DOCSLIB.ORG

Dioramas Made Simple Section 1

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Dioramas Made Simple Section 1 DIORAMAS MADE SIMPLE by 'Airframes' Copyright © 2008 Airframes Studio PART ONE INTRODUCTION. Many modellers spend long hours producing some stunning models, especially in these days of numerous after market accessories and detailing products, and then put them away on a shelf or store them until the next exhibition or competition – I know, I do it myself, although I don’t bother with competitions these days. Although there is nothing wrong in this practice, and lets face it, we only have a certain amount of space to store or display the fruits of our labours, why don’t we make our models work for us, and add one or two dioramas to our model collections? The possible answer to this question could be “I’m nervous of trying a diorama; I wouldn’t know where to begin!” There are numerous publications available covering the construction of dioramas, including those by the recognised masters, Shep Paine and Francois Verlinden, and very good they are too! However, these publications have to be bought, and might not always be readily available. Also, some of the dioramas in the various books, and the processes required to construct them, may well prove daunting to the novice, especially if he or she is relatively new to the modelling hobby. Well, the aim of this work is to dispel the fear of attempting what at first may seem a major challenge, and to guide the reader through the various stages of producing an attractive diorama. In a step by step guide, we will look at the research, planning, story line and construction and display of dioramas, and how to achieve a good result without going to major expense or huge lengths to realise our aims. Although aimed principally at aircraft dioramas, all of the following is equally applicable to military vehicles and figures, and some completed examples of the latter are illustrated later for reference. It is hoped that this work will be of value to both the beginner and the experienced modeller alike, and consequently I have deliberately avoided the use of complex techniques, materials and so forth. Likewise, the example subjects covered are designed to produce displays of manageable proportions, although the ultimate size of a finished display is, of course, down to the individual. SECTION 1. So what is a diorama? The general dictionary definition of a diorama states that it is a realistic presentation of objects, paintings and effects, including colours and lighting, portraying a scene or event. A good example of this definition would be, for instance, the display of a full size aircraft in a museum, against a backdrop depicting the period concerned, with life size manikin 1 figures, equipment and perhaps vehicles to set the scene. For example, the Spitfire Mk1 in the Battle of Britain Hall of the RAF Museum, at Hendon, England. In this example, instead of just displaying an historic aircraft, the visitor is able to view the Spitfire in surroundings depicting the period (the Battle of Britain, 1940.), in a setting that transforms the exhibit from a static lump of metal into a vivid reconstruction of an important period in history. The same is true of model dioramas, where not only can the miniaturised aircraft be displayed, but the story surrounding it can be fully presented in three dimensional miniature form, for another description of a diorama is a picture in 3D. It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and every picture tells a story, so if that picture is in three dimensions, then the story must be threefold! It was around 1963 when, as a boy of 11 just getting 'seriously' started in the hobby, I first visited the Imperial War Museum at Lambeth, London. As a youngster brought up amid tales of World War Two, to be let loose (under a strict fatherly eye!) in this Mecca of aviation and armour exhibits was thrilling, to say the least. Spending my childhood in the North East of England, there wasn’t much opportunity to see actual historic aircraft, apart from the usual Dakotas and Tiger Moths at Newcastle airport, and the gate-guard Spitfire at nearby R.A.F. Acklington, yet here there was a real Spitfire, Hurricane and tanks, among many other fascinating exhibits. Then I spotted some of the wonderful, scratch-built display models, and the centrepiece, what at the time seemed a huge glass- cased diorama depicting Avro Lancasters at dispersal and taxiing around a bomber airfield, which was complete with control tower, buildings, vehicles and personnel, all, if my memory serves me, in 1/72 nd scale. That one image conveyed more to me than any description or period photograph could ever do, and has remained in my memory ever since. I think that was when my enthusiasm for the modelling hobby, and the portrayal of actual events, really got a massive boost, and, although I haven’t seen that diorama in forty five years, it still inspires me today; and that’s what is needed in building a diorama – inspiration! Many modellers build a superb model of their chosen subject and then decide to place it in a diorama setting, often a simple scene depicting a dispersal point, or perhaps more complex, with large amounts of equipment, figures, starter trolleys etc. scattered around. All well and good, the inspiration might have been there initially, but things start falling apart when some of the basic rules of planning are ignored. As an example, some time ago a friend, who had not long been involved in armour modelling, showed me one of his first attempts at a