in order and save this nice looking piece of scenery for another day.

The groundwork/terrain looks interesting and good for your first go. Scott and Al has given very good advice. Once the water is in there is little you can do and space considerations especially with just figs alone is critical.

Just my 2cts but an ambush scene would likely be your best bet. However since your river runs smack in the middle your options need to considered carefully. The SEALs will probably be in the water with possibly 1 or 2 of them already out on the bank. This means the main scene will need to focus on them sneaking up on say, some guards being the main story line. This would probably then mean:

1.Because the river is in the middle you will need to decide which side to place them the guards.
2. Either way or side this would mean one side of the river will be devoid of any interest which means dead space to be filled. You can see why placing the river in the middle is not so good but no worries all is not lost.
3. To make both sides seem "joined" you could tie them together with a small, rickety wooden plank bridge. However you will need a fair bit of vegetation to fill up the side where there are no guards.
4.The guards could be positioned with their backs turned to the SEALs.
5. To make the river more interesting you could add some semi-submerged branches and possibly a partially submerged stone or 2. Not sure if this will help but this is something I'm working on:



Best of luck and do keep us posted on the progress.

Thanks guys for the great info. I going back to the drawing board on this one.
Starting over.here is a couple of pics with the seals in the river bed just to see how they look https://gallery.kitmaker.net/data/500/IMG0027.JPG after reading your post. It does look too plain. I'm thinking of a bridge or a shack on one bank with the opfor figs. Tree line on the other.plus I forgot to add the banks.Thanks again for your comments and suggestions.
@ Beachbum. That's looking good. I like what I see. Post some more of your pics .what type.of trees & plants did you use?
Thanks again sk2

Normally I use a mix of dried plants and some preserved ones but on this one the majority of the ground vege is actually different types of moss preserved with a glycerin:water mix. Oregano was used as leaves on the tallest plant and tea leaves for the shorter shrubs. I'll try and send you some pics.

Good luck.