Building the Ultimate Diorama - Realistic Scenery Vol.7

I’ll guide you through the process of taking a small piece of foam and turning it into your next masterpiece. Even a small diorama that can fit in the palm of your hand can be full of detail and intrigue.
In this tutorial I’ll take you on a journey and show you some interesting techniques for getting great results when it comes to adding detail to very small areas, especially on a small diorama.
The techniques used here can easily be applied to all manners of modeling whether you specifically model dioramas or maybe you model war gaming terrain and for all those who build model railways that are HO scale, OO scale or even N scale and O scale then this video will be a good reference for your modeling should you decide to add some of these small intricate details.
Materials List
- BASE -
Glass dome display case - Most home depot stores have them otherwise eBay/Amazon
KNAUF Foam insulation board - Bunnings Warehouse (Australia)
Amaco Sculptamold
Jo Sonja’s Fawn
Jo Sonja’s Burnt Umber
Vallejo Black
Rustoleum Flat Black
- SCENERY -
Dirt Texture - 50/50 mix of a light colored dirt that has been sifted through a stocking and a lighter colored grout (Davco Tumbleweed was the color used).
Dirt Mound - Sifted dirt however it has not been mixed with grout, just used the natural color which is much darker and it has been sifted to provide two different grades (Fine - sifted through a strainer & Ultra fine - sifted through a stocking).
Static Grass - Mininature, 4-5mm Late Fall, 2mm Late Fall & 2mm Early Fall.
Leaves - Real dried leaves put into a blended and then sifted through a strainer to remove unwanted larger pieces.
Path - Weathered with Yellow Ochre Pastel
- TREE -
Salt Bush - A natural plant that grows mostly in desert areas. Sage Brush can be used as a good substitute or any other natural plant that has good definition in the trunk.
- DETAILS -
Tomb Stone:
Made using the Anet A8 3D printer and a free design program called www.TinkerCad.com
Chain Barrier:
0.8mm (size of each individual link) Jewelry Necklace
Ferric Chloride - Used to weather and darken the necklace
Basswood - 0.0416 x 0.0416 inches, Midwest Products
India Ink - Used to weather posts
32 gauge jewelry wire - Used to create small loops at top of post
Ladder:
Basswood - 0.0208 x 0.0416 (Uprights) & 0.0208 x 0.0208 (Cross Steps) Midwest Products
Vallejo Light Mud - Main color of ladder
Vallejo English Uniform - Color used to weather the ladder
Super Glue used to assemble ladder
Wheel Barrow:
From the Bachmann HO scale construction workers package
Man Digging:
From the Preiser track workers package
Man in grave:
A figure from a cheap bulk pack of figures ordered from eBay (China) - Repainted to look much better
Open Grave:
Assembled with pieces of strip wood ‘North East Scale
Lumber Co.’ HO scale 2” x 4” Weathered with India Ink diluted in water
- TOOLS -
Home made Static Grass Applicator -
• Static Grass Applicato...
• Static Grass Applicato...
Home made Hot Wire Foam Cutter -
• Build Your Own Hot Wir...
Anet A8 3D Printer
MicroMark Chop-It
Iwata Revolution Airbrush
Tweezers
Pin Vice
Sand paper - Various grades
Paint Brushes - Various types
Jewelers Files
- GLUES -
Mod Podge Matte
Isopropyl Alcohol
Helmars Super Tac Glue
Selleys Super Glue - With brush
Music:
KZbin audio library
Rhodesia by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: www.twinmusicom.org/
Wheels by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Artist: audionautix.com/
Premium Beat - Green Screen

[@koengiesen4537]

I don't even make these, but i love your videos! Very entertaining to watch, keep up the good work

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Koen, glad you enjoyed watching 😀

[@Maigel69]

Koen Giesen i

[@feastinglord2779]

9snaker i make models...

