Peugeot 205 WRC Crate Diorama

Technics · July 2

A mental vacation from structure, plans and ultimately oneself I dove into a project that came to me by chance.

I received this 1:43 as having placed second in a national competition here in Sweden for something I have never done before - weathering on my Land Rover. So I thought I’d continue in similar exciting manner and do something I’ve never done before with this one and do a diorama. I am thinking something ultra simple, a shipping crate / archival storage base which by chance I found Peugeot uses. Maybe place it on a patch of concrete / grass / gravel as it’s being logistically delt with.

My plan is to completely cover the car in dirt, almost comically if one wants to call it that, everything but the clean wiper tracks. So as if it came off a SS stage and hasn’t been touched since. Not aiming to mimick an exact event, car, or be 100% accurate along the way. Overall impression is everything imo.

My initial idea was to completely metal paint it in its entirety in one shot leaving only the wiper streaks to have it as a statue / trophy. Unsure on the kit quality led me down the thought path of covering the vehicle.

The crate idea came to me while simply starting. That’s a reminder to myself is just build, think less, it comes in the moment.

Edited July 2 by Technics

Technics · July 2

I built the kit in 1.5 sittings minus the clear and interior parts for these photos. Ultra simple but almost 100% part fit. The kit is surprisingly sweet, no flash, pretty accurate, and no strange fitment. Rear wheels might need to be adjusted to be more inboard but that’s about all that I can see so far. 1,000 lakes gravel research on the table.

Technics · July 2

I studied some wood crate bases and made something similar but not exact. I had various balsa pieces for years which I experimented making architectural models with but this is the first time I am using it with a solid end goal in mind. ( I’ve lusted after and found simplified architectural models super inspiring and interesting as long as cars themselves ).

It’s progressing better than I hoped.

The individual planks are 1mm and measured out 5mm wide. Left gaps between the planks to create interest with shadows and to show structure underneath. Overall everything is just estimated by what I felt looks good.

DJMar · July 3

~~None of your pics are showing up, if you click the link it gives you a 409 error at imgur.~~

Edit: I realized that my ISP was blocking access to imgur.

Edited July 3 by DJMar

bbowser · July 3

I'm seeing all the pictures. Interesting project.

Pete75 · July 3

Cool project. Does the balsa come with that pronounced grain on it?

Technics · July 3

@DJMar @bbowser @Pete75

Thanks guys! I did no post processing to the wood. Not sure if it will need any. There’s many very fine wood types to choose having visited a hobby shop. But I utilised what I already had available to keep the costs of the project close to zero. I chose the scrap pieces I had that had the nicest “wood” feel, colour, texture etc. It did vary alot.

I wish all material was this clean to work with. 95% done here. Will be adding a few more blocks to lift the pallet off the ground and add strap hooks of some sort. I think proportionally it works well.

Edited July 3 by Technics

Technics · July 4

The pallet has some raisers now lifting it off the ground. I made a tie down “eye-end” latch test with a staple, and the other with a repurposed photo etch piece originally intended for a battery. Added an initial red tape and seeing how it feels in context to the wood and the model. Will look for something marginally thicker.

Pete75 · July 4

Looks great. Those are some small fixings!!

Technics · July 5

I bored out all of the holes on the wheels with a drill bit. Super satisfying, easy detail points.

I mocked up two wheels to a piece of balsa and made a first attempt to simulate tension with two different tapes to see which one I liked best. The black was nice to work with, more durable and worked better with the scale. Fun little process to work out the ideas and issues, helps build confidence for the later stages. I’ll do a nicer job with the tape when it’s the final.

Edited July 5 by Technics

Technics · July 7

Applied the appropriate coloured prime and began the decals. I will matte coat everything, I don’t trust their adhesion.

Mattilacken · Monday at 10:37 AM

Nice little build! And congratulations on the second place!

Technics · Monday at 05:27 PM

@Mattilacken Thanks buddy!

Small is an understatement, this scale is truly tiny.

Powered through the remaining decals, sealed them in matte clear, started to brush paint picking out details. The wheels / tires are one part making it plenty tricky to paint. They are on toothpicks to give you a reference the size. Insane 😅

I realised phone cameras are so good they pick out flaws and dust the human eye doesn’t register. I’m happy with where I am so far. My plan still remains I will coat it entirely in sand 😃