HOW TO BUILD AIRCRAFT DIORAMAS

[JohnReid]

As you know I have been researching downthrust or no downthrust engine and it has finally occured to me that i dont even know why it was used in the JN4 D.Anyone have the answer? (edit:see Replica section for answer)

On carb heat evidently they used something called Wright Air Heaters #13732(J4B) and #13828(J-5).The problem is that because of the wide variation in engine installations the pipe connections are up to the individual.How these heaters worked I have no idea.Any ideas?

The center section jig is underway and so far so good.The fuselage at the center section area is perfectly square.However at the tail there is a 1.5 mm differnce across the top of the upper longerons.Where that came from I have no idea.When I build up the 2nd fuselage, I will compensate for this by modifying the kits jig and see what happens.Not a big problem for a diorama model but I mention this so you will be on the lookout for this if you construct this kits jig. to be cont......

[JohnReid]

Modified center section:The center section must be modified to reflect the extended straight trailing edge of the Canucks wing .
The 1st step is to modify the drawing and re-draw the trailing edge .Layout your new pattern on the same foamboard as used for the wings and cover with wax paper.
Center section ribs #W15 (2) and #W16 (1) now must be reworked.I simply cut mine off 90deg just aft of the rear beam and added an extension piece. You can use the laser cut #W3 outline as a pattern for this.I used super thin glue to join the two pieces together.
Notice that the upper and lower stringers, on the center section, are staggered fore and aft, unlike the wings sections where the lower stringer is directly below the upper. See Fig 1-22. Next step, assembly. To be cont....

[JohnReid]

Many thanks to OLD MAN over on ARC for the Jenny material you sent me.Cheers! John.

[topgun56]

Why sooo much modification ?

[JohnReid]

topgun 56 : the Canuck and JN4d are very different airplanes.Different wings,fin,elevator,ailerons etc... etc... In my 1st article in this series I listed all the differences between the two.Please see wwi-models website for more info. In this build I am not repeating what is already stated in the instruction booklet that goes with the kit.I am only noting where my build of the Canuck differs or adds to those instructions. Cheers! John.

[Ross_Moorhouse]

STEALTH 1916 http://www.network54.com/Forum/messa...eid=1102189910

[JohnReid]

Very creative.It shows that a lot of planning and work went into that diorama.Thanks Ross.Cheers! John.

[StephenLawson]

Very interesting. I really like the wood parts and pieces. Though I wonder if civilian worker figures would have been a better choice?

[JohnReid]

Using the center section drawing and Fig 1-22 of the instruction booklet, the center section was built up as a mini section of the upper wing, using the same method and basic dimensions.
The 4 cabane struts were carved to a streamlined shape and the fittings at the center section installed.A lot of care must be taken with these fittings to properly insert them into the wood struts.
I next modified the jig to accept the center section ,but before final assembly, I decided that now would be the time to finish the instrument panels, and their wires and tubes, while I still have ready access to this area.
Next, I will fit the instruments to the panels but before doing this the instrument faces must be glued in.The kit does not supply instrument faces, which is odd because they did for the Nieuport kit.I went to a local R/C shop and picked up a set of JTEC faces in 1/12th scale which I reduced to fit my 1/16th scale faceplates.There # JT-12 sheet includes WW1 & WW2 plus cars and boats, enough for a lifetime of modeling .It also includes plastic face covers but I will do mine using Humbrol Clearfix. to be cont...

Take a look at www.miniaturesworld.com select Fields of Glory, then go to British RFC Corps Airfield. Great dioramas! Cheers. John.

If that link doesnt work go to www.miniatures.org click on National Association of Miniature enthusiasts.Click on Mini Links,then Museums,then Miniature World.that should take you to their site in Victoria B.C. If anyone comes up with a shorter route please let me know.Take a look ,it is worth it.

[StephenLawson]

JohnReid; What would you say is the key ingredient to making a good diorama?