Diorama / Vignette Evaluation Criteria

A diorama is a set of models that tell an environment, a story or a moment of action with a convincing arrangement. In addition to the workmanship and quality of the models that make up the diorama, the power of the story and the creation of the environment or presentation are also very important. These three elements are equally important. A diorama with very well-finished models but weak in terms of story will be weak against a composition that is finished with relatively average workmanship but where all three elements are balanced. Since there are no diorama/vignette categories in different scales in the competition, dioramas and vignettes of all scales and sizes can participate in this category. In order to compete in this category, there must be at least 1 vehicle, at least 2 figures and some complementary elements such as roads, buildings, terrain shapes, vegetation, animal figures, all kinds of equipment or accessories and the like on the ground. Entries that do not include a vehicle will be evaluated in the figure category, and entries that include less than 2 figures next to the vehicle will be evaluated in the appropriate vehicle category. In addition to the quality and workmanship of the models that make up the diorama, the strength of the story and the creation of the setting or presentation are also very important. These three elements are equally important. A diorama with very well-finished models but poor storytelling will be weaker than a composition with relatively average workmanship but balanced in all three elements.

Models

The individual model elements of a diorama will be judged according to the criteria of the appropriate class specified. This means that the battleship-related pieces will be judged according to the armor-related criteria, while the figures will be judged according to the principles of figure modeling. As always, the basic features and finish of the diorama are of great importance. The landforms, roads, buildings and related elements that make up the scene of a diorama will be judged similarly to the basic model elements. Basic construction and finish are of great importance.

Presentation

The base of the diorama should consist of separate parts that come together to provide a realistic and/or acceptable setting for the main model elements. Each piece should also be inherently believable and consistent with the subject or general feeling portrayed in the scene. The creativity and imagination used in the placement of the key elements will contribute greatly to the overall presentation. The base should provide a focal point for the entire scene and should fit or significantly affect the story or overall feel of the diorama. A simple story with a well-defined focal point will have much more power than a diorama that attempts to show the entire battlefield.

Story, Feeling, Atmosphere

This is what separates the concept of a diorama from a model simply placed on a base. A rusting vehicle on a wasteland can convey just as much, if not more, emotion than a recreation of the entire Battle of Waterloo. The story, feeling, or atmosphere conveyed in the diorama should be clear. The viewer should have no difficulty understanding what is being conveyed. The stories may contain historical or even humorous elements. Here too, the creativity and imagination in telling the story or conveying the emotion will make the diorama extraordinary.