How to build an eye-catching diorama - Realistic Scenery Vol.12

A step by step guide in creating a super realistic suburban scene with a twist (HO Scale).
Downloads:
If you visit: www.bouldercreekrailroad.com/...
you’ll find the files I used to create this awesome diorama. Because all of the interior details were downloaded from Thingivers.com I’ll provide links to the specific files however the exterior details were all designed on Tinkercad.com, I’ll provide the actual STL files for those items on the downloads page and they’ll all be HO scale.
In this tutorial I take you through the process of building a laser cut wood structure that is typically used for model railroad scenery and then I’ll demonstrate all the techniques used to create an awesome dystopian themed diorama.
Nearly all of the tiny details I use not only to model the interior but also all of the exterior details were printed on the Anycubic Photon 3D printer. All of the interior details were downloaded from Thingiverse.com whereas all of the exterior details including the garage were designed using TinkerCad.com and then printed. It’s quite amazing what can be built and designed using such a simple program with basic building blocks.
You’ll also see me using the Noch Gras-Master 2.0 to add the static grass, it’s quite an expensive unit but you are paying for quality and assurance. The grass applicator was sent to me for inclusion in the upcoming eBook and I decided to get a head start and try it out on this diorama.
Time Stamps:
Constructing the house - 1:09
Adding interior detail - 9:30
Interior lighting - 10:50
Basic land-form - 11:22
Rocks - 12:40
Dirt Textures - 15:40
Static Grass - 18:52
Building the Fence - 21:14
Corn, sun flowers & tomato's - 23:22
Exterior Details - 25:09
Diorama base - 26:00
Trees and roots & more exterior details - 28:32
Music:
Intro... Premium Beat - Green Screen
Background... Premium Beat - Dust Country

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

This is another lengthy video so I’ve included timestamps in the description above, now you can jump to the section you want and get all the good stuff without having to scrub backwards and forwards through the video... Also... if you want to download the STL files for 3D printing you’ll find them here: www.bouldercreekrailroad.com/downloads.html

[@fortnitevazquez8302]

Hi

[@ivisone]

makes a building

[@troseberry91585]

@29:27 Garage is also 3D Printer? Lol. Absolutely love the videos. I'm wanting to try my hand at making some scale models and I think I'm driving my wife mad talking about it and looking up information and materials, etc. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@bahgd15]

I think time stamps are not working

[@ghunter0939]

you need to post more often bro, and also have you ever thought about seling diorama kits like a pre made scenery or a pre made theme i would buy that for sure. warm regards from brasil

[@crumpuppet]

"as most of these details will be inside the house, I wasn't too worried about them being absolutely perfect..." *reveals absolutely perfect mini furniture* :o

[@ovelhadeblush]

Hahahahaha if those aren't perfect then what is????

[@highlonesomebluegrass8286]

I was thinking the same thing ha ha perfection

[@WallHaxxx]

Thanks for saving me from having to make the same comment.

[@dimitreze]

hahahaha true

[@LunarPotatoo2]

OMG I know right😂

[@jaek_898]

I can't believe these videos are free, this paid-quality content.

[@matthewhotston4287]

Shhhhh!!!! Don't say that, he will get ideas...

[@toles99]

Some of us do pay. It’s a pleasure to support, well worth the couple of bucks. Brilliant.

[@lanwangji3882]

Shhhhhhhh

[@iluvmyeski]

He earns money through youtube already by doing this

[@chrispools]

It's like therapy watching this stuff lol

[@mixiekins]

Oh! I just had an idea! At 22:49 when you add the fence, I realized that you could attach some extra long strands of grass there, to simulate the edge that naturally occurs when mowing lawns; whenever I've mowed a lawn up to the edge of a fence, the blades have never managed to get all the way perfectly up to the edge, and even if they're hit with a weed-whacker it doesn't tend to have a 100% perfectly uniform surface. I think that having some slightly taller grass at these edges (including the house) would help a tiny bit more. :D I also wonder if you have a kind of super-stubby dead grass (either static or using your awesome chalk-scraping technique) that could be used to blend the high-traffic areas like where the tires roll and crush the blades of grass. I've noticed that unless a path gets an incredible amount of daily traffic, it tends to still have some withered strands of grass remaining, so perhaps this could help, too! :) Please keep up the phenomenal work! I'm glad to hear that Noch have taken notice and sent you some freebies, you definitely deserve it! Even though I don't think I'd make much use of these techniques, your videos are always so pleasant to watch while I relax.

