I recently started building a series of 1/87 scale dioramas in a 1'x1' format. They are illuminated for night viewing and encased in Plexiglas. Each closely follows actual NYC scenes from the 1930s. Unfortunately my photography skills aren't quite up to the task; much of the subtle color, weathering and detail must be seen in person to be fully appreciated.
Some views of my first diorama, Stanton Street. The model is based on the well-known Berenice Abbott photo, taken on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in March, 1937. This model was very well received at the 2009 Craftsman Structure Show. I did not enter it in the competition.
Here's a little vignette from an earlier 1/87 scale diorama.
And a stand alone 1/87 scale miniature just for the heck of it.
Next to a lady's sewing thimble, a classic 18th C. Chippendale Lowboy in 1/87.
And another 1/87 scale micro model.
1890s chairs on a clothespin
Because the standard 1/87 commercial parts are too crude and out of scale for my purposes, almost every part is designed and cut from scratch. Exceptions are the vehicles, the street light, and some Tichy window frames in the clapboard structure. My brick work, in particular, was developed over a period of several months of experimentation and in collaboration with Christian Jaquet, a professional graphics artist. Bill Sartore developed the LEDs and circuitry for illumination. Most parts are highly specialized, but some I make commercially available. Be sure to check out high quality HO Scale Structure Details For inquiries or custom work, contact me at JKrakow@aol.com