For me one of the best things about this hobby is the models that you can make for the diorama. Just about every kind of military vehicle ever made has also been made into a model that you can put together and add to your scene. For me the tanks are the best.
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Popular Tutorials:
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How to make snow in a military diorama
How to make snow in a Tank diorama Here is a great tutorial submitted by a web visitor. It shows you how to make realistic (and durable) snow from scratch. |
Water effects tips and techniques
Here is a nice tutorial on water effects submitted by a web visitor (Cristi). He shows us step by step how to make some nice effects and also shows us some experiments and alternate techniques. Water effects tips and techniques |
How to make barbed wire and concertina wire This is a nice tutorial that shows you how to easily make barbed wire or concertina wire for your diorama. All you really need is some wire and cutters. How to make barbed wire |
Building and Weathering a Tank
Here is another tutorial by John. He makes a German Brummbar (Grizzly Bear) step by step and shows us some fantastic weathering techniques. If you like military models you should check this one out. Building and Weathering a model tank |
How to Make a Plastic Model
I love making models. I have been doing it since I was a kid. It's a lot of fun and pretty inexpensive. Here I show you all the tips and techniques for doing a nice job of it. How to Make a Plastic Model
 New: I got a hold of some vintage issues of Military Modelling Magazine
A family member spotted this cache of magazines and bought them for me. They are an amazing treasure trove of military information, and tips, techniques, tutorials about military modelling. Read more, see pics here: Military Modelling Magazine
Make a German FlakPanzer
Skill level 2 build with some interesting differences than my other builds. This one has something called Zimmerit which is a clay-like coating on parts of the exterior of the vehicle. And this one came with a real metal chassis which gives the model some weight and heft. 1:48 Scale Make a German FlakPanzer
Make an Airstrip Diorama (Flying Fortress Model)
In this tutorial I show you how to make an easy airstrip diorama for a plastic model. Basic terrain and painting techniques are used. And this is part 2 of a series. In Part 1 I make the Flying Fortress Plastic Model Check out this diorama here.
Rhodesian War Diorama "Selous Scouts on the Hunt"
The Rhodesian War was from 1964 to 1979 and the Selous scouts were a famous special forces regiment in the Rhodesian Army. Check it out here:Selous Scouts on the Hunt
New: Bocage Diorama
Great little diorama with some amazing perspectives and looks through trees and brush. Wondering what a Bocage is? Check out this diorama here.
Mail Call! 51st Highland Division Diorama
Excellent diorama with some nice detail work. Check it out here: Mail Call!
Fur Elise Diorama
This diorama depicts a destroyed German Heavy Armored Car. It is also an interesting design and layout in that it makes use of vertical space. Something we tend to overlook when making a diorama. Steve has lots of pics for us including pics and information during the process of making it: Fur Elise Diorama
The Helmet Diorama
Wyat has made this great little tank scene diorama inside a military helmet. It's an excellent project and a terrific way to display a military diorama. Check out more pictures here: Wyatt's Helmet Diorama
The German Field Kitchen
This is a nice little Tamiya diorama kit that comes with a field kitchen, wheeled cart, figures and some neat detail parts. Check it out here: The German Field Kitchen Diorama.
