Dioramas What do you use?

Snowflakian · 09-07-2009, 05:33 AM

Well this has been coming up kind of often now. It's something I'm also very interested and have toyed with a little here and there, but I was curious what others have done or used as well? Site suggestions for images, etc? Building materials, paint experiences and even the best paperstock for graphics or background art.

I've only used kinkos printed out papercraft and lego bricks myself so far. But I've found with the right planning and patience even that can become something neat. Bulsa wood, toothpicks and even popsicle sticks can become many things(decks and other grates, tissue paper can work for temple doors), even lincoln legs(log cabins) so long as you keep everything to your chosen scale.

And please feel free to post pictures of what you've done so far too.
My Stark's Armory Dio can be found here on toyark.
Fury Files Stark's Lego Armory Vault Diorama
I talk about some of how I feel about lego brick like dio building there too.
But that can only go so far and takes up lots of room.

Simple shelf Dio without backdrop using figure stands. Sometimes the best route for Dios is just pictures to figure out what type of place you want your heroes to be at.

Simple Shelf Dio Using old broken toy and stands no backdrops yet. Remember, props are there for a reason, and should be incorporated to how the figures display.

Papercraft, I paid to have it printed at kinkos, then just used tape at that early stage. Others make theirs sturdier with wood or toothpicks.
Papercraft is nice and quick, and often enough you'll need a backdrop anyway. Or floor tiles. In this instance I may just replace it with the recent ark and nemesis that's indie made. But don't let that discourage you, foamboard can also work well for sturdiness as some Joe Dios have used. Just make sure you size it well for the figures you'll be using. (Teletran works for Deluxe scale, but masterpiece prime wouldn't work in there at that printed out size.)

Building blocks of any kind are only limited to how you want to use them. =) And are innately designed for expansion.

I've learned to collect the shield icons in fury files, and also generally try to keep any little new insignia I can find too, to add to my library of usage. You can also create your own to have printed out or digitally edited in to use in papercraft.

I've seen others adapt other toyline playsets, etc so I hope they chime in with their stores and pics too. Like the Ghostbuster Firehouse, various batcaves, or even the USS Flagg.

ludovicotek · 09-07-2009, 08:45 AM

Awesome that we have a thread for this now. I'll just copy the text from my previous post on this matter.

JoeDios has a lot of really cool pics to inspire you and files that you can download, print, and create items and displays with.

I also recommend [CG Textures] - The worlds largest free texture site where you can download a bunch of different textures for walls and backdrops. They also have stuff like building fronts.

Mayang's Free Texture Library is another one that is similar to cgtextures. All of these sites offer the files free for personal use. With a little inspiration you can put together some cool stuff. I would love to see pics of anything you put together, that goes for all Arkers.

I print out on my 13x19 printer on Matte paper. Sometimes I'll use gloss paper for windows or if its a glass building. To make the structure of the building I'll use foam core, which can be bought at any art supplies stores or Office Depot and the like. I also recommend that you tape or glue a little weight on the inside bottom of any structure to help weigh it down so the building does not move. Foam core is really light.

ludovicotek · 09-07-2009, 09:08 AM

I also like to use buildings and playsets from past toy lines. During the 80's and early 90's almost every toy line released had a playset to go with it. Ebay is good for tracking them down but don't ever overlooked Goodwill or Salvation Army stores. I've found some stuff there before.

Some playsets I recommend (by no means a complete list):
Any G.I. Joe Playset
Ghostbusters Firehouse
Spawn Alley Playset
Spider-Man Alley
Spider-Man Daily Bugle Playset
X-Men Danger Room
MOTU Castle Grayskull (original and revamp)
MOTU Snake Mountain
MOTU Fright Zone
Ninja Turtles Sewer Playset (original and the revamp)
Batcave
Wayne Manor Playset
Van Helsing Castle Dracula
Pirates of the Caribbean Isla Cruces Playset
Police Academy Precinct
Secret Wars Tower of Doom
Roboforce Fortress of Steele
Gargoyles Castle
Swamp Thing Transducer
Swamp Thing Swamp Trap
McFarlane Monster Playsets
Narnia Prince Caspian Castle Playset

Here are some pics using the Ghostbusters Firehouse, Spawn Alley, Spider-Man Alley and Police Academy Precinct.

