Junkers D.1 + Aviattic Trailer + Diorama

[Borsos]

I really like the general layout of your diorama. Everything's placed off-balance and no line goes parallel to the frame of the dio (I remember that as the most important lessions I learned from Sheperd Paine's books). Is there a special reason why the wall on the left side is broken down? Is the scene close to the front?
Best regards
Andreas

[RAGIII]

I Love the look of your layout on the Diorama! Really should look awesome!
RAGIII

[Gisbod]

Is there a special reason why the wall on the left side is broken down? Is the scene close to the front?
Best regards
Andreas

I guess it must be Andreas! No, just how the set from Diodump depicts it. Thanks 

I Love the look of your layout on the Diorama! Really should look awesome!
RAGIII

Thanks Rick!


On a technical note.. I’m just worried that if I cast the plaster in the frame - it could crack. The hardboard base has a degree of flexibility about it and the plaster would only be a few mm’s thick? Having not worked with it before I don’t know how strong it is?


Thanks

Guy

[Borsos]

The hardboard back will probabely soak the water off the plaster. It could crack, but it could also deform and then your still flat surface becomes something dome shaped. I personally wouldn't cast in plaster, but use something like this air-drying putty:

To create the desired surface I am using texture rolling pins like these here:
http://www.greenstuffworld.com/en/22-textured-rolling-pins
I think that's a great website, located in Spain (no connection, just a happy customer), where I always find something handy.
Andreas

[Gisbod]

Thanks Andreas,

Interesting stuff on the website...

I’ve actually got a packet of the Das, that’s a good idea. I’ll probably have to experiment.

Cheers

Guy

[Gisbod]

Still procrastinating on the base...

But I have made progress on the resin wall!

Base coat of a mortar colour (Tamiya Deck Tan)
Bricks painted individually  using 5 Vallejo shades of brown
Shading & some weathering powders to blend it together
A little Moss Green sprayed around the base
Metalwork painted a mottled rust brown
Hairsprayed
Vallejo top coat
Scrubbing
Streaking

I might enhance the streaking a little, but basically it’s done.





Thanks


Guy

[GazzaS]

Very nice!

[RAGIII]

Your wall section is looking Fantastic!
RAGIII

[Gisbod]

Thanks Rick & Gazza,

So, after much thought. I’ve gone mad and used the plaster using the frame as the cast. However I did line it first with tin foil to prevent the moisture wicking into the base. I cut the foil away from the edges once dry. So far so good!





Then I scribed the slabs using a steel rule and an awl (pointed steel tool) followed by some cracking here and there with a scalpel. It was fairly dry at this point but not fully cured.





And a close up:





The plaster dries with a lovely textured effect rather like concrete...


The plan from here is to paint and weather the slabs before any further work.


My only worry is if it cracks, but as I don’t have the experience it’ll be a process of trial and error!


Thanks again,



Guy

[Borsos]

Nicely done!
Andreas

[Gisbod]

Thanks Andreas 

Good job you told me about the moisture & base. I think the foil saved it. It’s great stuff. It’s really easy to work and very satisfying pouring the plaster!

Guy

[Bughunter]

Guy, great work continued with the last updates!

Do you know, that on top of your gate are the words "Eisen Werke AG"? This seems to be a company name and the translation is something like ironworks, AG is "Aktiengesellschaft" means public company, stock corporation.
I hope, that they handled not only iron, but also aluminium

Cheers,
Frank

[Gisbod]

Hi Frank,

Yep, I thought it was something like that, but using a little artistic licence as it’s a requisitioned factory near the front?

To be honest, I was struggling to find something appropriate for the structure and in the end it was a bit of a compromise.


Guy

[Gisbod]

So, a little more done...

I painted some pre shading to kick off:





Followed by a mottled Tamiya Sky Grey. I then wicked in an enamel wash of dark brown to the cracks:





And whilst on a roll, made a start on the earth area using AK Interactive ‘Dry Ground’. I haven’t used these products before and it’s very easy to pour on and push into shape. With this in mind, and with the hot weather we’ve been having I’ve been collecting some dry soil and sand samples here and there whilst walking the dog... these were sprinkled over the still wet paste and into the grooves of the slabs. A few grassy tufts were added sourced off eBay (excellent little things with a sticky base):






I’m going to let this set overnight then I’ll give the whole thing a coat of matt varnish to (hopefully) seal in any loose areas.



Guy

[Manni]

Hello Guy,
It looks very promising. May be you should think about some slightly different tones on the concrete stones. Just light washes in different grey, brown and green tones.
Have fun,
Manni