Hi there

Here are some photos taken with the modeller in mind
Location North Italy
http://militarymodels.fotopic.net/c577602.html

Here is my diorama where my river was made using mulitple layers of clear gloss varnish, some layers were tinted with dark earth and olive green enamel paints. Small stones and foilage were also added at various stages.
http://militarymodels.fotopic.net/c81349.html

For my first water attempt I had used quick set resin that did not work too well - slight melting of Pibber, luckliy I was able to cover up with plants. Tried a box diorama in a glass fish tank, but the heat cracked the glass. Trial before error!

Regards

Mike Campbell

Gday Mike!
Think the creek bed looks great! Love the deeep dark tinge and the rocks in and out of the water. Fantastic effetct! Haven't been brave enough to try as of yet... :-)
Brad

Hi Mike

That's a good looking dio. The water looks absolutely great. The vehicles look great as well.

Very nice dio indeed.

Im just curious as to how much clear gloss varnish you used and which type?

Hi Jeremy

Thanks for the comments.
I used the local hardware store variety of varnish - in 1L tins, gloss gives better reflective abilities. To make the river I used about 10 layers of varying depths 1 brush stroke up to 2mm deep, bearing in mind that you need to dam the varnish to prevent flowing off your base (if you use great quantities at once). I wanted the water to be relatively clear with stones at the bottom and scatter material floating at different depths.

With murky water maybe 2-4 layers will be enough painted over a hard paste layer.The varnish also tends to creep up into the shore scatter material - so add most after the water is finished

Regards
Mike

Well done Mike,
Excellent diorama. You have the water down to a tee.
Which bridge did you use?

Dus

Well done Mike,
Excellent diorama. You have the water down to a tee.
Which bridge did you use?

Dus

Hi Dus

Thanks for the comments, just keep practising.

The bridge was a resin cast from a local hobby shop, painted with enamels.

Regards
Mike

Hi Mike,

I have never tried doing water, and when I read this post it sounds easy. I just have a few questions w/c might sound stupid...here goes:
1) Did you mix the varnish with other thinners before you used it or just straight from the can?
2) Wheb layering varnish, won't the different layers show up?

Thanks

Hi Arvin

It is better to use straight from the can - thinning it down will cause too much flowing into places you dont want the 'water' to go and slows down the drying time.

The different layers do not show up - its like multiple layered (armoured) glass that you see through clearly.

The best way is to try it for yourself in a small transparent container / jar before trying on a diorama.

Regards
Mike

Thanks for the tip. It really helps

Cheers