small diorama in 1/35 th scale. He had built a really first class model of a German halftrack, complete with detailed figures; the whole lot beautifully painted, detailed and weathered, and then decided to display it as a diorama, which, I have to admit, looked very good. However, he had displayed the vehicle fully “cammed up”; in other words, covered in camouflage netting, branches etc., which, although it looked very realistic and authentic, prevented the model vehicle itself from being seen! Not only that, but the scene depicted was supposed to be late autumn/early winter, yet the miniature “foliage” used was full bloom summer vegetation. In his enthusiasm to complete his masterpiece, he had ignored some of the basic planning rules; in as much as he had detracted from the hard work invested in modelling the vehicle by making it disappear 2 from view, and had ignored his own research into the scene by portraying incorrect surroundings! So, having attained the inspiration for our diorama, the next, and perhaps most important step, is PLANNING. PLANNING THE SCENE . In building a particular model, we normally have an idea of what we want the finished subject to represent, and will then carry out the necessary research and gather together as much reference material as possible to help us in our task. From my own experience, I know that this “intelligence gathering” can take longer than the actual building and finishing of the actual model, and quite often leads to frustration as contradictions of information crop up. That’s one of the reasons I try to model an actual documented subject, or build what I call a “representative” model, that is for example, an aircraft of the correct serial block, with the correct squadron codes, but where no positive photographic or written records exist to provide evidence of which code goes with which serial and so on. Inevitably, this type of model will perhaps represent an undistinguished aircraft within a particular unit, and not the mount of a famous ace, as so many models do, (including some of mine!). The P51C Mustang portrayed in the first diorama build is such an example, being an anonymous machine representative of the 361 st Fighter Group. In planning the scene for a diorama, the research into the background of the scene is equally as important as the research into the aircraft depicted, if we wish to avoid falling into the trap of my above mentioned friend, and spoiling the overall effect by applying too much inspiration and not enough planning. Remember, we are producing a three dimensional picture, which is supposed to be telling a story, so the whole lot has to come together seamlessly. It is also worth remembering that, when planning a diorama depicting a particular aircraft, the model of the aircraft should be built for the diorama, not just added to a diorama. As an aviation artist, I have always had to follow some simple rules in order to produce an accurate painting of an actual event, and so far, these rules have not let me down. These same rules can be applied equally to the production of an attractive and accurate diorama. They are :- WHAT ? WHEN ? WHERE ? WHY? In other words; what are you depicting, when is it happening, where is it happening and why? 3 This may seem obvious and straightforward, but you'd be amazed how easy it is to make a simple mistake by forgetting or ignoring the answers to any one of the above questions, and it’s not only us that can be guilty of small mistakes that can have a big, if sometimes over exaggerated, effect on the finished product. It can happen to professionals too! Although to me it in no way detracted from what was a very well made movie, to some pedantic enthusiasts it spoiled Speilberg’s movie “Saving Private Ryan” when, in the closing battle scenes, a pair of Mustangs roared overhead, knocking out the attacking German Tiger tanks.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Sticks and Tissue No 158
    Sticks and Tissue No 158 If you can contribute any articles, wish to make your point of view known etc please send to or phone 01202 625825 [email protected] The content does not follow any logical order or set out, it’s “as I put it in and receive”. Thanks to Mark Venter back issues are available for download from http://sticksandtissue.yolasite.com/ Writings and opinions expressed are the opinion of the writer but not necessarily the compiler/publisher of Sticks and Tissue. Peter Renggli sent this photo taken at the 2017 MG Bern Antik Flugtag 1 From John Salmon I enjoyed reading John Ralph’s item on “JETEX” in the last Sticks and Tissue. In 1948 I had passed the entrance exam for Redhill Junior Technical School and my parents rewarded me with a Jetex 100 outfit and a kit from “Veron”. The balsa/tissue aeroplane (was it called Aerojet?) was much like a “pod and boom” glider of some 30 plus inches span with a cut away area at the rear of the “pod” into which the motor fitted. I had no problems with the construction and painted the fuselage with light blue dope and the tissue covered wing bright yellow. Quite smart! My early efforts at getting the motor to fire up were not successful until I realised that the gauge disc had to be pushed down quite hard to ensure that the fuse was in firm contact with the fuel change. Lighting the fuse with a match was always a fraught business with the danger of setting the whole thing on fire until somebody explained that life would be safer it we held the plane “upside down” to start the motor! You live and learn! There followed quite a number of flights – some of several minutes duration.
