A number of innovations in the model industry have made diorama building as easy as ever. In the dark days it was an arduous matter of buying a bag of Celluclay or modeling clay, mixing it, and having a go at the expensive baseboard for one's diorama. In steps a company like Tamiya, offering their Diorama Material Sheet (Stone Paving C), with an increasingly diverse range of products to help make the diorama experience more fun and creative than laborious. This item has been out for some time, but I hadn't seen any reviews on it. Well, here's a short one: it's good stuff.

The sheet is an 8.5-inch by 11-inch gray colored product with a spongy "stone" pattern and texture impregnated into it. While some may think the sponginess would detract from it, that's hardly the case. In fact, the sponginess gives the "stones" some much needed texture, which is something other cobblestone alternatives other than resin and hand made have not been able to do in a convincing manner. However, heavier weights such as metal models/figures or the like may make the stones "sink" or "squish down", so adjust accordingly.

The paper quality can best be described as "construction paper", the kind found in most art and craft stores for children's projects. This is both an asset and a detriment, for this type of paper is easy to cut, but it tends to have a jagged edge if not cut with the sharpest of blades. My X-acto knife still left some jagged edges, and scissors left even more jagged edges. Scalpels may do the trick; I didn't try one, but do use caution due to their sharpness. It snuggled down fine using white glue to secure it to a base. The instructions also suggest using double sided tape. Whatever method you use, do make sure it's what you want and where you want it. It's paper based, so once glued/secured to the base, it can't be removed cleanly.
It paints fine with acrylics, but use caution with enamels. According to the instructions, brushing enamels onto the paper damages it, and airbrushing enamels is recommended. I didn't try painting the review sample with enamels at all, heeding the sheet instructions.

In summary, this is a good product for those doing smaller dioramas or vignettes. At 5 U.S. dollars a sheet, and due to its construction, though, I don't suggest it as an alternative for large dioramas. Overall, this product deserves a look as an alternative to resin or scratchbuilding your cobblestone street or the like.

Build On!