IcantBseriouS · 09-07-2009, 04:26 PM

this is awesome!

Prem1x · 09-17-2009, 10:28 AM

Here's a blog with a discussion about backgrounds for action shots How to Make Custom Action Figure Backgrounds - Custom Action Figure Displays

Here a blog with a bunch of links to various papercraft Papercraft Paradise | PaperCrafts | Paper Models | Card Models

This place has tons of war-theme 1:18 accessories 1:18 Scale Military Diorama Miniatures

Snowflakian · 10-19-2009, 10:54 PM

Some good news for DICH fans in this regard.
I discovered the old Hardees X-Men concrete is the perfect peg hole size, and use it for my female figures specificly since they can't stand on their own. =/

SpeedBreaker · 10-20-2009, 06:49 PM

I usually use a large single colour sheet of cardboard with the subject's logo as a backdrop. My Indy shelf:

I also have a similar Star Wars shelf with the SW logo on a black sheet of cardboard. It's kinda simple but I like how it looks.

Snowflakian · 10-23-2009, 06:01 PM

Hobby Bunker - Your one stop toy soldier and hobby shop

I've been going through their store for some odds and ends. Could come in handy for others too who may need random knick knacks.

Joe Scale is 1:18
Transformers DLX are roughly 1:32?

Looking at hobby bunker is making me debate on maybe doing a TF one for the movie bots at the Taj Mahal or something.

Superquad7 · 10-28-2009, 01:26 AM

This is a GREAT thread!

Snowflakian · 10-28-2009, 05:47 AM

While shopping at walmart yesterday for the MU GB packs, I stumbled into the BMX/Skate board miniature aisle. (Was checking every aisle just to make sure... You know how walmart can be at times), and I ran into something I completely forgot about.
Certain skate 'parks' are perfect scale. Like the hollywood High one that's around 20 bucks.

So if anyone needed or wanted stairs with a fence and railings for their Dios. That could work quite well.

ludovicotek · 10-28-2009, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowflakian

While shopping at walmart yesterday for the MU GB packs, I stumbled into the BMX/Skate board miniature aisle. (Was checking every aisle just to make sure... You know how walmart can be at times), and I ran into something I completely forgot about.
Certain skate 'parks' are perfect scale. Like the hollywood High one that's around 20 bucks.

So if anyone needed or wanted stairs with a fence and railings for their Dios. That could work quite well.

I bought the one with stairs for this very reason. Works great!

Snowflakian · 10-31-2009, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ludovicotek

I bought the one with stairs for this very reason. Works great!

I might end up doing that one of these weeks when I can't find any figures for that same reason too lol. But thanks for the heads up for knowing it does work. Sometimes eyeballing stuff can tell, but it's great to have it verified it does work well.

Snowflakian · 12-12-2009, 03:56 AM

Exclusive Mini-Figure Dioramas at Luke's Toy Store
They have specialty ones for mini-mates and other block guys.

Go Go urban Masterchief!

Optimus Scourge · 12-12-2009, 03:40 PM

Great stuff!

Jason Abbadon · 10-05-2011, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ludovicotek

Awesome that we have a thread for this now. I'll just copy the text from my previous post on this matter.

JoeDios has a lot of really cool pics to inspire you and files that you can download, print, and create items and displays with.

I also recommend [CG Textures] - The worlds largest free texture site where you can download a bunch of different textures for walls and backdrops. They also have stuff like building fronts.

Mayang's Free Texture Library is another one that is similar to cgtextures. All of these sites offer the files free for personal use. With a little inspiration you can put together some cool stuff. I would love to see pics of anything you put together, that goes for all Arkers.

I print out on my 13x19 printer on Matte paper. Sometimes I'll use gloss paper for windows or if its a glass building. To make the structure of the building I'll use foam core, which can be bought at any art supplies stores or Office Depot and the like. I also recommend that you tape or glue a little weight on the inside bottom of any structure to help weigh it down so the building does not move. Foam core is really light.

