How to Build a Hyper-Realistic Surf Diorama - Realistic Scenery Vol.17

Learn how to create a miniature world that will look so realistic you'll want to shrink yourself to enjoy it.
In this highly detailed guide I’ll take you through every step as I create this amazing beach diorama complete with a wave and a white sand beach you’ll wish you could sit on.
The process of creating this ultra-realistic diorama is quite a lengthy process however by taking it one step at a time before you know it you’ll have a fantastic diorama that will amaze your friends and family.
For more information on how to build model scenery and how to build all sorts of other realistic models and dioramas be sure to check out my website:
www.bouldercreekrailroad.com
Additionally if you’d like to help support the channel you can check out my Patreon page:
/ luketowan
Also don’t forget to check out my new Instagram page, if you have a completed diorama that you want to share be sure to send it to me through Instagram and I’ll share it with the community:
/ bouldercreekrailroad
Most of the dioramas and model scenery I make is all related to model railroads and model railroad scenery, every now and again I’ll build some scenery that is not specifically related to model railroading however the tips and techniques I use can easily be applied to any type of model scenery, whether you are building a basement empire model train layout or building a diorama for school and everything in between there will surely be some tips and tricks you can pick up from watching one of my tutorials.

[@seb1703]

Could you do a tropical coral reef? I always thought that would be awesome

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

that's a great idea 😉

[@konradbak]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad So we are waiting. :D Go for it! :D

[@NextLevelGardening]

I vote for a coral reef to that would be great!

[@nahfamimgood]

dude that would be sick... if you found a way to do a full underwater scene by like suspending models and filling a box with some clear resin for water i would die

[@katiepetkewich]

YES YES YES

[@hayanako]

At this point, I'm firmly believe that you're not human anymore. Your talent is beyond what anyone else could do

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol... I'm sure if you took your time you could do something pretty amazing as well 😉

[@braeeee_]

This guy is literally the modern day Bob ross...i can't stop watching these incredible videos... Edit: 8 months later and I'm still watching this great guy, now that's epic.

[@Tractors_Trucks_And_Pups]

I know right!!!, Even how you watch it and the whole tutorial yet probably never in you life you will make it (of so it won't look anything like it

[@JD-ky9ys]

Tractors Trucks and Pups agreed

[@umarrafif2714]

more like a 3d version of bob ross

[@braeeee_]

@hhhk20 you are possibly the most toxic Bob Ross hater I've ever seen. The reason Bob is different is because he paints, which restricts the amount of detail you can fit in as apposed to diorama making. I don't know why you hate Bob Ross so much but I highly doubt you've done anything better than he ever did. You're just another one of those people who hate others that are good at something because you desperately want to be so different.

[@samuraijackoff5354]

hhhk20 You can make the argument that the video is just the same as how you portray Bob Ross then.

[@zfrenchy1716]

Can you make a serie of diorama with the theme "pollution" ? Like a cars junkyard Polluted beach River with wastewater Abandonated building ...

[@MsKiko000]

@H Maccas I don't see it as political tbh, it would be a challenge to make something like that regardless of seeing it as political or not

[@alexc2626]

@H Maccas derelict buildings and neglected scenery = political garbage. ok.

[@strawberries1186]

@H Maccas You should enter the 110 meter hurdles event for the Olympics because that was such a far jump!

[@DividedPixels404]

H Maccas You jumping to conclusions: Parkour!

[@alyssa09485]

^ These comments are comedy LOL

[@stevenpurnell3777]

Someone mentioned an underwater scene, it would be awesome to make an underwater tunnel - like many major aquariums have - with people inside then the coral reef and a few animals swimming.. That would be cool! Great job Luke!

[@poisonedflowers]

That would look awesome, and really cut down on the amount of resin needed, too! Maybe do a long diagonal cut-away showing the inside of the tube

[@royreynolds108]

@@__5983 Why don't one of you all do this one? He has shown you how.

