HOW TO BUILD AIRCRAFT DIORAMAS

[JohnReid]

Here are some of the burrs that I use for very fine sanding of the enamel surfaces of diecasts.On wood they are used as polishers.I think that they are abrasive/rubber of some kind.They are available at most stores that sell Dremel tools or from woodcarvers supply.You will need to experiment a bit here but usually the finest grit works best on enamel.The last burr on the right is a ruby burr of fine grit used to quickly remove some rubber on the tires ,also available at woodcarvers stores.
The 2nd to last burr was used to polish the rubber and remove fuzz.The final step is to use a #11 xacto on edge as a scraper to remove any fine residue.Wash with soap and water and you are now ready to paint.

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

This works well for either aircraft or car rubber wheels.

The above 3 pics are of a wheel that I weathered this PM.Thie first pic is of the untouched wheel.The second was after using a burr and painting with a mix of Matte medium mixed with a little distilled water and a little touch of raw umber in multiple coats.The last pic is after using black ,grey and burnt sienna pastels.

[JohnReid]

Somewhere down the road I plan to build another showcar from a plastic kit.At that time I will review my methods of weathering on plastic.I have done both and really dont prefer one or the other as they both have their pluses and minuses.
There is a little more work involved in breaking down a diecast into its various pieces and keeping a track of how you did it(recommended) but usually all the fitting problems have already been done for you.There is seldom any need for filler except for the odd casting line.You dont need a lot of glue except for the plastic parts as most diecasts are put together using screws.On the other hand you have to be willing to screw up that nice shiny surface ,the one that you try so hard to obtain on the plastic kits.
Diecasts are now made in many scales besides the usual aircraft and car scales.You can find 1/24 and 1/16th fire trucks from 1914-75,Trucks of all types in 1/53,motorcycles in 1/10 and 1/12,Tractors in 1/16,construction equipement in 1/50,Municiple trucks in 1/34,Heavy trucks in 1/16 from 1940-75 and so on.Even Zamboni ice machines! And the list is growing every year.
This is great news for dioramists of all generes.

[JohnReid]

I am sorry guys if I don't get much of an opportunity to get more involved in the day to day conversations on the individual websites that I try to make a contribution to, on almost a daily basis.I really would like to get more involved with each site but that is not possible and get any building done too.I try to answer any questions I receive as soon as possible.I am sure that you guys understand that my primary interest in all this is promotioning the building of dioramas.
Because I contribute to airplane,car,figure,RR,diecast and ship modeling sites some overlap in generes is enevitable but most posting are usually of some interest to modelers in general.
I dont expect a lot of replies because of my lack of invovlment in the day to day threads but I do know that you guys are out there by the increasing number of hits that I get on the various websites.But my best reward is seeing the rising interest in dioramas of all kinds and to have known that I have had a small part in that.
Cheers! John.

[mgtaylor]

John Post On !!!

This obviously is a cornerstone post for the forum. The Model Airway Kits are classics. It is thrilling to see them thru construction but better yet set into the realistic settings which your imagination has come up with. The techniques you have described and demonstrated here are foundational skills which can be applied to all facets of model building. Certainly you have guts. I would be scared witless to take a dremel head to a shinny enamel model car. BUt you have made it look easy! I am much inspired and appreciated your great contribution to the board. Most likely their are few responses and lots of visitors becuase you seem to be doing just fine on your own here and there dosen't seem much to add to your great work. Unlike WWII and Modern ACFT I think these planes often are best displayed on some kind of landscaping/diaroma. Your examples are great. Thanks. Iam looking forward to seeing the end result of this monumental Curtis Jenny piece.

Yours truley Mike

[JohnReid]

Thanks Mike your comments are truly appreciated.It was just that I was feeling a little guilty about not participating in many of the other threads.
Cheers! John.

[JohnReid]