My Largest LOTR Battle Diorama Yet!

#LOTR #Battle #Diorama
The film adaptation of The Return of the King just turned 20! To celebrate, I put together a diorama using miniatures from my old collection as well as some miniatures from my friend Than’s collection.
Playing with GW Middle Earth minis was how I originally got into the hobby world of miniatures!
I recreated one of the most memorable moments from the film in wargaming scale and I really like how it turned out. Hope you enjoy!
Also, go check out and subscribe to my sister’s new art channel!
@LaurelinArtistry
Her Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/LaurelinArts
--------------------------
Follow me on Instagram: @boyleihobbies
If you are interested in joining the Hobby Time discord server and want another way to support this craft channel, here’s the link to my Patreon! / boylei
Here’s a compiled list of my favorite crafting tools and materials: www.amazon.com/shop/boyleihob...
Things I probably used in this video:My Camera - amzn.to/49a2VOv
My Lights - amzn.to/473Kiuh
Utility Knife - amzn.to/40dInjQ
X-Acto - amzn.to/40mLGW7
Helping Hands - amzn.to/3QC1hOv
Mod Podge - amzn.to/475D0pi
Plaster - amzn.to/40iho76
Hobby Mat - amzn.to/3tPzT6H
Ruler - amzn.to/3QcMmsx
Pin Vise (Tiny Drill) - amzn.to/3QiQlUw
Expensive Airbrush - amzn.to/3QAIB1q
Beginner Airbrush - amzn.to/3QzKeMG
Compressor - amzn.to/3tTLPEs
UV Resin - amzn.to/3FV2Dhb
UV Flashlight - amzn.to/3Fz88l8
Expensive Nippers - amzn.to/3QiQzek
Beginner Nippers - amzn.to/3SezapL
Soldering Setup - amzn.to/3s1MEdT
Disclaimer: Some of the actions seen in my craft videos could cause physical harm. I am not responsible for anything you do while attempting to recreate what you see me do. Please be safe!
Amazon Affiliate links are used above.

[@Legolion17]

Fun fact: I was born on the same day this movie was released. So I am celebrating 20 years along with the movie!

[@reubensweetman732]

Happy birthday

[@branchcore]

Happy birthday 🎂

[@TheMajorStranger]

happy birthday kid!

[@Lot_Lizard2024]

Happy Birthday

[@feynthefallen]

I must be getting old. Now there are people in the world who don't even know a world without LotR movies. When I was your age, we bloody well had to read a book to enjoy Tolkien, sonny!!! Happy birthday, btw!

[@potterhouse-ys9ou]

Ya, know, with everything going on in the world, I hardly tear up anymore... but seeing this diorama being built and coming together... just brought back some great childhood memories. I loved this saga as a kid, and I still love it today. Boylei... keep it up bro. You're a freaking legend 👊

[@Nosculptor]

I know it's a small part, but the neck texture was so spot on! Great diorama overall! I always felt sorry for the poor animals, though. :D

[@user-fx5wo1di5r]

Yo bro the new starter screen from the original in incredible

[@mistac5050]

Wow, what a great reason to revisit an old piece. I can't believe it's been 20 years!

[@282XVL]

There is something uniquely beautiful about returning to beloved childhood toys and refurbishing them with the skills of an adult who has mastered his craft.

[@cosmicwanderer457]

I will never forget the feeling of watching that scene in theaters for the first time. I was 12 years old at the time and I've never had that same feeling watching a film in theaters since, 20 years later. Thank you, for bringing back the memories!

[@annbrookens945]

I was FIFTY when I watched it in theaters for the first time and it was epic! As all three movies were!

[@MaskedRiderChris]

PJ's LOTR movies are brilliant and beautiful, have stood the test of time, and I think they always will as masterworks. This was one of my favorite sequences in "Return of the King" as well and yes, that bald howdah rider was one of the highlights--that actor was well into it! Great work commemorating this classic scene, Boylei!

[@anupamraj3922]

What's your view on that LOTR series on Amazon? (season 3 will come in 2024 maybe)

[@MaskedRiderChris]

@@anupamraj3922 The less said about that, the better

[@Powerhaus88]

No part of LOTR is too long, Boylei! Hell, every movie should be at least 2 hours longer!

[@PKTCrafts]

Man, I got chills when you described the scene. I had the exact same experience! Incredible work as always. I can see you put blood, sweat and tears into it, literally.

[@theaxewarrior1340]

Boylei all I have to say is that you are an extremely talented artist and that your videos have always brought a smile to my face which is something that doesn’t happen often in the his day and age thank you and keep it up man!

