Diorama Models

Diorama models can be of any subject from the standard large nativity scene erected during the Christmas season, to full scale miniature battle scenes, and garden villages. They can exist just for viewing, or be settings that are interactive with people. There are dioramas featuring outdoor trains in a semi (tin) scale setting, and amusement parks with operating ferris wheels. Actually, almost any situation you could possibly imagine can be recreated in an outdoor diorama. I am waiting for someone to build a life size Monopoly board diorama in their backyard.

Part of the fun of some of these outdoor settings is that they are places where all the members of the family can interact in the creation, maintenance, and operation of the diorama. You could even have a backyard party in the summer where your visiting friends could participate in the delights of your creation.

I know that some of you are thinking....well I can't afford to sink a whole bunch of money into diorama models for a backyard scene. The beauty of this idea is that you can do it for a very low cost. My wife and I are planning on a small village style diorama for our camp this summer. We plan on using small ceramaic houses that we have for under the christmas tree. These are approximately four inches tall for the shortest piece. For the roads I can use aquarium stones. A few car models, some people figures, and a few model trees and I will have a great start on my little village. One of the advantages of using the ceramic pieces is that I won't have to be concerned about the weather. In fact I could leave them in place during the winter, just covering them with sheet plastic weighted down with rocks.

Ok, so this is the 'cheap boy' way to have outdoor diorama models. You however, can be as extravagant as you wish. I know of one family that uses the commercial doll houses for their diorama. They cover the open back with thin plywood painted like the house. Their young son happily announced to me that they had a mouse family move in to one of their homes.

We list here some places where you can find the supplies that you will need to create your masterpiece. I am sure you will also find arts and crafts stores in your local area that will be helpful to you.

Diorama models come in many shapes and sizes. Consider a large scale layout model railroad with buildings, vehicles, tunnels and you have a diorama. Different scale sizes allow for small or large areas to be used. Many people are using miniature and fantasy as a way to create fun small scale diorama models. You can build your very own castle from styrofoam, scale it the way you want and you have a diorama model. Look here for information on layout model railroad.Layout Model Railroad
Look here for lots of fun at miniature and fantasy.Miniature and Fantasy

This site has a good collection of dollhouses for your diorama models in various 1"scale which means 1"=1foot and 1/2" scale. they also have houses in minature size. The miniature is perfect for a small garage or cellar layout with a small scale railroad. they offer both ready built doll houses and kits for your enjoyment. have fun browsing at Miniatures

Here we have every kind of hobby model you could imagine from naval to land war and other scenarios. It also has the supplies you need to help you create your own versions of the diorama models you have in mind. This is the place for models. A fun place to browse is Megahobby

Here we have those Christmas houses I spoke of earlier. Please keep in mind that some of these articles have wreaths or other decorations built into the ceramic casting. You may have to grind these off and paint or glaze them to make them suitable for your diorama so it won't look like christmas in July. You can be your creative self at Christmas Depot.

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