To try out layout themes, I’ll be constructing some dioramas around a common theme. The size of the dioramas must be no larger than 500 x 500 x 500 high
The bases are constructed from ex Weyford on Sea scenery bases- which were never used- hence the odd sizes
Some are an interpretation of the same scene set in different countries, showing some of the range of prototypes covering my interests
The common theme- Railways, Cross Roads & Gardening
The dioramas I hope to try-
A) 1:87 scale: US trolley line/inter-urban 1940’s –“Bedford Falls” with back yard supplies shop & “victory garden.” (Base 1- 410 x 350 max)
B) 1:76 scale: UK – A 1940’s scene –“If the railway had come to the valley” (If proposed Midhurst to Haslemere had been built) at “Linch & Redford Halt”- change for Hollycombe Estate, railway halt on embankment, cross roads + allotment, war memorial (Base 3- 430 x 500)
C) 1:87 scale: France “August 1944″ cross roads with level crossing and halt- with petanque game in progress. Set in 1944 – the allies have broken out of the D-Day landing areas and are about 2 weeks away from entering Paris ( Base 2- 400 x 400)
D) 1:45 scale: German “Muhle Land Haltepunkt(Hp)” cross roads/ level crossing & halt alongside Schrebergärten. (allotment) (Base 4- 500 x 500)
The size 500 x 500 represents 22.5 metres square in 1:45 scale (European O scale), 28 metres square in 1:76 scale (OO scale) & 43.5 metres square in 1:87 scale (HO scale)
FIRST – Type B IF THE RAILWAY HAD COME TO THE VALLEY
During construction it is being photographed as a construction guide. When complete it will be used as an illustration on the front of a club or home Christmas card-
SECOND – Type C AUGUST 1944
A station bar, a level crossing and on the other side of the line a boule (petanque) terrain.
Games are underway and its a nice evening so some of the villagers have come along to watch and have a glass of wine at the station bar, when they are diverted by some British & Free French forces passing through and it turns into an “ad-hoc” liberation celebration!
Very French and all in a 400 mm square.
The plan is drawn and we are committed to showing this at Milland Gardening Club’s annual summer show on August 11th- (see below) to publicise the new village Petanque Club.