HOW TO BUILD AIRCRAFT DIORAMAS

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

The above pic is the best I have of the Mercedes engine as installed in my 1/16th Albatros diorama.Further research has revealed that the 100HP version of this engine was originally developed for the Automobile Technical Society in 1911.The larger 160 HP and 180 HP versions powered cars and aircraft in Germany for many years.

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

The above pic of the engine block was taken from a page supplied with the kit of all the resin parts.The crease that you see across the middle of the block is actually where the paper was folded and not on the casting itself.
This is where I will begin this build by removing what very little flash there is on the casting,then washing the parts in soapy water.I will remove a little resin where the propeller hub meets the engine.If you want your prop to spin enough material will have to be removed to accomodate the entire prop hub.Mine will be stationary so it will require only minimum drilling.I could do this now but I think that I will wait until after the 2 pieces of the block are joined together.
In comparing the parts of this engine with the Model expo version ,that I had previously built ,the quality ,accuracy and fit of the parts is clearly superior.This looks like it will be a fun build!

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

Monty's finished! except for a few final touchups under the hangar lights.I haven't figured out where to place him in the diorama yet but he could go just about anywhere.I think that I will put aside the figures for now after having completed 14 of them so far.Now its on to that Mercedes engine! One thing about doing dioramas you certainly never get bored with any one subject.
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[JohnReid]

Another change in plans.I hate to say it but summer is growing short in the GWN.Soon it will be too cold for this almost 66 year old body to spent much time sitting outdoors.(its not too bad if you keep moving) Therefore ,I think that i will divide what is left of summer into doing the Mercedes engine indoors on rainy or cool days, and finishing the hangar lighting outdoors on nice days ,as I need the room to workon the large roof rafter assembly.Why am I telling you all this?Because it may be a little confusing at times jumping from one subject to the other and those of you who expect a quick build of the Mercedes may be disappointed in the lack of consistency.

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]