    [Show full text]
  • Vino M. Garofalo
    The AMA History Project Presents: Biography of VITO M. GAROFALO April 9, 1921 – 1994 AMA #331457 Written & Submitted by AJG (03/1995); Transcribed by NR (12/1999); Edited by SS (2002), Reformatted by JS (08/2009) Career: . Display model builder for Comet Model Airplane Co. Model designer for Comet . Manager and draftsman for Comet . Product designer for Testors Corp. President and Owner of Tern Aero Co. Airplane product designer for Hi-Flier Mfg. The following information was taken from a 1996 Model Aviation Hall of Fame application. Accomplishments Designed and developed Structo-O-Speed Construction; marketed successfully by Comet Model Hobbycraft, Inc. for many years. Designed and developed Comet's line of Redi-Flite ready to fly model products; these were first marketed in 1962 and have been in continuous production to the present time. Designed and developed a line of plastic engine-powered ready to fly Control Line airplanes for Comet. Invented pushbutton starter for miniature engines for Comet; two versions were patented. One was the centrifugal pin type, U.S. Pat. 3,131,682. The other was the inclined step type, U.S. Pat. 3,159,154. Designed and developed the first thin wall injection plastic molded fuselage with full airfoil aluminum wing ready to fly airplane for the Testors Corp. of Rockford, IL, Pat. 86,911. Companies Worked for/Positions Held Display model builder for Comet Model Airplane and Supply Co., Chicago, IL, from age 15 through 19, on part-time basis. Model designer and draftsman for Comet Model Airplane & Supply Co., from 1941-1943. Manager of Engineering Department and Chief Designer for Comet Model Hobbycraft, Inc., from 1948 to 1968.
    [Show full text]
  • Sailplane & Towplane Scale Model Kits
    Sailplane & Towplane Advice You Can Trust Awesome Support Scale Model Kits Great Products February, 2011 Overview I have long been a fan of scale sailplane models. A nice sailplane model, like any work of art, is enjoyable to look at. Sailplanes are certainly elegant and efficient machines. When I look at a sailplane model, I see the lovely long wings, and the purpose built aerodynamically optimized fuselage, but I also see the history of that particular sailplane. Every sailplane type has an interesting history. There was a person, or group of people, or company that put their hearts and minds into the development of that particular sailplane. It may have been the descendent of many, similar (or quite different) sailplanes in a long line of sailplanes. I see all that when I look at a scale model sailplane. I also see the potential for adventures to come. I see the cross‐country soaring flights that await me in the future. I guess I’m passionate about sailplanes and sailplane models. You will notice that when you visit my Scale Models web pages. I have spent a lot of time documenting each model kit. There are photos of the model parts, a scan of every page of the assembly instructions, photos of finished model kits and photos of the full‐size sailplanes the model is patterned after. You will also find historical information about the sailplane type. I try to add value with model building and terminology tips and links to web sites with tips on building scale models. 1:32 Scale, Plastic Injection Molded, The largest, most detailed and best 1:32 and 1:48 Scale, Resin, Very Nice, Larger than most other kits Paul Remde • [email protected] • www.cumulus‐soaring.com • 1‐952‐445‐9033 • Minnesota, USA Page 1 of 4 1:48 Scale, Resin, Very Nice, Larger than most other kits 1:48 Scale, Resin, Nice, For experienced modelers 1:72 Scale, Plastic Injection Molded, Very small but very nice, Easy to build A Great Way to Promote Soaring Sailplane models are more than just fun to look at.
