HOW TO BUILD AIRCRAFT DIORAMAS

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

If I knew how to post this pic right side up ,I would.Anyway,don't get a kink in your neck trying.
After I finish this next set of 4 figures,I plan to weather this model T truck.I understand that Henry would sell you just the engine and chassis in those days and you could build your own body.This leaves all kinds of room for mods and design changes.I am really looking forward to what I can come up with.I have one more additional figure to do and that should be it for figures in and around the main hangar.If I decide to press on ,who knows!

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

I re-worked this figure and although he is still out of proportion I decided to rescue him for the mens room.He can only be viewed through some windows in the privy ,at an angle looking down ,so it really is not noticable and he adds a little humor to the scene.He is a 2nd barnstormer wearing a watch cap and leather jacket.
"Taking a nervous one" before going flying is something every pilot can relate to.
Cheers! John.

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

The Bomber cont.....

Ken Hamilton has published a whole series of new pics on his bomber diorama.(please see http//:www.scaleautomag.com forums,dioramas)
Cheers! John.

[JohnReid]

Ken also has a wicked sense of humor!

[JohnReid]

In my opinion "The Bomber" is one of the best dioramas that I have ever seen.Why? Well I think that it captures everything a great diorama should .#1 it sure grabs your attention(great marketing idea by Texaco at the time)and it keeps your attention in many subtle ways.It represents an everyday object presented in a very creative way.It tells a story.
It has significant historical context and is representative of a certain period of history that is unmistakable.It has humour,wonderful composition and color harmony.It can be lighted for a wonderful dusk scene (note the lights on the props)It is believable.The figures are well thought out and add life and humor to the piece.They are well painted and do not detract from the scene by being too shiney or haphazardly placed. (both common mistakes) Yes ,it is very neat in appearance but so is the real life photo ,and in our diorama world this scene could have taken place just after the photo was taken .Ken has also gone a step further and personalized this piece by actually naming the central characters,Lone Wolf and Peggy Sue.
Lastly,and most importantely , it is unforgettable.I can't tell you how many people have responded to Ken's bringing this piece out of storage after 15 years.They tell of remembering seeing it here or there,in this mag or that,at shows etc...That as far as I am concerned is the greatest compliment an artist can receive.
Well done Ken ,you are truly a master dioramist.
Cheers! John.

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

Here is another example of Ken's great work,a completely scratchbuilt workbench.Although things may look like they were just thrown together a closer look reveals just how much thought went into the placement of each piece.
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