[@NickSibz]

The ride of the rohirrim is easily the single greatest moment in cinematic history IMO. Still get goosebumps whenever I watch. Loved this build, the GW game is one of my favorites.

[@SoPhATy]

As someone who lives in New Zealand (where LOTR was filmed) I can say this is very historically accurate

[@bawshafft4881]

One of the most wholesome communitys on youtube.

[@natedog769]

The battle of pelenor fields is a sight to behold in the theaters. I think for our generation it has the same effect as seeing the ATAT walkers for the first time. The scale of the battle and creatures, the film and music and just the idea of battling beasts with a spear. Its truly one of the best moments in the film trilogy

[@annbrookens945]

Oh, excellent observation! I was around 25 when I watch the battle on Hoth the first time and 50 when I watched THIS battle the first time! The awe and excitement were very similar!

[@jamesnixon1875]

Awesome build LOTR's was and is an epic movie. One of my favorite's.

[@JohnnyWagner1]

This is legit the coolest thing I’ve seen in awhile.

[@jamesdennis2004]

I have been waiting for somebody to make this seen from LORD OF THE RINGS FOR SO LONG. Thank you boylei hobby time for making it.

[@pez5767]

epic. I could watch you make LotR dioramas forever.

[@Canadian_killjoy]

I just finished rewatching LOTR with my mom like a week ago so this is perfect video to watch

[@lasselippert3892]

The Haradrim war chant as they roll up on Pelennor Fields was always the best moment in the movies.

[@Frozenkoldfury]

RIDE! RIDE FOR RUIN, AND THE WORLD'S ENDING!! The battle of pelennor fields remains the single greatest cavalry charge ever put to cinema. The whole battle is amazing, but the initial charge of the Rohirrim is the turning point for the forces of good.

[@user-jg8fc1ou5o]

This is one of your greatest works my friend.

[@och70]

LOTR is probably the last epic trilogy we'll ever see. I am so grateful that I was able to experience it, along with other all-time classics like the original Star Wars, Back to the Future and Indiana Jones trilogies in a movie theater.

[@bjw4859]

Well done, that brings back very fond memories..... but it still only counts as one lol.

[@theRatsAmongUs]

Happy anniversary everyone ! Long live the fellowship.

[@branchcore]

Eye'm always watching.

[@qalak7782]

Wow! Epic build, Boylei, I'm sure the kid-version of you wept many tears over the quality of this diorama. I love how casually you matched that Green Stuff to the texture of the oliphaunt's skin. Great work 😃

[@nomoretwitterhandles]

You know, I've never seen nor read Lord of the Rings. I watched the Hobbit trilogy when I was younger and I loved it, but for some reason I never had any access to Lord of the Rings, so I could never watch it. For a few years now I've been wanting to finally watch the movies. And I think this diorama gave me the inspiration to actually sit down and do it. Super great build as always.

[@Joe_the_ogre]

This has to be my new favorite thing you have built.

[@sikmunkee]

art runs in the family fr!! your sister’s work is so cool

[@jasonshiers5771]

Amazing work, can't believe it's been 20 years already that's crazy.

[@neongreenninja5433]

dang ! younger selves are dang thriving. Nice man good job

[@badzingan8053]

Amazing restoration.. Love rewatching LoTR - the uncut version back-to-back.. Even if already watching it so many times still giving me goosebumps..

[@davidkanengieter]

Dude, I could watch you build and sculpt all day. Mesmerizing.

[@BB_Chaptsick]

Sunday mornings wouldn’t be complete without seeing one of your projects come alive! Great job! See you next week.

[@Aikurisu]

I still remember going in at nightfall to see marathons for this trilogy... only to emerge with the morning sun greeting me in the parking lot. Still remains one of my fondest memories. ... still hard to believe it's been 20 years, too. Thank you for creating such an impressive diorama!

[@legoopman]

Boylei you never fail to make astonishing masterpieces! Keep it up, love ya man!

[@UmbraApocalyptica]

"20 years ago" insert Theoden aging gif. Great video, as always!

[@colamb0]

i was also 10 years old when i watched the third part in theatres. My life was not the same afterwards. I also started lotr tabletop. Grat Job :)

[@canadianjeff223]

absolutely stunning! The charge of the Rohirrim and their sacrifice for a tomorrow that they will never see is one of the most moving scenes put to film. The score as a crescendo of Théoden's arc (and the men of the west) overcoming fear moves me to tears just thinking about it. you did so much justice to that scene Boylei

[@DavidRencher0]

Possibly my favorite Boylei diorama so far. You've perfectly captured not only the battle in the movie, but also the nostalgia of these old figures.

