1:72 Gate V.

A gate in 1:72 scale for building dioramas

A gate in 1:72 scale is a scenic item for dioramas and display cases. It closes off a fence, an enclosure or the entrance to a yard and gives a scene a clear boundary, which makes it look finished. It is not a kit of a vehicle or an aircraft; it is a separate building block of the setting, seated into the groundwork.

What the accessory suits

An entrance is a rewarding spot in a diorama. On its own it suggests a story — something is arriving or leaving — and at the same time it leads the viewer's eye to the main model. The gate suits both village and town scenes, a farmstead, the edge of a field airfield and a factory compound. In 1:72 scale it takes up little room, so you can use it even on a small vignette. Check the exact contents of the package and the production technology on the box.

Installation and painting tips

Try the seating dry first and think about whether the gate should be open or closed — an open leaf adds movement to a scene. Glue fine parts with cyanoacrylate glue applied on a wire, so that it does not run. Degrease the part before painting and go over it with a primer. On a metal gate a dark base, a dry brush on the edges and spot rust all work; on a wooden one a lighter base, a dark wash in the gaps and a dry brush to bring out the grain of the wood do the job. Finally, work the posts into the terrain and cover the transition with earth or grass, so that the gate does not look as if it were merely laid on the surface.

Who the accessory is for

• for dioramas and vignettes in 1:72 scale
• for closing off fences, enclosures and entrances to yards
• as a scenic item beside vehicles, aircraft and figures
• for modelers who want to give a scene a clear boundary

The accessory is supplied unpainted. Glue, paints and a base are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.