“Über die Brücke” (A Spring Cleaning Challenge - 30 years late!) with Zebraoutrider

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Project Entry by zebraoutrider

What a mess!

March 21, 2022

Tutoring 7

Skill 7

Idea 8

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I created a diorama in 1992 for the International Model and Engineering Exhibition but it was never entered because they scrapped the fantasy and sci-fi model competition classes. That was a real shame because I’d managed to get a Highly Commended, Silver and Gold medals in previous competitions. So the diorama was left to gather dust in the loft. I’ve pulled it out now with the aim of restoring it to its former glory as my OTT/BoW Spring Challenge 2022. The diorama was inspired by Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, which I was really into at the time and obviously used many Citadel Miniatures, although there is a classic Iron Dragon from Grenadier Miniatures hidden in there!

The diorama base was handmade. The main construction was from polystyrene blocks carved to make the river banks. This was then coated in plaster mixed with powder paint and white polyfilla for the snow effects.

The trees are old dead, Welsh wild heather branches. The bridge is constructed from balsa wood with brickwork made from Das Modelling clay. The barge was scratch built from balsa wood with cork chunks for its cargo. The Toll House roof is made from card.

All the plaster has deteriorated due to varying temperatures and humidity whilst in storage so that the base is covered in dust and plaster powder. The modelling clay has also separated from the superstructure of the bridge. Some of the miniatures have now become unstuck and embedded themselves in the detritus.

First up will be the careful removal of the miniatures and inspection for damage. I will put them then aside so that I can inspect the state of the main bridge structure and river banks prior to cleaning.