HOW TO BUILD AIRCRAFT DIORAMAS

[JohnReid]

If I decide to build a complete airplane the other Albatros could go here.However I am a little reluctant to build the complete aircraft because of all the mods and scratch building involved including the plywood fuselage and fabric covering.The wing struts and the "N" struts at the center section would all have to be re-built as the metal is too soft and the fittings way out of scale.I was able to work around this with the other aircraft using supports fastened to the floor. A few well placed rags took care of the fittings.

[JohnReid]

I asked for ideas on another site and here are a few of them.
Thanks guys for all the cool ideas.The bomb crater idea is a good one but that close to the hangar would result in a lot of damage especially to the glass windows.Nice idea though even if it was surrounded with only a couple of shovels.
Bullet holes in the fabric is a great idea too especially for kids imaginations.I also like the idea of repairing fabric outdoors because we they would be using dope and that would be the obvious place to do it.Guys on a lunchtime break could add to the story too!
Everyday activities of life on the airbase sounds good too.
The only decision that I have to make soon is where to put the hangar itself on the base to take advantage of the best views into the hangar.So far I am going with the R/H rear.The plexiglass sidewall is on the right and a lot of the windows including the skylight hole is best viewed from the rear.There is a small viewing hole on the left sidewall (upper L/H corner} but this is for viewing along the top wing of the airplane,a view that I especially like.The view from the front,now that the doors will be permanently down ,will be mostly unobstructed.
If anyone would care to help me with other ideas for a storyline please advise!

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

Thanks to our own Stephen Lawson here is a pic that has really inspired me with ideas!It adds to the storyline without taking anything away from the original.
It could be the result of combat or training.This would tend to move the whole story farther away from the front lines to a rebuild facility which would better fit in with whats going on in the hangar.The airplane being broken at the pilots seat really says a lot to me.Thanks Bud!

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

Here is Stephen's great diorama on the subject!

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

I think that I will do this as a derelict that has been towed as is (broken in two & upside down but minus its wings)to a spot just beside the L/H side of the hangar.I haven't made a decision on the wings yet,whether to show them being rebuilt or in the same derelict state as the fuselage although the latter would better fit into the overall theme of the old and the new.

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]