"Gotcha Moment " 82nd Airborne Diorama This is a remarkable diorama that has some amazing distinctions. It has the special effect of sound. And Luis used air-drying clay to make that amazing vegetation. You have got to check this diorama out. More pics with tips/techniques for you: Gotcha Moment
New: "Homecoming" This is something that all veterans know too well whether they come home for leave or at an end of a deployment overseas that things (WINK! WINK!) happen.. Check it out here:The Homecoming Diorama
How to setup a diorama and create vintage photos of it
Wouldn't it be cool to have vintage era photos of military scenes and vehicles? Maybe you can't have those actual types of photos but you can create them with dioramas and a little bit of photoshopping magic. And it's easy To do. Willem is a web visitor who has created a tutorial showing us how to do it! How to Create Vintage Photos of your Military Dioramas
A German Half-track Diorama (Sd.Kfz)
This is a terrific little diorama depicting an action scene of German soldiers jumping off a half-track. A well captured moment of action. Check it out here: A German half-track diorama
Three techniques for taking pictures of your diorama
The photo above is of an actual diorama even though it looks like a vintage aircraft scene! There are several different ways you can take pics of your dioramas that takes them to another level. Three techniques for taking pictures of your diorama
"Prowling" A German Panther in tall grass
It is a straight-forward diorama in a simple grass scene. And the secret in this scene is the painting, detailing and aging of the tank. Steve shows us howe to achieve some great results: Prowling
"Salting" a Model
It is a great technique for getting a weather-worn look on a plastic model. It is easy to do and Steve shows us how. The technique of salting a model
How to Make Military Tarps, Canvas and Canopies
Here I show you techniques for easily making a wide variety of canvas, tarp and canopies for your military diorama. With these techniques the materials look flexible like they should but they are firm and durable for your diorama. How to Make Miliktar Tarps, canvas and canopies for your diorama
"Dragoons of Angola" A Moment of Peace in a time of war
This is a large and very detailed diorama showing mounted Portuguese Troopers (Dragoons) during the war in Angola. It is another amazing diorama made by Luis. See lots of pics and get some good tips on how to make something like this. He also made significant modifications to the soldiers to make them more accurate. The scene depicts the troopers during a quiet moment with Angolan wildlife including elephants and crocodiles. Check it out here:The Dragoons of Angola Diorama
"Changing of the Guard" A Trestle Bridge Diorama
This is a terrific diorama made by a web visitor (Steve). It depicts the changing of the guard on a trestle bridge and it has some amazing details including natural terrain and soldiers under the bridge. The bridge itself is hand-made from balsa wood. Check it out here:Changing of the Guard Trestle Bridge Diorama
"Fields of Fire" A machine gun emplacement
This is another terrific diorama made by Steve. It depicts a machine gun emplacement and Steve hand built just about everything. He even modified some of the soldiers. He shows us the techniques he used to make this diorama. Check it out here: Fields of Fire Diorama
Make an Apache Attack Helicopter Model
This is a fun skill level 2 helicopter model. It is a Revell kit in 1/35 scale. I show you how to make it step by step.Make an Apache helicopter.
Make a Military Tank Model (The Walker Bulldog)
I love building plastic models. It is a quiet pursuit. I used to do it as a kid and now in my adult years I have returned to. In this tutorial I build one of the most popular models - A tank in the 1/35 scale which is an inexpensive and popular scale. How to make a plastic model tank.
The Road To Berlin
Glen shows us how he builds a diorama like this and takes us through the steps including casting the plaster building in molds and adding the figures. It is a beautiful diorama if you want to make a military diorama this tutorial will show you how. The Road to Berlin
NZ Army Diorama
Glen makes an amazing diorama with layers of terrain. He uses polystyrene and air dry clay to shape the terrain. And he shows us a neat technique for using a hair dryer and air-dry clay to create the terrain shape. The NZ Army Diorama
Make a Model Battleship (USS Massachusetts)
This is a skill level two model at 1:700 Scale. Interesting model with a whole lot of very small pieces. This is because of the scale. I used a head-band magnifier for this project and it is a pretty straight forward build. Attach the deck to the hull then add all the various pieces to the deck. . Make a Plastic Model Battleship.
Want to learn more about the battleship cove where the USS Massachusetts is on display? They have lots more ships, models and even dioramas. Check it out here: More About Battleship Cove
A Horse Called Panzer
This is a terrific little diorama that is simple and very detailed. You can learn how to do something like this and see more pictures right here. Never made a military diorama but want to? You can start with something like this, one or two figures on a base. A Horse Called Panzer
Make a Plastic Model PT Boat (PT-109)
Fun little project and easy to build. I take you through the steps of making this military torpedo boat. And the commander of this boat was John F. Kennedy. I tell you about the amazing story of this boat during WWII. Make PT-109
Todd's UDT Boat and Frogman Diorama
This is a dramatic and powerful diorama with some amazing water effects. Learn how to make something like this and see more pics here: Check out more pics here.