[@Tsumami__]

Norman Bates Not everyone on earth is christian

[@mikehuntsmels9680]

Norman Bates stfu

[@elmikeomysterio5496]

I've seen these things sold for what I thought were ridiculous prices. After watching this I understand why they cost so much. Glad I stumbled across this video.

[@f.b.lagent1113]

ElMikeoMysterio how much?

[@f.b.lagent1113]

ElMikeoMysterio how much?

[@BennettsShed]

This one is for sale on his website for AU$350

[@juliawu8710]

F.B.l Agent Ive see tiny ones, smaller than the size of a tennis ball for about $45 aud, they were only green terrains

[@f.b.lagent1113]

julia wu thanks

[@johnmc181280]

I love this channel!!!! It's like Bob Ross - but without painting!!

[@herrbonk2211]

3D bob Ross?

[@tina27050251]

technically there's painting.

[@SKBKER]

It's like Bob Ross without Bob Ross

[@allenclark4235]

"There's nothing wrong with having a corpse as a friend. This happy little corpse is having second thoughts." - Zombie Bob Ross

[@lgtwzrd]

Like Bob Ross without any hopes that you can copy what he is doing.

[@maggielandrey411]

I swear, the details on that bloody tree are phenomenal.

[@Handimania]

Yeah! It is absolutely amazing!!!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks mate, I guess it was a pretty long day working on this video yesterday and I gave a few lucky viewers a bit of a sneak peak 😀 Glad you've been enjoying the videos and I'm very grateful that you are supporting me on patreon 😉 I'm pretty excited because I've already got some cool ideas for my next project.

[@memeberrydank4576]

Luke Towan A pretty long day?!? This would take me months.

[@davdavid1489]

music at 7:21 thanks

[@sabanakhan4557]

Handimania wow

[@user-wo1en1ef4b]

That is so cool

[@furrylittlepeach]

Oh my god. The level of detail is awesome!!!

[@jasper5622]

You take so much pride in your work, and it really shows. Keep up the great work!

[@jaxnean2663]

A similar diorama with a dinosaur fossil instead would be super awesome!

[@LooterLoser]

HE'S BACK!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

It took a while but I'm still here 😀

[@keizer8429]

Luke Towan my names Luke to 🙂

[@dj420j2]

Looter yaaaay

[@MrJohn0908]

Looter ya

[@Throwawaypmd]

I call B.S. No man could possibly have that much patience. I get pissed when I cut a piece of balsa wrong lol. Nice work man.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol 😀 I definitely have my moments... It's not always calm and peaceful 😀

[@NortelGeek]

This is one of my favorites. It's small, and could be displayed anywhere-and I love the detail you put into these. Cheers!

[@davebeat]

I love watching the little wooden things you make, ladders, crates, fences, it's so wholesome seeing them come together. They really make the realism of your models pop.

[@DaggerAndBrushBlog]

