Our diorama

[761st]

After we finished homework, (he is learning French and sight words) we had time for tanks. He drove the Sherman 105 named SNAFU. At one point he asked what building was the "bombed out" one. I replied. "Just a building." He grabbed some supplies and came up with this.

Good thing summer break is around the corner,

[Son of a gun-ner]

It all looks really cool

[761st]

Thank you sir. I like the sign he placed between the buildings! Hahahaha!


This is the initial placement and test of materials. I see now why tanks are not designed for urban combat. Maneuvering is difficult.

[Son of a gun-ner]

Yes, I should have mentioned the sign

Tanks were/are vulnerable, especially in narrow streets.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Ah, there is a sense of humor in the fellow! Of what are your buildings made?

[Kaczor]

Please show more photos and tell us how buildings was made

[761st]

Good morning guys and thanks.

I have used two different materials Each one has advantages and draw backs,

1- xps foam board Otherwise known as insulation foam. Available at most hardware stores. It comes in two thicknesses
I find the 1 inch closer to "scale" and more likely to stay straight after being cut. Cutting either thickness is a bit of a trial and error. A razor knife works pretty well but there are rough edges remaining. It's like cutting syrofoam.

I like the xps because you can work details into it using a dull tipped pencil or other utensil. We like to fire BB's and watch the impact crater happen.

2 - Coroplast. This is harder to work with but so far it holds up to the Florida weather. It is a thin material so it looks a little "off" in the scale department. I have yet to find an adhesive that works with this material so I end up framing the structure on the inside. You can see the screw heads but that will be addressed later.

Of the two, my favorite is the xps. It's easier to work with and is quicker. I use Gorilla spray adhesive. WARNING. Glue spray and rattle can spray will "melt" the foam. So far the best painting solution is cheap acrylic paint found at most craft stores. I mix with Hodge-Podge matte craft glue. Seems to act as a protective shell. Thus far the paint does not appear to fade in the Florida heat.

Coroplast will take any spray you put on it with no issues.

The price for coroplast is going up . So if your neighbor has a for sale sign or a campaign sign, take it. I use salvaged material when I find it. The metal rods used to stick the sign in the yard are repurposed to act as an anchor in the wind.

coroplast

I will post xps projects next. Please know, my dio is very much a discover as I go and as such lacks a finished look. In time that will happen but for now it's more about learning how and what works. Always up for ideas and questions.

[jee]

Please know, my dio is very much a discover as I go and as such lacks a finished look. In time that will happen but for now it's more about learning how and what works. Always up for ideas and questions.

Thanks for the info, it is very interesting.

[761st]

xps Building front is a combo of white spray and brown acrylic. You can see the rough edges from the cuts. I imagine there is a device and a way to have a better cut line but, for now it works. Both pieces are one inch thickness.

The column is an unpainted piece which was left over from scrap. The dimpled effect comes from pressing it with tin foil.

[761st]

Thanks Joe. We have a great time building the dio. Almost as much fun as the tanks. I use broken cider blocks and set a small fire and smoke set up for special effects. Obviously being careful not the melt anything.