Nothing ruins a diorama faster than an out of scale item (except a turpentine spill!). The immersion is spoiled, and the out of sorts item becomes the focus of the scene. So, save the poor size estimation for closing time and try this technique for scratch-built scale. Specifically, I’ll show you how I scaled someContinue reading “A Scale of a Tale”
Tag Archives: tips
The M113 and the Never Ending PE
Building model kits going a little too smoothly for you? Finally decoded all the symbols in the directions? Honed your build order to the maximum efficiency? Well, why not try adding a Photo Etch set to your next build! It is sure to drive you crazy and double the time you spend on your kneesContinue reading “The M113 and the Never Ending PE”
Wood Grain Techniques
Scaled wood grain is a solid way to impart realism into a model or diorama. You can create convincing wood using a few different materials; not the least of which is real wood. For this demonstration, I used XPS foam, styrene sheeting, balsa wood, and a molded styrene piece from a kit. The subject andContinue reading “Wood Grain Techniques”
Completed – The Final Lair of the Lavish Lizard
Caught this sucker in the chicken coop a week back. Wasn’t trying to eat a chicken, though. Was trying to lay an egg, I believe. The hoe made short work of it. I decided to mount the head. Legs fried up nice, too. All six of them! Most of that wasn’t true. It’s actually aContinue reading “Completed – The Final Lair of the Lavish Lizard”
Hare o’ the Bear Part 2
The Honey Pot As I get close to completing this piece, I thought I’d double back and go over how I achieved some of the effects used. I’m still getting used to chronicling the process by snapping pictures as I go, so if I leave out a technique or step you are interested in, justContinue reading “Hare o’ the Bear Part 2”
The Glu-sual Suspects
I looked up from the workbench and noticed I’ve collected an entire shelf of different glues. How did this happen? What are they all for? If you’ve been in the hobby long enough, you’ve got the same lineup. If you’re starting out and haven’t bought stock in Elmer’s yet, here’s a rundown of the sticky-ickyContinue reading “The Glu-sual Suspects”
Modeling and Storytelling 