[@eggwafflesalad2486]

Dam

[@boodledemic6430]

You say this is a lengthy video but you could make hour long episodes and I wouldn’t complain XD

[@RonsTrainsNThings]

Beautiful job, Luke. The length was necessary to show all the detail that you gave in this video. The level of detail that you included on this little diorama is absolutely fantastic.

[@Manny444a]

This looks awesome! Will you ever make a winter diorama?

[@sammclean8002]

That'd be awesome!

[@leadfarmer8773]

Yea I'd love to see that!

[@aleksander2810]

agree

[@manunathan12]

That is just an ozzy winter

[@kamencic]

@@manunathan12 hahaha he maybe doesn't know what snow feels like. Just kdn oc

[@jericieiliel5154]

21:09 Australian bug, scaled to the model size accurately

[@elykllieno597]

Who watches this but never does them

[@sircooldude1302]

Me lol

[@airellebloomfield3063]

Me.. 🥴

[@kymymedia]

Your useless member of society here

[@Soggywafffles]

elyk llieno typically his vids help me fall asleep.. lol

[@catsplay1232]

elyk llieno me I just like small stuff

[@tinysneakybagel782]

“I wasn’t too worried about making them absolutely perfect” Has a bookshelf with individually painted books

[@LaserGadgets]

14:25 I cant believe how well that rock fits there : O amazes me. Oh and please make more of them! The longer the better! Since I am really into dystopic scneries right now and working on one myself, I would really like to see you make one! Like something dark and damaged.

[@9385dee7]

Legit won't ever use any of the knowledge I get from these videos but I keep coming back.

[@LeventDV]

I havent touched models in my life but I watched all your vids its like a spiritual meditation/relaxation (sooo u might keep this kind of audience in mind too) great work!

[@madnessbydesign1415]

I've done wargaming scenery and dioramas before, and I can honestly say his work is top-notch. Not only does he do amazing work, but he presents it so clearly... :)

[@lorriedmussett4692]

I could not agree more! I wish I had a creative bone but I dont so instead I too eagerly await the next video from Luke!!!

[@zacharyorr4358]

I think the amount of effort given to building the model house, was more effort put in to building my actual house.

[@user-iv6mq7my9t]

Same

[@crowdemon_archives]

But if done well, both will end up looking real fine

[@luftkadettarchives6387]

I know, these tend to be better than muddy caves.

[@doubledown9333]

21:10 gate crasher on the lattice :)

[@sammclean8002]

I think its Luke's pet from an earlier diorama!

[@leadfarmer8773]

Holy crap how'd u catch that!!

[@wolflight25]

Was looking for this comment, I knew they had big spiders in Aus but I think I will stay away after seeing that monster.

[@doubledown9333]

That's just the small ones,at night i don't let the dog go out in case the really big spiders get him:)

[@crispybacon4240]

Nooooooope. Nope nope nope nope nope nope NOPE.

[@TheAliensfromMARS]

48 people have no imagination and are stuck in a strange joyless trollscape of dusty hopelessness.. The skill, patience and care to make such wonders is astonding. Thank you for these videos

[@pearkore6821]

Dusty hopelessness? Don't be so cruel to Australia it does it's best.

