NEW HALLOWEEN DIORAMA! THE APOTHECARY (Patreon)

Hello friends!

Note: Patreon recently changed the way photos are displayed. To prevent images from appearing blurred for free members, only one can be placed above the title, while the others must be included within the body of the post itself. THEREFORE, THE REST OF THE PHOTOS ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST. THE ZIP FILE IS JUST UNDER THE PHOTOS. I am currently in discussions with Patreon to determine whether this is intentional or an error on their part.

So here it is at last! The final Halloween diorama! A spooky, eerie Apothecary!

As I mentioned, there will be a modified Christmas version of this diorama! I’m currently printing it—larger than the Halloween version—so I don't have photos or STL files ready just yet, but they’ll be added in a day or two. I’ll update this post and create a separate one to let you know when the Christmas version is available!

For now, let’s get back to the Halloween model!

Packed with lovely details and Halloween colors, it’s sure to stand out among your other decorations! I tried to raise the level of detail in my assemblies to another level once again and in the end I must say that I am very satisfied with the final result.

The project can easily be scaled up; it is currently in its smallest form. In its present state, it can be printed on a mini-format printer. However, I don't advise printing it any smaller, as the current size already requires a bit of dexterity during assembly. Making it smaller would likely make assembly quite difficult, so I don't recommend scaling it down. On the contrary, I suggest scaling it up if your printer allows. Take the base (the largest piece), place it in your slicer to see how much you can increase the scale percentage, and then scale the other pieces by that same amount.

The model was designed for use with battery-operated tea lights. However, I also designed it to work with LED strips or COB LED strips. If you choose to use LEDs, the instructions will show you two pieces that should be left out. Everything is clearly explained. The only major difference with the LED strip is that it also illuminates the basement fencing—something a tea light struggles to do. If you choose this option, you’ll find a hole in the basement section at the back of the building to route the wire.

Overall, the assembly process is very similar to my Hot Wheels dioramas or other dioramas and "fairy houses" you might have built in the past. In fact, the scale matches Hot Wheels vehicles (1:64). The instructions are detailed, so assembly should be straightforward.

Almost all parts print without supports. Only one—the roof—requires supports for the interior. If you’re worried about removing them, don't be: even if you leave the supports in place, the model assembles perfectly, and nothing will be visible from the outside.

A few parts require color changes at specific layers. As we’ve discussed before, any printer can handle this—you don't need a multi-color system. If you aren't familiar with layer-based color changes, feel free to ask for help in my Facebook support group here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403567230344891

Finally, I highly recommend using CA glue that comes in a bottle with a precision applicator tip. I always use the one linked below; it doesn't leave a white residue and applies smoothly and precisely (I use the medium viscosity version):

https://a.co/d/06H5JyH3

That covers everything I wanted to mention. If you have any questions or if anything isn't clear, please don't hesitate to ask! I hope you like it as much as I do! I'll be back soon with the completed Christmas version!!!

Have fun, my friends!

Pascal