Collecting miniatures cars and building small dioramas around them is a popular hobby and very similar to model railroading. There is a certain nostalgia about these old scenes.

You can buy lots of great accessories for the hobby and you can even buy complete garages.

Snap On 1930's Benefiel's Garage Diorama with 1934 Ford Box Truck

1/24 scale garage tools -

Hobby Gear Backyard Mechanic Series -

Garage Accessory Set -

Garage Repair Set -

Die Cast Metal Car Garage Accessories

Walthers Cornerstone Express Motor Freight LNS Train

Make Miniature Coal for your Railroad

Here is a neat little trick for making coal that was submitted by a web visitor (Theunis). Check it out here: Make miniature coal for your diorama or railroad.

Will's Book on Diorama Making

How to Make Fantasy and Medieval Dioramas

This books shows you how to make fantasy and medieval dioramas using many commonly available tools and materials. There are over 100 pictures and illustrations showing you how to make great dioramas in fantasy and medieval styles. Chapters include basics, water effects, terrain tips and special effects like electricity and small motors. Tutorials include how to use foam, plaster of paris and paper mache to make great looking dioramas.