Over a number of years, I have constructed some rather large dioramas which, of course, creates storage problems at home. Having just completed a 7ft scene, I was wondering about creating something smaller in size. The inspiration came in a rather reverse way. I had a number of Bachmann figures left over from previous kits and was wondering what to do with them. I had a Wills Forge Kit in my stock for which the figures would suit. Following building the forge, I thought it needed a cottage so the Dapol Thatched Cottage Kit was built. Gradually a new 1:76 scale diorama set in the 1950s was in the making.

I now needed to make a small baseboard and add scenery. The landscaping was shaped with celotex on the plywood base. Plaster bandage was used to create further shapes which were then covered with static grass. The hedges are from horse hair and other scenic material. That just left the road and paths which are fine sand and painted. Further detail was added to the forge with the hearth illuminated by a Traintec Bonfire Simulator. Lighting has been installed in both the house and forge. The back scene is a leftover from an earlier diorama.

The father and son blacksmiths can be seen working at the forge and a couple are sitting on a sofa listening to the radio inside the cottage. An Oxford Diecast Showman’s Engine and Caravan are heading to the village green which is hosting a fun fair for a few days.

Well, that’s how this small diorama came about and I hope you like it.