A beautiful diorama indeed. Once again the production quality is top notch. The diorama itself is simple in its layout, but I feel that really helps to focus on all the amazing detail. Tree: I really like how you used natural materials for this as opposed to the wire method. I think this gives a very naturalistic appearance with less time spent carving a bark texture. How resilient is the tree if you would like to handle it, say for wargaming purposes? Groundwork: Very naturalistic result, too. Misting with IPA followed by the glue is something I may change to. So far I used AK Sand and Gravel fixer, but that stuff is expensive and it seems your results are the same for a fraction of the cost. I do use thinned down acrylic medium (1 to 10, medium, water) but I guess Modge Podge is pretty much the same. Gravestones: Cool idea to 3D print them. In such a small scale that seems much better than sculpting them by hand and I did not see any striations. Chain: The ferric chloride method is new to me. Very interesting. Does the oxidation rub off easily or do you think this could be fixed or used as is for gaming pieces? Overall an excellent result and I love the side view of the coffin. That is the stuff that makes people look really close and appreciate all the fine detailing. Coming from a miniature painting background I would suggest applying a thinned brown wash (e. g. Vallejo Model Colour Umbra Shade) to the miniature to add a bit of more contrast. This tutorial comes quite timely as I was also working on a graveyard diorama base for a Fantasy Vlad Dracul miniature (a Vampire version so to say) in 1/58. I used XPS for the gravestones and did add a wire tree instead of a root based one. I would like to add a metal fence and I think the oxidation effect you use may be just the way to convey rust. I'll have to see. Here is a link to the tut I wrote about the base, if you or anyone else are/is interested: wp.me/p49oPQ-H0 Thanks again for your excellent tutorials. They are a real inspiration and I look forward to each of them.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks for the great compliment mate, Tree: The tree turned out better than I could have hoped, however for war gaming or anything that will be handled often I don’t think it will last. It’s quite fragile and the small branches break easily, I don’t think it would last all that long on a gaming table. Ground work: Yeah mod podge is similar, it’s actually very close to standard white wood glue however I find it dries with less shine. I plan to do some experimenting soon because at the moment I use 1 part glue and 3 parts water however I think I’ll try diluting it more, something like 1 part glue and maybe 5 or 6 parts water… Grave stones: I had to do a little sanding to remove the printing lines, the only thing I wish I could had figured out is how to add writing to the front of the grave stone… I had some ideas but they just didn’t look that good so I just left them blank. Chain: The oxidation does rub off a little if handled however if you leave the chain in longer it becomes much more permanent but that will mean a much darker looking chain. The thing I like most about this method is the chain remains flexible, when the chain is airbrushed or painted I find the links tend to fuse together as the paint dries resulting in a rigid chain. I haven’t tried using the Vallejo Washes, that’s something I’ll have to start experimenting with. Your fantasy diorama sound like an interesting and fun project, I’ll have to have a read of your tutorial. Thanks again for an amazing comment and I’m glad you found this video at the right time. 😀

[@DaggerAndBrushBlog]

Thank you for the reply and answers. The chloride seems like a good product. Not caking together fine chain links or detail is really an advantage. You could just paint the writing on. In this scale that should look the part.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

good idea 👍 I also have a craft cutting machine that does a pretty good job of cutting out very fine details... I was thinking I could make a small stencil and airbrush some writing on as well.

[@DaggerAndBrushBlog]

Making a stencil is an excellent idea. This way you can easily reproduce it on future builds.

[@jozefd4003]

Can you do a video of all the models you have made?

[@tedsproat6854]

You are an artist Luke. Well done, it looks amazing.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Ted, glad you enjoyed watching 😀

[@timrtc]

Just sat and watched this on a big TV and it is amazing how good the detail looks at 10x the actual size. Superb work and very inspiring.

[@jaymarlustre4731]

Absolutely Fantastic! Diorama, surely a head turner to check every small to the smallest details.

[@02u4]

I never considered to make any dioramas (or make anything, for that matter), however i absolutely adore miniatures, and i've always wondered how one would go about making them! all of your tutorials are in depth and easy to understand, but entertaining enough so people such as myself can enjoy! Thanks for uploading this stuff! If I ever need to make a diorama I know where to turn to!👍

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol 😀 I'm glad you find my videos so entertaining, I do try to keep them flowing and enjoyable. thank you so much for a fantastic compliment 😀

[@SamuelSS1983]

google FIMO. also search pinterest for that. delicious starting point for hand crafting. you'll 'touch' never felt creativity, accomplishment, peace and joy. one single afternoon spent and you'll feel the awe of ideas flowing and the will of creating more, just for the time being.

[@paulevetts9771]

I think that grass would look good sprinkled on my bald head.

[@guidoahsam8043]

or shave your funbags and glue on head wit little bit of Woodland Scenic cement

[@NortelGeek]

@@guidoahsam8043 Hahaha... You said funbags. Hahaha!

[@cpmenninga]

10 mm static Kentucky bluegrass.

[@itskindofemily]

Remember to paint with a brown wash and then sprinkle dirt first! Then add a tree

[@tikeshwarpatel9379]

I just found this video scrolling over youtube, the care you put into every detail..wow! loved this!

