Peterkern23

Ah freebs I'm so jealous. Can I have that one for myself? That is exactly the sort of subjective modelling that makes my modellers gland swell up. Top class!

Sounds like there was a quote textbook for art teachers, because you have quoted word for word what I was told! Say a modeller makes a road for their layout. Roads are grey so the road is painted grey, maybe with some drybrushed lighter tones for good measure. Great as far as a representation of a road goes, and many are very happy with this approach and that's great. If I were to have a layout with a road I think it would be long term, with more time spent researching road oil deposits, dust, litter and markings etc etc. then I would test out various media and colours and trial each until I was happy with it. This approach may explain why my models are so few and far between. But it keeps me happy - I mean, is the end result of a layout such so that it's done so I can "use it", or is it an evolving piece of work that lasts me a long time but looks the best I can manage? As it happens, I am hoping to replicate my buildings to sell as rtp products (with the exception of the windows which will require assembly). I will eventually want to make a diorama to place my display models on so I will be making a road and pavements etc. Pete P.S I had an idea today whilst driving, (something that happens all the time. Some ideas work, most fail!). I always wondered how I could prevent static grass from looking glued down at the edges. I don't know if it would look any good, but I thought that colouring some casting plaster an earth colour and thinning it to a milk consistency and then running it into the grass to make the grass look like it's growing through the earth. May try this tonight as a test. P.S.S sorry to drove on, I hope I'm not appearing to hijack this thread. It's just nice to discuss these things right?

Check out the level of detail on this diorama: http://militaryillustratedmodeller.com/files/2013/05/Diorama.jpg Pete

Thanks for your comments CME. You are half right - I spent much of my early years painting airfix harriers and hurricanes (not very well I may add). I spent much of my youth in shrewsbury model centre, which back in the late eighties when I was still in single digits was one of the most inspirational places on earth! The smells, the sounds of locos running loops and the associated background noises of the modelling world. As I grew up I honed my painting skills on warhammer miniatures. I didn't touch any models from about 18 years old but since my son was born in 2008 all the fun has returned to stay (I hope). It does seem that the railway modeller fraternity stands apart and almost alone in its techniques. Military modelling is simply about making a static model look the best it can, and with no associated motion it has only that one purpose. If anyone ever wanted to learn tips and tricks about realistic diorama modelling they could do worse than to buy a subscription to a military modelling magazine. Or indeed visit a show/competition, where the scenery can be tenfold the splendour of many a railway layout. There is a great show annually at the telford international centre that can inspire all sorts of new ideas. I attend every year despite not modelling military items myself. Railway modelling is, to some, about trains and rakes and timetables and so forth. To others it's about the realism, to some it's obviously both. I think for me it's the second option. I would be quite happy to have a huge end to end with no electricity at all and just a 4mt or a BR blue class 47 sitting on display in the middle of it. As for 7mm CME, maybe we could do a straight swap?! Pete

Yes! That's the stuff. Well done Allan! I love this.

I don't see what your point is.

Yes me too!

Being a 4mm disciple I always find the level of detail in 7mm fascinating. This is so lovely!

They say a workman is as only as good as his tools, but I think that's a load of rubbish. It may be considered heavy handed to use a broad knife like a Stanley knife to cut delicate parts. But if the skill of the person using them is good enough it makes no difference!

As a relative newbie to your talents I have to say this is a lovely change of style. How are you cutting the window detail?

How could you say such derogatory things about beautiful rectangles of clay lovingly smothered in mortar and bonded together? Brickist. P.S your brick buildings are great!

Allan are you taking requests? I would love to see a brick house!

That's great, I love the corrugated panel and the old gate.

Ah okay thanks I will look. It's not an issue for me I was just curious! Pete

I have just bought a cameo online and await delivery next week. I have few questions to ask those in the know; Does the cameo cut acetate sheet for glazing? Does it have the potential to create brick courses too? Any advice would be appreciated guys Cheers Pete

The stone effect is great, I like the wash grey colour on it too. More pics as the diorama unfolds?

Ooh that's nice and grimy. Love the brickwork colour and the grill detail, very sharp indeed.

I think it's an important factor. Trees are notoriously difficult to get right and any help to achieve a look consistent with my building models would be great!

Astounding effect on the tree! That alone is worth buying an applicator. Could you explain your process on this? Cheers Pete

How did I not see that one?

How do you propose to make all the Margaret thatchers? Do you want me to make a printable sheet in photoshop?

In a moment of madness some years ago I used my straight edge ruler as a line for my dremel. Now it looks like a serrated blade and I can only use the inches side if I'm cutting or marking!

Fantastic.

Thanks for the comments, I am actually happy with the appearance although I am my own worst critic! I just found the leaves easy to do given the results, compared to the effort it took to paint the bricks and roof etc. Pete

Javis do something similar although I'm sure mine was from gauge master. Something like these: http://www.javis.co.uk/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=116&page=shop.browse&category_id=11&vmcchk=1 Not sure how it will look in 7mm?