1/64 Scale Junkyard Diorama Using Tinfoil

This is a step by step build of a 1/64 scale Junkyard Diorama. With this basic knowledge, you can expand the size of the diorama, or even change the scale to fit other model cars and trucks. The sky is basically the limit with this platform and for example, you could evolve it from a junkyard into a dessert scene.

• Tinfoil
• Cement
• Mod Podge (or other liquid glue)
• Natural Coloured Makeup
• 1/64 Scale Cars
• Dremel and/or File
• Electric Drill and Drill bits
• Spray Bottle
• Black, Brown, and Blue acrylic paint
• Black spray paint
• Crafting Knife
• Various textures of fine dirt and sand
• Foam Board
• Paint Brush
• Match Sticks

First, you measure out and cut the desired size of the foam board. This will be the base for the diorama so you should make it to an adequate size. I made mine 4 inches by 8 inches but this design can be scaled up or down to suit your needs. Once you cut it to the right dimensions for your project, strip the paper that protects the bare foam from the front and back. If the paper doesn't peel off easily, place the foam board under warm running water. This will not damage the foam itself but will help the paper peel off easily. Once you have removed the paper you are ready for step two.

Next, make your cement mixture. The cement you use should contain only fine sand and the smallest of rocks as anything bigger will ruin the texture of the diorama. I prepared my mixture in a paper soft drink cup. Make sure you use a container you are prepared to throw away as the cement will ruin whatever you use to mix it in. Then I spread out the concrete on the foam board. I used enough to adequately cover the foam board and have some leftovers for creating texture. Now, this is where you first use tin foil. Create a few tinfoil balls by crumpling up small sheets of tinfoil in the shape of a small hill or large rock. You then cover the tinfoil shapes in the leftover cement to make them blend with the landscape of the diorama. Insert them into the cement covered foam base. Now, for extra effect, use an old model care to drive across the half-dry cement to create car tracks in the "dirt."

Once the cement is dry, use matte Mod Podge (however you can use whatever matte glue you have on hand) and mix it with water in a one-part glue to a three-part water mixture. Pour it into a spray bottle and spray the base of the diorama. Once it is wet, sprinkle whatever colour of dirt and small rocks you wish onto the wet diorama base. Do this as many times as necessary to gain your desired effect.

Now, you start the weathering process on the model cars. Take a 1/64 scale model car (the most common brands that sell these are Hotwheels and Matchbox) and drill out the rivets in the bottom so you can take the die-cast body off the car. Then using a Dremel and some small bits, put as many dings, dents, and scratches into the surface of the car body as you wish. Really beat the living daylights out of it to make it look like a car that would be in a junkyard. if you don't have a Dremel you can simply use metal files to create the same effect.

This next sequence of steps is really down to personal taste. If you want your car to look like an absolute rust bucket, spend lots of time doing so. First, spray the body of the truck in a clear coating. Then while it is still wet, dip it into a container of very fine dirt. Next, take it out of the dirt and brush as much of it off as possible. You can redo this step as many times as you wish until you achieve the desired effect. Once you have done that, you can finish touching up the car body to your personal taste. I used pastel coloured makeup powder and a fine pen to bring the truck body to my desired look. I also used rust coloured paint to add some final touches.

Now, you can weather the window of the model car. Simply use an Exacto or other sharp craft knife to score lines in the windshield of the truck to replicate a cracked and damaged windshield. Then use makeup to dust the window and make it look grimy and dust-covered.

After placing the finished model cars on the diorama, you can start working on the aluminum foil tarps. Cut out a small rectangle of tinfoil that is the correct size of a scale tarp. Paint it black and blue using acrylic paint, being careful not to completely coat the tinfoil but leave enough bare foil showing to replicate a worn piece of tarp. Then, using the makeup and some very fine dirt, smudge the painted tinfoil rectangle to make it look dirty and worn. You then can place it on the truck to replicate the look of an old tarp partially draped across an old truck.

To add a special touch to the diorama, I cut small matchsticks into tiny sticks of wood. I then used wood stain to coat them to give them an aged appearance. If you don't have a wood stain you can use a mixture of black or brown paint and water to achieve the same effect. I then placed them in the bed of the truck to add a rustic appearance.

The Diorama is basically finished at this point. You can add tiny chains, model tires, and other things you might find around some old trucks. Get creative and use everyday objects that could be made to look like scale items. I added a second truck and you could do the same or add an item of your own taste.

Congratulations, you are done creating the diorama. You now have a unique and creative piece of art that makes a great conversational piece and something to show your friends and family. Happy Creating!