Making a diorama for a clear display case
Beginner | Rating: 9.23 Votes: 22
Views: 11095 | By: XeO3  |
| Category: General Subcategory: Misc | Date: 2006-08-14 00:15:16 |
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Here's a quick tutorial on making a diorama using a clear model car display case. This one isn't particularly flashy, but was made in a few hours from start to finish.
The case is just a clear plastic model car case, they're around $5-$10 from walmart or any hobbyshop, they're stackable, and hold a surprising number of minis. The terrain for this one is made from 1/8" foamcore. A circle-cutter really helps, but you can get by with an x-acto knife and a spare base to use as a guide. You can also add magnets underneath to keep your minis in place, should you decide to transport them using the case.
First, just carve out a bit of terrain, for this one I kinda wanted a "ruins" theme to match the flagstone bases on the models.
It's critical to mention that many of the clear plastic cases taper slightly, so be sure to fit everything, giving yourself a millimeter to work with around the edge. I bought a spare display case to use as a tester, since you're likely to get paint/glue/scratches on it by repeatedly test fitting everything.
I cut circles where I wanted the models to be, so they sit flush with the stone floor base:
Next, a coat of paint. Again, quickly done, so I just painted on the stones, leaving spots that I would be covering with sand flock plain. The larger rubble is made from pieces of foamcore, the smaller bits are cork.
Last touches are added, (testing the fit of the clear case once again) flock glued down and some grass is added.
These display cases can hold a full squad of space marines, a warmachine battlegroup, or you can go all out and make a full diorama.
They're stackable, which saves a ton of space, and prevent dust from getting on your minis. They're also small enough so you can easily tackle making 2 or 3 in a day. Note that even without using the clear plastic top, they make pretty decent diorama bases!
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wyatt doc
08 September 07 |  |
Rating: 10
Great Idea I'm going to use the cases that people put beanie babies in as I have a surplus of them because my mom got rid of all hers finally.
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wyatt doc
08 September 07 | |
Rating: 10
Awesome idea I'm going to use the cases that people put beanie babies in as my mom got rid of her collection so I have a surplus of the cases.
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Systemerror
07 June 07 |  |
Rating: 10
Brilliant Idea...Love it
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iamthelizardqueen
21 October 06 |  |
Rating: 10
Fantastic! After reading this article, I went out and picked one up. I had so much fun making a display case for my fave general and her retinue! I even added a pull-out movement tray for the regiment of guards... I see great stacks of these little boxes in my future.
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aznvfgirl
01 September 06 |  |
Rating: 10
This is a fantastic idea. Usually my minatures are just placed into a yogurt box or something, but with this it looks professional and cool!
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Meridian
28 August 06 |  |
Rating: 9
Hi There
What a great idea, I have been looking for something to use as display cases for my painted mini's and thes will be perfect! I especially love the idea that you can stack them to save room for more display cases lol.
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Meridian
28 August 06 | |
Rating: 9
Hi There
What a great idea, I have been looking for something to use as display cases for my painted mini's and thes will be perfect! I especially love the idea that you can stack them to save room for more display cases lol.
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Meridian
28 August 06 | |
Rating: 9
Hi There
What a great idea, I have been looking for something to use as display cases for my painted mini's and thes will be perfect! I especially love the idea that you can stack them to save room for more display cases lol.
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Grumb
24 August 06 |  |
Rating: 8
Excellent article. I have been wondering about these and keep eyeing them at the craft store. Now i need to pick one up and try it.
Cheers,
Grumb
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mutantpotato
22 August 06 |  |
Rating: 8
I have thought of this idea before, so It's great to see that it looks amazing. I'll probably give it a try sometime in the future.
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Pentrago
17 August 06 |  |
Rating: 8
Thanks a lot! Unfortunately a have to look for another source to buy these cases here in Germany, but I will keep my eyes open!
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funnymouth
16 August 06 |  |
Rating: 10
great idea, ive been looking for an efficient way to store/display my minis. thanks for sharing!
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vincegamer
16 August 06 |  |
Rating: 8
an excellent suggestion. I will definitely look into this.
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XeO3
16 August 06 | |
Pentdrago, the case I used is about 4" deep by 8" wide. and about 5" high (tall enough inside for most banner-carrying troops).
It's relatively small, but perfect for a squad of marines and a rhino, a Warmachine battle group, or even a small action diorama.
They're also very cheap, the one I used in the article was $5 at Walmart. There are larger ones available at any hobby store, just look in the model car/plane section.
Thanks for the votes and feedback!
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Pentrago
16 August 06 | |
Rating: 8
Very good idea and great results! But I would really appreciate detais like the measurements of these model car cases.
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Tahn
16 August 06 |  |
Rating: 9
Great idea! I ought to do that...
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airhead
15 August 06 |  |
Rating: 10
sweet
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desertdragon1964
15 August 06 |  |
Rating: 7
neat idea had similar got cases from hobby lobby.DD
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provoke me
15 August 06 |  |
Rating: 10
Awesome idea
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