    [Show full text]
  • Dioramas in Palais De Tokyo 2017
    Repositorium für die Medienwissenschaft Oksana Chefranova Promenade through the theatre of illusion: Dioramas in Palais de Tokyo 2017 https://doi.org/10.25969/mediarep/3411 Veröffentlichungsversion / published version Rezension / review Empfohlene Zitierung / Suggested Citation: Chefranova, Oksana: Promenade through the theatre of illusion: Dioramas in Palais de Tokyo. In: NECSUS. European Journal of Media Studies, Jg. 6 (2017), Nr. 2, S. 217–232. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25969/mediarep/3411. Erstmalig hier erschienen / Initial publication here: https://necsus-ejms.org/promenade-through-the-theatre-of-illusion-dioramas-in-palais-de-tokyo/ Nutzungsbedingungen: Terms of use: Dieser Text wird unter einer Creative Commons - This document is made available under a creative commons - Namensnennung - Nicht kommerziell - Keine Bearbeitungen 4.0 Attribution - Non Commercial - No Derivatives 4.0 License. For Lizenz zur Verfügung gestellt. Nähere Auskünfte zu dieser Lizenz more information see: finden Sie hier: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDIA STUDIES www.necsus-ejms.org Promenade through the theatre of illusion: Dioramas in Palais de Tokyo NECSUS (6) 2, Autumn 2017: 217–232 URL: https://necsus-ejms.org/promenade-through-the-theatre-of- illusion-dioramas-in-palais-de-tokyo/ Keywords: art, dioramas, exhibition, Palais de Tokyo, Paris The exhibition Dioramas, curated by Claire Garnier, Laurent Le Bon, and Florence Ostende at Palais de Tokyo in Paris, proposes
    [Show full text]
  • Download Full Document Here
    Making Dioramas The Tawhiti Museum uses many models in its displays – from ‘life-size’ fi gures, the size of real people – right down to tiny fi gures about 20mm tall - with several other sizes in between these two. Why are different sizes used? To answer this, look at the Turuturu Mokai Pa model. The fi gures and buildings are very small. If we had used life-size fi gures and buildings the model would be enormous, bigger than the museum in fact –covering several hectares! So to make a model that can easily fi t into a room of the museum we choose a scale that we can reduce the actual size by and build the model to that scale – in the case of the Turuturu Mokai Pa model the scale is 1 to 90 (written as 1:90) – that means the model is one ninetieth of real size – or to put it another way, if you multiply anything on the model by 90, you will know how big the original is. A human fi gure on the model is 20mm – if you multiply that by 90 you get 1800mm - the height of a full size person. So as the modeler builds the model, by measuring anything from life (or otherwise knowing its size) and dividing by 90 he knows how big to model that item – this means the model is an accurate scale model of the original – there is no ‘guess work’. How do we choose which scale to make a model? There are three main considerations: 1) How much room do we have available for the display? Clearly the fi nished model needs to fi t into the available space in the museum, so by selecting an appropriate scale we can determine the actual size of the model.
    [Show full text]
  • The Model As Three-Dimensional Post Factum Documentation
    Beyond Simulacrum: The Model as Three-dimensional Post Factum Documentation Marian Macken Master of Architecture (Research) 2007 Certificate of Authorship / Originality I certify that the work in this thesis has not previously been submitted for a degree nor has it been submitted as part of requirements for a degree except as fully acknowledged within the text. I also certify that the thesis has been written by me. Any help that I have received in my research work and the preparation of the thesis itself has been acknowledged. In addition, I certify that all information sources and literature used are indicated in the thesis. Marian Macken Acknowledgements I would like to thank my supervisors, Dr Andrew Benjamin and Dr Charles Rice, for their encouragement, support and close reading of my work; the staff at the School of Architecture, the Dean’s Unit and the Graduate School at the University of Technology, Sydney; and my friends and family, who gave more in their conversation than I suspect they realise. Table of Contents List of Illustrations ii Abstract vi Introduction 1 Chapter 1: Drawings and models as post factum documentation 7 Documentation The model as representation Drawings and models Historical overview The place of post factum documentation Chapter 2: The post factum model at a city scale 32 Case study: The Panorama model of New York City at the Queens Museum of Art. Chapter 3: The full-scale post factum model 55 Case study: The reconstruction of Mies van der Rohe’s German Pavilion, originally designed for the International Exposition, Barcelona 1928/29.
    [Show full text]
  • Code of Practice on Noise from Model Aircraft 1982
    CONTROL OF POLLUTION ACT 1974 PART III-NOISE POLLUTION CONTROL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (NORTHERN IRELAND) ORDER 1978 Code of Practice on Noise from Model Aircraft 1982 DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT Romney House, 43 Marsham Street, London SW1 3PY WELSH OFFICE New Crown Building, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF1 3NQ SCOTTISH DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Pentland House, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh EH14 1TY DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT FOR NORTHERN IRELAND Stormont, Belfast BT4 3SS London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office This code of practice from pages 1 to 10 was approved, and approval was given for its issue, by the Control of Noise (Code of Practice on Noise from Model Aircraft) Order 1981 (SI 1981 No. 1830) made under section 71 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 by the Secretary of State for the Environment (in respect of England), the Secretary of State for Wales (in respect of Wales), and the Secretary of State for Scotland (in respect of Scotland). (In Northern Ireland this code of practice from pages 1 to 10 was approved, and approval was given for its issue by the Control of Noise (Code of Practice on Noise from Model Aircraft) Order (Northern Ireland) 1982.) This code of practice came into operation on 1 February 1982 in England, Wales and Scotland (and on 1 July 1982 in Northern Ireland). Section 71 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 empowers the Secretary of State to prepare and approve and issue such codes of practice as in his opinion are suitable for the purpose of giving guidance on appropriate methods for minimising noise.
