I'll start by saying something about this build. I'm using Warhammer 40,000 models, which I realise isn't everyone's cup of tea. Being an avid wargamer though, it seems like a good place to start as I'm familiar with them. Plus I've had this idea kicking around for a while.
So the concept of this diorama is a training session between two different factions of Imperial Guardsman (specifically Cadians & Catachans for those who follow 40K). In the diorama, one side is valiantly defending their flag from a final assault by the opposing force. To add interest, there will be some cover in the form of some boxes and a few trees, plus a small stream.
I began by planning the diorama on a sheet of paper. A4 (210mm x 297mm is a convenient size for the scale, and lets me press the computer into action. I locked off a 10mm border on all sides. Next I put my photographic skills to use, marking out a RoT (thats "Rule of Thirds") grid, before placing some proxy models onto the paper and shuffling them around for a good dynamic. After a sketch, this was photographed and stored on the computer.
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The original sketch for the diorama.
Once I was happy with this, I proceeded to build the baseboard. This was built out of the packing styrene from my BBQ, and secured to a piece of cardboard. I was going to use MDF but I didn't have any on hand. I'll retrofit that next weekend. The river was carved out with a hobby knife and a screwdriver (I don't have a hot foam cutter yet), then the rest of the board was suitably distressed to give it some natural contours. This was done with a combination of a claw hammer, high speed rotary tool, hobby knife and my boot.
Next up I made a slurry of plaster, PVA glue and sand, and carefully applied a layer of this to the board. This partially filled the distress marks, ended up with a suitably natural looking (well, I think it is) landscape. Finally I sprinkled some addional sand over the board, and coated the external sides in PVA.
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Diorama base, plaster coated.
So thats where I am at the moment. Next job will be to put some final touches on the sculpting of the board and get it properly sealed prior to painting.
I'll be trying to update this every couple of days until its done. I have a deadline of June 10th as I want to enter it into a competition at my local hobby store. I'll be up against some very experienced modellers, but thats fine - I don't expect to win (or even place), only to learn more.