HOW TO BUILD AIRCRAFT DIORAMAS

[JohnReid]

I know that these next few pics will probably be of interest only to the diehard fans, such as myself, of wooden airplanes, but here goes anyway.
Before I post these I will bring you up to date on the Jenny dio.
I have worked out the plan for the lighting of the main structure.There will be 11 light fixtures to illuminate the main hangar floor.I hooked up one light to see how bright it is and 11 should do the job OK.
in my research I have noticed that the bulbs were often left visable with the fixture actually acting as a reflector and not a shade.A reostate is a necessity in this case as the bulbs will burn too bright otherwise spoiling the whole effect.These bell type fixtures are my own design and not something that I have seen in pics as of yet.They are sort of a compromise solution to the over-scale bulb and socket problem.I am using 12 volt sockets and screw-base bulbs set in a wooden holder and cemented in using stove and gasket cement.I tested the bulbs for any excessive heat buildup and the whole arrangement seems OK.
The next step will be to wire the hangar for lighting and yet make the roof assembly easily removable for maintenance.
Does anyone have experience wiring old buildings? Were the wires run inside metal tubing of some sort in a hangar/workshop type of structure?
Now on to the pics!

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

In this pic the fuselage is starting to take shape. The longerons are held in the jig using pieces of elastic bands.This is a very sturdy arrangment but not that easy to work around.Note the splice in the longerons wrapped in cord just forward of the four vertical jig peice.The floorboards are in and the seat railing on the R/h side has been installed.The internal bracing continues.
Those who are not all that familiar with wooden airplanes are usually amazed at how flimsy these wood members look at this stage.But believe me when are the wire bracing is in place this is essentially a very strong design.I have seen many pics of crashed Jennys which proves this to be true.

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

This is Jenny upside down in a homemade jig,having the next main structural component,the undercarriage, installed.

The dio just grew a little more today when I found a 1/16th scale 1919 Hispano Suiza racecar at the local hobbyshop.I had gone to pickup some metal tubing for the wiring and I just couldnt resist.This will make another great showcar for the dio.All I have to do now is find a place to put it.That makes 2 airplanes,4 classic cars(plastic & diecast) 2 Harley motorcycles and a trailer so far.Plus the hangar and all the modules.This is getting out of hand!

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

Back on her feet again!

[JohnReid]

Fitting unfinished engine.

[JohnReid]

this fellow employes the same techniques as I use for my figures except that he uses a different brand of paint.Evidently this paint also has the capability of drying absolutely flat with is a must for good figure painting.
Enjoy!

http://www.ttfxmedia.com/vallejo/cgi...lcolortecnicas

Cheers! John.