I started to make a Tamiya 1/48 scale Tiger 1, and since I thought that it was such a great model (I haven't painted it yet) I decided to make a diorama with it. I got the 1/48 German Infantry set and Brick wall, Sandbag and Barricade set. I think I'm going to set up the sandbags and walls like a bunker in a buildings rune, and I'll set some MG's in the groove's. It'll be awesome, but I'd like some base and terrain ideas and tips, (Remember, This is my first dioramma besides some Warhammer stuff I've done).

Sounds good but could do with a bit more info!

Sounds as if youwant the tank 'emplaced' within a destroyed building that has been fortified with sandbags, am I right?

If so, (and this is a case with any diorama) decide on the story of the scene. Were they waiting in ambush? Are they defending themselves from being overrun? etc. Once you have a story every detail of the diorama will begin to slip together. For example, it helps to know who they are fighting - wether they are on the eastern or western front will dictate the paint and transfer sceme of your Tiger and the uniforms of the men.

On to tips....

Once I have the story sorted I find myself a decent bit of MDF (or other solid, smooth wood) to use as the base. Practice laying out the scene you want to depict and pencil in the positions of tank building etc. on the wood, this should also give you the size and shape the base needs to be. Once your base is cut to size you can begin on your diorama, starting with the floor and buildings, gradually adding debris etc. until your men and tank are ready to be put in.

On another note, be careful with the Tamiya sandbags and brick walls. If they are anything like the 1/35 sets (which im pretty sure they are) they will be very 'uniform' in size and shape and therefore not look very realistic in a diorama. I suggest heating the sandbags when piling them together to get them to 'slump' more realisticly. I also cut bricks out of the tamiya walls (Particularly those 'half' walls) to make them look more realistic (no brick wall will break like that) and to get loose bricks to add around the base as debris from the walls.

Your best bet is to look at the excellent quality dioramas on this site and take note of what you see. As its your first diorama you'll learn a lot of methods, most of which are very personal and you'll perfect yourself! Don't be afraid to experiment and take your time to solve problems as a solution will always arrise! Most of all have fun!

James

The model is supose to be painted as a Tiger in Russia, so it's eastern front and will be painted German grey. The story is that they have a forward HQ, and it must be contoled, so I'll some men out on patrol of the area. The Tank will be out front of the building, there will be several MG's set up to defend it, and the Tank crew will be planning there actions.

The tamiya walls and sandbags are pretty sheesy and look like they are just made brand new, so I've looked into that, but thanks for all and hopefuly this will give you more info.

-Find some chiclets and soak the candy cover off them bend and sculpt them in place -perfect sandbags! !!Dont forget to seal them! bugs love em' You really have not given much info - perhaps after you have gotten started you could post pics with more detailed questions.

Alright, I think I have a good idea on how to make my base.