[@mateskadett]

Nice job. Looks great

[@leilacentral1883]

The intro showing the completed model honestly looked like an actual photograph. Your work continues to amaze and entertain. If I can have half of your skills when doing the scenery on my layout, I’d be very pleased. Clint

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks for the awesome compliment Clint, I post these tutorials to help share tips and techniques so hopefully you'll be able to adopt some of the skills as well and start making some great scenes for you layout 😃

[@RavenRaven]

it was easily fake if you actually look closely, but still if you just glance at it i guess some people might think its real

[@johnnygreenface4195]

It was accualy photographed.

[@mutsie1992]

I’m not even into modeling but I really like this channel! Really peaceful and relaxing to watch these videos:)

[@agiverreviga4592]

I don't know why KZbin recommended me this, but I'm glad it did.

[@louisasmiles]

It helps me relax to sleep.

[@AJ-kv1po]

It knew you'd like it

[@Jmdeleeuw-]

I always hide my mistakes with small dogs aswell.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol... trade secret 😉

[@throngcleaver]

Small dogs that don't leave footprints... ;) (I love this channel!)

[@RaeMachiavelli]

Happy little mistakes*

[@phillpauley6672]

Just like blaming the dog for a fart. 😜

[@bestnameonthisplatform352]

Job de Leeuw police came to my house I just pinned it on fluffy

[@minkshaming]

This Hyper-Realistic Diorama has AMAZED me - Realistic Comments Vol.17

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha... yeah it was a bit of a clickbait title... I'm glad it managed to amaze you so it wasn't completely false advertising 😃

[@brillaelfric9017]

I agree

[@jimym__]

Luke Towan I’m always amazed by your work

[@marekant7776]

The modellers HATE him. See how he does it with one simple trick

[@toweypat]

How did you make such a realistic comment?

[@moneluve1000]

Dude, nobody else on KZbin is as phenomenal at realistic dioramas as you are, holy jeeze!😮 Those pics at the beginning especially could've fooled me!👏👌😆😊❤️

[@beccamaroney3782]

I've been rather envious of you for quite some time. You don't seem to be afraid to get your hands dirty. I think you're perfectly capable of crafting mini sets.

[@Yaneko7]

To show you the power of flex paste *i saw this diorama in half*!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol... I was waiting for the flex paste jokes to roll in 😄

[@Paskaloth]

If no one has suggested it so far... The dogs name should be "Spot" xD

[@pandoratheclay]

Paskaloth Where is the “dog”

[@Paskaloth]

@@pandoratheclay 19:46

[@colindutton459]

This is 3D art and the way you photograph your dioramas really tricks the mind into thinking it's the real thing. Awesome as always, cheers.

[@deenugent473]

Mesmerizing! How in the world do you know how to do all this? I know I know, years of trial and error. I will never do one but I just love watching you do all these magical stuffs.

[@pietrob.9484]

Just finished watching. I'll probably rewatch it ten other times like I did with all of your vids. Cheers Luke, keep up the unbelievable work

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol... nice, glad you enjoyed watching and I hope you continue to enjoy it when you watch it a second time 😄

[@inesmarquespt]

"Let's not waste any more time" at 0:30? I wish all videos were like that

[@krakenloco]

He's pretty straightforward, idk what you really see

[@LatinaGem856]

It's an older video, but it was new to me, and I needed to share my admiration for this piece. 😊❤

[@LaserGadgets]

That happens when you watch cool videos over n over again: you find weird details. Modeling clay.....gluten free??? Yummy!

[@darbycann7379]

These videos always seem to pop up at just the right time. Keep up the good work mate, you're an amazing artist

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks mate, glad you enjoy watching 😉

[@doyoulikecocoa6208]

I was just thinking where you've been, and bam! A video!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol... good timing 😉

[@louisasmiles]

Same

[@mrp32gtr]

Hiding the mistake with the dog is so clever. Looks so natural sitting there

[@the_clockwork_jackass6897]

I have been working with my dad on a model railroad that his grandfather started in 1952 and his dad worked on it when he was a kid and I am now working on. we still run refurbished 50s 027s on the same tracks that my grandfather laid! let me tell you it is the greatest feeling to work on something that has been passed down this many generations.