    [Show full text]
  • This M Norma Airfix Onth an Mills B Competit Ja Anuary
    JANUARY 2009 THIS MONTH A couple of weeks ago I thought I may not be able to produce Update this month, due to an abscess on my back that severely limited my typing abilities (And more importantly stopped me modelling). I sent out an This is the newsletter of Romsey appeal to the usual suspects and have been overwhelmed by their Modellers a multitalented group of response in supplying me enough articles to make this the biggest Update plastic modellers based in ever, weighing in at a massive 24 pages. I have even got a significant Southern Hampshire. We cater for amount of material for next month. all modelling genres and skill levels We have for your edification: The Annual competition results, Vic and from beginners to well seasoned Gary discussing their New Years modelling resolutions, part 5 of Paul’s gurus. rd M1 Yamaha build, Pat’s review of Airfix’s Canberra, Russell Stug build We meet on the 3 Wednesday of Gary writing about what he’s got on his workbench (more like a the month from 8pm to 10pm in workshop), an update on Richard’s Airwing and a review of QuickScale Ampfield, Hampshire, where we software by yours truly. often rrun workshops and club But first some sad news about the passing of Norman Mills competitions but more importantly have a good chat NORMAN MILLS BY PHIL BUTLER about our hobby. We also attend I am not sure how many Romsey Modellers knew Norman, quite a few I most of the local model shows, suspect, though few would have been aware that he had been battling where we exhibit our member’s cancer for the last 3 years as he generally maintained an optimistic completed projects.
    [Show full text]
  • Dodge Hemi Diecast Toys and Diecast Scale Model Cars
    dodge hemi diecast toys and diecast scale model cars Toy Wonders diecast scale model cars Catalog of dodge hemi diecast for wholesalers and retailers only dodge hemi diecast Created on 8/23/2009 Products found: 13 ERTL JoyRide - The Dukes of Hazzard General Lee Dodge Charger (1969, 1:18, Orange) 32485 Item# 32485OR Greenlight Auction Block - Barrett Jackson Series 6 (1:64, Asstd.) 21645/48 Item# 21645/48 Greenlight Auction Block - Series 5 (1:64, Asstd.) 21635/48 Item# 21635/48 Greenlight Black Bandit Series 2 (1:64, Asstd.) 27620/48 Item# 27620/48 Greenlight Factory 2 Pack - Series 1 (1:64, Asstd.) 24610 Item# 24610 Greenlight Muscle Car Garage - Dodge Challenger Convertible (1970, 1:18, Orange) 50811 Item# 50811OR Greenlight Muscle Car Garage - Dodge Challenger Convertible (1970, 1:18, Plum Crazy) 50810 Item# 50810PR http://www.toywonders.com/productcart/pc/showsearchr...withStock=-1&resultCnt=25&keyword=dodge+hemi+diecast (1 of 2) [8/23/2009 7:57:57 AM] dodge hemi diecast toys and diecast scale model cars RC2 ERTL Authentics - Dodge Charger (1966, 1:18, Light Purple) 33933 Item# 33933PR RC2 ERTL Authentics Chase Car - Dodge Charger Super Bee Hard Top (1971, 1:18, Red) CC39498 Item# CC39498 RC2 ERTL Elite - Plymouth Superbird Hard Top (1970, 1:18, Blue) 39399 Item# 39399BU RC2 ERTL Elite Chase Car - Dodge Charger R/T Hard Top (1970, 1:18, Orange) CC39314 Item# CC39314 RC2 ERTL JoyRide - The Dukes of Hazzard Dodge Charger Hard Top (1969, 1:25, Orange) 7967DO Item# 7967DO RC2 ERTL Mopar - Dodge Daytona Race Car #3 Don White (1969, 1:18,
    [Show full text]
  • SMALL PLANS (Under 140 Square Feet) 24 EMD Progress Rail — HO Modeling a Locomotive Factory
    Contents .......................... 4 22 Alexandria Waterfront — O INTRODUCTION urban switching during the Civil War ............. 48 23 Trans-Iranian Railway — HO Lend Lease over the Persian Corridor ............ 50 SMALL PLANS (under 140 square feet) 24 EMD Progress Rail — HO modeling a locomotive factory.................. 52 1 Canton Railroad — HO 25 Ballard Terminal Railroad — HO switching a soap factory ....................... 6 a Seattle shore-front short line .................. 54 2 American Can — HO or N 26 Sunon Motors — HO modeling a full-sized industry................... 8 switching auto trains during a shift change ........ 56 3 Free-mo Steel — HO 27 Powder River Basin — N or Z a heavy industry on a modular layout............. 10 a BNSF-UP joint coal line ...................... 