WW 1 Airfield Question (1 Viewer)

[Jack]

I am just looking for some advice on making up a WW1 airfield. My father is the model maker (I can literally glue my hands together) and he is home quite ill with time hanging heavy on his hands. I have suggested that we do up a WW1 airfield diorama which really caught his interest.

He feels that the German camo patterns are beyond his painting skills, so we are leaning toward an Allied airfield, but my question is what scale and maker. I suspect 1/72 is too small and 1/32 or 1/35 might be too big, so we might do a Goldilocks and go with 1/48. It is, however, really the question of the accessories that will make the decision for us - groundcrew/buildings/vehicles. I would like five aircraft, but I am happy with any scale as it is really about the project, not the result.

Any suggestions?

 

[waynepoo]

I am just looking for some advice on making up a WW1 airfield. My father is the model maker (I can literally glue my hands together) and he is home quite ill with time hanging heavy on his hands. I have suggested that we do up a WW1 airfield diorama which really caught his interest.

He feels that the German camo patterns are beyond his painting skills, so we are leaning toward an Allied airfield, but my question is what scale and maker. I suspect 1/72 is too small and 1/32 or 1/35 might be too big, so we might do a Goldilocks and go with 1/48. It is, however, really the question of the accessories that will make the decision for us - groundcrew/buildings/vehicles. I would like five aircraft, but I am happy with any scale as it is really about the project, not the result.

Any suggestions?

Jack,
As you know I'm no expert on anything, so this is just a suggestion only, I think your choices are either 1/48 and 1/72 as aircraft in 1/35 are limited. I agree Allied aircraft are painting wise the easiest option eg: USAAF planes can be in factory finish (silver) in a lot of cases, a search on Ebay is a good way to see what out here as everything is in one site.
Cheers,
Wayne.

 

[theBaron]

Actually, thanks to Peter Jackson's Wingnut Wings, we now have a nice selection of WWI aircraft in 1/32 scale, so I wouldn't rule out that scale, on that account. However, depending on how much of an airfield you want to depict, 1/32 might be too big, from sheer size. I wouldn't rule out 1/72 either, though in that scale, you might sacrifice some detail for the ability to show a larger scene. Full disclosure: 1/48 is my preferred aircraft model scale, as a compromise between visible detail on the one hand, and model size and display space on the other.

There is a great selection of aircraft kits in 1/48 and 1/72, so variety won't be a problem. As far as painting German camo patters goes, the lozenge camo is available in decal form from many different decal makers, so your dad won't have to paint it.

Accessories are also available in each scale, things you might find on an airfield (literally, a field, many stations were grass-covered fields) in Northern France. Model maker Eduard has sets in 1/48 that might work, as does Tamiya (though Tamiya's 1/48 sets are made for their WWII armor kits. Still, some items can be adapted). CMK and Verlinden are other places to start. Beyond that, it's an oppotunity to scratchbuild, if an item can't be found commercially.

Hope that all helps, prosit!
Brad

 

[johnnybach]

You could do a lot worse than having a look at the Heco Tinplate Models thread Jack. Louis and chums have regularly posted items that might give you some very good ideas on what you might try and include in an air-field situation - and his most recent posts
(#799 and #800) - even gives you a run-down of items and pages of the thread where you can find them. Might have to wait until end of term mind - it's a pretty long list now! jb

 

[larso]

An interesting project idea. Recently some makers have begun to do do WW1 ground crew in metal but in the 1/32 scale and mostly German at this point. But it appears that suitable figures are on their way. As for the size of the WW1 planes, yes in 1/32 they are biggish but they are smaller than WW2 ones, so your dio might not be as cluttered as you might think. There is always a WW2 airfield? There's lots of stuff available, at some considerable expense, but I would really enjoy coming around to play with them.

 

[Jack]

An interesting project idea. Recently some makers have begun to do do WW1 ground crew in metal but in the 1/32 scale and mostly German at this point. But it appears that suitable figures are on their way. As for the size of the WW1 planes, yes in 1/32 they are biggish but they are smaller than WW2 ones, so your dio might not be as cluttered as you might think. There is always a WW2 airfield? There's lots of stuff available, at some considerable expense, but I would really enjoy coming around to play with them.

Once again after one of your posts I feel compelled to remind forum members that though we are friends, we are actually middle aged men who are married (to other people).

It will be an historically accurate airfield, not a toy!