[@jellyfishaqua]

I always become incredibly excited when you upload! What another great diorama❤️

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Jesse, glad you like the videos

[@FesixGermany]

I'm always amazed by your work, the vegetation like trees and the static grass and water is just amazing.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks, yeah it all tied together really well in the end 😃

[@jimmytvfclassic]

Can't hit the like button hard enough!!! AWE-some!! Well done indeed!!

[@ungabunga7879]

Luke you couldn’t have uploaded at any better of a time Thanks so much, I have had a really bad week and this is the best thing for me today

[@mandem2841]

The water foam looks very dry compared to the water in my opinion, but other than that, the scene looks amazing!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks for the feedback, yeah I might make the water foam a little more translucent next time by using slightly less white paint 😉

[@Flyingbrickyard]

To my eye I'm not sure it's so much a lack of translucency as it is not quite glossy enough. It shouldn't be 'water wet' glossy, but it still reads just a little flat, I think. Fantastic work regardless, and speaking as a long time modeler - if everything were always perfect, there'd be little to try to improve on with the next project. Half the fun for me has often been trying to make the next one better than the last.

[@LaserGadgets]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad I think he meant it just does not look wet. A bit of high gloss clear coar on the white water would make a huge difference I think :)

[@SammyBFilms]

One thing I found when I did a white water river, is that a little glossing up made a big improvement. :-) Worth doing in m opinion. But be careful not to do too much, otherwise you might loose that "bubbly" texture.

[@ManyGhosts]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad I think if you added another layer of the wave effects goo it would gloss it up and blend it better with the rest of the water. You could always do some test runs on some scrap wood before committing to any approach.

[@MaceMakes]

Love watching your videos, they always have a Bob Ross, happy little tree feeling.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha... that is a great compliment 😃 thank you

[@youaccess2008]

Watching these videos gives me a strange sense of tranquility.

[@ChocolateMilkMonster]

I'd love to see a snowy rail scene at some point. The snow and trains just seem to go together well. Awesome job, my dude.

[@gankdalf6922]

Been waiting for your upload since you announced it! Love your videos man! 😊

[@masindi5969]

Omg.. this dude, God would definitely be proud of this.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol, thanks for the compliment

[@AlexFlodder]

Never cared much about miniature models, but you showed me how much work goes into it. I appreciate them a lot now.

[@anitashaw9090]

I've said this before, Luke you are brilliant. You blow my mind every time I watch one of your episodes I learn something else that is fantastic.

[@joneskirkland6735]

Another splendid scenery! Love the waves; it's definitely the most striking feature for me.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Jones, yeah the wave is my favorite part for sure!

[@scottperry8388]

Truly a unique talent! An eye for detail, color, how the natural world and man made elements fit together, and a savant of scale. I'm so glad you chose to document your skills in this way and share them with us.

[@aspin-the-askal]

Omg! This is the instructional video I've been waiting for! Now I feel motivated to do the Pacific Surfliner layout I've been wanting to do for so long. Thank you so much!

[@synder_4262]

At first, I tought that it was a picture, but no, it is the work of a god. Thanks for uploading this.

[@Miko_Iino]

How to solve any mistake in life: Just add a dog and everything will be fine

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha... they help to get rid of stress... usually (when they aren't eating your shoes!)

[@joshsharp7897]

The dog must have dug the hole it’s standing on

[@flimsypopcorn638]

True

[@dyh]

so that's why my family replaced me with a dog

[@bigbademperor]

Name checks out

[@snowcoalRC]

These are the type of videos that actually deserve clickbait titles like these. Another amazing video.

[@erichargrove2287]

Except it isn't click bait... It's exactly as the title suggests.

[@snowcoalRC]

Eric Hargrove yeah no shit. This is just the type of title that you see on a clickbait video

[@nadinemuhlematter4802]

You are definitively the master of diorama art, ever

[@younggucci4934]

YES FINALLY ANOTHER VID You are undisputed the best diorama creator like nobody comes close. And that is bad for us that like diorama creations because we really cant view anything else while you make your videos. Thanks !

[@Miszczubeer]

I watched twice... that's amazing. That's REALLY AMAZING!!!