Luis' UDT Boat Frogmen Diorama
Before they were Navy Seals they were called Frogmen. A web visitor (Luis) has created an amazing diorama with incredible detail. He tells us how he made it, how he achieved the water effects and more. (And we have lots of pics) Check it out here: The UDT Boat Frogmen Diorama
Make a Model Submarine
This is a wonderful little plastic model kit. I chose this one because it has the open side so you can see all the various stuff inside the sub. Fun skill level 4 which means it is a challenging build. I also have a video. Make a Model Submarine
Make the A-10 Warthog Plastic Model
This is a 1:48 Scale Revell model. It is a good size with some weight and detail. I take you through the steps to making this model and I have a video to go with it. Make the A-10 Warthog
Wally's Vietnam Dioramas and Models
Wally was an expert diorama and model maker. And he specialized in Vietnam. I have lots of pictures and informatio about his work here: Wally's Vietnam Dioramas and models
The Amphibious Truck (Duckboat)
The duck boat (DUKW) was a multi purpose vehicle that was effective on land as a truck and in water as a boat. You can check it out here: The Duckboat model
The D-Day Diorama It was a day like no other. A day that changed the war and the world. John has made a diorama about it. Check out the pictures and information here: John's D-day diorama
Luke's Normandy Diorama (Panzer)
Luke has made another neat little diorama and took some amazing outdoor pictures of it Check it out right here
Make a P51 Mustang
This is a great little plastic model kit. It is very inexpensive, easy to build and looks great. If you have never built a plastic model this one is a great first project. I have a complete tutorial and a video right here: Make a P51 Mustang
Luke's WWII diorama (M4 Sherman)
Luke has custom made a neat little diorama using some commonly found items including baking soda. Check it out right here
Frank's WWI diorama (Trench Warfare)
Here Frank has had a lot of fun making this diorama including hand making a wall and arch. Check out bigger pictures here
Frank's second diorama
Here Frank has had a lot of fun making this diorama including hand making a wall and arch. Check out bigger pictures here
Frank's Hand Made Diorama
Here is a neat military diorama made by Frank. It is all hand-made and it cost him a total of five dollars. Check it out here.
The Douglas TBD Devastator
Want to build an aircraft model? This is a great little tutorial by John that takes you through each step - complete with pictures and tips. The Douglas TBD Devastator
Ardennes Frontline Breakthrough Diorama featuring a Graveyard
Glen takes us through the making of this diorama step by step with pictures.
Ardennes Frontline
Hell in the Hedgerow
Glen shows us some new techniques in the dioram including how the baes can nicely accentuate the terrain in the diorama and how you can make nice tank tracks in mud . Hell in the Hedgerow
The Winter Wall Diorama
Glen scratch built this diorama and then did an amazing job of turning it into a snowy scene. See pictures of this project and learn about adding snow effects. And learn how to scratch build a realistic looking wall The Winter Wall Diorama
The German U boat Diorama
Wonderful little single model diorama set it water. Glen shows us how he made this and how he made the water. The German U Boat Diorama
How to Make a plastic model tank and a diorama for it
In this tutorial I show you how a plastic model tank is made and I also show you how to make a neat little diorama to go with it. Easy project called "Crossroads". Make a tank and diorama (includes a video)
Khian's KV-1 in winter diorama
This is a terrific little diorama made by a web visitor. It depicts a Russian tank in the snow. And the builder (Khian) improvised a lot of the materials to make it. Very resourceful! Check out pics and info right here: The KV-1 in snow diorama
The Crashed F-6 Hellcat Diorama
This uses the F6 Navy Fighter Plane "the hellcat". It was a very successful plane in WW 2. Alexander has made a diorama with it crashed and burned! Check it out here. The crashed F-6 Hellcat Diorama
German Anti-Tank Gun Diorama
This is a fun little diorama that uses a Tamiya Pak 36 and some basic materails for the terrain. Check it out here: Feuer: The German Anti Tank gun Diorama
Make a realistic looking fallen tree
He uses around the house materials to make a very real looking tree. He shows us how right here. Make a realistic looking fallen tree (and brush too)
Texturing a kit wall
There are some terrific kits out there for a lot of things like walls, stone walls, broken walls and more. Glen shows us an easy and terrific technique for making them look even more realistic. Texturing a kit wall
Captured by the Marquis (The Normady Wall)
This is one of Glen's best dioramas. It appears to be a simple scene, but the level of detail and composition of it is just amazing! . Check it out here.