[@maryreid832]

are you kidding me. as a fabric and knitting artist i am amazed at you're detailed and talented artistry.

[@perritoDeSatanas]

I live the ground texture and the grass dear god is marvelous!!

[@Crackeditnc1]

Incredible scratchbuilding techniques. I have learned so much watching your videos. You have fascinating subject matter.

[@non-pe8xn]

The patience he must have,so much respect

[@juliemiles988]

WOW your seriously talented! Just found this channel and i can already tell i will be watching more of it ♥

[@mysticgalaxy670]

You should make a video of does and don’ts. Like you show how to do it correctly and then incorrectly. Love how you talk through the steps in detail. It makes making models a lot easier.

[@TetrisChemist]

I've always seen these in hobby mags but never gave much thought to them, blown away by the amount of time and care put into achieving such detail

[@travinatravina9881]

First time ever seeing one of these. My mind is blown now. That was very creative. You have great skills. : )

[@wirt7048]

i don't know why this was suggested but i loved every second of this video

[@niichanku]

me too, i love of every second of his video, i follow it step by step

[@justingould2020]

Beautiful work! The level of detail is amazing. Loved all the different techniques you used.

[@bendriscoll6631]

More dioramas in this style, please! That was incredible.

[@mopar2018]

Looks so sad yet beautiful!!!! I love it! ❤

[@HappiTap]

Literally the coolest thing I've ever seen

[@Treemaster16]

The attention to detail is amazing

[@laurencelebrun8181]

I admire your patience... It’s incredible! You are really talented!

[@tjfSIM]

great hints and tips as usual Luke, and superb result - thanks for sharing!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

no worries mate 😀glad you picked up a few tips

[@dailyderpin188]

Ok seriously now, who would dislike this? It's got to be someone with OCD who just has to dislike videos I swear to God.

[@zacmumblethunder7466]

Delicate blossoms who don't like things about graves because they like to think they're not going to die.

[@btdarterschannel112]

Luke, your skills are unbelievable!! Such talent!! Thanks for posting!

[@penvon]

This is just incredible,the patience you’ve got is amazing.

[@monaxggx-blue781]

The details makes it a materpiece! You put allot of effort Into your work, and it always turns out perfection! Keep up the work, i love watching your videos: )

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks mate, glad you liked it 😃

[@SamuelSS1983]

detail. that's what matters between any 2+ results for the same goal.

[@iraianbu5420]

monaxggx- blue

[@jbellomallo]

muy muy muy bueno!!!!! te felicito Luke.

[@TheJoaovascorodrigue]

I don't know how many times I have seen this video. It is just pure amazing and fantastic

[@christophergeiss678]

Stunningly realistic and perfectly crafted. Great job!

[@norakirayumi]

Man... The amount of time, effort, will and passion just to make this a legit realistic diorama really amazed me 😳😲😲 If only I hv that same amount of dedication throughout my high-school/college years, my life would've been different I guess. Lol

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol... Don't worry I too was pretty slack in high school, luckily it's never to late to do what you love 😀

[@ocalicreek]

Yet again you create a simple but evocative scene. I may have added a few pops of color, but the sparse tree and brown tones in the grass and dirt give it a bleak feeling and that's interesting in its own way. Very nice, as always.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thank for your fantastic comment 😀 A bit of color somewhere would probably look very interesting... Like a bunch of flowers next to one of the graves. I intended it to look dull and lifeless 😀

[@Blake_Stone]

Never ceases to amaze me how much talent, technique and expertise goes into faithfully recreating a pile of dirt.

[@impaqtfx4526]

Always enjoy watching your videos, Luke. I continually look for techniques to make my miniature scenes as realistic as possible.

[@ericashworth2453]

You are a true master of your craft. Thank you for sharing the lesson.