[@thomasmiller4378]

As I journey along watching these videos, I can see that no matter how many views or subscribers are there, Boylei always stays true to himself and his format. Beautiful, creative, eye catching pieces joined by corny jokes and silly captions. I love it. It always makes my Sunday mornings! I’ve learned so much in my crafting by watching these videos! Can’t wait to see what comes next!

[@daviddeking2676]

Beautiful job resurrecting old models and giving them your expert touch. As always, your imagination and skill amaze me with the end result. LOTR movie trilogy are classic and this recreation of this scene from the Return of the King is great! Thanks for sharing!

[@TabletopLenny]

Awesome work! I like that you prime the entire vegetation and repaint it. Cheers

[@whimsiquisitive]

Can I just say it's kind of adorable that you gave your sister a shoutout :)

[@50goingon15]

What an absolutely wonderful project. That final reveal was as exciting as the film itself!

[@jessydion1998]

I was 18 when I went to see it in theater with my brother and his pregnant girlfriend. She almost gave birth in the theater when Mordor's army marches onto Minas Tirith. She said Derek my nephew was kicking real hard at the troll drum!! This diorama is so epic, you are epic!!! Thank you for sharing this Oliphaunt obsession!!

[@morganw.4711]

This really captures the desperation and terror of that scene, the armies of men riding against an unstoppable tide with the faintest hope that their efforts may make a difference in saving the world. The mumaks always make me sad- these gorgeous massive creatures in a cold scary place, used as glorified AT-ATs. And they still only count as one.

[@philRminiatures]

Spectacular and gorgeous, another masterpiece! 👍👍😍😍

[@forcedtoregister100]

The fact this video required a blood sacrifice made it all that much better. Well done!

[@benparadis3841]

That drill clip made me think: THIS IS SID ALL GROWN UP

[@dm8264]

Damn, that's got to be one of your best thus far! 😧 Also, your sister's art is amazing!

[@Mattz554]

OMG, what a great Model that is! You are awesome! Everything you do is awesome!

[@jamess.2599]

Great build! I was about the same age when I saw it, had the same affect on me. Great movie, great scene! Good Job.

[@wAwCreator]

❤ You remind me of my country's heroic history. In my country's history, there were two female generals who rode elephants against invaders. That is national historical pride. I love this work of yours. it was great

[@Alyathaean]

I will never forget hearing the news. Seeing the first trailer of LotR. I met some actors etc at conventions. Some good friends. Hah, I'm getting old and nostalgic. Beeing 40, having watched it so many times. They are still some of the best movies. ❤

[@lusovchak]

This is so epic! And yeah, nothing has managed to beat the sheer amazement, emotion, visual and score combined of that scene for me.

[@ajschwartz3924]

This is wicked. I've only watched LOTR all the way through once but this week's build captures the magic perfectly!

[@karengilchrist9774]

Absolutely incredible! I haven't seen anyone recreate this scene. Amazing job. I'm off to binge the Trilogy now.

[@commissargurke]

Amazing work as always, the score of this battle still brings back what I felt the first time watching years ago

[@Hawkinszm1]

This guys painting skills are legit!

[@Herzlustafir]

20 years... these movies will always fill my heart with youth.. wish i had this diorama

[@fluminox13]

First i thought the elephants are too light, but now I think they are the perfect contrast to the darker battlefield

[@middenlandbest6075]

Literally got goosebumps watching this one, absolutely amazing job!

[@jegorfranzisk6423]

Thank you for this wonderful scenery! I just recently watched one of your first videos and have to say: You have improved so much! Not only the model building, but also the way you create and narrate your videos. It's a pleasure to watch and I'm always happy when there's another one. THANK YOU

[@pmedic523]

Man. I’ve got to go rewatch these now. Your talent never fails to impress me.

[@Gokou3036]

Huge diorama, it’s astounding how fast you can make these and they still look amazing.

[@MiniCrafthobby]

Great build for a great movie! I got goosebumps when you described the scene. I felt the same way! Also, the ambiguous battlefield liquids were a nice touch. Great job!

[@Zable24]

Can totally see how much of a LOTR fan you are, keeping it very accurate, which i can appreciate. Also, this seems like it was pretty ambitious!

[@nshockley123]

It is so exciting getting to watch you week to week. Your skills keep getting better and better. This one in particular is one of your best! Still in awe of your mod to that olyphant. Looks like it belonged that way.

[@robstults78]

I was 25 years old, I remember seeing ROTK opening night. My wife and I went and watched it. We watch it almost every year or every other... This is one of my favorite scenes. Awesome job, great piece. I love that you brought back this back to life, something you created 20 years ago at the age of 10!

[@nathanielzaharia9630]

Man, the sense of awe that scene brought up in me is still unforgettable.

