Hey all, Im thinking of starting my own diorama supply company and was wanting some input from you to see what kind of products you would like to see from a diorama company. What kinds of buildings, bases, complete dio in a box for beginners, ect.

Your imput would be great!
Thanks

For me Hudson and Allen stuff is good if you get it regular as they seem to be an elusive company.

I don't see a lot of modern stuff in the way of buildings. So, that's one large are of buildings that can be tapped. Anything really Post Korea isn't represented very well in diorama stuff (Vietnam to some degree, but not as much as WWII).

Honestly bases are hard unless you do 100% of the diorama. Size and shape are dictated by the project.

Things that aren't seen every day. That's why I think Miniart has done well, they have done a simple process but the subjects are not run of the mill. They also 'fit' into a military theater.

Go through a bunch of military books and see what images appeal to you.

I Second Scott's comment......... the Moden buildings are lacking...........

Bases really are dictated by the Project... and would wind up bieng more of a Custom Thing.
(I know as I'm currently looking into making a Line of Bases Myself......)

So it looks like the modern buildings are the areas of intrest. Good to know I kinda figured that would be. Im assuming we are talking buildings from Iraq and other current war campains going on right now along with vietnam and the like correct? Are WW2 buildings a lost cause for new companys due to the amount of production in that area?

I don't build that era.... but there's a pretty good selection of them out there....... but, More choices never hurts!!!

Modern buildings would be a good niche to start out with--there are a lot of WW II building manufacturers out there, so you would be competing with folks on the price/quality/selection/brand recognition front all at once. On modern stuff, you could pretty much have the filed to yourself.

Hi there

In terms of modern buildings, you have an endless supply of source materials for ideas. Just turn on the news, set your dvd recorder and bingo you have scenes from every current conflict area at your fingertips. Every type of modern building structure can be easily researched with building construction texts books.

As a lot of conflicts are in third world countries, or in very historic, but so called developed countries, the really old buildings or traditional ways of building just require the detailing additions to represent how the modern world and ways of life (and warfare) have imposed themselves on the buildings and their suroundings. Anything from satelite dishes to air con units.

A lot of modern buildings use steel frames and thin, but effective thermal insulation with metal cladding panels and lots of glass. Getting ideas of how they look can be seen when buildings are demolished to be cleared for new builds. Seeing how buildings are rebuilt in warzones might give ideas for dioramas involving inocent people trying to rebuild there lives while stuck in the middle of constant war zones.

Good luck with your venture

Nige

Thanks for the responces guys. I will keep you posted on how things go. If anyone else has something to add, feel free.