[@eucolecionodinossauros]

So impressive man, really astounding work!

[@janrozsival1166]

Your Hyper-Realistic diorama has always AMAZED ME

[@user-dq2ym1nn9k]

this is the first diorama i've ever seen. I knew the word but didn't know what one was. it is absolutely amazing! I am lost for words..just wow

[@salesy67]

As always Luke I am in awe of your work, superb. Thank you. :)

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks a lot Chris, glad you are enjoying the videos 😀

[@RimbawanGerilya]

If I were rich I would fund you a trip to Bali for research to make some tropical scenes. I love your work!

[@claire7004]

I never miss these videos but I have no memory of watching this....how could I miss one as cool as this 😱

[@danielquinn8669]

It never occurred to me I could combine my two favourite hobbies! Thanks for the inspiration, this was awesome!!!

[@brentonjoseph]

Epic. Stunning. I love your videos so much!

[@karellaerlanda2464]

Your video is always worth to wait, Luke ! ❤

[@pedroaltomar]

I anticipate hearing that intro song, it's part of the Luke Towan experience

[@MrMajikman1]

Your water dioramas are absolutely incredible, be them a lake, stream, river, ocean, waterfall. Incredible!

[@elita17913]

This is how real art looks like

[@15MinuteModeller]

Very hyper Luke, another excellent vid just need some wave sounds and we could be there!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Cheers mate, you are so right... I should have added some wave sound effects! Next time 😉

[@doubledarefan]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad In Part 2: Adding wavesound.wav .

[@miguelmorin9884]

Honestly, who gave thumbs down to this video. I'd love to see your work. Great job again!

[@artofescapism]

What a fantastic diorama! I had never seen the thing with the grass before- it blew my mind!

[@cboisits]

This is hands down, the most realistic work that I have ever seen this is crazy. I could never. So jealous.

[@TheUncleRuckus]

Sweet, I've been dying for a new video! I almost worked my way through all your back catalog lol. I love your videos and I don't even build dioramas and sceneries, I'd love too but I dont have the talent for it unfortunately. You rock, and the finished diorama is breathtakingly beautiful 👍👍

[@Waleram1]

You're a great artist. Fine job, it seems like the real beach. Thanks for yours ideas for us. Best regards from Spain

[@KenwayJoel]

I never quite understand how ppl can down vote vids like this. its 100% pure honest skill and patience, the end result being something truly breathtaking

[@figbits8616]

Beautiful, exquisite work! And thank you so much, as yours is the first of the many resin diorama videos I’ve seen to include details for the materials used and your crafting methods.

[@PetrolheadsParadise]

perfect videos to watch when I keep my videos to Render and encode...Amazing tricks and content.

[@Comboowo]

When I first saw the diorama at the beginning of the video, I thought it was the reference image. Wow.

[@markwilloughbywood3868]

I find every video so much fun and, oddly, relaxing to watch. Very enjoyable...

[@LyviaForte]

Sooooooo beautiful!!! PERFECT!!!!

[@king.m.crikey2480]

“This spot is a mistake” That’s fine, the other Spot will cover it

[@_wowzaimshook_9368]

I can hide it with a small dog

[@borisvos1971]

Pfff, Luke, amazing work, as ever.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

ha ha nice 😀 glad you liked it

[@user-ro1cs5hp5e]

Love this video. Thanks for taking ur time in doing and sharing it!

[@mmiern00]

1 word for his artworks. Fascinating

[@existentialcrisis1799]

*_I haven’t even watched the first advert all the way through yet and I’ve already liked the video._* *_Also you should totally try some kind of enchanted forest scene, aka purple trees, deers, etc etc. i think that would look super cool!_*

[@ItsyClover]

existential crisis and like mystical creatures and mushrooms. And fairies

[@nascar2297]

Can you do an industrial/factory scene?

[@ungabunga7879]

I like this

[@davidekstrom9595]

YES,,!! More realistic machinery or si if!!

[@Dontwantahandle0]

Amazing! Your last shots of it out in the actual sun and scenery just makes in come alive.

