This is the Second Edition of Shep Paine’s classic, published in 2000.  It is basically an improved version of the original.  All of the original material and pictures seems to be there, with additional material and dioramas added.

 Chapters include: 

1. Ideas and Planning
2. From the Ground Up
3. Weathering Techniques
4. Posing and Painting Figures
5. The Elefant’s Dilemma (step by step)
6. Details and Accessories
7. Superdetailing, Battle Damage, and Interiors
8. The Lady Be Good (step by step)
9. Farewell to the Bon Homme Richard
10. Structures for Dioramas
11. The Road to Damascus (step by step)
12. Resin, Plaster, and Other Aftermarket Kits
13. The Hornet’s Nest (step by step)
14. Shadow Boxes
15. The Meeting of the Admiralty Board (step by step)
16. Mirrors, Forced Perspective, and Other Special Effects
17. The Gun Deck of HMS Victory (step by step)
18. Photographing Your Dioramas

 Several of the chapters are “step by step”, where the techniques used to create the diorama are explained in detail, from start to finish. 

 Ever since it was first published, the First Edition of this book, has inspired modelers to give dioramas a try.   The Second Edition simple takes a classic and updates it.  Highly recommended.   This is an excellent choice for a first book on the subject. 

Review courtesy of Santa Claus.

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