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Category: Dioramas

  • Dioramas, a pleasure, an art

    Dioramas, a pleasure, an art

    Life in miniature

    Highly popular in the field of military miniatures, dioramas also exist in the world of 1/43 civilian models. Whether based on kits or existing models from traditional manufacturers (Solido, Norev, Matrix, Minialuxe, etc.), dioramas bring life and realism to miniatures. Replicating scenes from period photographs, pure imagination or specific themes, the objectives are very varied. For my part, I am very fond of reproducing real scenes from photographs. It allows one to immerse oneself in reality, sometimes out of nostalgia and sometimes simply for the challenges posed by reproducing the scene.

    My latest creation, a diorama for the CX's fiftieth anniversary

    Recently, I read the excellent book «Citroën Aulnay», published by Citrovisie editions. One photo particularly caught my attention: the one showing a CX body shell resting on breeze blocks and showing the different painting stages. I sent an email to the publisher asking if it would be possible to reproduce this picture; not only did I get a reply within half a day, but it came directly from Mr Julius GOLDMANN, the author, who sent me this photo and a few others as attachments.

    Display of a Citroën CX bodyshell showing the different paint phases
    Citroën CX, paint stages

    The choices for the diorama

    The photo is taken from an angle that does not allow the entirety of the environment to be grasped. Therefore, I chose to limit myself to what I could see, assuming the hidden or invisible details. The group formed by the lockers, the breeze blocks, the bodywork of the CX and the figure is printed in resin. The grilles are printed in PLA (plastic) and the chain is made from a jewellery chain. The main support is a small wooden board. A copy of the original photo is slid onto two rails (printed in PLA) beneath the board.

    A one-off copy… and a modification to come!

    I am quite satisfied with the result. However, the most observant among you will have noticed a major omission. Focused on the whole scene, I forgot to put a floor in the car! Overall it is not a huge deal, but this omission detracts from the realism of the scene… I plan to remedy this flaw soon, and I will then publish new photos. Thank you for your forbearance, but please feel free to contact me for more information or comments. For the moment I have no plans to make any other copies of this diorama, but if you are interested, let me know.

    Diorama of the stages of painting a CX in the Aulnay factory.
    Diorama CX, painting stages

    Another diorama in the works

    I would like to thank Mr Julius GOLDMANN once again, to whom I sent a photo of this diorama and who replied very kindly by throwing down a «new challenge» for me, which I will no doubt take up in the coming months (the photo below is not in the book). Watch this space...

    Body assembly of a Citroën CX. Aulnay plant. Photo by Julius Goldmann
    Citroën CX. Body shell welding. Aulnay plant

    December 2025: mission accomplished! see Here

  • Citroën RE2 helicopter

    The Citroën RE2 helicopter or the diversification of activities at Citroën

    The project

    «Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads!» Of course you've recognised this iconic line! (If not, you'll find the reference at the end of the article). What's the link with the model I'm showing you today? None, other than the fact that this Citroën doesn't need a road because it's... a helicopter! In the early 1970s, the car market was tense. The first oil crisis was weighing on the future of the automobile. Citroën, where innovation has always been at the forefront, was looking into numerous projects concerning means of transport, notably that of the helicopter.

    The Citroën RE2 helicopter: design and characteristics

    Its main technical characteristic is the use of the Wankel rotary piston engine and the construction of the helicopter according to methods used for the automobile industry and not solely for aeronautics (which inevitably caused problems due to the in-house engineers not being trained in aeronautics). The project manager was engineer Charles Marchetti, who was notably behind the Alouette II and Super Frelon helicopters, among others. The RE2 measures approximately 10 metres from the tip of the front blade to the tail, with an overall height of about 1.80 metres. It is designed for two seats and its rotary engine develops 190 horsepower.

