11.30.2013

The Bookcase Diorama Project

One of the ideas I've been thinking about for a while is a way to better display some of my train collection in my 'Billy' bookcases (from IKEA) as well as try out some different modelling techniques or ideas - without haveing to build a whole new layout to accomplish this!

The top photo shows the diorama 'insert' that I've been working on. This will fill an entire shelf. The bottom base is some 1/2" foam core material that was leftover from signs from my workplace and was going to be trashed!  1/2" foamcore is like the normal 1/4" except really solid (and I can't even find it at normal outlets).  The background section is made of Sintra (a standby favorite material of mine!).  It will be primed, and then I'll start adding various diorama elements.  I have a vague plan in my head of what I want and will play with a lot of different ideas before I settle on what do.

Below you can see the empty shelf (I used to have some of my locomotives lined up next to each other on the glass).
As you can see, I also use some LED strips to add light to my bookcase shelving (this is way more cost effective and - I think - better quality than some of the kits you can buy at furniture stores).  One of the features of this diorama is that it will tap into the 12v DC power supply currently powering these LED strips so that lighting effects can be used on the diorama.

Below is rough sketch of what I am thinking....three levels for the trains, and then some urban backdrop.


This seems like a fun little project that should be a nice way to keep up on modelling during the long winter nights!  

10 comments:

  1. I have one of those bookcases myself and I'm looking forward to this series. Anxiously awaiting the next post :-)

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  2. Thanks JD! I picked up some flex track and cork roadbed yesterday and am ready to start laying down the foundation!

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  4. Nice idea! :-)
    By own bookshelf layout has been on "work in progress" since more than two years, I hope yours will grow fatser! ;-)

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  5. Brilliant idea, Jerry! And let's be honest: who doesn't own at least one Billy? This could once again turn out to be inspiring, like much of your stuff has already been. Thanks!

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  6. Trying out new scenery ideas and making a display diorama in the process is a really good idea. Keep us posted.

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  7. I love the idea of a subway station at the bottom level. It's an idea I also had but unfortunately cannot fit into my (planned) layout. Looking forward to it...

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  8. Hi Jerry, I like the diorama idea. I started mine in Oct 2011 and stopped for 2 years before reworking using poplar plywood in Oct 2013. I like the idea of starting small and using the diorama as a testbed. Mistakes made and lessons learnt are less costly when done in small scale. A few concepts that I have tested will be incorporated on my layout.

    Looking forward to see your progress.

    Jimmy

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  9. LOVE the "Space 1999" stuff! That was a great show. I got an orange fine goose down jacket for Christmas last year and stopped in a gaming store for some paints. The owner said; "Your jacket, it reminds me of something from a SciFi show, but I can't place it." I said, Space 1999, Eagle pilot. He says: YES! That's it! If you took one of the space suits and cut it off for a jacket, this thing looks just like it. I still have what's left of one of the large Eagle space ships. It was a favorite and played with hard. More great memories, thanks Jerry! Always enjoy visiting your blog.

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  10. Thanks Steve! Yeah, Space 1999, old Comic Books, Sci-fi, and whatnot are part of my too broad set of interests! I try to focus just on the N scale side here at this blog, and have debated throughout the years a more comic book/sci-fi oriented blog, but there is only so much time.... ;-)

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