Building a MicroScene
This all started when I was trying out some ideas about using small batteries in modeling. The CR2032 battery is quite small, but actually carries a bit of power. I wanted to see if it could power a small LED for a long time. I came across a compact battery holder for it and mounted it on a scrap piece of 0.020 black styrene. A dropping resistor (1000 Ohms) and a small switch completed the circuit and I wound up with the device below:
I used Bachmann plasticville figures equipped with a lighted lantern as described before in “Points of Light,” my Februray 2012 article in MRH ( https://forum.mrhmag.com/magazine-feedback-was-ezines-891776 ).
A 0.012 brass wire was glued in the wire-less leg and then to the base to add some strength to the figure. A ¼ inch styrene angle was glued to the front underside to add some stability to the base, which is “standardized” to 1 1/8 wide by 7/8 inches deep (the depth extends to 1 ¼ inches with the battery added). I put these in a small clear plastic box. Details were protected when these steps were taken.
Stained stripwood was glued to the front creating the look of a platform. After the figure was glued in place and the wires soldered to their terminals, I flattened the excess wire with my finger and then encased them with Elmer’s white glue. This protected them and kept them in place when the MicroScene was handled. The intent was to make the little module as structurally durable as possible. Note too, that the battery can easily be replaced by sliding it out the back anytime. It is quite snug in the holder, however.
Tell a Story and Send a Personal Message
Since I knew who I was going to give these to, I wondered if I could personalize them somehow. So with a little effort each tells a “story” of sorts. This first one was for my dear wife who is followed into her flower garden by our 20 year old cat, who will “hide” behind the thinnest twig as she stalks the birds nearby. If you look closely, you can see just that below:
These next were made for my sons. Both had the figure carrying a blue lantern to remind them to work hard (Men at Work Rule 26) and each with a big dog – both to remind them of our family dog and to remember who’s “the big dog” in the family. 
One has rails lying next to the figure denoting travel, the other has extra building materials for my architect.
The fourth told a story of a family friend visiting and seeing a hawk in our garden.
As I mentioned before, the reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Beyond the very enthusiastic “Thank you’s,” I was thrilled to hear “Could I keep it?” And of course they could, and did. The comments and positive ripples continue to occur, stronger than any other reactions I’ve seen. Showing these at my last clinic reinforced the interest.
These are all small projects by layout standards, but actually required more thought and planning than I anticipated. I’ve rarely ever seen flowers on a layout, and this got me to look into modeling some. There are some fine commercial products, but they’re quite expensive for the quantity. MRC and others make some interesting flower materials, and there are even brightly colored “leaves” that can be used as flower parts. It would make an interesting article someday.
The flat, boarded front of the MicroScene also makes me think these could be used as “awards” for contests or club achievements. The flat surface could easily accommodate a small plaque or sign.
I will continue making these as time permits and use these to share my hobby. Maybe others will understand my enthusiasm a bit better and join in themselves sometime!
Comments and appropriate suggestions are always welcome.
Have fun!
Best Regards,
Geoff Bunza