DUDE! That Textures site is sick! I'm printing a ton of that stuff tonight at work and taking figure pics tomorrow!

You, sir, Rock.

ludovicotek · 10-05-2011, 03:52 PM

^ Yeah man. It's a great resource. And everything is free to use! Great stuff.

Do Boy · 10-05-2011, 04:10 PM

Wow that Transformers Dio is amazing.

DogFashionDisco · 10-05-2011, 04:53 PM

Wayne Manor.... I didn't know that existed.
*trolls eBay*

Jason Abbadon · 10-07-2011, 10:58 PM

I want to see the Osama Obama Llama Diorama!

BigHanksCustoms · 10-07-2011, 11:17 PM

I have a couple dios in the planning stages so this will be a great resource thread. Also a thread where i can share my ideas with you guys.

Here's what's planned:

1.) Deluxe Optimus Prime vs. Deluxe Bonecrusher freeway battle dio:

Some cardboard paper towel rolls for the concrete columns, masonite for the base/street. A few 1/32 cars and some rocks and debris.

2.) MU Spiderman vs. Dr. Octopus magnetic dio:

An alley way/building side. The concept is to make all surfaces magnetic so Spidey can hang anywhere. So far I have a bunch of poly buterol coated wire which will act as the fire escapes. Plastruct brick wall sheet coated on the backside with epoxy and iron filings will make a sticky wall for him to climb.

3.) Batman on the corner of a Gotham City building dio:

Using a ML Guardian because of the awesome articulation and perfect cowl/headsculpt (I acknowledge he ma be a bit lean for Batman, but hey). Dollar store "gargoyle" bust. Some molding from Home Depot to make the detailing, styrene gutters, etc. He'll have a custom billowing cape and swarmed by bats.

vampireheart · 10-07-2011, 11:26 PM

Price of Persia Alamut Gate

Spawn Movie Alley Playset

Castle Narnia

Ive got a couple more but ill share when i put up the pics

KingLouie731 · 10-08-2011, 04:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vampireheart

Price of Persia Alamut Gate

I would applaud you for a funny pic but that would mean me actually applauding you for owning something from Twilight :smh:

no offense

Do Boy · 10-08-2011, 06:35 AM

Spawn Alley is my main set. Everything else is Tech deck this. Tech deck that.

Blood · 10-08-2011, 07:23 AM

I'm getting alamut's gate today, let's see how well that can work

vampireheart · 02-02-2012, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KingLouie731

I would applaud you for a funny pic but that would mean me actually applauding you for owning something from Twilight :smh:

no offense

LOL none taken Im actually one of the few guys that actually admits to liking this movie the first one anyway, the sequels just make me want to smack some sense into the 2 dudes for putting up with her. The score is what really set the mood the soundtrack on the other hand could of been way better in my opinion.

