I used to make models until +/- 15 years ago. I have a "tressor" of +/- 100 models. Mainly airplanes (1/48) and armor (1/35). I never made any diorama though.

Now, the modelling virus got to me again (and its bad, really bad this time). The plan is not only to make models and put them on a base plate but to make these base plates in such a way that I can put them together to form eg; a large scene from a British WWII airfield, or an Normandy landing scene...

A concrete question; which size of baseplate are you generally using. I guess that it is for most people only depending on what they have in mind for one particular model but in case that you have experienced that you always end up with +/- the same size then i would be very happy to learn about this. For my idea It is clear that i will have to start with 1 size and stick to it which make it important that i pick a "correct" plate.

Has anybody info on how to plan such approach. I will need to be able to make all indiviudal dioramas independant but in accordance with a general idea/landscape/airfield lay-out/... in mind permitting to join the indiviudal parts and make a large scene.

If anyone would know where to find typical lay-outs for a WWII airfield, or a NATO airfield, or... well, you get the picture i guess.

Cool concept. Very universal. A few thoughts come to mind, what scale are the kits you will be using, be sure that they are all the same.
The size of the base in all reality can vary in standard units, similar to legos. You have some that are twice as big as the basic block, some that are wider etc.

It will take a lot of planning, one thing diorama builders to is vary the size of the base so they dont end up with dead space (nothing in it of any interest).

I would try something in the neighborhood of 1 foot square and then alter it as needed.

Hi,

I think you can get the base in modular pieces but you don't need to have all of them the same size.

As Scott said you can have one with 1 x 1 but, you can also have 2 x 1, 2 x 2, 1 x 3 and so on, that with a little bit of planning on the next one, you can put them like a jigsaw.

I've seen this aproach from people that make tile scenery for wargames, like that they can have different scenarios using the same tiles in different configurations.


HTH

Interesting idea.
All I can say is plan, plan and plan some more. Remember, each unit is going to have to coordinate with all the others to make a logical scene. That will mean ground work, buildings and, nost importantly, action. You don't want to have one sectio depiction combat and the next having guys at rest or on a casual march.
As the other guys said, there size of the bsae is dependent on the story, scale and size of the model/models.

Model railroad folks often do this. They build 12" by 12" sections with the rail itself linking, but use either complete automy otherwise, or keep to an overall theme or scenic concept. Great idea. How much fun would it be to have the edges cut like a real jigsaw puzzle? Then, you could change them or move them at will. And who says they have to join seamlessly? Do your own thing. Its your world!

What an idea for a group build!

Sealhead

There is no "standard size" as a base really depends on the model.

Usually, I take two L-shaped cardboard templates and put the model in between. Then, I move the L-shaped thingies around until I'm statisfied with the shape. Usually, the edges of the base should be an inch or two away from each side of the model.

Angela