I am thinking about building an oif diorama. I want the scene to be right after an ied attack with rubble all over, a slightly damaged gun truck and figures scrambling for their guns. I can do the vehicle and the figures but have no clue where to start with the diorama part. Could anyone help me. It will be my first diorama.

do a search on google images with "ied explosion" and you will get some good ones. if you have specific questions, pm me.

After you have a look at some pics of IED scenerios. Sketch out a drawing of what you would like to have. Have a good look around armorama there are a lot of diorama techniques that may help you with the project. Or you can just ask in the forum that are a lot of great people around that will help you. If you can give a little more info of what you want be it from a picture or imagination we will be able to help alot more. Have Fun.

I want to make a street with houses like this:
http://www.armedforces-int.com/images/projects/6/stryker4b.jpg

with some debris on one side from an ied like this:
http://inlet.org/wade/photos/iptreports/april4/Ragibaa/030328Street1RT-sm.JPG

I also want to make the house closest to the debris damaged and instead of a stryker in the street i want to have a guntruck with soldiers inside

Gday Evan
Nothing like diving in the deep end mate!
I reckon for your first diorama you should simplify things by half. This is in no way a shot at your skill level, but more a chance for you to build from something small. How about forgetting the building backdrop and having an open road IED incident? The focus could be on accurately representing the damage/crater caused, and how it affects the vehicle and soldiers. Keep the base only large enough to fit the vehicle, figures, explosion area with just a little extra. From this scene you can hone your skills and start to think more 'grandiose' for the next one
Oh, and you are definitely on the right track with gathering reference photos; the best way to amass ideas
Brad

Ya the finished diorama will probley end up being very simplified compared to the original idea. Thanks for the advice.