Hi,
I've never built a diorama, and i want to build one for the Australians and Americans in Papua New Guinea. I'm not sure if i want it to be 1/35 because i have a tank in that scale and it would be more detailed or have it 1/72 scale because i also have figures and tanks but it won't be detailed.
I was wondering if you could give me some tips on building the diorama and what materials i should use, i dont have much money so make it as chep as possible. Could you please give me some ideas to use more dirt/mud and trees.
Thankyou, Tom.

Hi, Tom. First of all I suggest you go for 1/35 as IMHO it's more interesting, and if you are using just a couple of vehicles, the dio will be larger than a 1/72. Of course, if you plan to use lots of vehicles, being ayour first dio, maybe you should go small.

OK, there are lots of really good features and tutorials on this site on how to make fairly cheap dios, and they are by much more skilled and experienced builders than me, so I suggest you have a look through the features and the back pages of the Dio forum. Some are specific to tropical scenarios. This'll get you started.

Try this:
[url=https://armorama.kitmaker.net//features/572[/url]

Since price is a problem, have a look at plastic aquarium plants, which are relatively cheap and look good in a tropical dio. Look around for as many things as you can that can be adapted for use. Twigs, branches, sand, etc.

Good luck.

Sorry, here you go.

https://armorama.kitmaker.net//features/572

Here's more:

https://armorama.kitmaker.net//features/687

https://armorama.kitmaker.net//features/692

https://armorama.kitmaker.net//features/690

Cheers!

Hi Tom,

New Guinea being an island you have 2 options. Your dio can be a beach based or jungle based. I'd go with David (spooky6) on going 1/35. Since its your first go it might be easier to focus on a smaller scene especially if its a jungle one as there's a fair bit of vegetation to deal with. A small vignette rather than a full blown dio will be easier to tackle.

Coconuts would be the main vegetation if its beach based and probably slightly easier but then again it depends what models you want to have in it.

There's a part 2 to the article mentioned by David and in it I've included a very small 12 x 12cm. vignette. Drop me a line if you need any more help.

Was hoping you'd pick this thread up, CK. Love your work.

Many thanks for the encouragement David. Unfortunately the missus and the neighbours may not share your sentiment seeing as I 'requisitioned' some of her utensils and spices in the former and 'borrowed' some plant material from the later in several night ops.

Currently experimenting with drying moss, came out quite good so far with color retention and with some small weeds. I'll try and post some pics if I can later.

G'day Mate
go for Jungle, not a whole lot of fighting was done on the beaches during the New Guinea campaign.
Also, might not wanna mix Aussies with Americans, working together during that campaign was not a regular thing.
If you need any help with referance or info, just give me a shout.
Cheers

Hey Tom
What about a smaller dio that feature a clearing perhaps, with the backdrop becoming more and more dense with foliage? Dug up a couple of pics of New Guinea showing some buff Aussies doing the hard yards... (My grandfather is in the Willys jeep)
This shows the rugged terrain they had to navigate whilst fighting the Japanese in the hills
On the rear it says "Gun and jeep being hauled up to gun pos'n. Nuna Nuna trail, Nov '44
Cheers, Brad

Thanks alot evryone. The new guinea photos look really interesting, if it wasnt for those guys in new guinea Australia would be very different today.
Tom.

Bye the way David, i like your user siganture about the aussies in africa against rommel.
We are the Best