Saturday 1 June 2024

THE AIRFIX MARY ROSE PROP MAKERS DIORAMA BY PAUL ADAMS

Every so often Max, from Max's Models, has a Group Build on a specific subject. This time it was Hollywood, in front of or behind the cameras.

I decided to build the Airfix Mary Rose sailing ship in 1/400th scale, but do it as a large scale movie prop, surrounded by Hollywood model builders. These are garage mechanics from various AMT and Fujimi accessory sets in 1/25th and 1/24th scales.

The room setting is a cut-down cardboard box, with sheets of coloured paper for the floor and walls. Then everything was laid out.

Now that the scene is done, I plan on finishing off the Mary Rose with all her masts, and adding the sails.

The model was painted entirely with acrylics (a very big thank you to Rob Craig for his excellent advice on sponge painting with acrylics, using make-up sponges - just avoid Tamiya brand acrylics). Detail work was done with a fine brush.

A word of warning regarding the decals. My recent experience with Airfix decals is that they look beautiful, but come off the model very easily.

Decal setting solutions may help, but I just used PVA glue. Apply this to the model, then add the decals, and glue them in place.

This was a fun project. It was also a rare chance to mix models of different scales, in order to achieve a particular effect.

Paul Adams from New Zealand




8 comments:

  1. What a clever idea to mix scales like this!
    I love story telling with miniatures.
    I assume these are Hollywood VFX guys at work!
    Although not really necessary, a filming clack board with a movie title might be a nice addition!

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  2. It looks great Paul. You've captured the prop shop perfectly combining the two things, the kit and the figures. Superb job!

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  3. I love that last shot where the modeller is looking at the camera! ha ha

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  4. Paul Adams from New Zealand6/01/2024 1:09 pm

    Thank you. That was a fun project, even if it was a bit mad.

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  5. An amazing diorama! Excellent use of mixed media to create a scene. I think of Derek Meddings and crew working on the miniatures for “Shout at the Devil.” Bravo. SFZ

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  6. Fantastic work Paul, truly inspired.
    But, an effects model ship would either be on a basic plywood stand, in the workshop, or on a metal gymble 'rig' to move it around in studio, or in a tank, not on a 'display' stand.
    Otherwise, magnificent !

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  7. That is terrific work Paul! What a different perspective for a diorama: miniature dioramist's building a miniature diorama!

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