Prehistoric Dioramas Showcased in the South African Sun

Brothers Luke and Raef have their very own customised, unique prehistoric landscapes for their dinosaur models to explore thanks to a hard-working and dedicated father.  A few weeks ago, Everything Dinosaur was sent in some pictures of a second dinosaur diorama that had been built by dad Paul at their home in South Africa.  The two prehistoric landscapes, complete with replica volcano, a cave inhabited by early hominins and a marine seascape, look fantastic side by side in the family’s garden.  It helps to live in a hot country when it comes to showcasing your model making skills outdoors.

The Prehistoric Landscapes in the Garden

Two stunning dinosaur dioramas.
The two dinosaur dioramas side by side (latest landscape is on the left).

Picture credit: P. M.

Many Hours of Hard Work

Fans of building dioramas and model scenes will know just how many hours of hard work have gone into building these prehistoric landscapes.  The second project was started over the Christmas holidays and the material chosen to provide the contours and that steep cliff leading to the water feature was fibreglass, which can be tricky to work with, but the end results speak for themselves.

The Second Prehistoric Landscape was Started in Late December

Dinosaur diorama, work in progress.
Work in progress on the dinosaur diorama.

Picture credit: P. M.

Over the years, we have featured several examples of prehistoric landscapes and dioramas, we are always impressed and amazed by the ingenuity shown by the talented model makers.  Young Raef’s landscape includes a cleverly constructed marine environment, just the sort of place needed for your sea monsters and other figures to hang out.

A CollectA Deluxe Kronosaurus Has Grabbed an Unfortunate CollectA Dolichorhynchops

Kronosaurus attacks Dolichorhynchops.
Kronosaurus makes a meal of Dolichorhynchops.

Picture credit: P.M.

To view the CollectA range of scale models: CollectA Deluxe Prehistoric Life Models.

A Team Effort

The whole family was involved in this enterprise, all helping to create the landscape, paint the scenery, sort out the planting of the prehistoric vegetation, seaweeds and corals (see above) and to create some of the amazing special effects such as wires for the pterosaur models to be suspended from.

Painting the Prehistoric Landscape – Dealing with the Details

Prehistoric landscape painting.
Painting the prehistoric landscape.

Picture credit: P.M.

Commenting on the success of the projects, dad Paul stated:

“We completed the second landscape over Christmas, I never want to work with fibreglass again, but all is well that ends well.  The kids were heavily involved in modelling and painting the landscape.  They are very pleased with it and therefore so am I!”

Everything Dinosaur Customers Demonstrate their Diorama Building Skills

Customers of Everything Dinosaur for several years, the family have slowly and surely built up a collection of prehistoric animals, including some rare figures, to populate their landscapes.

A Maiasaura and Hatchlings Very Much at Home in the Dinosaur Diorama

Maiasaura mother and nest.
A Maiasaura mother and nest in the diorama landscape.

Picture credit: P. M.

The photograph (above) highlights the attention to detail in the dinosaur dioramas, what a rich and varied planting scheme.

A spokesperson from Everything Dinosaur commented:

“What an impressive pair of dioramas!  It has taken some skill and technical ability to construct such beautiful prehistoric landscapes.  Each diorama has some amazing features like smoking volcanoes, flowing lava and a Stone Age cave complete with prehistoric art.”

Can You Spot the Cave Paintings?

The inhabitants of the prehistoric cave.
Fantastic detail such as these cave paintings feature in the prehistoric dioramas.

Picture credit: P.M.

Entering Model Making Competitions

In their email correspondence with Everything Dinosaur, the family have asked us about whether they could enter any model shows or diorama contests, we provided some advice suggesting that it was worthwhile seeing if there was a local model making club in South Africa where they could display their completed work.  Our congratulations to Paul, Raef, Luke and Amanda, we really appreciate you taking the time and trouble to share these images with us.

Visit the Everything Dinosaur website: Everything Dinosaur.