Todd Michalak takes a close look at Miniart’s Middle East Diorama Kit – 36056.

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Thanks!

Thank you Todd. Very good review. I've never done any of these diorama bases but was particularily interested in this one. One of your pictures even answered my one questionL: would the newer (larger) MRAPs fit on the "road".
The only other thing: you mention reinforcing the base....are there any particular tips for doing this? It looks a bit large for spars. Would filling with plaster work? Like I said, I have no experience with these.

Thanks
Sean

I love the concept of these bases, you get a fairly detailed setting that is reasonably priced if you know where to look and can be super detailed to your liking and talent/budget. Having built a few vacuformed aircraft way back when, I can say that the average modeler should be able to build one of these without too much hassle. For the most part, you're dealing with straight lines and simple joins. If you can get over your fear of vacuform, and get familiar with the tutorial mentioned, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how painless it really can be. You will have to be patient and use your little grey cells, which is never a bad thing.

Kimmo

these building are meant more for north Africa than the middle east

Sean - Thanks for the kind words and for checking out the review. I have to laugh as I was looking to put something on the Dio to give a sense of scale...thought the RG was better than the D9 Armored Bulldozer! !00% on your though of the plaster! One of the best things about setting lends itself to "plaster" so if there is and filling required the incorporation of the stucco look could be done to help eliminate the sanding and to maybe enhance some of the uneven areas.

Kimmo - Thank you! Patience is the key for sure! Base and wall reinforcement can aid with construction. I also would think removing the four small sides of the base and this top base section could be mounted directly to a plinth base making for a strong base. I plan on trying this with my European Tram base.

Frank - Whereas I do agree with you this could be used within a North African scene without any modifications other than personal taste, a quick Google search of Middle Eastern building habits of the 19th and 20th century renders many fine examples of similar building practices. Personally I like the versatility of this set more and more...I would think I could sneak this into a setting within the South West United States as well! Have to love the options.