[@darreno9874]

What a fantastic diorama, so evocative of the film. It one of my favorite cinematic moments. Thanks for showing us how. God bless

[@davidthomas6473]

Superb work as ever brilliant u make it seem so easy still, please don’t retire great inspiration

[@JC-ew5ss]

The paint job on THESE soldiers look great.

[@facundopiputto979]

This must be one of the best dioramas you’ve done. Congrats, it’s incredible

[@kajsadragonfire7881]

The colour of the base strangely reminds me of the lunch in my backpack i always forget over summer break

[@2CraftySeniors]

Gosh that looks fantastic. A lot of work... but I'll bet it felt really satisfying to see it come together. You must sit back now and then and just look at it and smile. I was 53 when this movie hit the theatres... still working long hours for low pay. It doesn't feel like so many years... and so much life... has gone by. Now I'm starting a channel on here to see what more I can learn before I leave this world. I wonder what the next 20 years will bring for me.

[@armorhand3332]

Most excellent! Recycling/repurposing old minis/toys into a *FREAKING AWESOME* diorama! (I couldn't believe it's been 20 years....) Yes, still one of the most impressive battles on film.... My favorite part of the series is still: my (about) 1 year old puppy laying in my lap *growling* at the Dark Riders when they first appear in Part 1 tracking Frodo (et al).....this was after the release of the DVD.... Keep up the magnificent work sir!

[@mshanejsmodelsnstuff2865]

LOTR movies are great, and I'm glad you have your 10year old movie in the theater memory. Mine is when Darth Vader stepped onto Leia's ship and looked at the dead rebels. That was in 1977. I was 10. Have a good day

[@MGB-learning]

Always an outstanding video and presentation.

[@lucymiau5700]

A truely epic reminder how great these Movies and the Stories behind are.

[@Vault57]

Every year during the holidays we watch the the LOTR trilogy and if possible the other Middle Earth sagas as well (so many movies, so little time 😮). Great job on the Oli's! If you ever have the opportunity for travel I recommend going to New Zealand. Try and spend some time on both the north and south islands as they filmed in both areas. Beautiful locations for filming! We focused on the south island. I am surprised they haven't renamed NZ and started calling it Middle Earth!😮

[@paulcanning4702]

Missus and I both did just that a few years back, but focused on the North Island. We are massive fans of these movies. If you go to Mata Mata ( Hobbiton ) and it doesn't bring tears to your eyes, you're not fan of these flicks !.

[@michaellindsey1543]

Well my memories are different yet the same. I was in my forties. I belonged to a club sort of deal but was never big into the play. Painting was what I enjoyed the most. Even in my 40's the movies were bigger than life an stirred a lot of emotions. . . Your diorama would have amazed my 40 years old self!

[@garzilla7123]

Looks absolutely amazing. You never fail to amaze. 👍👍👍

[@smith9808]

Can’t believe it’s been 20 years. These last 10 years have flown by…

The Napoleon Dynamite quote does not go unrecognized or unappreciated. Another cinematic masterpiece!

[@amandastanek-winnen]

I could hear that poor husband's defeated voice in my head when I read the "I can't"!!! 😂

[@aaronbono4688]

Truly awesome build. I love it!

[@matthewharris7012]

An absoutely amazing piece! This scene has always been stuck in my head as a kid. God I wish I could have this

[@Alan2E0KVRKing]

Nice Resto/Rebuild, turned out great!

[@sylvainamacher8601]

Now that’s an impressive restoration! As well sa a truly entertaining video. …as always. Thanks a lot to you to share with us your wonderful work!

[@howardklein9834]

It's been 20+ years? WOW!

[@leekent46]

Brilliant work. Looks just like a little slice of the movie made real. Well done!

[@Tomsminipainting]

Absolutely loved this , and such awesome paintjobs too

[@FlowersInHisHair]

Fantastic revival of a set of old minis!

[@Mortiferus]

Really amazing work. I really enjoy your videos in general, but in this so much nostalgia kicked in. I played the game with my brother and actually, my Mumakil figure is standing just 2 meters away from me right now. Even though it is not even close too looking as dangerous as yours do now. Keep up the good work, it is really amazing and inspiring!

[@merlinwalden]

Your work is truly amazing! I'm very happy to see more LotR stuff :D

[@pyrerock]

I loved that whole battle in that movie. You've captured it excellently in this diorama. I think your younger self would be quite ecstatic with what you've done. Bravo.

[@annbrookens945]

Oh, most excellent diorama! I keep expecting Legolas to do his thing, swinging around the oliphant and flinging fighters off willy nilly.

[@Carmastrong855]

Amazing work! And wonderful nostalgia story.

[@Nohrdmann]

Fantastic job! Absolutely impressing and I love it.