[@ajpk5529]

Beautifull!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thank you 😀

[@winterume]

the perfection of the foam after you sand paper-ed it, it's satisfying to my eyes

[@cheryl8280]

I'm absolutely mesmerized!!! What beautiful work you do. I can hardly thread a needle, never mind with the chain and loops you used! Love, love, love your channel and will continue to watch for new dioramas. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@Stylomagic]

This video ist over 19 minutes. It feels like 3! So exiting to see how that all comes together. I've subscribed!

[@gerald3389]

Which exit

[@mysteriouscreator4483]

Great video ! You've inspired me to make a DIY channel, thanks and keep going :)

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

cool 😀 good luck starting your new channel 😀

[@mysteriouscreator4483]

Luke Towan Thank you ! And continue your amazing work! :)

[@jacobooooo]

You did this grass so amazing! So realistic! So GOOOOD! 1!1!

[@jamesroach6348]

Incredible! Way more patience than I could muster, that is awesome

[@spankyfuentes3502]

Excellent! Excellent! I was waiting for Beatlejuice to pop out!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha ha 😀 He's hiding under the pile of dirt waiting to stick his hand out 😀

[@harness491]

This should be put inside a museum

[@kalenschack1587]

Thank you for the great free content! Love your quality work and your attitude!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@xhelan131]

that whole grass situation blew my mind. no idea that was a thing, amazing!

[@railsales8602]

Wow! Amazing!.....You're patience and attention to detail is truly remarkable. Love this diorama. Keep sharing, I've subbed and will be watching more of your vids.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks mate. Currently making another one...had a funeral and a wedding anniversary (yesterday).

[@xaytana]

How do you work with miniatures? I would get so frustrated, especially with things like the ladder. I thought working with necklace sized claps and chains was tedious, I can't imagine how much patience this takes

[@Centzzzz]

this is beautiful and dark at the same time

[@GundersonKatieM]

You are the Bob Ross of miniature scenery. So well done, interesting, and soothing.

[@Fungineers]

awesome!

[@wanzerotto]

This is so ASMR, thank you for sharing your competence!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

I had to google ASMR 😀 now I'm a little bit wiser 😀 thanks for the compliment

[@androidexpert-ar-6074]

What is asmr

[@jessycac6311]

I don't see it much as asmr with the music, but he did a good job.

[@takatukalinda5237]

Wow,I‘m impressed!This looks beautiful!

[@ManEatingTeddyBear]

I don't have the patience for miniatures, but I love watching people make them and this is just a spectacular looking diorama! I'm just blown away!

[@wildbobentertainment]

The whole time I was watching this I was thinking, "man this is dark and I love it." Totally subbing today. Just a quick question, when you built your ladder, what was the material you tape down to your cutting board? Thanks mate.

[@dannykikimohammed5889]

I love it but you missing the black crow

[@Kathy61954]

Not even 10 minutes into the video and I subscribed. This channel is blowing me away !!!

[@chonghao3705]

You are so real !!!!!!!!!you actually don't have to put the people in the box. Great details!!

[@angelogunatilaka1740]

wow nice..' can you make something fit into jam bottle, so it can be kept in a office desk =)

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Hmmm... That's a great idea Angelo 😀 I'm might have to do some experimenting 😀

[@angelogunatilaka1740]

Luke Towan I have few ideas if ur interested I can sketch it up and email u. I like ur attention to fine detailing =) keep up the good wrk👍

[@SamuelSS1983]

thats probably up to you, as u already got the stepping stones..

[@dodgecharger1986]

Could you do some tutorials on how to make miniature items? as not everybody has a 3D printer handy. Nice work as always! 👌

[@LuckySlevin7]

This (the build video and the final artwork) is so beautiful!

[@BakaTaco]

These things are absolutely incredible to look at. I've seen some seriously impressive looking ones. Well done for being this talented.

[@elmikeomysterio5496]

Never knew this was a thing and clicked out of curiosity. As an American with a juvenile sense of humor, you had me at "HO scale".

