Shambles

This is one shot of my car dealership diorama during "57 Chevy Week". I've got an ongoing back story with several episodes on https://www.diecast.org/diecast98/html/asp/forums/bulletinboard/default.asp I've ordered a 3 bay shop building that will go on the left of the showroom...

Thanks, yall. Making some progress and writing little back stories for each new chapter. In this scene: Working overtime to get the Mopars ready for delivery on Christmas Eve:

That's nice work, Dan. Looks like you're pretty good with Photoshop. I had a small ad agency and was in the branding business for decades. When you decide on a name, I'd enjoy running a couple of logo ideas by you. I'm retired now, but still keep the full Adobe CC suite, iStock, etc. I loving doing this stuff and never take "no thanks" personally. John http://www.shamblesmodels.com

Well, it’s Christmas Eve and things are hoppin’ at Shambles Motors. We got covered up with orders for these Mopars and the guys are working late trying to get ‘em delivered. Frank wants to hire Connie (that's them talking there on the corner) for a secretary/sales associate and it looks like we may need her. She’s an assistant sales manager at Costco and hates her job. She’s a looker so I’ll have to make sure Frank keeps his mind on bidness. We’ve got a carrier picking up some Chevy muscle across Florida so we’re gonna be busy after Christmas! Yall stay tuned.

Thanks, Gary. Here's a few shots of some of my earlier, pre-iPhone attempts with my salvage yard dioramas:

I've been experimenting with photographing models and dioramas for several years. After trying a few different cameras, I've come to find that the new iPhone camera is hard to beat. My sister is a retired professor of photography and says the same thing. I'm a retired graphic designer/art director and still subscribe to the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite. I'm certainly not an expert in Photoshop or photography, but enjoy this kind of stuff. Here is my latest attempt using the iPhone "pano" feature and an hour or two in Photoshop for the background landscape, Shambles logo, and forground "weeds". The other is a garage scene with a printed background and accessories I found on eBay and other model car sites. The garage photos are an initial rough of the diorama concept that I'm working on. Both will be ongoing.

I hired some of those kinda people. They didn't stay long.

This is getting outta control!

Got back on this project this week. Close to done, maybe a little weathering. Since Jr. Johnson passed away today, I'm starting a project of his '64 Ford Galaxie. I have a kit that will work, and ordered the decals from SlotCarFever today.

I found the hood with the hood ornament hole, and did a little weathering. Aiming for a just-left-Daytona Beach- race look.

Thanks, David. I didn't know there were models of this with the longer roof. I've got too many on the bench right now, but will keep Star Models in mind if I do another Ford of that era.

I decided to dull coat the whole car and didn't mask off the windows. I sorta like the "sand blasted" Daytona Beach look?

Just getting started on this new diorama. I'll keep yall posted and keep it updated on my website: http://www.shamblesmodels.com/dioramas.html

I'll answer my own question. Yes, it does work.

I almost forgot to post the (almost) finished Louise Smith Nascar. I'll probably do some weathering but here's where I am now:

I've made decals before using my ink jet, decal paper, and airbrushing the printed page with liquid decal film. Does anyone know if Testors 9200 decal bonder spray will work the same as the decal film? It sure would be a lot easier.

Great idea! A hole punch.

I admire your attention to authentic detail. I'm definitely gonna follow you on this! When I was in high school, my dad had the only cool car he ever owned; a 1968 Dodge Dart GT. It had the 273 and automatic transmission. Not a real 'muscle car' but still cool compared to what I drove to school ; Mom's hand-me-down '63 Dodge station wagon. Every now and then, Dad would let me take the Dart out for a date. Of course, the wagon with the seats folded down was more popular with my friends for double dates to the drive in.

Nice job! Some headlight covers would be a nice addition. Do you know of anyone who makes those? I could use several sets for my vintage NASCAR projects.

Thanks for the suggestions! I think I'll try the wax first. With so many items in the diorama, that seems like the quickest and easiest way.

Moved it to the garage for more room and better lighting. No other progress to post yet.

Cool. Love the sepia photos.

I know what you mean. I just moved my diorama from the model room to the garage for more space.

Very nice work. Your detail inspires me. Model Round up is a great source. I've been ordering from Jack for several years.

I'm working on a new garage diorama but every time I bump the table the least, everything falls over. What do yall recommend for securing the figures and other stuff to the base? I don't want it to be permanent and thought maybe something like silly putty or hot wax. Any suggestions?