Thanks for the replies and interest in the diorama. I am having trouble attaching the word document associated with this project so I will attempt to paste it below.
The bases of all of the King & Country figures and buildings used in this diorama were traced onto 4mm plywood and cut out extremely accurately using a scroll saw. They were then tacked onto the main level in their respective final positions on the diorama (they were also covered in cling wrap to prevent bonding to the plywood). The purpose of this was to eventually remove these pieces to form a recessed section for each figure so that it conceals their bases and offers a level surface on the finished diorama.
The entire main level and trench is covered with plaster of paris to an average depth of 4mm. Plaster is also used to form the raised machine gun nest, artillery position, bomb craters and raised section at the front of the trench.
The finish to the main level is actually achieved using various types of sand. River sand mixed with varying amounts of Sydney sand was bonded to the plaster after applying a thin layer of PVA glue. Black oxide was also added to the bomb craters to simulate the after effects of an explosion. The 4mm bases were removed and the recesses were given a final trim to accurately accommodate the figures.
Very small pebbles and pieces of fine blue metal and modellers grass were also added using PVA glue. The title boards were hand painted by a professional sign writer and fixed permanently to the front of the diorama. The surrounds and underside of the base were finished in a dark stain with a satin Estapol finish. Eight furniture slides were also fixed to the underside of the base.
The entire finished diorama is covered with a 4mm Perspex cover for protection against dust which sits on a lip on the base.
All of the figures, building and accessories used in this diorama are manufactured by King & Country with the exception of the sand bags which are manufactured by Forces Of Valor.
KING & COUNTRY
AUSTRALIAN LIGHT HORSE DIARAMA
By Paul Brierley
This diorama measures 1200mm x 500mm and is constructed of 9mm plywood. There are basically two horizontal levels of plywood, one forming the base and the other elevated 40mm to form a central trench and the main level of the diorama. There is also a raised section on the main level consisting of four moulded sections of 4mm plywood that form the machine gun nest. On the front of the trench there is a raised section of half round mould that offers protection for those firing from the trench. This half round section has also been used to form a protected position for the artillery. Three circular sections were also chiselled to a depth of approximately 6mm to form bomb craters.AUSTRALIAN LIGHT HORSE DIARAMA
By Paul Brierley
The bases of all of the King & Country figures and buildings used in this diorama were traced onto 4mm plywood and cut out extremely accurately using a scroll saw. They were then tacked onto the main level in their respective final positions on the diorama (they were also covered in cling wrap to prevent bonding to the plywood). The purpose of this was to eventually remove these pieces to form a recessed section for each figure so that it conceals their bases and offers a level surface on the finished diorama.
The entire main level and trench is covered with plaster of paris to an average depth of 4mm. Plaster is also used to form the raised machine gun nest, artillery position, bomb craters and raised section at the front of the trench.
The finish to the main level is actually achieved using various types of sand. River sand mixed with varying amounts of Sydney sand was bonded to the plaster after applying a thin layer of PVA glue. Black oxide was also added to the bomb craters to simulate the after effects of an explosion. The 4mm bases were removed and the recesses were given a final trim to accurately accommodate the figures.
Very small pebbles and pieces of fine blue metal and modellers grass were also added using PVA glue. The title boards were hand painted by a professional sign writer and fixed permanently to the front of the diorama. The surrounds and underside of the base were finished in a dark stain with a satin Estapol finish. Eight furniture slides were also fixed to the underside of the base.
The entire finished diorama is covered with a 4mm Perspex cover for protection against dust which sits on a lip on the base.
All of the figures, building and accessories used in this diorama are manufactured by King & Country with the exception of the sand bags which are manufactured by Forces Of Valor.
