HOW TO BUILD AIRCRAFT DIORAMAS - Page 212

JohnReid · 3 June 2007, 03:55 PM

This is what it looked like this morning!

JohnReid · 3 June 2007, 04:14 PM

The gas pump is supposed to be 1/18th scale and the figure is 1/16th.This is a pump meant as a decoration for 1/18th diecast cars.I am sure that it was painted with enamel, so I took some 600 sandpaper and dulled it all down.This also made for a nice surface to weather.I replaced the Texaco signs with my own oil company logo(man this is fun,now I also own an oil company)
The bright brasswork was lightly sprayed with black gesso after cleaning with alcohol and sealing with laquer.I replaced the out-of -scale white hose with a black one made from an electrical cord.The nozzle and pump handle were used as is and look more to scale now that they are weathered.I will probably stand it on a cracked concrete base of some kind.That was a fast and fun little project to do.
Someday, I plan to paint the face of that figure that gets so much use as a scale reference!!!!

JohnReid · 4 June 2007, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross_Moorhouse

Its a shame that kids today don't get the same thrill from aviation as we did as kids. I lived under the main flight line from the north. So go to see al sorts of aircraft flying over as they headed to and out of Bankstown Airport.

The cost of learning to fly these days must be a real put off for the young person. When they can buy a hotted up car for the same amount as it costs to learn to fly.

Makes you wonder what will happen to our hobby in 50 years time?

Ross,
Today there just seems to be too much of the "pilot" and not enough of the "aviator" in aviation.To find the fun part anymore, it won't be around cities but in small country airports ,where the most of todays kids just don't have the ready access to anymore.Today I find that most pilots talk over the heads of most of us aviators anyway.You don't hear much talk of "stick and rudder" just a lot about electronic wizardry.The romance has gone out of aviation and I am glad that I was part of probably the last generation to remember the way it really was.I know that I sound like an old fart saying this but in this case it is not just nostalgia for the "good old days."

Cheers! John.

JohnReid · 4 June 2007, 08:43 AM

JohnReid · 5 June 2007, 05:39 AM

JohnReid · 5 June 2007, 06:03 AM

There is just something that bothered me about this roof.It looked too big and bulky and about to fall down from its own weight.So a little re-designing was in order.I took the large face plate off the roof rafters and I think that I shall just leave it open to give it a lighter look.I have cut the rafters back since this pic was taken and allowed more overhang for the roof.
Unfortunately, when taking the roof off I broke all 4 light fixtures in the shop but that is nothing that can't be repaired.While I have the roof off I will finish the furnishings in the engine shop and do a final buildup of this area.

JohnReid · 5 June 2007, 06:18 AM

JohnReid · 6 June 2007, 05:21 AM

JohnReid · 6 June 2007, 05:31 AM

JohnReid · 6 June 2007, 05:56 AM

Here is something that I found that makes great scale logs.They are called "licorice sticks" and are available at your local spice store.In Arab countries I believe that they are used to freshed breath and clean teeth!My wife found them for me(dioramist's eye in training) and I am headed back to get more.