I just ran across this thread and wanted to jump in with a few comments about the diorama book.....
As Chuck Doan said, it's a "pre-internet", entry-level diorama book that's now 10-years old (a lifetime by internet standards). As I look through it now, much of the information looks really dated and if I were going to update book, most of what's in there wouldn't make the new cut. I'm glad, though, that some of you are still able to get ideas from it.
Happy Building,
Ken Hamilton
PS: Don't blame me for the ridiculously high prices. I wouldn't spend that much for it either.