Diorama idea for limited space

[TheTroyster]

Having moved into a small apartment from a house, needless to say my display space is limited. I don't know about you, but I always think my scale models look better on a diorama verses a plane book shelf. Now I've thought about small bases but they look trashy to me so I decided to try a full shelf diorama which can hold three to five units.

I started with a pre finished shelf that was almost the same size as my book selves. Bought some dark color premixed tile grout.


Next I added the grout on the shelf:


Next I used my hand to spread the grout:


I then use a flat stick to both level the grout and remove excess grout:

Then taking a damp rag I wiped the edges off:



Then I cut out some paper templates of the tanks I am going to display so I can get an idea of how they will fit:


Then I mixed some white glue, dish soap, and water and pour on dried grout, and then I spread it all over:




Then I sprinkle on my ground cover:


Let it dry another day and then I place on bookshelf and place my tanks on for display:



Thanks I hope you like the idea. Next I have yet another shelf diorama idea I'll share here if it works.

[GangsterNo1]

Very cool idea. I have some Ikea shelves laying around that may end up the same way. Cheers

[TheTroyster]

Going to use the same steps as above only I wanted to create four different dioramas.
This time I divide the shelf into four equal parts:



Then I build up each space and place a paper template of the models Ill be displaying.



The basic layout of the four dioramas:



A better idea of how the diorama's will look, with photocopies of the pictures that inspired the themes.



Add some more details:


Here is how the four tanks look now- just boring and sitting on a shelf:



Placed the tanks on the new dioramas - still not done but it's coming together....



Missing something:



Pasted the photos that inspired the build on the wood:



Place the pictures behind the tanks:



So four different US tanks, but all related in the development of the next tank! A couple of close ups:






Hope this helps.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Well that's pretty darn cool!!!
I am a big proponent for dioramas to finish off models properly

[wookiee76]

Darn fine idea, may be forced to pinch it at some point.