Lesson 1Detail construction: window frames, doors, signage, and curbworkFocus on building side and fine bits like window frames, doors, signs, and edge work, using guides and shapes to keep parts same while plan join spots for later paint and wear.
Building repeatable window and door jigsLaminating frames and adding glazingDesigning and printing scale signageShaping curbs, gutters, and drain inletsPreplanning breakable and removable partsLesson 2Base preparation: cutting baseboard, leveling, building substructure, and locating anchor pointsLook into how to cut and hold the base board, level faces, and build strong under while mark hold spots for builds, people, and mounts, making sure steady, line, and long hold.
Choosing baseboard materials and thicknessSafe cutting methods and edge cleanupBuilding internal ribs and cross bracingChecking level, twist, and sag toleranceMarking anchor points and drilling pilotsLesson 3Figure and prop preparation: painting, shading, mounting, and integrating with sceneLearn how to ready people and items through clean, paint, shade, and mount, then fit them true into scene with pin, touch shadows, and place wear links.
Cleaning mold lines and test fittingChoosing color schemes and focal pointsLayered shading and edge highlightsPinning feet and hidden supportsBlending bases with ground texturesLesson 4Packing, handover notes, and maintenance instructionsUnderstand how to pack done diorama, ready give notes, and write care guides so clients can move, show, and look after the piece safe over long time.
Designing custom inserts and supportsLabeling fragile zones and lift pointsWriting display and lighting guidelinesMaintenance and cleaning proceduresHandover checklists and client signoffLesson 5Painting and base finishing order: priming, base coats, shadows, highlights, and weathering passesMaster right paint order for bases, from prime and base coats to shadows, lights, and wear goes, so faces read clear, stay strong, and back story without mud details.
Surface prep and primer selectionLaying base coats for ground and wallsEstablishing shadows and light directionAdding highlights and color variationLayered weathering and sealing coatsLesson 6Lighting installation and wiring routing inside shallow casesFind ways for put lights and route wires in thin cases, including LED pick, path plan, joins, and reach doors that let care without harm to diorama.
Selecting LEDs, drivers, and voltagesPlanning wire paths and hidden channelsDrilling pass throughs and slots safelyUsing connectors and quick disconnectsDesigning access hatches and coversLesson 7Planning and reference phase: measurements, orthographic sketches, and material listLearn how to turn ideas into build plans by take true measures, make side views, and write full stuff list that keeps your diorama job set, real, and on time from start.
Measuring display cases and client constraintsCreating scale conversion tables and notesDrafting orthographic views of the scenePlanning modular breakpoints and joinsCompiling a detailed material and tool listLesson 8Blocking major masses: building shells, street beds, sidewalks, and retaining wallsUnderstand how to block big parts like build shells, road beds, side walks, and hold walls, set setup, look lines, and move flow before do fine bits or paint.
Mocking up volumes with foam or cardSetting street grades and drainage slopesAligning sidewalks and curb heightsPositioning retaining walls and barriersTesting viewpoints and camera anglesLesson 9Photography and documentation for client approvalLearn how to photo and note your diorama for client okay, catch size, light, and key tale sides while write build notes that back changes and future copies.
Setting up neutral backdrops and standsBasic lighting setups for miniaturesFraming storytelling and detail shotsManaging color balance and exposureOrganizing build notes and shot listsLesson 10Final assembly, gluing order, transport mounts, and protective measuresStudy right order for last join, stick, move holds, and guard ways, cut harm risk while keep reach for touch up, light check, and last changes.
Dry fitting assemblies and submodulesChoosing adhesives for each materialSequencing glue joints to avoid stressAdding transport screws and bracketsTemporary shields and dust protection