[@macf4426]

Wow. Another amazing diarama Luke. I can't even add a 'I love the ...' sentence here as there isn't anything on this diarama that I *don't* like. Excellent job 👍 A wealth of great tips in this video too 👍👍

[@shellbug3100]

Just came across this & when i seen the length of this video i thought, "i'll skip around & watch a min or 2...but not all of it." Boy, 30 minutes went by fast & i enjoyed every min of it! You have talented & patient hands my friend

[@keikiokaaina1951]

Was that thing REALLY 30 minutes long?! OMG you are right.... I agree--it went by SO fast!

[@killasuridrift7384]

I was super pumped when I saw the new upload! Great work as usual.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks mate, it's been a while since the last one!

[@maxpracht7719]

I honestly though your profile pic was the flex-seal logo

[@Smarglenargle]

I'mma 3d artist, I love watching diorama videos while working, it also helps my dynamic environment planning skills. It all carries over :P

[@tombuck]

These videos are like therapy for me.

[@pakan357]

Those three roots are a great detail. It wouldn't come to my mind.

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

lol... I almost didn't add the roots! It was literally the last detail I added and that was because I almost forgot 🙃

[@johnkelley9877]

When I first saw the photo of the diorama on You Tube I thought it was real! Excellent work and tutorial. Thanks for sharing this.

[@RamoArt]

I'm happy to see that you're receiving products for free! These videos always make my day.

[@nonono777]

So happy that there is another one of these, it's great

[@seanc6760]

I am obsessed with miniatures and this is where I come to fuel my hunger.

[@balthasarkeks5840]

I really like that you show your materials and tools in a speed, which allows it to find the things on the market. Another thing is, that you show the details. Slowly and clear. That isn't natural for many video authors. Thank you!

[@alwayscrispy666]

Who else watched the whole thing? I can never skip on any of your videos man. I love it.

[@ZeroAviator]

Once again.. Simply Amazing!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks mate, glad you liked it

[@flappyBoi]

No it's simply amazing.... It's detailed'ly amazing

[@ungabunga7879]

You are the Bob Ross of modelling

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

Bob Ross wishes he was this good.

[@Itsunclegabby]

I watch these when I'm feeling anxious. Thanks for the assistance! Beautiful!

[@Jester123ish]

A professional architectural model builder in Adelaide once taught our class that to get an excellent scale effect never use vivid black or vivid white on models, always go off white or off black. Love your work!

[@AndysHobbyHeadquarters]

That is really cool luke.

[@darylr.7499]

holy cow!!!! This is probably the best diorama I've ever seen in my life Nice work bro ireally admire you

[@Bandit-Darville]

Have you seen other videos from the Realistic Scenery playlist? There are real gems in there too! kzbin.info/aero/PLA1bRusvoCbQH3FDWBYn4w5TCCKzMFXU7

[@lucasrankin1016]

It’s so satisfying to watch everything fit together so perfectly!

[@Mutebuttons]

I fall asleep every night watching your videos. I have no idea what's so calming and relaxing about them, but I do. Thank you.

[@themrpancake5988]

Smooth as always!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks mate

[@diegomendez8728]

Please do some disaster dioramas, PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE,please

[@ajdhjaoakdn2ndgoogleaccoun929]

No replies that's sad

[@ricky107_]

@@ajdhjaoakdn2ndgoogleaccoun929 you just replied

[@RMSLusitania]

Your long "please" is a disaster

[@alliemaruu]

AGREED !

[@susannahrinker727]

@@RMSLusitania ah, yes, I see your a man* of culture as well. *or woman

[@icenesiswayons9962]

Your work deserves museum attention. Very intricately detailed. Never seen anything like the architectural quality you create outside of one. I was a draftsman and appreciate the attention you use.

[@Impractical_Engineer]

I don't know how I got here but I am thankful that someone like this exists. SuperUltraMegaFantastical work!

[@angusdassler3052]

The bug at 20:10 is a scale monster!

[@anonymousaccordionist3326]

Well, the model does seem to indicate some sort of fallout, whether nuclear or otherwise, so it does seem probable that mutation resulted from such an incident.

