I am a diorama and model creator based in Totnes, Devon. The inspiration for my dioramas originates from the stunning scenery surrounding the River Dart - from the high points on Dartmoor, through the South Hams and out to the sea at the mouth of the river in Dartmouth.
These dioramas are all created using my preferred 1:76 scale and may be of interest to anyone wanting to add to their dioramas, model railway or war gaming layouts. If you’re like me, you might simply enjoy using creative skills to relax and switch off after a busy day.
I try to make my dioramas as realistic as possible and enjoy taking them outside into the areas that inspire me, to try and blend them into their real world surroundings. I hope the finished dioramas leave you wondering where the diorama finishes and where reality begins…
By watching my videos, I hope you will see how easy it is to create something like this yourself and be inspired to have a go.
Thanks for watching. Personally, I really like this model as its improvement on the other two I have reviewed. It depends on what you will use it for and if you are satisfied it's worth the investment. I am very aware that it's a lot of money but you can produce some amazing things with it. I have seen other reviews on RU-vid which seem very positive so it's worth looking at some of those to see what else you can do with it. Also, you need the Lightburn software which is around £50. If you're a creative person, it's a very enjoyable process. I just took some time to learn, make some mistakes and soon found my skills improving. gozbx.com/r/OXKj65wMndPF Discount Code:FNPALL10
That’s how I wire my red green signals BUT DAPOL said I can’t do this without buying another box what’s the story yours worked well I have the DCC concepts alpha up digital. Points have their own bus. Dccc has its own buss and accessories have theirs own bus according to your method which is similar to what I do with the red green leds wired directly off the point motor with a diode this seems like a winner. Great content.
Thanks for watching. I have received some varied advice on this so can email you the details if it helps. It was all working for me but I haven't touched it for some time and I think there is a question mark over the signal motor burning out. Contact me on dartsidescenics@gmail.com 😀
@@DartsideScenics will do I can also share the soloution that I have been revised and provided from DCC CONCEPTS like you I have had a great relationship with the crew there which is better than that from Dapol themselves lol
Looks amazing. Just wondering if, since the Spit is a low wing plane, if it would not have created a wider hole when breaching the fence. Although English fences might be tougher than usual ;-)
I've been down this path many many times before - creating with qcad, then porting over and cutting. I can't help feel that 3d printing is the new way forward, shadowing laser cutting?
Hello, if you hadn't been sent this. Would you part with £1000+ of your own money to get it? Secondly, if you've never done graphic design is it easy to create a meaningful design for it to cut?
Hi Tim. If I could afford it, I would buy it as I really enjoy the process. However, I can’t really afford to buy one at the moment so realise I’m fortunate to have it. If you are thinking of making kits to sell, there is potential to get your money back fairly quickly. I’m not a graphic designer (I’m sure you can tell!!) but have managed some nice work with basic knowledge of the Lightburn software. I have a creative imagination so may find it easier than some to put it together.
Jesus they're sending these out to Everyone huh. You're like the 10th channel I'm subscribed to that's done a review on this machine in the last week or so. Congrats on the acquisition though.
I know what you mean - maybe there’s a new product on the way and they are getting rid of stock! Seriously though, I do feel fortunate to have this machine due to the possibilities. Thanks for watching 👍🏻
I used to mix fine sand into my paint to create texture, do you do anything similar or different to achieve detailed textures ? Im taking road surfaces and walls etc.
I think your fine sand mix is very similar to the Ammo asphalt paint (but much cheaper to make!!). I looked into road texture in my last video but I can’t say I was satisfied with any of my attempts!
@@DartsideScenics thanks, new to your channel ! I did use 00 scale track ballast mixed with a thick ish acrylic paint for a Devon lane, it wasn't too bad.
It looks like you can do some wonderful things with this equipment. I enjoyed building model buildings but could only afford the basic scalpel and scissors but it was impressed seeing what I could build including a miniature of Buckfastleigh circa 1910 from cereal packaging, It was good enough to get me into college once upon a time. I'm guessing equipment such as this can expand the verity and quality of your models. I'd love to see more of what you have created with this thing.
Thank you. I think a lot of people think it’s ’cheating’ but I really like the extra detail you can achieve. However, it’s often rewarding to create something manually, with basic materials.
Thank you. I think the sash windows would be difficult in 1;120 so might need to be oversized to ensure strength. I’m looking forward to experimenting!
Damn that's one impressive cutter, love that you chose The Merchants House, it turned out beautifully, it's such an interesting building, the Wife and I spent a fantastic week in Dartmouth last year, loved the place and the surrounding countryside and of course the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh.
I love the 22w version and have used it for lots of things. All manufacturers seem to be constantly improving them so I’m sure there is a new and improved version around the corner!
I completely understand- it’s a lot of money but if you wanted to start making kits to sell, it could be profitable. There are always discount deals on these laser cutters too.
Hello there, I know this video is a bit old but I’ve just discovered this series, watched all your episodes on it so far and I’m enjoying it so much to see my favourite heritage line in Britain. I am starting a model railway and this is a huge inspiration. Thank you.
Extreamly nice 👍… well thought out , honestly… a REAL model RR that has endless unpredictable aspects , and many many more as you sweep from right to left… Just a relaxing slow mid summer day … Great Job 👏
Looks so good! Great work as usual, wow what a project this is turning out to be. Out of interest, why resin and not PVA for the water? I'm just testing PVA at the moment for my river scene
Thank you! The project is getting too big and I’m almost out space! I like resin as it levels itself and dries clear. However, I’ve often thought that on a rocky stream, I could get away with just using gloss mod podge.
@@DartsideScenics Matt modge podge seems to dry quite well from my testers, and the uneven setting seems to emulate fast flowing water... At least in testing... nervous about doing it on the layout mind you😕
I grew up by this railway line, my dad was a volunteer there and as a kid i got to blow the whistle and wave the train off just like the train guard. Staverton is a beautiful part of the line and a reminder of how stunning the English countryside with a steam engine looks. I used to make the scenery on my brother's model railway. Id love to see you incorporate lots of the surrounding countryside, perhaps the whole thing from Ashburton to Totnes, there was great model of Ashburton station at Buckfastleigh the last time i was there. Really good stuff man,
Awe inspiring as always Andy. Your attention to getting the details correct says it all about your skill & passion with this build. When will it be ready for me to collect.. 😂😂
It's starting to look like you were really there. Loving your attention to minute detail and even showing where you decided things weren't quite as you wanted so turned to another solution. Gradual progress, looking forward to next ep👍👍👍👍
thanks for the video. I’ve not weathered my track yet. I’m doing TT 120. Do you need to clean the Rails off to give the locomotives a good connection? So the current maintains a good flow to the pick up wheels? Thanks Steve
Yes…otherwise the paint layer will prevent / reduce conductivity between the train and track resulting in either total or intermittent/ jerky running….👍
@@stevio7777 you can use a track rubber but you can also use a fine grade sanding sponge or fine grade emery cloth on a wood block. Whatever you use the purpose is to remove only the paint on the track that would be in direct contact with the wheel(s)….👍
