How to Build Dioramas Paperback – Import, 1 December 1999

I bought the first edition as a twelve year old when it came out back in 1980. It revolutionised my approach to modelling and I give Shep Payne due credit for encouraging me to work at my modelling skills - so much so that I was able to go on and win medals at the Model Engineer Exhibition in the succeeding years.Years later - as my boys are approaching the same age - I have revisited this book via the second edition (although I still have the original). I am glad to say that it has been revitalised with many more colour photos, better illustrations and additional modelling projects.Although some might appear a little dated in the modern age it is still a classic handbook for youngsters and adults alike who want to improve their techniques. It tells you everything you want to know without patronising the reader.Still thoroughly recommended!

VERY informative and production is perfect.

The bible of diorama building shame he has died

its fine

This is a second altered volume from the original How to Build Dioramas by (the late) Shep Paine.Back in the late 60's, early 70" Shep Paine was hired by Monogram models, to produce a series of dioramas based on various Monogram kits. The projects were turned into flyers that accompanied the kits, showcasing not only how to build them, but how to improve upon them and help the hobbyist turn their work into showpieces.This book is the culmination of those model projects, and features not only the exploration of dioramas but also how to enhance one's basic model-making skills.The chapter on figure painting alone is worth the price of the book.Shep gets into sensible crafting philosophies, such as composing the diorama as if it were a image, the use of "creative gizmology" to save time and spare headaches in detailing models, and other techniques.There's various chapters that cite different projects that hobbyists can also emulate, but it assumes that the reader already has a modicum of model-making experience. It's not for outright beginners, but if you've built a few kits it can help elevate your work to the next level, and beyond.