[@starkjet2197]

I’ve been waiting for this. looks awesome 😎

[@stitch1318]

Wouldn't be cool if he's gonna make ruins? Coverered in greens, cracked rocks, fountain of youth in the middle, scattered sleletons *Y E S*

[@richardchristianson2823]

Zan Von Zed did a diorama with that theme.

[@lilidesisto5385]

Person: How much realism do you want in your models Luke *YES*

[@KC-sm2ox]

These are incredible, I always scream at the notification of your new diorama videos! What a privilege to watch them!!

[@seanhenry2921]

That's magnificent work! Thank you for sharing how you did it.

[@bagelgon992]

"However, I can hide [the mistake] with a small dog" That sentence really made me laugh for some reason.

[@nickwaller3823]

Nah bro, I honestly cant even believe that a human has done this.....no way!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol... thanks Nick, it actually turned out better than I expected 😀

[@larissasblvsk3130]

Honestly, never going to even attempt some sort of diorama - happily screech any time I get the notification still. Your videos are top notch and the outcome is really fascinating, you outdo yourself each and every time! Enjoyment level over 9000. 11/10 would recommend.

[@foxtrot2824]

Every time I see a new video posted, I think "there's no way Luke can one-up his last tutorial", and every time I'm wrong. Goddamn.

[@joeypurczynski3927]

Geez here in Michigan our beach temps were like 40 degrees I wish I was a ho scale person lol

[@adammatejovsky1113]

This man has a suspiciously large supply of stockings

[@jackshuttleworth6570]

ItzAdam hmmmmmmm

[@dannysankyu]

hmmmmmmmmm...

[@lootdown]

Bruh

[@mel0dicHarp]

Absolutely stunning!

[@penelope-oe2vr]

I've never seen this, and wow! Amazing! I'm going to watch more! It would be cool to have these around the house, all different ones, like little mini vacations in your house! Beautiful

[@CodyRushDriving]

19:47 I find many of life's small mistakes can be hidden with a small dog.

[@hanaeve__]

Him: And I use flex paste. My brain: THAT’S ALOTTA DAMAGE-

[@malcolmhodgson7540]

Wow Luke! Just WOW!

[@SilvaraHale]

It's so unbelievable how talented you are. My Mouth is quite open for this beautiful Waves, the Water, the Sand, the amazing realic Rocks and Bushes with Trees. I love it.

[@thundercreekcustoms]

When you showed the first picture of the completed diorama with the sky edited in..I thought you were showing a real scene that you used for inspiration.

[@katego370]

"This spot is a mistake. So I decided to hide it with a small dog." I thought that sounded so funny! Obviously, watching the video, I get what's going on but it just sounded funny to me. I wish I could hide all my mistakes with a small dog...

[@TheOneWhoMightBe]

Just amazing! No other words to describe it.

[@hugoarcada]

Luke, you have truly mastered your craft. The results speak by themselves. Bravo, you loco lindo. Thank you for your videos.

[@TheKnightsShield]

An epic piece of art, as always, Luke. One question, though. Where do you put all of these dioramas once completed?! You must be running out of storage space by now!!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol... yes I am running low on space! Some of the really old models get dismantled and rebuilt into other dioramas but the really nice ones have a special spot on the shelf.

[@matthewmullins2668]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad if the public were allowed to see the models I would drive from Sydney. Great stuff.

[@namewarvergeben]

@@matthewmullins2668 I'd plan a stop when I eventually get to visit Australia :D

[@dereksmalls6238]

@@BoulderCreekRailroad Is there maybe some way you could auction the old ones off for charity perhaps? I'm sure there are plenty of people who'd donate a few bob for one your works to go on their mantelpiece!

[@otisb.driftwood9075]

Just curious. How much does it cost to make this diorama, with all the supplies? You’re amazing...

[@leroy_jenkenz1541]

I can tell you that resin can get expensive but the rest no idea

[@tomobrien4182]

Excluding equipment, about $60

[@deborahrossi8963]

This is amazing. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@markedwards5106]

Outstanding Luke!! You set a very high benchmark for your spectacular dioramas and I appreciate the hard work you put into all your videos.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Cheers Mark, glad you have been enjoying the videos 😉