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Making a diorama Chapter 1: Materials

You will need to gather these materials to complete your diorama. Many of the materials are optional and many materials have substitutes that are suitable. I will explain this as we go. Most of these materials can be purchased at a hobby store. In particular, a hobby store that specializes in model railroads will have all the materials you need.

- 1 piece of wood approximately 1 foot by 1 foot, the type of wood is unimportant. It should be sturdy enough to hold some weight. The diorama will cover the complete surface of the wood.

- Tools: a wide variety of handtools will make the job easier but here is a list of the bare necessities:

• needle nose pliers
• small hand cutters
• scissors
• masking tape
• hob-e-tac glue or strong, fast setting glue
• wood glue or elmers glue
• bottle with holes in top for shaking out materials (this has the green material in it)
• scenic cement
• empty all purpose spray bottle (blue)
• markers and pencil
• razor knife or blade

If you are going to add electrical components to your scene you will also need:

• electrical wire and tape
• soldering pencil and solder
• miniature lightbulbs
• a switch
• a battery appropriate to light the bulb(s)

The needed materials for wiring your diorama are covered more in depth in the relevant chapter.

Paints - You will also need a
variety of paints and brushes.
Consider the scene you will be making.
You should have plenty of earthy colors
like brown, red, grey etc. a variety of
brush sizes is also desired.

Materials Needed for the Rough Landscape

To rough out the major terrain you should have the following materials:

• lightweight hydrocal (purchase at hobby shop) you can also use plaster of paris as an alternate
• plenty of newspapers
• sheets of thin cardboard (cereal boxes are great)
• pieces of sponge and styrofoam (optional)
• several containers to hold water and plaster (various sizes)
• Roll of paper towels (not shown)