I am attempting my first diorama whihc ina nutshell is a well worn track running parallel with a steep(ish) cliff.
My question is, I wish to 'slice' off the cliff at a height of about an inch more than my afv but am not sure if his will work. If its an option, Im not sure what colour to paint it would be best.

Any ideas much appreciated.

HP - I have done some elevated diorama. I'm honestly not quite following your question so I'll try and cover the bases
As far as elevating a dio I use a base of styrofoam (the stuff used when shipping electronics). Then I cover it with celluclay (paper mache) and or household spackle.
For painting it depends on the theater the dio is representing. The groundwork will be according to the type of dirt, browns, grays, reds. Don't forget rocks if its a rocky cliff.
As far as "Dead" area for elevation that is not part of the actual diorama. What I do is take either construction paper (heavy hobby paper) or sheets of thin styrene and cover the edge that is 'dead'. I paint the paper or styrene a dark neutral color, dark blue, black, something that does not attract attention. OH - paint the styofoam and ground work the same color as the sheet of paper/styrene Before applying the sheet/styrene. This will help blend any gaps.
Below are two shot of elevated dios. Charlie Fox I used paper to cover the edge on the back two edges (not easy to see). On the River Crossing you can see the front edge of the styrene. This dio is about 1.5" above the base.
If you need more or better photos let me know.






I just found this picture (thanks Eagle). It's a different style than what I do - it may help or give you ideas

Slodder.

Thanks for the answer but your right in my question was not posted using particularly good english, I'll try again!!

Imagine say a pyramid, and you wish to show a quarter of the base and a third of the height. Its the bit about slicing the height that Im interested in. Your suggestion about the 'dead' area is probably good but I think you were referring to the sides/edges as opposed to the height but wonder if there are any other alternatives?

Cheers again

Slodder.

Thanks for the answer but your right in my question was not posted using particularly good english, I'll try again!!

Imagine say a pyramid, and you wish to show a quarter of the base and a third of the height. Its the bit about slicing the height that Im interested in. Your suggestion about the 'dead' area is probably good but I think you were referring to the sides/edges as opposed to the height but wonder if there are any other alternatives?

Cheers again

Hip_Priest - I get it (a bit slow on the uptake). Basically you want to make a 'cut' parallel with the floor or base.
I personally would do the same thing only on the top. The cleaner the cut, the more different it is from the actual diorama the better (in my opinion). It will clearly define it as a separation.
If you really want separate and you have a 'dead' back to the diorama you could make a reverse angle cut on the top 'dead' area. Build up the styrofoam and create the front as you want. Then at the very top of the diorama make a cut (or cuts) that slope down and Away from the front. Almost like the roof of a house. The AFV would be on the front slope of the roof and the back side of the roof is 'dead'.

I think it will be very hard to make a convincing impression of height like that.
It might very easy look like just what it is: a custy op piece of styrofoam.
Be very carefull!!

Gosh, beautiful pics slodder!!!! i like the last one, could you give me the "url" of the pics???
Thanks

Laurie

Laurie
The last photo is a pretty well known diorama that has been everywhere. The most recent is right here at the Big A, Eagle up loaded a lot of pictures from a recent event
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/photos/showgallery.php?cat=565&si=&page=1&sort=1&perpage=10&password=&ppuser=&stype=0

This one is on page 5

The other two are my fault and can be seen here
https://armorama.kitmaker.net/photos/showgallery.php?ppuser=242

Golikell - I usually cover my 'dead' space with sytrene or card stock to hide the styrofoam look.