I’ve been looking for dioramas depicting mining operations that were popular at 19th century World’s Fairs as part of my World’s Fair research. I came across an organization that sponsors a “Logging and Mining Modeler’s Convention” which has a contest for model railroad, logging operations, and diorama construction. Just another way that miniatures are popular. They have been doing this for 28 years. Alas, it is in California but check out their web info here:
LOGGING AND MININING CONVENTION
The Wonder of Miniature Worlds 
WOW! The addition of characters makes all the difference in the overall composition of the display. Our judges frown upon them. Thanks for sending it my way.
Wonderful detail.
Cool!