Hi,

I´ve just started with modelling and dioramas and im wondering what the best scale for your first real diorama is?

Smaller scale too keep it simple or large scale for detail?
What would you recommend?

Right now im traning my oilpainting skills on... 1:60? scale, its Black tree design WWII figures. I read something that sounded smart from another post about "KISS" keep it simple, but what is simple? Big or small?

A diorama is a scenen and im thinking that scenes need "drama" or a story. So the way too tell a story in big is probebly in the details and the figures faces with requires a delicate touch and finding the right figures. While in Small scale its the scene itselfs that shows the drama, induvidual details dosent really show that much. So which one is simpler too "pull off"?

Im leaning toward bigger scale and start with a 2 figures diorama with minimal terrain around, thoughts?

Thanks for your help

Whatever scale YOU are most comfortable in.

For me, while I really like dioramas, I think it's best to work on actual model building and painting. Once you can do that to your satisfaction, then move to figures, bases, groundwork, etc.

Ola Anders

Well for any scale there is something to say and there really is no right or wrong. It is indeed as Jesse says. Do what you are comfortable with.

I can't say anything for small scales as I have never done that in my life. I always did 1:35. However if there is one thing you should keep in mind it is the KISS rule. Which works for both directions you go. Decide what you want to portray and try to work out the smallest amount of space neccesary to tell your story. And start from there. Try to recreate whatever groundworks you want. I think a scene without buildings would be the easiest starting point. A scene with 1 or 2 figures and maybe a small vehicle and just try to make some convincing groundworks. figuring things out as you go.

It's great fun to create diorama's. So whatever you choose I'm already curious as to what you will create

Hi,
I would say whatever scale you usually model in. Stay in your comfort zone.
I used to build all 1/72nd scale, now over the last few years, I have graduated to 1/35th scale . Why ??? Because over the years my hands and eyesight don't work like they used too. I find 1/35th to be easier to deal with the smaller parts, and there are more items avaliable in 1/35th for us Dio Builders.

Keep On Modeling, and Good Luck with your Dio, Most of all HAVE FUN !
Just my 2 cents worth.
milvehfan

It really is a matter of preference because there are bonuses and drawbacks to both sides.

Bigger scale is relatively harder to create a realistic diorama given the amount of detail you might want to add, and it also means spending more time. However the amount of resources and things available at your disposal really allow you to create something unique and very personalized. Also, typically bigger sizes are easier to detail than a small size. Figure postures, details, faces, uniforms and a whole host of things makes a larger size more dynamic. What I think is the best about larger dioramas is how impressive they can be when done really well.

Smaller scale is better and worse because it is smaller. Because of smaller details, you can sometimes get away with things that wouldn't be so easy with a larger scale. However, if you are into detailing, trying to make or create something at such a small scale is difficult. The amount of resources are a bit limited and the figures are usually not in the exact postures you might want them. That being said, because of the limited amount of things you can buy, smaller scales are typically a bit cheaper.

I prefer small scale because that's what I grew up making and I like the challenge of making things in small scale. But it is really a matter of preference.

Thanks for all the respons

Well i think im gonna go with a smaller scale diorama as my first. Got the figures already well probebly wont be all that great but we will see.

A small 3-4 figures diorama will be back with blueprints and pictures

Everybody has started from the beginning. There are no short cuts. It is great that you are doing one, since you want to! As it is said a 10,000 mile journey is started with the first step. If you never take that step then you will never start!

Don't forget that you have modelers local to you that are very willing to be of service. Check with IPMS Sverige to see where the nearest chapter is for you.

Väl mött!!

Im kinda new too the site... IMPS sverige? Where do i find this?

Tackar iaf

Here is a link to the site I was talking about. IPMS Sverige

I'm a part of IPMS Stockholm. Our site can be found here IPMS Stockholm

Take a look around and go to the IPMS in your local area. A lot of friendly people just as crazy about modeling as you are (might be )