A diorama for taking photographs.

[kirtleypete]

I am a great believer in photographing models outside in daylight whenever possible, but of course with a layout that cannot always be done. A simple diorama is the answer, small enough to carry around but large enough to pose a train on in order to photograph it. My models are 0 gauge but principal applies to any scale. 

 

This one was made for a customer:

 

 

The shadows on the backscene are something to watch out for!    The base is a simply plywood with a ply backscene to which I glued a sheet of 1mm aluminium. The self adhesive vinyl backscene (ID Backscenes) was then stuck to this, as it won't stick to ply. The important thing is to raise the trackbed a little so you can photograph trains looking up at them which looks very realistic. This diorama was just under 4' long. 

 

 

When I delivered it I decided to make one for myself; I've made lots over the years but always ended up selling them so I hadn't got one for myself. This time I'm keeping it. 

 

I went for a single track on a slight curve with a wooded backscene, hopefully looking a little like the Forest of Dean. The beauty of these dioramas is that they don't take long to make so you could have several with very different backscenes and scenery. I rather fancy a winter scene with frost on the ground. 

 

 

 

 

Peter

Edited January 24, 2021 by kirtleypete

[kirtleypete]

I've just been out and braved the cold to take a few more pictures.

 

 

This is my diorama, four feet long and sufficiently generic to be used for all sorts of stock and any period. 

 

 

 

From the 1960's to the 1880's....

 

 

...and over the Channel to France.

 

 

Keeping the background non specific means the diorama can be used for all sorts of photographs. If the backscene included the Seven Sisters, for example, it would be a bit more limiting! 

 

One tip I've learned the hard way - do couple up all the stock, because it shows! 

 

Peter

 

 

Edited January 24, 2021 by kirtleypete

[TechnicArrow]

These are beautiful little countryside scenes, and you've shown how incredibly versatile they can be! I think if I ever build one I'll inevitably end up trying to incorporate it into a layout...

[kirtleypete]

That's the danger!

Peter

[Kevin Johnson]

Peter you have produced two lovely scenic dioramas. You also have a nice selection of O gauge !ocos and wagons.

[marc smith]

Nice work on those dioramas there @kirtleypete. It's always nice to have a setting to photograph your new loco, or newly built / painted model. Plus, it can help you to learn modelling techniques and pick up hints + tips....

I agree that it can be good to photograph using daylight (on the right day of course). You could also make the backscene removable - so you can change the "setting". A simple, natural sky, with real clouds can also be a great backdrop, for those low-angled shots.

As @TechnicArrowsays, there's a temptation to want to incorporate a diorama into a layout too..... hmm, I'm off to doodle some plans

[kirtleypete]

Careful....you start off doodling and end up with another layout!

Peter