La Strada (the street)

[Carlo]

Hello, all -
Recently, I started a 1" scale diorama of a typical Italian street scene, "La Strada". The first building is made of brick and stucco, 2 stories tall, with a second floor balcony. Below you can see the beginning of the second floor, with a plaster-cast brick veneer, and a balcony railing made for me by Antonio Malacario. I sculpted the figure, Nonna, who will eventually be painted and have real hair. More pictures when I have made progress.
Regards, Carlo Spirito

[Ray Dunakin]

Nice start!

[mad gerald]

... looks very promising indeed, Carlo ... I especially like the figure you sculpted ...

Any idea how to get rid of the tiny "bubbles" caused by air intrapment while pouring the plaster into the mould?

BTW: I always get in trouble with this kind of scale indication - 1" scale (one inch to the foot?) is corresponding with 1/16 scale ... or even 1/12 scale?

Cheers

[Carlo]

Gerald - Thanks. Yes, it's 1 inch = 1 foot, or 1/12 scale, or 1:12 scale. They're all the same.
Spraying with "mold release", or a very thin soap solution helps with bubbles, but doesn't totally eliminate them.
I just fill them, or use them to make "damaged/worn" bricks.
Carlo

[Lawton Maner]

After using the soapy mold release, vacuum treat the plaster and vibrate the filled mold.  I find using a sabre saw without a blade in it for about 15 seconds more then enough to shake the bubbles loose.  Also can be used when casting in resins.

[Chuck Doan]

Nice start Carlo!

[Carlo]

Here's an update on my WIP diorama, now called "La Strada", an Italian street scene, in 1" scale (1/12).

The major buildings have now been painted, and propped in place (green stick). I tried for a variety of materials and Mediterranean colors. Note the Gnome peaking out of the hole in the far corner. Now for a base, and lots of details and figures.

Carlo

[finescalerr]

The brickwork looks very good. The gnome needs a shave. -- Russ