HOW TO BUILD AIRCRAFT DIORAMAS

[JohnReid]

For this build I will assume ,as I did with the Jenny airplane ,that you already have a copy of the Model Airways instruction manual.I will only supplement the instructions given in the manual where my methods differ or help to clarify areas that I found needed more instruction.
Research Material:
There are many great sites on the internet dealing with every aspect of the life and times of Glenn Curtiss.The OX5 was just one of his wonderful contributions to aviation as we know it today.The Ox5 engine is very well documented on many of those sites.I will put up those links as we go along.
Briefly,the Ox5 is a in-line V8,water-cooled engine of 90Hp,first manufactured in 1910 and used in many aircraft including the Jenny. to be cont...........

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

These are some of the actual engine parts as they came out of the box.Those of you who have built this manufacturers previous kits will be surprised to see just how clean they are ,with no (or very little) flash.The metal material used (pewter?) is a much better quality and not so easily subject to bending and twisting.
All metal parts require cleaning with a little soap and water to remove any lingering trace of mold release agent.
I paint or dunk all metal parts into a mix of 2/3 laquer and 1/3 laquer thinner to seal them and make them ready for the gesso undercoat and the acrylic paint.

[JohnReid]

More engine parts!

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

The above pic is what I would like to do with the OX5 engine.Just outside the engine shop I will build a test stand something like you see here.This I think will be a very educational little mini-diorama that will not in any way compete with the main subject matter because of its positioning behind the hangar.It will give the viewer a nice way of viewing the OX5 engine close up and make it a little more interesting at the same time.

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

The above floor plan gives you an idea of where I am now in this build.

1-Main hangar-90% finished-needs lighting to be installed and a few aircraft odds and ends to be completed.
2-Office-99% finished
3-Woodworkers shop-99% finished
4-WC and coal storage-99% finished
5-Garage doors and attached ramp-90% finished

Still to be built
1-Engine shop
2-Engine test stand
3-Parking lot
4-Junkyard

Down the road(way down the road)
1-Radio shack and dispatch area
2-Tool sheds and garage for 1/16th tractor(for runway maintenance)

Way,way down the road(if I'm still around and free of any serious snags)
1-The second hangar containing a 1/16th Camel converted to a racer.(any info on this?Was it possible?)

Cheers! John.

[JohnReid]