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Creative => Customs Gallery => Dioramas & Buildings => Topic started by: Birdie on March 15, 2014, 14:45:15

Title: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Birdie on March 15, 2014, 14:45:15
It's taken a few months, but I finally finished my new project: a western town  :cowboy:

We've been watching the series Deadwood (which is awesome, by the way) and that made me want to turn to western again.

(http://i.imgur.com/xmbWBXx.jpg)


For this project I used a lot of pebbles and sand (cheapest landscaping solution to date: € 2 per bag of 25 kilo's  ;D). I was going for a desert-look at first, but that didn't work, so it turned out more of a northern state town. That means my soldiers are in the correct uniforms, an added bonus  :)

Any western diorama needs a lot of space, which is one thing I don't have, so I've tried to make it work somehow without the feeling of vast, outstreched land. No tumbleweed either...

I've very much enjoyed the hunt of precious sets, the landscaping, some customizing of buildings and clickies and putting it all in place. I love Playmobil  :love:

I hope you like the pictures  :wave:


(http://i.imgur.com/MAW2dmz.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/zt5S6b6.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/959vNkI.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/DjX7IVS.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/nYU3Lcr.jpg)

Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Birdie on March 15, 2014, 14:49:14
(http://i.imgur.com/C9tAUHp.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/qEHan4f.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/R7OUnWF.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/fcZqDjP.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/2gEXYmf.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/ofepMsh.jpg)



Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Birdie on March 15, 2014, 14:51:28

(http://i.imgur.com/i3xcgwi.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/BPXT0CG.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/m0siI3T.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/4mY41KQ.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/yqLVntz.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/8yvdWdK.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/A82R9TL.jpg)

Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Birdie on March 15, 2014, 14:54:23

(http://i.imgur.com/SKZG2hz.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/3nuzQxf.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/CQ1MaDZ.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/siWtl0b.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/TsTVhWX.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/RwsnQg3.jpg)



Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Birdie on March 15, 2014, 14:56:02

(http://i.imgur.com/bPTBL8G.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/68X6efO.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/YJah70o.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/3gH6BpS.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/vBg0aIu.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/XUB2AYc.jpg)

Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Birdie on March 15, 2014, 14:59:24

(http://i.imgur.com/8tDjial.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/ipSLPBy.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/Sxn2dla.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/VgRd3Y5.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/PCZF1SD.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/h6DG6xE.jpg)

Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Birdie on March 15, 2014, 15:01:34

(http://i.imgur.com/Jpgd0EM.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/xTH76kH.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/3LZm4tP.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/tsvKpBT.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/vbUtipD.jpg)
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Birdie on March 15, 2014, 15:09:42
Behind the mountain there's a hidden goldmine. Difficult to photograph, 'cause there's not much room left behind the table  :)
I've looked everywhere for the old miner's grey soldier hat, but it's gone! I hate it when that happens... It will probably turn up as soon as I've cleared this all away.

(http://i.imgur.com/HgE7djj.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/XmdMh7N.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/JG6FuaL.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/2kuUOI9.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/0sffhgl.jpg)

That's all of it.

 My clicky native Americans say hello and would like to point out that their village was shamefully discarded because of lack of space   :indian:

Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: sunflower on March 15, 2014, 15:57:03
This is really, really perfect! I love looking at it. You must be so creative and patient building all these diorama's in different themes.
Every one more impressive than the other.

I loved the 'little house on the prairie' where the mom is sitting in her rocking chair on the porch while the boy plays with his dog. I love the lady feeding the pigs, the gold digger, the drugs store and all the other scenes at the station and the market.

Your lost hat didn't end up on the (also great) graveyard?

Thank you; You make me love Playmobil even more!

Oh and please give your  :indian: a diorama of their own. I'm allready looking forward to that one.
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Wesley Myers on March 15, 2014, 16:52:00
Looks great!
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: tahra on March 15, 2014, 16:53:52
:wow: That is sooooo awesome!

So much to look at... Really great stuff :love:

The ground is perfect AGAIN :)
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: gaspodfreud on March 15, 2014, 20:20:28
so you have a collection in a lot of different theme ! as usual : pleasure to see your scene , i like the material you use and the feelinh you have to give the feeling playmobil are alive . I also like your choice , you buy the best box for me . Jeremy  :wave:
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: leefert on March 15, 2014, 23:12:27
That is AWESOME!  I love the effect of the sand and small rocks in with the Playmobil.  I also love the details you put into it.  Once again you have outdone yourself on a diorama!  Keep up the awesome work!
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Birdie on March 16, 2014, 07:23:46
Thanks a lot for your comments  :wave:

Your lost hat didn't end up on the (also great) graveyard?

Thank you for your kind words, Sunflower  :)
The hat I'm looking for is indeed grey, but it's a Confederate soldier's hat (with a yellow circle on top). I like that clicky because with his torn uniform, he looks like a deserter from the army who decided to seek his fortune digging gold:

(http://i.imgur.com/k0ex9W1.jpg)

Oh and please give your  :indian: a diorama of their own. I'm allready looking forward to that one.

I wouldn't know where. The kitchen maybe? I think Mitri will put his foot down and veto that :lol:
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: sunflower on March 16, 2014, 07:47:25
That is a great soldier for sure! I know the feeling and frustration of missing parts.

Actually I meant building the native American camp in this landscape after you got bored (is that possible?) with this one. I don't want to be the cause of relational troubles in your home.

But first sit back and enjoy this masterpiece!
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Skywalker on March 16, 2014, 08:22:04
Congrats to your big western dio ! i am sure it took a lot of time. i really like the inside of the houses. so many great details perfectly arranged !
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: tahra on March 16, 2014, 12:17:23
The hat I'm looking for is indeed grey, but it's a Confederate soldier's hat (with a yellow circle on top).

