Diorama Terms and Accessories

Diorama - A scene created to depict a story or theme. Usually made to scale, the diorama can use models, figures, buildings, or other items in a realistic setting.

Rock Mold - Latex mold used to model rocks using hydrocal. Rocks can be painted and weathered to simulate natural rocks in geographic area being modeled. Hydrocal is mixed with water and poured into the mold and allowed to harden. The model rocks can then be painted and glued to the landscape.

Ground FoamAlso called turf. Loose landscaping material for scenery making. It is used to simulate grass, weeds, earth, and other ground cover. It is available in many different shades, colors, and textures.

Lichen - natural moss which is used to simulate bushes, unkept areas, and can be used to make trees. Lichen has many uses on a diorama model simulating vegatation.

Scenic Cement - ready to use glue which is formulated to spray through a mist type sprayer. Used to hold ground foam and ballast to diorama.

Ballast - Simulates track ballast on model railroad layouts. It can also be used to model gravel roads, rock piles, and other rock related items.

Hydrocal - Lightweight plaster used for scenery modeling and model railroad layouts. Lightweight, but hard and durable.

Plaster Cloth - Cheesecloth which has been impregnated with plaster. Used for scenery building and model railroading. Cut to size, dip in water and place on scene. Plaster cloth makes a fast and easy terrain shell.

Latex Rubber - Liquid latex material which can be used to form molds for rocks and other items. Brush latex rubber on the item to be molded, allow to dry, and peel off. The latex rubber mold is then filled with liquified hydrocal which is allowed to harden.

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