Lesson 1Detail construction: window frames, doors, signage, and curbworkFocus on building side and fine details like window frames, doors, signs, and kerb work, using guides and patterns to keep parts the same while planning fix 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 cutting and bracing the base board, making surfaces flat, and building a firm under structure while marking fix points for buildings, figures, and stands, making sure of steadiness, line-up, and long lasting.
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 figures and items through clean-up, painting, shading, and fixing, then blend them well 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 instructionsUnderstand how to pack the finished diorama, make hand over notes, and write care guides so clients can move, show, and look after the piece safe over a 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 the right paint order for bases, from priming and base layers to shadows, lights, and wear passes, so surfaces show clear, stay strong, and back the story without blurring 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 fitting lights and running wires in slim cases, including LED picks, path planning, links, and entry panels that let fixes 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 how to turn ideas into buildable plans by taking true measures, making side-view sketches, and making a full material list that keeps your diorama job sorted, real, and on time from the 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 set in big shapes like building shells, street bases, paths, and holding walls, setting up the arrangement, sight paths, and flow before doing 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 photo and note your diorama for client okay, catching size, lights, and key story angles while writing build notes that help 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 the right order for last putting together, gluing, move stands, and guard steps, cutting down harm risk while keeping way for fixes, light checks, 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
