1:72 Automatic washing machine

An automatic washing machine in 1:72 scale

A washing machine is one of those objects that do an enormous amount of work in a diorama with a minimum of space. As soon as it appears in the corner of a scene, a viewer immediately reads the space as a dwelling, a laundry or an abandoned flat — even when the rest of the scene is only a bare wall and rubble. In 1:72 scale it is a small stand-alone object of the setting, not a kit and not a part to be fitted to another model.

Where the accessory suits

It comes into its own in interior dioramas, in scenes with a damaged building, in a yard, in the support area of a repair workshop and on the bed of a cart during a move or an evacuation. The white surface of the appliance works in a scene as a light accent that draws the eye — which is why diorama builders like to use it to direct attention to the main model.

Cleaning up and painting tips

First wash the part in lukewarm soapy water and let it dry. Clean up the residue from production carefully; with a small object a sanding sponge is enough. Never paint a white appliance pure white — lay down a light gray base and only lighten the top surfaces with white, otherwise the object will merge into the display cabinet. Contrast is then created by a dark wash in the gaps around the door and in the control panel. Patches of rust at the feet and a little dust from a pigment will turn a new washing machine into a worn-out one. Choose the glue according to the material of the part; cyanoacrylate is universal.

Who the accessory is for

• Builders of dioramas in 1:72 who build interiors and civilian settings
• Modelers of modern vehicles whose scene needs present-day civilian equipment
• Fans of scenes with ruins and abandoned buildings
• Beginners — a small area on which a wash and a dry brush are easy to practice

Paints, glue and a base are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.