No matter the genre we are working in, many of us in the modelling community struggle with coming up with a way to display the models that we build. While just a simple plinth can be used, often a more complex vignette or diorama setting is what we are after. Some of you may already know about Uschi van der Rosten’s Scenic Displays, but some may not. Uschi van der Rosten is a Germany based manufacturer and vendor of modelling products focused on offering quality parts and accessories for the modelling community. Uschi’s mission I to provide solutions to many challenges that are easier and quicker for modelers and providing them at a great value; a wide variety of diorama scenes in a bag if you will. These Scenic Displays are incredibly simplistic to construct and yet highly effective in producing a detailed base for you finished models.

Scenic Display

Da Nang Air Force Base Scenic Display

Model No. 3011
Scale – 1/48 (also avail. In 1/72)
MSRP – 12.90€ / $14.40 US (plus shipping)

For this review, I will be looking at the 1/48 scale Da Nang Air Force Base Scenic Display. Each of the Scenic Displays from Uschi are designed to allow the modeler to create a realistic diorama or vignette base for their models; and while geared towards the aircraft side of the hobby, these Scenic Displays are not limited to just that genre. All of these displays are sold in both 1/72 and 1/48 scale.

The Da Nang Air Force Base Scenic Display in sold in a peg-board style packaging and is sealed in a large Ziploc-type bag. Inside the 1/48 scale set, you will find three sheets of thick A4 card stock containing printouts depicting various sections of the airfield; is this case, Da Nang Air Force Base. In addition, there is a small sheet of photo etch included to enhance the look of the display.

These air field templates are printed on high quality card stock in a very high resolution which clearly shows all of the detailing such as realistic texture to the concrete, expansion joints, cracks and field markings. The scenic display is easy and fast to construct. While you can simply apply these sheets directly to any plinth base, you can add them to various other surfaces if you wish; like foam board or even extruded poly styrene (EPS/XPS). Carefully cut out the sections of the printed airfield and glue them down…easy as that. To add a higher level of detailing, you can cut along the printed expansion joints to separate the individual sections of the airfield, glue them down individually and place various grasses, foliage and sand mixes into the cracks.

As I mentioned earlier, there is a small sheet of photo etch parts included with this set. There are two tarmac tie down plates and one large square inspection cover plate. These tie down plates are to replace the ones the depicted plates located on the printed sheets. Cut out the printed version of the plates, drill a shallow hole into the base, insert a small u-shaped attachment ring and install the cover plate. This will give a sense of depth to the base and increase the realism. There is also a square inspection cover that has been etched with a diamond plate texture to it. This can be simply glued into place on top of the printed plate which will add depth. For even more realism, a small lifting hole or two can be drilled into the inspection plate.

There are no printed instructions with the Scenic Displays but the process is straightforward, easy and well....FUN!

Click HERE for a short video to show how quick and easy the construction of these Scenic Displays can be!

Conclusion

I have made the attempt to create a few dioramas for various models in the past as well as seeing a few printed versions online for sale, none of which gave me complete satisfaction with the results. However, after seeing these Uschi Scenic Display sets, finding out how easy to construct and effective they are when complete, I will have to say they are one of the best ways to add an amazing level of detail to any static display.

The Da Nang Air Force Base Scenic Display, from Uschi van der Rosten, has incredible detailing and has been printed on high quality card stock. The added photo etch enhancements bring depth and detail to the setting and with relatively little effort involved to construct the display, I have to highly recommend this or any of the Scenic Displays from Uschi to one looking to create a highly detailed base, quickly, simple and cost effectively as this 1/48 scale display set costs under $15 US minus any shipping charges. After what I see some vendors are charging as flat rates for shipping, Uschi’s rates are more than acceptable and the service is always prompt. With the Scenic Displays, as with many other items I have received, Uschi meets my three basic criteria when purchasing…Quality, Service and Value. Highly Recommended!!

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.