The most important preparations before you start building a diorama is the intense
study of the historical backround of your subject.  Thus, the getting of specialized
literature is the most expensive factor of this hobby
As the basics for the landscape, I mostly use PU foam, which I carve into the desired
shape after it has hardened.  Then I put a coat of plaster on it to finalize the shape.  

For vegetation, I always try to use material from nature to put into the scenery.  The
trees get glued together from very fine roots, patched with putty and then get painted .
Heki foliages create the leaves.

Hemp yarn, used by plumbers, can be used to make high dry grass.  As a supplement
or substitute to ferns, molds, sand, etc., I like to go back to the items offered by the
railroad modeling accessories.  

All figurines are self-sculptured by sometimes using faces, arms, hands, etc., of all sorts of
different figurines.  
For painting I use Humbrol paints  with oil color washing. Finally the figurines get dry-
brushed.
Recently I am painting with a combination of acrylic(Model Color,Andrea) and oil
(Schminke)colors

As we know, there are no schools for the art of modeling.  Learning by doing is the
motto and that is the only possibility we have to improve & perfect our own style.  But
no modeler in the world can say that he was only self-taught & that is why I would like
to thank the numerous fertile conversations with colleagues for all the never-ending
tips & tricks.  The exchange with other  modelers makes you grow.  Without their help,
many things would not be realized

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