BY SHEPERD PAINE jy iqTHIS BOOK is for you, whether you model aircraft, armor, auto- mobiles, dollhouses, historical figures, ships, or something else, and regardless of the scales you model in. It’s for you because it’s a book that deals with diorama construction in depth, with empha- sis on how you can learn the author’s expert tricks of the trade. Here, for the first time anywhere, a master modeler has taken the time to explain, step-by-step, how he designs, plans, and builds his dioramas from the ground up. Included are comprehen- sive discussions of weathering techniques, converting and paint- ing figures, structures, details, shadow box construction and lighting, and even a chapter on photographing your finished dio- ramas. Finally, if you're the kind of modeler who learns better by doing than listening, or if you'd rather be shown than told, there are four step-by-step projects that vividly illustrate Shep’s tech- niques—projects that you can duplicate as a means of learning those techniques yourself. If you've ever had the urge to give a model the special display treatment that only a diorama can provide, if you want to add drama—or perhaps humor—to your modeling, you'll find the fully detailed, easy-to-follow instructions you need here in the pages of HOW TO BUILD DIORAMAS. SHEPERD PAINE is one of the best-known modelers in the United States, if not the world. Although much of his fame comes from the stunning dioramas he created for Monogram Models to promote their armor and aireraft kits, his reputa- tion is also based on his military miniatures and boxed dio- ramas, which have won prestigious awards throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. In 1972, Shep was elected the first Grand Master of the Miniature Figure Collectors of America. He is a member and Fellow of the Company of Military Historians. In addi- tion to regular coverage in modeling magazines, photos of his work have been featured in such national publications as Fortune and Sports Illustrated. Shep is one of the few modelers fortunate enough to be able to devote full time to his craft. His output is small and his boxed dioramas and original figures are eagerly sought by collectors, Shep has always had a desire to share his ideas and tech- niques, and he has successfully taught “how to” classes in modelbuilding; many of his students have developed signifi- cant reputations of their own. He is a graduate of the Uni- versity of Chicago, and his other interests include a growing collection of military antiques and a long-suffering devotion to the misfortunes of the Chicago Cubs and Bears. This is his first book.e@ How to build DIOR AM AS BY SHEPERD PAINE heh ed et PONS —“Seonoaran= Introduction—2 Ideas and Planning—5 From the Ground Up—14 Weathering Techniques—25 Posing and Painting Figures—33 Step-by-step: The Elefant’s Dilemma—47 Details and Accessories—50 Superdetailing, Battle Damage, and Interiors—60 Step-by-step: The Latly Be Good—69 Structures for Dioramas—73 Step-by-step: The Road to Damascus—79 Shadow Boxes—85 Step-by-step: The Meeting of the Admiralty Board—95 Photographing Your Dioramas—101 Dedication, Credits, and Acknowledgments—104 China gunboat diorama on back cover by Cy Broman, all other scenes by the author Editor: Bob Hayden ‘Att Director: Lawrence Luser Copy Esitar: Burr Angle Editorial Assistant: Marcia Stern Sta Artist: Bill Scholz First printing, 1980, Second printing, 1881. Third printing, 1982. Fourth printing, 1984, katmeach kK BooKS {© 19802 Shepord Pane lights reserved. This book may not be reproduced in part rin whole without written permission trom the publisher, except in the case of brit quotations usd in \tews. Pubished by Kalmbach Publishing Co. 1027 Nort Severh Street, Miwauko, W 53233. Primi in U.S.A. Library of Congress Cataog Card Number: B0-B2164. ISBN: 0-£0024-551-7.