[@bands7045]

I was scrolling for way too long before finding a bug comment lol

[@TheImpiroGirl]

This is a great idea, I really love the dystopian twist. I always enjoy your videos, beautiful job

[@dandy432]

The most satisfying part of this video is how it is exactly 30:00 minutes long, not one second more or less. Beautiful.

[@cerethpainting6606]

Miniature painter and terrain builder here. The furniture looks great. Of course so does everything else as usual!

[@MrTotalAhole]

Isnt a true Boulder Railroad Creek video without some kind of 'giant' bug showing up.

[@matteo_costanzo]

Amazing clean work as always! Well done!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thanks Matteo 😉

[@kevinkirk-hailey8762]

I love to sit and watch your tutorials even though I work in 'n' gauge. You really are a very talented man

[@thomaswhite8822]

Luke, you are a true artist! I hope you are not being affected by the wild fires.

[@kamencic]

Great work man. I will never make something similar but I watched it carefully and with delight.

[@jimbob5589]

Eye catching indeed! Even the thumbnail is beautiful! Keep up the great work

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Jim, I was undecided on the title for ages because I didn't want it to be misleading so it's good to know you liked the video and the title 😀

[@charlesxix]

Blooming amazing.

[@LiamHagan]

You're an absolute magician, Luke. Brilliant work!

[@markwangontario7573]

Your house will eventually look like this if you keep collecting dirt around your garage. lol. Great content and excellent presentation 👍

[@ianburgos4702]

I love your videos you always keep me inspired and I wish I can be like you one day! Keep up the great content!

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks Ian, it's just practice really. I was a pretty average modeler but after a while with lots of trial and error I gradually built up my skills.

[@ianburgos4702]

Luke Towan thank you

[@ianburgos4702]

Luke Towan I got a challenge for you make a WW2 inviorment including the guns and bombs there is not any videos I can find on that that’s you challenge good luck!

[@machineislove4973]

I am blown away!!!!! Amazing.

[@colossalbigfoot256]

What makes you one of the best is you attention to detail. People skip the small things which are most important.. I love this build. I’d like to see you do a stone house sometime

[@geoffz4388]

Nice mate

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

thank you

[@highlonesomebluegrass8286]

I love the lengthy videos, awesome stuff. I appreciate all the hard work you do. How do you find the time to do all these masterpieces and fly? Keep em coming Luke!!! 👍🏻

[@jabelsjabels]

It's such a thrill watching your creations slowly come to life!

[@Glasseater]

My favorite day of the month! Whenever Luke uploads a new video!

[@brickbuiltproductions8389]

Nice

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

Thanks mate 😀

[@ajdhjaoakdn2ndgoogleaccoun929]

*_43 + 27 + 9 = ?_*

[@rockingirls392]

21:12 that bug looks huge compared to the model it freaked me out when I noticed it was actually moving

[@lukearoo]

Marvellous detail , what a build !

[@joe_8699]

An oldie but a goodie. Love this channel

[@kyledemontigny6153]

Hey man I really like to watch your shows, you make beautiful art. I’m just curious roughly how many hours does a project like this take you? I know you make a lot of your own pieces like trees and such so it might be hard to say. Cheers.

[@Grybovsky]

0:45 this house costs $78? Oh my dear God!

[@nickfrank1]

Im sure it was cheaper than the 3d printer! Haha

[@opsimathics]

I mean it's laser-cut

[@ibenb.4767]

Pretty normal price for the good quality you get

[@emilykhine3743]

I am watching the entire series all over again because every episode is just magical 🙌🏻

[@Noone-of-your-Business]

Brilliant as usual. I could watch this for days.

[@cyanbit]

Hey Luke! I've been set a project in art where I must create a sculpture of some description, and have decided to try my hand at making a diorama! The project comes in three parts, research, practical and evaluation. Is there any way I can get in touch with you to get some help with completing some of the basic questions for research?

