Mike Napoleon's "It's Only A Hobby" Garage Diorama
(Photos by Tony Wootson)
The "It's Only A Hobby" Garage started out as a backdrop for photographing models 4 years ago.
As I built more and more details for the background, it eventually ended up being a full-fledged diorama.
I used two testors Garage kits for the base and 3 sides.
The diorama can be enclosed with the clear acetate that came with the kits too.
I glued plastruct cinder block sheet plastic to the back walls and balsa to the side.
I aged the block by giving it texture using baking soda between coats of gray primer.
The balsa was aged with "Weather-It". Shades of gray pastels finished off the walls.
Most of the benches and racks are scratchbuilt as are many of the details.
The tools from the Testors kits and many watch parts provide clutter on the desks and racks.
All the boxes are made from cutting out colored paper that was inked with logos shrunk from
various websites that sell vintage gas or garage products.
Under the tarp is a 1928 Ford pickup that is a project being worked on by the garage's proprietor.
Many tools and details come from Scale Equipment Limited, a diorama detail store in Bradenton, Florida.