    The 1/43 scale miniature Citroën RE2 helicopter

    The common scales for aircraft modelling are 1/72, 1/48 and 1/35. At these scales, the RE2 has never been reproduced, whether as a miniature or a model kit. A few personal creations, one-offs or small batches do exist, often made for clubs, but to date I have not found a photo of any (if you know of any, I would of course be very interested to see them to enrich this article). My choice to reproduce it in 1/43 scale is guided by my collection theme: Citroën. Built as a single prototype, this helicopter is for me above all «a Citroën», and does not fall under aircraft modelling.

    Citroën RE2 helicopter - Original Citroën brochure version - In progress
    The 1:43 scale RE2 project, main hull with paint test in accordance with the Citroën brochure

    The steps involved in making the miniature

    Following the desk research, I proceed with 3D modelling using several software packages, notably Fusion360 and Meshmixer for splitting it into parts to be printed. At 1:43 scale, 10 metres represents a «large» miniature! The bodywork, blades and rotors are made of resin, the cabin interior in PLA and the glazing in moulded transparent plastic. I chose the original and colourful presentation that appears in the brochure published by Citroën (which you can download from the Citroën Origins website - link at the end of the article), rather than the dreary military green of the example kept by the Citroën Museum. A photo of the RE2 can be seen on the internet alongside the Type J tractor (another miniature I have made, see article here)

    Conclusion

    An iconic model for enthusiasts of the double chevron brand. By the way, the reference for the replica at the beginning of the article is of course Back to the Future.

    List of resources for this vehicle:

    Web

    Citroën Origins

    Google Search

  • Citroen Type J tractor

    Citroen Type J tractor

    Important update: August 2026

    Type J is scheduled in 1/43rd miniature in the «Citroën vans» collection by Altaya publishing (issue no. 83, provisional publication date 2 February 2028).

    The Citroën Type J succeeded a first attempt at a vineyard tractor in 1919

    The Citroën Type J tractor or Citroën's agricultural ambitions

    At the end of the 1940s, at Citroën's top-secret testing facility in La Ferté-Vidamme (Eure-et-Loir), testing began for this tractor. It was not the first vehicle of its kind, as a vineyard tractor had been produced at the end of the First World War. Only three Type J tractors were built, including one with two-wheel drive and another with full four-wheel drive. Tests were carried out by the farming monks of the Abbey of Soligny. The four-wheel drive model ended its career as a farm tool and a recovery vehicle for the prototypes tested at the La Ferté-Vidamme proving ground.

    The Citroën Type J tractor: design and characteristics

    Its appearance is typical of agricultural vehicles of that era. With a total length of around 3.20 metres and a width of about 1.50 metres, the Type J is distinguished by its 4 identical wheels. It is equipped with an engine derived from that of the Traction 7 hp. Its height is around 1.80 metres.

    Citroën miniature tractors in 1/43 scale

    The Citroën B2 vineyard tractor was reproduced in the «TRACTEURS ET MONDE AGRICOLE» (1/43 scale) partwork collection published by HACHETTE / UNIVERSAL HOBBIES in issue 65 (out of 146 in total) released on 28 August 2008. It can now be found fairly easily at model fairs and motor shows where diecast model dealers are present.

    1919 Citroën vineyard tractor

    As for the Type J, and following my research, it has never been reproduced (neither in 1:43 nor in 1:32 scale, which is the scale generally used for agricultural miniatures).

    The steps involved in making the miniature

    Following the documentary research, I am carrying out the 3D modelling using several software programs, notably Fusion360 and Meshmixer, for dividing it into parts to be printed. Here, everything is made of resin. For the presentation, I chose a crystal box with a wooden base where I have reproduced the manufacturer's «TEST» plate for the first three models in the numbered series. The plate is reproduced using FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) 3D printing and not in resin. A photo of the Type J can be seen on the internet alongside the RE2 helicopter (miniature currently being made, see article here)

    Conclusion

    I offer you this miniature (as an unpainted kit, or painted and assembled) to enhance your collection with a unique piece, testament to a bygone era when testing was done in the field.

    List of resources for this vehicle:

    Press:

    Tracteurs d’antan, issue 1, July / August 2024

    All tractors manufactured in France, volume 1, July 2024

    Web: on Google or where Citroën Origins

    Rémy Martin