58 4 Bear Island Paper Mill — N 28 DaniCa Forest Products — HO a paper mill served by CSX .................... 12 a southeastern chemical paper mill .............. 60 5 Mower Lumber — N 29 Rockport & Weak — On30 a West Virgina lumber railroad .................. 14 a Maine narrow gauge freight hauler ............. 62 6 Warrenton — HO 30 Soldier Summit — N a British-style layout of a stub terminal ........... 16 running three railroads over the Wasatch ......... 64 7 First Steel — HO a steel mill railroad that can grow ............... 18 8 Keystone Viaduct — N Ntrak modules for home or show................ 20 LARGE PLANS (over 300 square feet) 9 Brooke Yard — HO 31 Winding Gulf — HO a pocket terminal in a tricky space ............... 22 modeling two coal railroads in one valley ......... 66 10 Overland Route — HO 32 Wiscasset — On30 a tribute to the transcontinental railroad .......... 24 the WW&F, past and present ................... 68 11 Menil-La-Tour — On30 or O14 33 Everett Street Station — HO running a WWI narrow gauge railroad ...........
    [Show full text]
  • Penknife Models Part III 1/24Th Spitfire Part IV Later Projects Appendix the Halibag
    Accurate Model Parts Contents Part I Introduction Part II 1/120th Penknife Models Part III 1/24th Spitfire Part IV Later Projects Appendix The Halibag Part I – Introduction any model-makers begin building their first kits at a tender age. They may have been M encouraged by parents who recognise the benefits of model-making for a growing child. In the process of following step by step instructions, the youngster can develop creativity and organisational skills, together with an ability to operate in a methodical manner. My own interest in model-making and aviation was handed to down to me from my father John Martindale. I was taught from an early age how to build and paint models, partly so that I would break my own planes rather than his. By the age of twelve or so, with scores of 1/72nd planes under my belt, I built a much larger model: a 1/24th scale Airfix Spitfire Mk.1a. A little later I was surprised to learn that my grandfather, J. H. Martindale, had also built his own version of R. J. Mitchell‟s fighter in 1/24th scale. When I was shown the hand-carved scratchbuilt wooden model I could see it was a generational leap beyond my own plastic Spitfire. It changed my whole perception of model-making, showing me there was a whole world beyond simple kit-bashing. The main focus of this article is the scratchbuilt wooden Spitfire built by my grandfather in 1944 / 1945. His 1/120th scale hand-carved wooden aircraft models and a few of his other projects are also included.
    [Show full text]
  • Celebrating the Centennial of Naval Aviation in 1/72 Scale
    Celebrating the Centennial of Naval Aviation in 1/72 Scale 2010 USN/USMC/USCG 1/72 Aircraft Kit Survey J. Michael McMurtrey IPMS-USA 1746 Carrollton, TX [email protected] As 2011 marks the centennial of U.S. naval aviation, aircraft modelers might be interested in this list of US naval aircraft — including those of the Marines and Coast Guard, as well as captured enemy aircraft tested by the US Navy — which are available as 1/72 scale kits. Why 1/72? There are far more kits of naval aircraft available in this scale than any other. Plus, it’s my favorite, in spite of advancing age and weakening eyes. This is an updated version of an article I prepared for the 75th Anniversary of US naval aviation and which was published in a 1986 issue of the old IPMS-USA Update. It’s amazing to compare the two and realize what developments have occurred, both in naval aeronautical technology and the scale modeling hobby, but especially the latter. My 1986 list included 168 specific aircraft types available in kit form from thirty- three manufacturers — some injected, some vacuum-formed — and only three conversion kits and no resin kits. Many of these names (Classic Plane, Contrails, Eagle’s Talon, Esci, Ertl, Formaplane, Frog, Griffin, Hawk, Matchbox, Monogram, Rareplane, Veeday, Victor 66) are no longer with us or have been absorbed by others. This update lists 345 aircraft types (including the original 168) from 192 different companies (including the original 33), many of which, especially the producers of resin kits, were not in existence in 1986, and some of which were unknown to me at the time.
    [Show full text]