HOW TO BUILD AIRCRAFT DIORAMAS

[JohnReid]

Hi guys! For the casters I used some old brass block sheaves that I had from my model shipbuilding days.The housing is made from flatten tubing with everything held together with pins.
The belaying pin drawer pulls are available in many sizes and are also can be had in wood as well as brass.
The rags on the table top were made from kleenex cut out with a sharp xacto and soaked in a mix of 1/3 carpenters glue and water.It is dabbed on to the kleenex till wet and then placed on the table to dry.You can work with a soft round brush to eliminate bubbles or create wrinkes or waves in the cloth.
I am not really happy with mine as they look a little plastered down and normally I would do them again but in this case I plan to add another rag or newspaper that contains an engine part.There will be lots of things on the tabletop so none of this will be readily seen.(these rags look like they have been out in the rain!)

[JohnReid]

Originally Posted by Jasta 5 Von Muller

Sweet stuff!!!

Thanks! I am glad that you are enjoying it.
Cheers! John.

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

Except for a box of nuts and bolts on the tabletop and a few parts and pieces on the lower shelf, this table is finished.As you can see from the pics with the use of just the simplest of tools,xacto ,sandpaper and brushes for painting, an acceptable piece can be done.I don't use a lot of power tools,airbrush etc.. in my work ,although I do have them available to me if I need them.I just enjoy using handtools and paintbrushes and the peace and quiet that comes with them.
This piece took me 4-5 days(probably about 15-20 hours) to do and was easy to make.
Craft stores have many wooden parts available that can be adapted to diorama work.
Hobby stores have a host of odds and ends to rummage through as well,look especially amoung the RR and shipbuilding sections.I have been in sewing shops,flyfishing supply stores,hardware and computer stores etc.....looking for inspiration.The internet is also great for miniature stuff,take a look at
www.printmini.com for mini printables such as newspapers etc.....
Now its on to the stationary workbench and parts shelves.

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

It is hard to imagine today that this was once a state of the art fighter plane,not much bigger than a present day Cessna 150 with a gun on it.It really is a beautiful design with its all wood fuselage,wings and control surfaces.

[JohnReid]