8 replies to this topic

[ricky moore]

i was wondering what you guys use for a diorama base ? in ken hamiltons book it shows Homasote as a base whats that where can i get it ?

Edited by ricky moore, 10 August 2007 - 09:26 AM.

[dptydawg]

Hi Ricky
The base you choose for your diorama really depends on the size and contour and texture you want to achieve. Bigger heavier models will require stronger bases.
Some things you could think about using are: Expanded foam insulation board (the pink or blue stuff), suspended ceiling tiles (this is the same stuff as homesote) plywood, or if it is a small one a picture frame or wooden plaque.
I like the Styrfoam insulation because it is easy to contour, and takes acrylic paints well. However for a simple diorama a piece of plywood works quite well.
Homesote is a pressed paper building sheeting product. It should be available at building supply places like Home Despot, Lowes, Rona. I've used suspended ceiling tiles as a base. It is very similar to Homesote in structure and redily available.
I hope this helps
Thanks
Carl Avis

[ricky moore]

Hi Ricky
The base you choose for your diorama really depends on the size and contour and texture you want to achieve. Bigger heavier models will require stronger bases.
Some things you could think about using are: Expanded foam insulation board (the pink or blue stuff), suspended ceiling tiles (this is the same stuff as homesote) plywood, or if it is a small one a picture frame or wooden plaque.
I like the Styrfoam insulation because it is easy to contour, and takes acrylic paints well. However for a simple diorama a piece of plywood works quite well.
Homesote is a pressed paper building sheeting product. It should be available at building supply places like Home Despot, Lowes, Rona. I've used suspended ceiling tiles as a base. It is very similar to Homesote in structure and redily available.
I hope this helps
Thanks
Carl Avis

thanks for the info Carl i want to build a gas station diorama about 2 foot by 3 i was going to use the foam board like you can get at hobbylobby but thay warped guess i'll get the Styrfoam insulation and glue it down on a pice of plywood

[dptydawg]

Hi Ricky
If you go with foam core for the garage walls the total weight would be easily suported by 1.5 or 2" Styrofom. Just put a wooden box frame around your junk of insulation and start building.
Carl

[Barbo]

Hi...My dioramas bases are all made of FOAMBOARD , I used plywood before but it was too heavy to handle , also suspended ceiling tiles but it is also heavy to carry . Foamboard is not the best , but for me it is .I will post some photos of step by step method for the foamboard base construction that I do , so I hope it will be this weekend......Have fun.............Barbo.

Edited by Barbo, 11 August 2007 - 05:53 PM.

[Barbo]

Hi...as I said in my last message , I rather use FOAMBOARD for my Diorama bases. Foamboard is a 3/16'' thick hard foam covered with white or black cardboard. Here are some step by step photos of a small foamboard base , the technique is the same no matter the size.The largest foamboard diorama base I have made is 30''x 42'' with no problem of wrinkle or bending . Photo (1) determine the size of the diorama base draw and cut the foamboard ,measure and cut 5/8'' high foamboard side panels . Photo (2) (3) glue the side panels to the base , I use white Elmers glue. Photo (4) Cut a foamboard inner brace for stability and strenght , the bigger the base , more inner brace is needed . Photo (5) Cut another same size foamboard base and glue it to the full base structure . Photo (6) (7) measure and cut 4 balsa side panels from from 1/8'' x 1'' x 36'' strips and hold with masking tape. The rest is your imagination . The diorama base height may vary , if so, the foambord and balsa side panels must also vary.....Have fun............Barbo. http://s123.photobuc...85/FH000003.jpg http://s123.photobuc...85/FH000007.jpg http://s123.photobuc...85/FH000008.jpg http://s123.photobuc...85/FH000010.jpg http://s123.photobuc...85/FH000015.jpg http://s123.photobuc.../FH000016-1.jpg http://s123.photobuc.../FH000017-1.jpg
http://s123.photobuc.../FH000020-1.jpg
http://s123.photobuc.../FH000022-1.jpg

Edited by Barbo, 12 August 2007 - 04:10 PM.

[Mike Whatshisname]

Hey Ricky,
Homosote can be found at your local Home Depot in 8 foot sheets at $25-30 a sheet. I like to use the brown composite board rather than plywood as it weighs much less and is very sturdy.


In the picture, I have used 1/4" composite with decorative molding around the edges to hold all the ground cover and grass etc. within the 24" by 20" diorama. An old picture frame works too. Hope this helps.

[ricky moore]

i like the composite board idead but i'm dum i need to know where to get that lol

[Mike Whatshisname]

i like the composite board idead but i'm dum i need to know where to get that lol

It's down the plywood aisle at your local Home Depot. Comes in difefrent thicknesses in 4 x 2 pieces for about $4.00 or less. They can even cut it for you if you know the dimensions.