HOW TO BUILD AIRCRAFT DIORAMAS

JohnReid · 8 February 2006, 06:45 AM

JohnReid · 8 February 2006, 07:39 AM

Note how streamlined this engine really is,proving that even engines can be beautiful!

JohnReid · 9 February 2006, 06:39 AM

(note Jenny on the table)

JohnReid · 9 February 2006, 08:01 AM

Recently I have been working on the workshop roof making the joists that span the walls from one side to the other.I have decided to leave it open with no ceiling so the viewer can get a good look inside.I leave it to the viewers imagination as to why there is no ceiling.In reality it could be a removable roof designed to to taken off in summer(however I must admit I have never really seen one) The joist assembly will be removable in one piece for future maintenance purposes.It is always nice to have easy access to change bulbs or re-glue an item if necessary.
Now that I have expanded my idea from the single hanger to a group of buildings(as seen in the earlier pic that I posted)I have been on the lookout for anything in 1/16th.If anyone has any ideas please pass them along to me but keep in mind I am working in the mid 20s era.I have recently found out that trucks were open to many designs prior to this time so there is lots of room there for artistic licence.I may add few more cars,any ideas?
I found an old John Deere tractor in 1/16th that I may modify into a general utility vehicle for plowing snow etc.. and then put it in one of the future sheds on the airport.

StephenLawson · 9 February 2006, 10:26 AM

It puts me in mind of my build of the Contrail 1/72 Zeppelin Staaken R.VI. I realized that when it was finished it would occupy a great open space with little around it. The landing gear went on last so the kit could sit flat at all times. Even then I knew this would have to be a diorama. The scale acreage around the Staaken was massive and empty. It began as a hypothetical account of a proposed air show/ display that would have been put on in the first weeks of April 1918 outside Berlin at the Staaken Works. Vendors of dried food stores, beer, baked goods and spirits, were to be invited out. Several Circus’ were to be recruited and with a railroad spur nearby the Staaken factory for everything to be made ready. Old captured aircraft were going to be on display and whole families would have been permitted to have their photos taken on them. Center stage attraction was slated to be the Zeppelin Staaken R.VI. For unknown reasons the idea of the air show was cancelled. My display represents only a segment of the total proposed festivities. The project includes 1@‘Airfix’ & 722 @‘Preiser’ figures, 27 @ different types of ‘Preiser’s’ products (some in multiples), 1@ ‘IHC’ Carousel #5111 (modified to a 1900 configuration) and 3 @ ‘Jordan Highway Miniatures’ vehicles.

JohnReid · 9 February 2006, 12:33 PM

Stephen that is a great diorama! What made you decide to stop where you did?Just curious!

StephenLawson · 9 February 2006, 12:41 PM

Storage and display space limitations. At the time I was going to school and raising a family that grew to 5 children. There are limits to my insanity and it begins where I am threatened with divorce. Its cheaper to keep her.

JohnReid · 10 February 2006, 06:34 AM

That can be one of the hardest decisions to make,when do you stop and call it finished.Thats why I went to the modular idea.Once the basic hangar is finished it could stand on its own as a diorama but I still have the option of adding new modules if I want to.

JohnReid · 10 February 2006, 07:05 AM

OX5 in Jenny.Note brass rad.

JohnReid · 10 February 2006, 07:37 AM

I received the Gearbox 1/16th diecast Ford Model T model.It is nice but nowhere near as nice as the Franklin Mint model.I recieved it with one wheel broken but it really doesnt matter as I plan to take it all apart and antique and weather it to look like a working truck.It has Texaco logos on it and it is a limited edition of 5,000.I plan to put my Red Indian logos on it ,so mine will be a limited edition of 1.
The 1920s gas pump is supposed to be 1/18th scale but it looks bigger which is OK by me.I was able to get some good old pics off of the net of people standing beside this type of pump so I should be able to work out the proper dimensions.I will replace the hose and maybe the nozzle as these look to be oversize.These old pumps are really interesting and both pieces should make nice additions to the diorama.They will be unrecognizable when I am finished with them.