Now is the time for all good modelers to lift their Dioramas high and note how light they are. This is the main benefit of using Foam-Core Board. You have now created a very strong, but light weight structure, at a cost of somewhere between $3.00 and $9.00.
This is also the time to install the Roadway Board into the roadway cut into the Profile Boards. Dry-fit the roadway into the cuts and check the ends. If too short you may need to add a small piece of foam core board on the inside of profile #1 and #4, even to the cutout. Trim the roadway to suit, add glue to the edges of the profile boards and press the roadway into place.
Over the years modelers have used a number of ways to produce the base for terrain, card strips, wire screen, wadded-up newspaper balls, etc. As you can see from the picture I went my own way and used twine.
This picture shows my roadway in place and the twine laced between the Profile Boards that will support the Plaster Cloth added in this step.
You might choose to use some type of tape or paper strips glued to the boards to produce the base for your rough terrain. I would suggest stuffing wadded-up newspaper between the boards to better support the twine or whatever you choose. These can be removed after the plaster cloth has set. And remember, you can always change your mind.
This is what mine looked like after applying the plaster cloth.
As you can see by the picture you will need a shallow pan or dish for water to dip the plaster cloth pieces into before spreading them on the support forms. If neatness counts you may want to place a plastic table cloth under this operation. Start by cutting about 10 or 12 pieces of plaster cloth about 8" long. Briefly dip a piece into the water until wet, let it drip a second or two and lightly place or drape over your structure. Repeat with additional pieces, overlapping them about an inch, until you have covered an area. You may smooth the cloth with a wet finger or bristle paint brush. Add a second or third layer to achieve a strong, firm base for your scenery and ground cover.
After the cloth has dried and you are satisfied with the firmness of your scenery base, you may notice a grid like pattern of the cloth. You may try to smooth it out with a wet bristle brush or paint it with a couple coats of latex house paint. Try to choose an earth like color.
You now have a lightweight structure with a thin shell form that is ready for your basic ground cover. For that we will go on to Part #7 - Basic Ground Cover.