Painting Plastic Soldiers
A web visitor (Randy) has been having a lot of fun painting plastic soldiers. He gives us tips and techniques on how to do it. This really breathes life into those inexpensive soldiers we all know . How to Paint Plastic Soldiers
Todd's WWII Diorama
Here is another terrific diorama made by Todd. This one is a WWII diorama. Check out more pics here.
Tet Offensive with M48 A2 Tank
Here is a great little diorama sent in by a web visitor (Todd) Check out the pictures. And he tells us how he made this diorama. The Tet Offensive Diorama
A WWI Tadpole Tank Diorama
The Tadpole was a modified Mark IV tank that had an extra long tail mounted to it to increase its trench crossing abilities. This proved unstable, however, and also made it more difficult to turn the tank, so it was abandoned. Very few prototypes were made and none survive today. This is a wonderful diorama submitted by a web visitor (Bruce) and he gives a lot of great tips and techniques on how to make a diorama like this: The Tadpole Tank Diorama
A military diorama inside a helmet
What a great idea. And this is a terrific diorama made by Marc. It is a tank scene inside a helmet and it has a certain aesthetic that is difficult to describe. You have got to check it out right here. A diorama inside a helmet.
The Generals
This is a wonderful little diorama that is actually mounted on a piece of the tree that Eisenhower planted at Musgrove Hospital in the UK. Check it out here.
Make a cheap and easy spray booth for painting your miniatures and models
You just need a few basic supplies and a small computer fan and you are have yourself a nice little spray booth. This terrific project was submitted by a web visitor. How to make a cardboard Spray paint booth.
How to Paint Military Miniatures John has a real knack for painting military figures and miniatures. He also has some practical advice and techniques. Check out his tutorial on how to paint military miniatures.
Hedgerow Hell Two heavy armor vehicles face off across a hedgerow. And John did a lot of research to make sure the painting and markings on these vehicles was accurate. Check it out here: Hedgerow Hell
How to Make Rubble in a diorama
Rubble is an important part of military diorama making. In this tutorial Glen shows us his tips and techniques for making it - from start to finish. How to make rubble in a military diorama
" Bird Dog "
Terrific little diorama with a Cessna Bird Dog just over thick foliage and bush. In this tutorial Glen shows us how to make the bush look real. The Bird Dog Diorama
" Hier Neu Formeren "
Here is another wonderful military diorama by Glen. It is a tribute to D Day, Normandy. This one has a lot of custom made details. Check out the Ruin Daylight Diorama here
Heavy armor and Tufts of Grass Cliff is a modeler that specializes in heavy armor. He does some terrific dioramas and has a neat technique for making tufts of grass in 1/72 scale. Check out the technique and some of his models here.
Iwo Jima This is a fantastic little diorama of an ambush on Iwo Jima. John brilliantly uses Volcanic rock to make an impressive battlefield scene. Check it out here: Black Sand Hell: Ambush on Iwo Jima
Using Volcanic Rock in a battlefield diorama I love using commonly found materials to make a diorama. Here is more of a look at the volcanic rock in the Iwo Jima diorama.
German BMW Motorcycle Diorama
This is a great little diorama made by a web visitor (Cristinel) It uses a couple of Tamiya models. And he shows us the steps in making a diorama like this. Make the German BMW Motorcycle Diorama
German Mortar Team
This is a fun and interesting little diorama that fits on an A5 sheet of paper. The german mortar team diorama
Germans at Rest Diorama
Here is a another diorama made by Glen. He captures a moment in time where: Germans are at Rest
Underwater Demolitions Team (UDT) Boat This is a fantastic little diorama with some easy yet fantastic water effects. You have got to check this one out and see how the water effects are made. The UDT Boat Diorama
D-Day - Omaha Beach Here is a wonderful diorama depicting the taking of the beach on D-Day. The Omaha Beach Diorama I also have some close-up pictures.