I will take you one then :-)
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Birdie on March 16, 2014, 13:25:22
Thank you Skywalker  :) 

Actually I meant building the native American camp in this landscape after you got bored (is that possible?) with this one. I don't want to be the cause of relational troubles in your home.

I could give that a try. God knows I've got enough yellow sand with that 25 kg bag  ;D

I will take you one then :-)

If it doesn't turn up before the April Factory Tour, you'd make my day if you could bring me one  ;D Let me know if I can help you with anything!
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: tahra on March 16, 2014, 13:48:41
If it doesn't turn up before the April Factory Tour, you'd make my day if you could bring me one  ;D Let me know if I can help you with anything!

It's already set aside for you! (now, please give me a reminder closer to the date - gods know my memory isn't what it used to be  :-[ ) 

Also, if you have a "want list", email it to me - you never know :)
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Daniela on March 16, 2014, 14:04:52
In Germany, I would say "schöööööön"!  ;)

Which means soooooooooo beautiful!  :love:

Great work!

Daniela
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Birdie on March 17, 2014, 17:39:56
It's already set aside for you! (now, please give me a reminder closer to the date - gods know my memory isn't what it used to be  :-[ )

Thanks, will do  :irish:

In Germany, I would say "schöööööön"!  ;)

Herzlichen Dank, Daniela!  :)
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Tiermann on March 18, 2014, 00:50:38
What a beautiful diorama, you've really got the feel of the era and place I think. Love your busy town, it looks just right. Thanks so much for posting it all for us to drool over.
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Georgeag1972 on March 18, 2014, 10:41:59
Wonderful diorama and everything look so alive....... except those in the cemetery!! :lol:
Very nice scenes with many details!! You have awesome Western collection!!
Congratulations for this great job and many thanks for the sharing!!

George. :)

Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Cloud Strife on March 19, 2014, 18:57:11
Wow what an achievement.  You really have an adept hand at conveying mood and feeling just like in your other dioramas!  I love the ticket-seller momentarily putting down his newspaper to take care of a customer and also love the light blue double story bank.  Congrats and look forward to many more!
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Birdie on March 20, 2014, 07:20:18
Thanks so much for posting it all for us to drool over.

Thank you! I must say I enjoy sharing this with fellow collectors,  who are as excited about Playmobil as I am.

Actually, I just found out one of my friends actually owns some western sets, including the train, from when he was a boy. He came 'round to see the diorama and he really liked it. There's lot of hidden Playmobilfans out there, it seems  :)

Wonderful diorama and everything look so alive....... except those in the cemetery!! :lol:


Thanks, George  :)  Every western town needs a cemetery, right?

I love the ticket-seller momentarily putting down his newspaper to take care of a customer and also love the light blue double story bank.

Many thanks! That guy is actually working at the telegraph office, where they print the news paper too. Only problem: what to use as a telegraph and as a press? I didn't figure it out...
I actually found poles to use to have wires up for the telegraph office. In set 4482 (flower garden and shed) you get these brown plasticine bars, they look just like wooden logs. But I forgot to put them up, eventually  :)

Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Georgeag1972 on March 20, 2014, 19:55:56

Thanks, George  :)  Every western town needs a cemetery, right?

Of course Birdie and you made it very well!! ;)

George. :)
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: customklick on April 03, 2014, 14:31:06
Everytime I look to this pictures I feel like an old western redneck, and I don't know why. Awesome work about Colorado Springs man.

I LOVE IT!!!!  :love:
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Birdie on April 05, 2014, 08:35:45
Thanks  :) 

It's all cleared away again. I'm planning my next town, it will be a modern one.
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: playmovictorian on April 11, 2014, 04:28:09
What a magnificent diorama dear Birdie  :wave:

I am so busy with my own project that I often miss what is going on beyond the Storytelling section and what a wealth of wonderful little détails so lovingly and patiently put together  :love:

I have presented a few great Western dioramas in the thread dedicated to worldwide Playmobil exhibitions but should it be exhibited, yours would most definitely have its place there !

It is obvious that you gave this wonderful project so much thought and love in the planning and setting up !

And what is quite amazing is that after seeing many dioramas, I can now appreciate the difference between a diorama created by a Man or a Woman and there is definitely a feminine touch to this Western diorama which is adding a real charm to it  :love:

Karim
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Birdie on April 11, 2014, 05:09:32
Thank you very much, Karim!  :thanks:
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: NtannyGavakis on April 14, 2014, 20:31:17
As a ''western lover'', i loved your diorama Birdie....You managed to cover all the parts of a noise and rich town,as Deadwood was,after they found gold there....i liked the houses and the small detales in them.....and i liked also the dash you put.....
Its clear that wasnt easy to organised the plan of the setting,but you made it with exxelant way....
Thank you for sharing

friendly
Ntanny
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: el jefe on April 14, 2014, 21:07:34
Wow!  Missed this one Birdie.  What a great western town.  Great bustle and cool buildings.  Nice work, I really like it.   :wave:
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Rhalius on May 05, 2014, 21:21:52
A very beautifull diorama, it looks like such a friendly place! The entire setup is beautifull, but what caught my attention the most was the fellow in black greeting the baby who walks with her mother.

Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: henry_martini on May 20, 2014, 01:29:27
This reminds me of the old catalogues.  :love:
Title: Re: Colorado Springs - Birdie's western town
Post by: Birdie on May 20, 2014, 20:04:11
That's really nice to hear - it's what inspired me to do diorama's in the first place  :) Thank you very much everyone!