[@FattyDoveRacing]

I don’t know why but that foam looks very tasty

[@BennettsShed]

It smells of fish too

[@philipthomey7884]

also, crayons don't taste as good as they look. They taste better than glue but not as good as Play-Doh.

[@no_number]

Looks like a japanese cheesecake

[@angelalane2136]

That is totally frikkin amazing!! Blew my mind!

[@Ir3n3NiiRaM]

AMAZiNG! I cant believe there's such talent in just one person ❤ Please Tell Me You Sell Your Lovely Art, Cause Im Ready To Buy Some 💵 YOU GOT A NEW SUB

[@marykacyy6802]

OK THIS REMINDS ME OF "BEATLJUICE"

[@keen8271]

This is incredible. I have never seen static grass like that before, so very cool. I am inspired now and wish to make a diorama that I have been dreaming of since I was a child.

[@pennysanamo]

Amazing. Your voice, the soft music and the calmness of your intricate work is mesmerizing. I am a new fan. Thank you for sharing.

[@Frankovelli]

Honestly dude I know A LOT of people that would pay GOOD money for these "scenes in glass vases".

[@juannnacosta8409]

Didn't even watched the video but subscribed

[@MapleMaf1a]

This is both entertaining and relaxing to watch. Thumbs up.

[@headintheclouds7905]

Your videos are so relaxing and well made.

[@user-no1hs3st7g]

Отлично! Но нужно было скелета положить!

[@tasker8467]

Согласен

[@uula.]

"With the alot of patience..." Where can I get that?

[@MichaelandCathy1999]

The is not for an impatient person. You have to be almost O.C.D to get everything just right, but the effort is more than worth it. What a beautiful work of art! 🥇

[@destruktivejoe2319]

Just discovered this hobby it's truly fascinating.

[@theanticitizen11]

Great work, glad to see your back! Missed opportunity though, the guy in grave should've been a girl and painted yellow as a little nod to Kill Bill ;)

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

That's actually a good idea. With her hands raised to the coffin, punching her way out with blood splats. Although painting these takes so much effort and requires a very calm hand. 😀 But yeah, I do get your vision 😀

[@SamuelSS1983]

for that scenario, there should be a church, a katana or blood somewhere...

[@pimmousse1]

is it possible to buy one of these ?

[@PolcynMateusz]

So satisfaction. Thx for your work.

[@BrickHive]

Your work is absolutely amazing! I'm so glad I found your channel.

[@ChetCoenen]

Is anyone doing these but video game themed on KZbin? I couldn't help but imagine making a few of my favorite scenes from Fallout 4 after watching this

[@askwintersborggovertsen5301]

Chet Coenen duuuude! I haven't thought of that

[@thegreynomadknits3001]

Chet Coenen h

[@Jcknight7996]

Hey at least the guy digging the grave wasn't his own grave

[@mattbertolino]

You sir are an phenomenal artist!

[@semvansambeek]

Don’t know why this was in my recommended videos but I clicked it, watched it for the whole 19 minutes and enjoyed it!

[@shachar2]

Nice, what do you do with all of those? Do you sell them on eBay?

[@SamuelSS1983]

first of all, doing this makes you proud and brings you ultimate sense of accomplishment. selling is the least important part of doing it. most ppl who do art and creative handwork do it as a hobbie. start making and you'll catch yourself handing precious gifts to the ones you trully care about. real money is made from 'industrializing' work.. even more these days. crafting goes beyond that. do it, you'll see.

[@firstaccnt]

Samuel SS. You know slot of diorama artists do it as a job, right?

[@tomcarr1050]

I made my girl a bike shop with a Triumph motif. It means more to her than if I had put the Hope Diamond on her finger. She knows I scratch build and the time and patience involved. Keep, gift, trade, or sell. It's art.

[@Alex12101]

You are a creator Superb, Make a TITANIC disaster🚢.? I hope.. 🤔

[@DeathWA441ORGaming]

Wouldn't that have to be really big though? It sounds like an awesome idea just big lol

[@jacksonchristian0103]

Great work with lots of patients bro. God bless you