Dust-Off - Vietnam Diorama
Terrific little diorama depicting a helicopter rescue scene. See how this diorama was made here Dust-Off Diorama
An M3 Scout that really runs
It was built on a riding lawn mower and it is used for parades and special events. The Miniature M3 Scout
The FlameThrower built from Scratch
This is a great little Scale Model M132 Flame Thrower - built with plywood, see pictures and more. The figures are 12". The Flame Thrower
The Airplane downed in the water
This is a great little diorama made by Graham. My thanks go to him for sending in the pics and he gives us some great information on how he made this diorama: The Seagull downed in the water
The Churchill and Cottage Ruin Diorama
Here is an excellent project with a spitfire. 1/72 scale and it shows you how much you can do with a few materials. Churchill and Cottage Ruins
The Crashed Spitfire Diorama
Here is an excellent project with a spitfire. 1/72 scale and it shows you how much you can do with a few materials. Learn more and see more pics here The Crashed Spitfire diorama
Night Boat Diorama This is an amazing diorama that Marshall made from a novel (Night Boat by Robert R. McCammon)
It is all designed for the night shots in the dark. The thumbnail at the left shows night shot and day shot. Check out more pics and information about this diorama here: Night Boat Diorama And this diorama came with a big oops! The casting resin melted the Uboat and well... sunk it! See that here.
Weekend Liberty! Jeep Diorama
Here is a terrific little diorama with a Willy's Jeep. This diorama was made by Rod and it was special because he actually owns a real Willy's Jeep. See pics of this and the real Jeep here: Weekend Liberty Diorama
How to make War Torn City Ruins
Here is a nice little tutorial by John where he shows you his techniques for making great looking city ruins. How to Make City Ruins
How to make barbed wire
Here is a nice little tutorial by Glen showing us how to make barbed wire for your military diorama. Lots of pics. How to make barbed wire
Jeep Willys Diorama
The occupants of this Jeep stop at a German road sign that says "Danger Mines". So they "Best Go Around". Check it out and how it is made here: The Jeep Willys Diorama
Panzer Tank on the Railway
This is a terrific diorama that shows a blown out railroad track and a panzer tank sitting right on the tracks. Panzer tank on the railway
Kubelwagen Diorama A unique little diorama that can fit in the corner of a desk or table. The Kubelwagen Desert Diorama
Desperate Allies Diorama German and American troops are forced to work together in a desperate attempt to fight off the onslaught of an undead army! A great blending of WW2 diorama and fantasy diorama! You have got to see this one! Desperate Allies
Articles and more:
Want to learn about the Scale of Military Dioramas? 1/48 1/35 and all those other numbers confusing to you? I have an explanation with pictures of the most common model scales. Scale for Military Dioramas
 CONTINUE TO LOTS MORE TUTORIALS ON MILITARY DIORAMAS AND MODELS
Resources and More
WWII Dioramas (Modelling Manuals)
Still the most popular subject for dioramas at any military modelling show, WWII gives the modeller the opportunity to try out his repertoire from burnt out buildings to weathered machines and men. This book explores the many facets of the subject and shows how composition is all.
A perfect combination of easy-to-follow text combined with comprehensive step-by-step photography make Osprey Modelling Manuals indispensable reference guides for modellers of all standards and abilities.
 How to Build Dioramas - Learn everything you need to know about making your dioramas look real! This fantastic revised edition will show you how with new projects, new photos, and expert tips. Includes painting, weathering, and detailing tips for figures, aircraft, vehicles, and more! 290+ photos with color throughout; 41 illus.; softcover
Resources, kits, models and more
  1/35 US M41 Walker Bulldog
 
1/35 German Hanomag SdKfz
  1/35 US Army Infantry
  1/48 P51D Mustang
Lots of Military models in the 1/35 scale made by Tamiya
Revell Model Kits The leader in plastic models since 1945
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