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

I think the easiest way to ask any questions is by sending me a message through my website, I'll do my best to give you some useful responses 🙂

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

It's hard for me to make any firm commitments due to my job, I'm an airline pilot when I'm not modeling and it takes up a lot of time. I'm flat out over the weekend and then again mid week but if you have questions I can try answer them when I get spare time (usually late in the evenings)

[@BoomerKeith1]

Luke, any chance you'd ever do a Q&A video? I had no idea you were a pilot which makes your videos even more amazing give the time commitment of being an airline pilot.

[@madnessbydesign1415]

AND you're an airline pilot?!? My mother was right - I've wasted my life... :)

[@NajamQureshi]

Why not try a scene from Lord of the Rings, with this much detail, it will be awesome.

[@TheAstharoshe]

I adore this! Thank you so much for working so hard to build and film these! I’d love to see more fantastical builds like this in the future.

[@LinNof]

It's cool to see the "archive footage" bits, nicer than just mentioning a previous project, makes me want to watch everything!

[@konamm782]

Loot Lake PREDICTED

[@mt_mind2909]

Is the bug at 21:10 part of the model? Jk, another great model!

[@justicesickles]

Look at that huge spider

[@ethansmith2942]

He came to see the property and decifer whether or not the cost of rent was too steep

[@crowdemon_archives]

Bug just wants to check the house out

[@wabbitlittle1123]

This is absolutely stunning

[@schrodingersrevenge]

the hot-water heater is spot on. great job!

[@hawkeye9513]

You should make the gorillaz flying windmill

[@DisgruntledPigumon]

hawkeye 951 this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGbVnX55mKuXedk

[@cooldakota9695]

"A massive earthquake drastically shifts the landscape of the Morioh-Cho coast" (2012, colorized)

[@BoulderCreekRailroad]

WHAT IS HAPPENING? Hey all, I'm currently working on my next video and also moving house. While waiting for my next video, I've created a new Instagram account for my fans to post completed dioramas you've created (Conditions apply). You can check out the latest activity via: instagram.com/bouldercreekrailroad/ See you soon. Cheers, Luke

[@ODGColornChrome]

Once again sheer perfection! Your ability is amazing.

[@fsk_hrtm]

You make your dioramas with so much love! Very nice!!

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

Bloody fantastic Luke!!!

[@cyrxl]

Easily one of my favorite channels! Amazing stuff as usual

[@erickm119]

Just amazing at how detailed your work is.

[@williamhawkes7437]

I think you could say this is the land of the condemned! Brilliant Luke, just brilliant!

[@raccoon7279]

I'm glad I stumbled upon this channel, it got me heavy into model making

[@bar10dr]

Always happy when I see a new video, amazing quality on the models as always

[@masteric123]

Oh man cant wait to watch new video. These are so relaxing thank you.

[@thenar]

This was great fun, Luke. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and techniques.

[@angelacheng1336]

haha i love the authentic dirt! while watching your videos sometimes i forget theres a whole real world out there too 🤗

[@CRUDE360]

I LOVE WHEN YOU POST!!

[@jefwisse1957]

What a great idea to use magnets to glue parts together. I haven't seen anybody use this idea before. Until now I always used clamps. Every time I watch one of your videos I learn something.

[@Jeff-Vader_head_of_catering]

I have watched this video, at least 10 times (possibly more) and it's awesome every time!

[@sourlemon3337]

Looks super realistic and amazing

[@dmonhuntr75]

WOW! EXCELLENT WORK!

[@kyrabarnholt5446]

so relaxing and impressive it’s like asmr for your eyes

[@Queen_Nyxie]

I am consistently amazed by what you can do.

[@malabikakulkarni2451]

This is just awesome . Such detailed description. Bravo

[@normanrowe2831]

Another amazing video by a true artist. Thank you.

[@kevinm3751]

You have outdone even yourself with this one... Fantastic job!!!