First, please check out my new diorama page (as of June 28, 2006). (And please come back!!! There's plenty more where that came from!)
Also, see Quarterscale Modeler : all about vehicles, figures, and accessories in 1/48 scale.
What makes a diorama? What makes a diorama is that the elements displayed on it "interact" to tell some kind of tale. A diorama should tell a story. It could represent a particular historical event, such as the first flight of the Wright Flier ‑ complete with Orville at the controls and Wilbur running along side. It could depict a particular situation or reality that existed, such the lack of fuel hampering the German forces towards the end of World War II. Or it could be a fictional theme designed to highlight a certain interest, like the battle at the rebel base on Hoth, a la Star Wars, for example. Whatever the theme, it should have some story to tell to be a diorama. There could be action, drama, or humor depicted.
Some sample dioramas in 1/48 scale, combining aircraft with vehicles, figures and accessories:
By August 15, 1944, the German Wehrmacht (armed forces) was in full retreat in Normandy, France. An attempted counterattack by the Germans had been cut off and surrounded, and now the trapped divisions were attempting to escape through a small corredor near Falaise. But there they were ambushed by heavy Allied forces, particularly the British Royal Air Force's ground attack squadrons. The results were high losses: several entire German divisions were annialated, including Panzer and S.S. divisions.
This diorama is set during the attempted breakout. Elements of Army Group "B", the 5th Panzer Army, are providing cover for the 1st SS Panzer Corps' escape from encirlement. A Hawker Typhoon Mk1b flies over a burned out farmhouse near Trun, close to the Allied lines, searching for reported armor formations(targets of opportunity). Inside the building, a Panzer IV Ausf.H from the 116th Pz. Division, prepares an ambush as part of the rear guard, along with several infantrymen. Outside, a Pz. IV Mobelwagon flak tank from the 2nd Pz. Division prepares to deliver it's sting: four 20mm anti-aircraft guns. From the side, you can see the tanks. (click on the thumbnails for close-ups)
The Typhoon was shot down. But the breakout was a total disaster for the Germans, and effectively ended their campaign in France.
Elements:
Hasegawa Mk. I b Typhoon w/Aeromaster Decals, "Storms..." Pt. 4, & "Prop Blur" photo-etched prop blades
House made from DPM modules and sheet styrene
Fuman Pz. IV Ausf.H tank w/armor skirts
Bandai Pz. IV Mobelwagon
Misc. Bandai, SMA, & Jaguar figures
Scenery base & trees
Acrylic cover: This diorama is in a clear acrylic box, footprint is 11x14 inches, height is 15 inches. The Typhoon is attached to the lid. (see Diorama Building page for how Construction tips)
"The Last Ditched Bombing Offensive of the Luftwaffe"
Germany, March 1945 Scale: 1/48
BASE: 2-Part Airbase with plexiglass case
RIGHT SIDE: approx 36x14", 9" high; incl. Verlinden Luftwaffe revetment
MODELS: Hobbycraft Ar234C-3 w/V-1, Ar234B-2, Verlinden Luftwaffe airfield refueling cart, Pro Modeler bomb cart, misc. figures, trees, etc.
LEFT SIDE: approx. 28x14", 9" high
MODELS: Trimaster Me262A-2a/U2, DML Me262A-2a, Airfield Access. Opel Blitz tanker truck, Knights' Cross Sd.kfz.2 Kettenkraftrad tractor, Koster Hs. 293 glider bomb, Verlinden bombs & crates set & pilot & ground figures; misc figures.
Historical Background: By late 1944, it was obvious that the end was near for Germany. Allied land invaders were nearing the borders of the "Fatherland" on two fronts, and air armadas pounded it day and night from above. The Werhmacht was on the defensive on all fronts. The Luftwaffe, the German air force, had its hands full intercepting air incursions. Yet, there was still some effort put into offensive bombing. The new jet aircraft were pressed into making albeit token tactical bombing raids.
A few of the revolutionary Arado 234 jet bombers, the four-engined "C" versions, were prepared to launch V1 "Vengance" missles against England. Since all ground-based launch sites had been captured, aerial launches were the only resort. The venerable He111 bomber was used, but it was slow and vulnerable. These fast Ar234's were planned to replace the Heinkel in this service, although none were know to have been actually used. Here, a bomber pilot recently transfered to this program looks incredulously at a prototype C-3 with a test piggy-back arrangement, while a ground crewman explains the operation of the system. 
The Rhine river was Germany's last natural defensive barrier. When it was crossed by a surprise attack in March, 1945, all available resources were thrown into the battle. Bombing raids were hastily scrambled against the Remagen bridgehead over the Rhine from air bases in northern Germany.
Here is an Ar234B-2 "Blitz" (lightning) jet bomber, #140342 F1+AS, from 8/KG76, flown by Ofw. Friedrich Bruchlos, carrying one 1,000 kg. and two 250 kg. bombs, which is its maximum bomb load for short range flights. These planes were very successful, although too few in number to make much difference. The pilot is in the cockpit, anxious to get going, but the ground crew is frantically still trying to finish mounting the RATO (Rocket Assisted Take-off) pods.
Another pilot is signaling him to wait for the Me262A-2a "Sturmvogel" (Storm-petrel) jet bomber, of KG 51, carrying two 250 kg. bombs, which is being towed into take-off position by a Kettenkraftrad tracked motorcycle tractor. These planes did not excel in the role of bomber, since they had been designed as fighters.
Parked on a hardstand is V 555, an Me262A-2a/U2, with a glazed nose and bombsight for a bombadier. One of only two of the type built, it is being prepared for a test bomb drop. It was never used operationally.
Also seen here is a Henschell Hs. 293 guided bomb, which was carried by larger bomber aircraft such as the Dornier Do217 or Heinkel He177, ready to be loaded for anti-shipping strike. Other airfield accessories displayed here include an Opel Blitz tanker truck, a Luftwaffe airfield refueling cart, bomb crates with 250 kg. bombs, a 1000 kg. bomb and a bomb cart being used to mount the RATO pods.
A variation on the bombing theme: MISTELS! Composite aircraft designed for long-range and strategic bombing strikes, but instead of bombs, airframes are turned into guided missles, attached to other aircraft, flown to the target and released. Check out the Mistel on my Me262 photo page LOTS of Me262 models!!!!!
Representing the precarious last foothold of the Afrika Korp's air support in Tunisia, early 1943.
Elements: Henschell Hs129B-2 ground attack aircraft, a Fieseler Fi 156 "Storch" (Stork) recon and liason aircraft; a Sd.Kfz 7 halftrack prime mover, 88mm flak artillery and crew, airfield refueling cart, bombs, figures, etc.
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Historical Background: By early 1943 the Deutche Afrika Korps were all but pushed into the sea. Yet through frantic resupply, a beachhead was maintained in Tunisia. Air superiority was overwhelmingly in the hands of the Allied forces, yet a remnant of the Luftwaffe's desert air force remained, mainly in the ground attack role. Even a few Italian units still operated in conjunction with the Germans. Yet there was no rest for the beleaguered airfields, constantly under attack from medium bombers and fighter-bombers. Here, the attention of the ground personel and flak crew shows the precarious situation: another attack from the air!
Click here to go to a review of the Hobbycraft Ar234 kits as well as the Unicraft conversion kit.
Original painting by Mark Postlethwaite
Painting available from: Brooks Aviation Art
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Last Updated June 28, 2006 by Steve Brauning