Lesson 1Detail construction: window frames, doors, signage, and curbworkConcentrate on making side and fine bits like window frames, doors, signs, and kerbs, with guides and patterns for even parts while setting 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 at cutting and supporting the base board, flattening faces, and raising a firm underbuild while noting fix points for structures, figures, and stands, for steadiness, match, and lasting strength.
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 sceneGrasp readying figures and items via clean-up, painting, shading, and fixing, then blending them true into the scene with pins, touch shadows, and weather links to surroundings.
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 instructionsKnow how to pack the done diorama, make pass notes, and write care guides so clients can move, show, and tend the piece safely for years.
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 first coat and main layers to shadows, lights, and wear rounds, so faces show clear, hold up, and back the tale without blurring bits.
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 to fit lights and run wires in slim cases, with LED picks, path plans, links, and entry panels for upkeep without harming the 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 to turn ideas into doable plans by exact measures, side views sketches, and full material lists that keep your diorama job tidy, 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 wallsGrasp outlining big shapes like structure shells, road bases, paths, and hold walls, setting layout, sights, and flow before 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 to photo and note your diorama for client okay, catching size, lights, and main tale angles while logging build notes for changes and later 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, gluing, move stands, and guard steps, cutting harm chance while keeping reach for fixes, light tests, and final tweaks.
Dry fitting assemblies and submodulesChoosing adhesives for each materialSequencing glue joints to avoid stressAdding transport screws and bracketsTemporary shields and dust protection