09-07-2009, 05:33 AM	#1
Snowflakian Illyria's New Qwa'ha Xahn Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: In the clouds. Posts: 4,120	Well this has been coming up kind of often now. It's something I'm also very interested and have toyed with a little here and there, but I was curious what others have done or used as well? Site suggestions for images, etc? Building materials, paint experiences and even the best paperstock for graphics or background art. I've only used kinkos printed out papercraft and lego bricks myself so far. But I've found with the right planning and patience even that can become something neat. Bulsa wood, toothpicks and even popsicle sticks can become many things(decks and other grates, tissue paper can work for temple doors), even lincoln legs(log cabins) so long as you keep everything to your chosen scale. And please feel free to post pictures of what you've done so far too. My Stark's Armory Dio can be found here on toyark. Fury Files Stark's Lego Armory Vault Diorama I talk about some of how I feel about lego brick like dio building there too. But that can only go so far and takes up lots of room. Simple shelf Dio without backdrop using figure stands. Sometimes the best route for Dios is just pictures to figure out what type of place you want your heroes to be at. Simple Shelf Dio Using old broken toy and stands no backdrops yet. Remember, props are there for a reason, and should be incorporated to how the figures display. Papercraft, I paid to have it printed at kinkos, then just used tape at that early stage. Others make theirs sturdier with wood or toothpicks. Papercraft is nice and quick, and often enough you'll need a backdrop anyway. Or floor tiles. In this instance I may just replace it with the recent ark and nemesis that's indie made. But don't let that discourage you, foamboard can also work well for sturdiness as some Joe Dios have used. Just make sure you size it well for the figures you'll be using. (Teletran works for Deluxe scale, but masterpiece prime wouldn't work in there at that printed out size.) Building blocks of any kind are only limited to how you want to use them. =) And are innately designed for expansion. I've learned to collect the shield icons in fury files, and also generally try to keep any little new insignia I can find too, to add to my library of usage. You can also create your own to have printed out or digitally edited in to use in papercraft. I've seen others adapt other toyline playsets, etc so I hope they chime in with their stores and pics too. Like the Ghostbuster Firehouse, various batcaves, or even the USS Flagg. __________________ Last edited by Snowflakian; 09-07-2009 at 05:39 AM..

09-07-2009, 08:45 AM	#2
ludovicotek Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 4,743	Awesome that we have a thread for this now. I'll just copy the text from my previous post on this matter. JoeDios has a lot of really cool pics to inspire you and files that you can download, print, and create items and displays with. I also recommend [CG Textures] - The worlds largest free texture site where you can download a bunch of different textures for walls and backdrops. They also have stuff like building fronts. Mayang's Free Texture Library is another one that is similar to cgtextures. All of these sites offer the files free for personal use. With a little inspiration you can put together some cool stuff. I would love to see pics of anything you put together, that goes for all Arkers. I print out on my 13x19 printer on Matte paper. Sometimes I'll use gloss paper for windows or if its a glass building. To make the structure of the building I'll use foam core, which can be bought at any art supplies stores or Office Depot and the like. I also recommend that you tape or glue a little weight on the inside bottom of any structure to help weigh it down so the building does not move. Foam core is really light. Last edited by ludovicotek; 09-07-2009 at 08:48 AM..

09-07-2009, 09:08 AM	#3
ludovicotek Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 4,743	I also like to use buildings and playsets from past toy lines. During the 80's and early 90's almost every toy line released had a playset to go with it. Ebay is good for tracking them down but don't ever overlooked Goodwill or Salvation Army stores. I've found some stuff there before. Some playsets I recommend (by no means a complete list): Any G.I. Joe Playset Ghostbusters Firehouse Spawn Alley Playset Spider-Man Alley Spider-Man Daily Bugle Playset X-Men Danger Room MOTU Castle Grayskull (original and revamp) MOTU Snake Mountain MOTU Fright Zone Ninja Turtles Sewer Playset (original and the revamp) Batcave Wayne Manor Playset Van Helsing Castle Dracula Pirates of the Caribbean Isla Cruces Playset Police Academy Precinct Secret Wars Tower of Doom Roboforce Fortress of Steele Gargoyles Castle Swamp Thing Transducer Swamp Thing Swamp Trap McFarlane Monster Playsets Narnia Prince Caspian Castle Playset Here are some pics using the Ghostbusters Firehouse, Spawn Alley, Spider-Man Alley and Police Academy Precinct. Attached Thumbnails

10-19-2009, 10:54 PM	#6
Snowflakian Illyria's New Qwa'ha Xahn Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: In the clouds. Posts: 4,120	Some good news for DICH fans in this regard. I discovered the old Hardees X-Men concrete is the perfect peg hole size, and use it for my female figures specificly since they can't stand on their own. =/ __________________

10-20-2009, 06:49 PM	#7
SpeedBreaker By the Power of Poopskull Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 143	I usually use a large single colour sheet of cardboard with the subject's logo as a backdrop. My Indy shelf: I also have a similar Star Wars shelf with the SW logo on a black sheet of cardboard. It's kinda simple but I like how it looks. __________________ Iron Man... Iron Man...Does whatever an iron can...