 

[Jack]

You could do a lot worse than having a look at the Heco Tinplate Models thread Jack. Louis and chums have regularly posted items that might give you some very good ideas on what you might try and include in an air-field situation - and his most recent posts
(#799 and #800) - even gives you a run-down of items and pages of the thread where you can find them. Might have to wait until end of term mind - it's a pretty long list now! jb

Many thanks, I will follow your advice. I am actually on end of term break as we speak. Unfortunately I have a second job - I mark University papers and whatever I make I spend on toy soldiers. It is a vicious circle!

 

[Jack]

Actually, thanks to Peter Jackson's Wingnut Wings, we now have a nice selection of WWI aircraft in 1/32 scale, so I wouldn't rule out that scale, on that account. However, depending on how much of an airfield you want to depict, 1/32 might be too big, from sheer size. I wouldn't rule out 1/72 either, though in that scale, you might sacrifice some detail for the ability to show a larger scene. Full disclosure: 1/48 is my preferred aircraft model scale, as a compromise between visible detail on the one hand, and model size and display space on the other.

There is a great selection of aircraft kits in 1/48 and 1/72, so variety won't be a problem. As far as painting German camo patters goes, the lozenge camo is available in decal form from many different decal makers, so your dad won't have to paint it.

Accessories are also available in each scale, things you might find on an airfield (literally, a field, many stations were grass-covered fields) in Northern France. Model maker Eduard has sets in 1/48 that might work, as does Tamiya (though Tamiya's 1/48 sets are made for their WWII armor kits. Still, some items can be adapted). CMK and Verlinden are other places to start. Beyond that, it's an oppotunity to scratchbuild, if an item can't be found commercially.

Hope that all helps, prosit!
Brad

Brad

My thanks for the detail in your answer - I will certainly follow them up and let you know how we get on.

I work in a Catholic school, so I have added extra weight to your views - there is something so believable about a man from Bethlehem. You are not a carpenter by any chance?

Jack

 

[waynepoo]

Once again after one of your posts I feel compelled to remind forum members that though we are friends, we are actually middle aged men who are married (to other people).

It will be an historically accurate airfield, not a toy!

Yes well no comment. :rolleyes2: As I didn't pay due attention to your first post - Great War not round two, I know it would be a money pit but it would look good with all the new Jenkins and K&C planes and figures.
Wayne.

 

[theBaron]

Brad

My thanks for the detail in your answer - I will certainly follow them up and let you know how we get on.

I work in a Catholic school, so I have added extra weight to your views - there is something so believable about a man from Bethlehem. You are not a carpenter by any chance?

Jack

Heh, heh, no, I pursue woodworking as another hobby. Our area was settled by devout followers of Count Zinzendorf, though, Moravians, and so some of our towns are all named for Biblical places--Bethlehem, Emmaus, Nazareth.

I do follow that same carpenter from Nazareth, though, or as we say, my boss is Jewish carpenter

Prost!
Brad

 

[johnnybach]

Once again after one of your posts I feel compelled to remind forum members that though we are friends, we are actually middle aged men who are married (to other people).

It will be an historically accurate airfield, not a toy!

Doesn't mean that you and your other married (to other people) chums can't play with it (The Airfield), Jack!

 

[Jack]

Doesn't mean that you and your other married (to other people) chums can't play with it (The Airfield), Jack!

Ouch!{sm4}{sm4}

 

[Jack]

Model maker Eduard has sets in 1/48 that might work, as does Tamiya (though Tamiya's 1/48 sets are made for their WWII armor kits. Still, some items can be adapted). CMK and Verlinden are other places to start. Beyond that, it's an oppotunity to scratchbuild, if an item can't be found commercially.

Brad[/QUOTE]


Brad

I went with your advice after toying with a BOB airfield. I have sent for three Eduard 1/48th Camels, RFC groundcrew and a Roden DH4, although my father has had mixed experiences with the latter manufacturer (one bad set but my family never forgive!) I had to laugh, though, because I had a look at Peter Jackson's 1/32 and thought they were fantastic, but I knew no matter how good they are (and they look very good), my father would never pay the extra cost. So I discussed some of the other brands and he dismissed one maker as selling kits that were 'worth the earth'. Despite a comfortable middle aged retirement in a first world country, my father still sees 35 dollars as 'the earth'. I will put on hold my suggestion that he embrace my new hobby and collect toy soldiers!

Once again, thanks for your help!

Jack