HOW TO BUILD AIRCRAFT DIORAMAS

JohnReid · 24 October 2006, 05:32 PM

JohnReid · 25 October 2006, 03:09 PM

JohnReid · 25 October 2006, 03:33 PM

Using the same burr I continued to thin down the plastic .Nowhere did I actually break through to the exopy beneath but in some places it is very thin.Iwill stop here until I bend the body to the seated position.
The back of the figure was carved down to a smooth finish.If the epoxy paste tends to come off in pieces instead of a dust let it cure awhile longer.When dealing with a shiny plastic surface rough it up a bit before applying the exoxy,using a burr or sandpaper.
Next it is on to finding a position that I like using the mannequin as an example and then trying to reposition the figure as required.

theseeker · 25 October 2006, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnReid

This is a Tamiya figure that I picked up the other day of aWW2 Japanese fighter pilot.It is in 1/16th scale but a little shorter in stature than my other 1/16th figures.
It has all the makings of a nice modified WW1 (or as in my case ) a 20's barnstormer.Normally ,I would just make some mods to the flying suit and use it pretty much as is ,but in this case I think that I will try another seated figure(my 1st was the guy seated in the model A in the Nieuport diorama)He may look good seated in one of the airshow cars.
The last time that I tried this I didnt have a mannequin to work with and it turned out OK but this time it should be a lot easier.This is a hollow plastic figure so I plan to use lots of A+B epoxy as a filler in certain areas.I like to overbuild areas of the figure and then carve it down with rotary tools much like you would to carve wood.Another for my to do list......

John,
Where did you get that kit? I have not seen it.

JohnReid · 25 October 2006, 03:53 PM

Hi! It is a new figure but any Tamiya dealer should be able to get it for you.My hobby store did not have it in stock yet but they were able to get it in a few days.

JohnReid · 26 October 2006, 06:22 AM

A friend on another thread wrote:

PS: Just an after-thought. You may want to try some 2-part polyester automotive putty like "Evercoat" to fill in the backs of the figures. If you break through, it sands more like plastic.... and you can use what's left in the can to fill the seams when you chop the top on that 1:1 jalopy you're playing with.

Speaking of "Belle" the 1931 Ford Tudor,I understand that Minicraft has just brought out a 1/16th kit of the exact same car as "Belle" even down to the red and black color scheme.This style and year seems to be very popular with the diecast companies and kitmakers.I think that it must be because the "Tudor" was Henry's original idea for the "A" sort of like what the DC3 was to aviation.
Being a history buff myself I really enjoy having the tudor more than I would any other car of the era ,as it really is an American icon of automotive history, and besides it is a heck of a lot cheaper to buy than the more popular roadster or pheaton versions.
After a fun summers driving I plan to put her on jacks soon for the winter.
Cheers! John.

JohnReid · 26 October 2006, 01:45 PM

JohnReid · 26 October 2006, 03:49 PM

JohnReid · 27 October 2006, 01:22 PM

JohnReid · 27 October 2006, 01:46 PM

This is where I am so far,I measured down from the mannequin's chin to his lap and used this as my starting point.I checked the seat that the figure will be seated in and decided to have the figure bend at the waist at 90 deg.I will cover the hole in its rear end with some filler and cover it with A+B epoxy.