Dioramas - 1/48 scale - Luftwaffe and Panzer Themes

UPDATED JUNE 28, 2006

Click here to see my diorama-related pages:

Quarterscale Modeler: all about vehicles, figures, and accessories in 1/48 scale.

My general scale model page - mostly Luftwaffe, mostly 1/48 scale.

Building a small 1/48 scale diorama combining rail, tanks and planes

Building a small 1/48 scale display base centered around a plane.(Arado Ar234 P nightfighter)

So, what makes a diorama? What makes a diorama is that the elements displayed on it "interact" to tell some kind of tale. A diorama should tell a story. It could represent a particular historical event, such as the first flight of the Wright Flier, complete with Orville at the controls and Wilbur running along side. It could depict a particular situation or reality that existed, such the lack of fuel hampering the German forces towards the end of World War II. Or it could be a fictional theme designed to highlight a certain interest, like the battle at the rebel base on Hoth, a la Star Wars, for example. Whatever the theme, it should have some story to tell to be a diorama. There could be action, drama, or humor depicted.

A sample dioramas in 1/48 scale, combining aircraft with vehicles, figures and accessories:

"What's the Best Way to Bust a Tank?"

Hans Rudel's Stuka Ju87G-2 "tank buster" has landed at a forward command bunker of Army Group "Center", near the German front lines in Russia in the the late spring of 1944(before the great summer offensive).

As the pilot looked around the position and the soldiers looked over the Stuka with it's pair of 37 mm anti-tank cannons, a discussion has arisen about the best way to knock out a Russian T-37 tank. Present are tank destroyers (Hetzers), a "Nashorn" self-propelled 88mm AT gun, several stationary anti-tank guns(37 & 75 mm), and Panzergrenadiers with the new "wonder" weapon for infantry use: the Panzerfaust rocket propelled armor piercing grenade. Meanwhile, another Stuka tank-buster (G-1) from a different unit flies over, coming in low for a landing.

Base: 20x30", w/ Heki grass mat & bunkers

Bandai "Hetzers" (x2)

Bandai "Nashorn"

(click on the thumbnails for close-ups)

Bandai 75mm AT gun & crew

GasoLine 37mm AT gun with misc. crew figures

Modified Bandai, Jaguar, Hecker & Goros, Frog, and other figures, weapons and accessories.

Hasegawa Ju87G-2 Stuka Tank Buster, gunner inside

Hobbycraft Ju87G-1 Stuka tank buster, in flight w/ pilot & gunner (Hecker & Goros)

The Diorama depends on the clear acrylic cover, since the Ju87 in flight is suspended on it.

Some photos show this, but lose some clarity due to the clear material. Here is a photo without the cover on:

For more of my dioramas, see my Scale Model page

Last Updated June 28, 2006 by Steve Brauning

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