HOW TO BUILD AIRCRAFT DIORAMAS - Page 75

StephenLawson · 12 January 2006, 09:55 AM

Coming along in a superb manner. I know that I have learned a great deal about detailed building in this thread. No thread is not right...in this tapestry you are weaving. Nicely done sir!

JohnReid · 12 January 2006, 02:23 PM

Well thank you Stephen,I am really getting into the fun part now when it all starts to come together.Since I learned how to post pics I have been able to do a better step-by-step presentation.However, if it wasnt for the view counter I would be wondering if anyone was following this thread.

Other than yourself I hardly hear from anyone.
Stephen, I hope that you are not waiting for that stuff you asked me for as I have been housebound for the last while(self-imposed).I will try to get to the post office tomorrow and sent it to you.

Cheers! John.

JohnReid · 12 January 2006, 03:10 PM

Today I hooked up the lighting in the office module.I put a ceiling fixture in the center of the ceiling and a nice brass lamp on the desk.I hooked them up to a 12v transformer and voila what a difference.Lighting really makes this type of diorama come to life.These dollhouse fixtures have screw in type bulbs which are readily available and easy to change when they burn out.I plan to make a switchboard where I can light up the individual modules or the whole thing.I am really looking forward to taking pics with the various intensities of lighting and from one area to another.I was at a miniaturists show years ago and what really struck me was a model where you could look from a dimly lit room into a brighter room and how it just gave a whole new sense of space and mood to the piece.
I am glad that I broke up the windows into small panes as it really makes for a more dramatic effect and does not obstruct the view.

JohnReid · 13 January 2006, 01:37 AM

JohnReid · 13 January 2006, 02:16 AM

Now back to the Workshop Module

In this pic you can see the beginning of the general arrangement of the workshop.The office module has not yet been thought of so there has been some changes.Where you see what looks like a bookcase is now a window/heating opening to the office.On just the other side of that wall I have punched through the office/hangar door opening.
The heating /cook stove is temporarly in place in one corner and the walls behind the stove have been insulated with brass sheet.All the walls facing the exterior have been insulated grey cardboard,battened and weathered with acrylics and pastels.Some of the overhead shelving has been installed.
I havent yet decided if I should leave a portion of the workshop roof off for viewing or should I cover it completely.I also have the option of just putting in the ceiling joists.(remember I have left a viewing hole in the hangar roof so the workshop floor can be made visible if I want to do so.)What do you guys think would look best?

JohnReid · 13 January 2006, 08:37 AM

Looking down thru the rafters at Jenny in its jig.

JohnReid · 14 January 2006, 04:21 PM

JohnReid · 14 January 2006, 04:58 PM

The workshop from a different angle.The door opening along the hangar wall is where the enterance to the rear entrance /WC/coal storing area is now.At this point I hadent yet thought of the modular additions to the main hangar structure.The large screws will be removed eventually as the workshop will be one complete module.The ceiling joists will be removable much like the rafters in the main hangar are now, for ease of maintenance.Through the workshop door you can see some shelving and also the windows facing outside.These have now been stocked with various items that would be found in any woodworkers shop of the era.The central theme in the workshop is the finishing of that second scratchbuild propeller I built when experimenting with various glues.(keep things long enough and eventually I find a use for them)In the diorama story,the prop is shown getting its last few finishing coats of varnish.

JohnReid · 15 January 2006, 04:16 AM

JohnReid · 15 January 2006, 04:34 AM

The workshop interior from above.Note:the floor has been laid at a 45deg angle for visual interest.The walls facing the hangars interior have been insulated with cardboard.some shealing has been installed.everything has been weathered with acrylics and pastels.Since this pic was taken I have added a large work table and most of the furniture and tools.Just the stove requires permanent installation and finishing.