Lesson 1Detail construction: window frames, doors, signage, and curbworkFocus on constructing secondary and fine details like window frames, doors, signage, and curbwork, using jigs and templates to keep parts consistent while planning attachment points for later painting and weathering.
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 pointsExplore how to cut and brace the baseboard, level surfaces, and build a rigid substructure while marking anchor points for buildings, figures, and mounts, ensuring stability, alignment, and long term durability.
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 prepare figures and props through cleanup, painting, shading, and mounting, then integrate them convincingly into the scene with pinning, contact shadows, and environmental weathering ties.
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 the finished diorama, prepare handover notes, and write maintenance instructions so clients can transport, display, and care for the piece safely over the long term.
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 the correct painting order for bases, from priming and base coats to shadows, highlights, and weathering passes, so surfaces read clearly, stay durable, and support the story without muddying 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 casesDiscover methods for installing lighting and routing wiring in shallow cases, including LED selection, channel planning, connectors, and access panels that allow maintenance without damaging 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 how to translate ideas into buildable plans by taking accurate measurements, creating orthographic sketches, and drafting a detailed material list that keeps your diorama project organized, realistic, and on schedule from day one.
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 in major masses such as building shells, street beds, sidewalks, and retaining walls, establishing composition, sightlines, and traffic flow before committing to fine details 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 photograph and document your diorama for client approval, capturing scale, lighting, and key storytelling angles while recording build notes that support revisions and future replicas.
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 the correct order for final assembly, gluing, transport mounts, and protective measures, minimizing damage risk while keeping access for touch ups, lighting checks, and last minute adjustments.
Dry fitting assemblies and submodulesChoosing adhesives for each materialSequencing glue joints to avoid stressAdding transport screws and bracketsTemporary shields and dust protection
