News from your model shop - 27th August 2023

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Dioramas are a very popular topic for many modellers for a number of reasons.  They allow a modeller to effectively showcase an item as it can be placed in an appropriate setting that gives it a specific context, such as a warplane in a dispersal area or a military vehicle in an urban setting.  Dioramas also allow modellers to integrate other diverse items and techniques into a setting which allows them to extend their modelling skillsets and experience.  Additional items such as buildings and period accessories when combined with weathering techniques can really add significant visual impact lending a credible real-world perspective that helps capture an observer's attention.  The last ingredient that can really bring the diorama to life is the addition of appropriate figures.  To that end, this week we will be looking at some of the extensive range of figure sets available in a number of popular scales.

Established in 2001, the Ukrainian company Miniart has become a popular choice for modellers looking to create a diverse array of period-themed dioramas, with an extensive catalogue of both military and civilian items to choose from.  The German Infantry at rest set perfectly captures the essence of four young soldiers during a rare moment of peace during a break from action.  Conversely, the German Panzer Grenadiers set includes four seated figures with weapons to hand that are ideal for placement on a transport or armoured vehicle.  The US Mine Detectors would be an ideal choice as the main focus of a small but dynamic and eye-catching diorama.  All these sets are available in the popular 1:35 scale.



In a similar vein, the Royal Engineers (Special Edition) set provides four distinct figure poses with various accessories that could be utilised as the main theme for a mine clearance scenario.  The German Soldiers at rest set provides a rare and informal insight into the lives of front-line troops, with a collection of five figures in a diverse variety of poses that would be a great basis for a 'unit at rest' theme.  The Spanish company AK Interactive is well known for their paint ranges and weathering products but they also create a selection of model kits, specifically for use in dioramas.  Their Photographers set is an interesting kit in that it covers photographers from different eras and would be useful in a broad range of Second World War and modern-themed dioramas.  These three kits are available in 1:35 scale.



The Ukrainian manufacturer ICM is another manufacturer that specialises in the production of plastic figure kits for use in diorama scenarios.  There are also a variety of available scales that can be specifically matched to differing subject matters.  For example, 1:32 scale is not widely used by military modellers but is a regular choice for aviation enthusiasts.  The WWII RAF Cadets is a four-figure set that includes a pilot figure with three colleagues.  Another scale popular scale with aviation enthusiasts is 1:48 scale.  This has the practical ability to combine a good level of detail without requiring the larger footprint of larger scales.  The Luftwaffe Ground Personnel (1939-1945) would be a great choice for modellers looking to have a mix of aircrew and ground crew at a dispersal scene.  Similarly, for modellers looking to create a similar scene at an Allied dispersal, the USAAF Pilots & Ground Crew set would be an ideal candidate.



For modellers looking to create an urban diorama, such as a cafe scene, then Miniart offers a number of potential options in 1:35 scale.  The British Soldiers in Cafe set provides two paratroopers plus an attending waiter.  The kit is an appealing vignette in and of itself with a suitable table and chairs and refreshments to hand.  With careful planning, it could also be used in a wider diorama setting such as a small town cafe after allied liberation.  In a similar vein, the U.S Soldiers in Cafe also follows a Second World War theme, this time with two G.Is taking their rest while enjoying some wine.  Not to be outdone by the purely military figures, Miniart also provides suitable civilian subjects, such as the French Civilians in Cafe 1930s-40s set.  Perhaps it might be possible to combine all three or a combination of them to create a simple, yet interesting and evocative diorama.



Dioramas have always been a popular subject as they allow a modeller to use their own imagination to create a realistic background and stage into which a wide range of kits and accessories can be incorporated.  This allows a static model to come to life by integrating it into a suitable setting where it can be used to help tell a story that is visually engaging for the casual observer.  Railway modellers inevitably already have the ability and skills to achieve this as this is the very process by which a layout theme is developed.  Why not look at the options for incorporating figures into a suitable historical diorama for your next project?

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