I've been contacted by a local museum about organizing a diorama focusing on American vehicles(the museum is dedicated to them). We've been asked to see if we to fill a space about the size of a 2m x 3m table. They have a few suggestions:

#Crossroads, probably behind the lines a ways.
#Beachead- they'd all be interesting on their own way.
#Liberation
Or something else. We've set a 2018 unveiling for a target, and are most likely going to work in 1/35th.

Does anyone out there have experience or references about building something of this size and scale? The getting folks to build and paint shouldn't be a problem, but building the scenery and the care and feeding of the project and its finish and maintenance is new to me.

Marc,
I recommend you start reading some Model RR magazines for construction and scenery tips and techniques. Model Railroaders are very familiar with large area benchwork and lightweight scenery techniques including backdrops that are both rugged and stunning. Some of the Kalmbach publications would be a great start.
VR Russ

Marc, Russ is on to something with model railroading. My idea would be to invite model railroaders to help with the landscaping. Most would jump for the opportunity of working on such a "large canvass" that your project would offer.
Good luck on your admirable project and PLEASE post some progress pictures !
Tom

Marc, I would suggest you contact Claude Joachim, the author and builder of the Clervaux Diorama and book series. You can find his diorama here on the site. He is probably one of the best sources to answer some or all of your questions. And. Believe Bob Woodward is another large scale diorama builder who is on Armorama from time to time....

I would say ditto on contacting model railroad folks. If you check it out there is probably a club or well known people in your area that are into railroad stuff.
J

I'd recommend you consider a forced perspective layout like the ones at Museo de la Miniatura in Guayaquil, Ecuador. I did a write-up on it here: http://creativedioramas.com/2016/06/visual-sleight-of-hand-with-forced-perspective-at-museo-de-la-miniatura/

Sounds like an exciting project, good luck!

Ivar
http://www.creativedioramas.com