Well here goes . . . I've just started modelling again after a lengthy layoff (marriage, kids etc etc) and after a couple of 1/48th kits under my belt I am embarking on my first ever diorama with the 1/24th Vintage Fighters P-47, Hasegawa 1/24th Willys Jeep and Trailer combo, and to add some flavour the Revell 1/24th Opel Blitz (civillian kit with an olive drab makeover). Yes, ambitious I know but a man has to have goals. Now comes the hard part. I want to scratchbuild an Allison engine crane that I have seen in several photos of Bolts under rebuild, but I cannot seem to find any drawings or schematics. I dread the thought of trying to scale and estimate from some faded photos. Please please please is there anybody out there that can help in any way ??? I am also after a source of 1/24th 44-gallon drums and/or Jerry cans to busy up things, but these will be an easier scratch build if necessary. Cheers from Down Under

Hi Damian.
Welcome to Aeroscale
Thats one very ambitious, not to mention large, diorama you have planned there!
If you have access to a copy of " R2800, Pratt and Whitneys Dependable Masterpiece" by Graham White there may be some pictures in there. I have a copy but I wont be able to access it for a few more weeks as I'm working away.
I'm sure I'll find a photo of one somewhere in my references.
Meanwhile, you may find the build blogs for the VFS P-47 helpfull.
You can find them in the forums at Aeroscales P-47 Special Interest Group
HERE.
If your in a hurry to get started, you could always meaure the 1:24th engine and use those dimensions for a packing case perhaps?
Hope this helps, and I shall look forward to following this buid.
Nige

Still researching, no building going on yet. I found a reasonable photo that might give me a chance to scale and scratch-build from.

A bit daunting, but who doesn't like a challenge once in a while??

Hi guys, yes I'm still here. Haven't started on the VFS kit yet, but having a go at the vehicles to go with it first. I'm considering doing the Jug with the engine out as if it is being replaced, but I'm having trouble finding any pics of how the R-2800 might have been delivered to the airfields (i.e. in a crate, any framework, what was included such as bell housing etc.).

Any leads or help would be gratefully accepted.

Cheers, D

Hi Damian,
unfortunately, no info for you, but I'll watch wour build closely.
Are you gonig to do a WIP blog?
edo

Hi Damian.
I believe that the R2800 were delivered in crates.
As and when I find a photo of this I'll post one.
All the best
Nige

G'day all. Yes, I know it has no wings, but hear me out !!

This is phase 1 of the over-ambitious VFS P-47 monster dio, and you can see from the shots what it should be and (hopefully) what it will be with some borrowed decals and extras. I attacked the hood with a razorsaw to allow the 2 sections to be propped up to see the goodies inside.




I have the Hasegawa 1/24th Willys Jeep and recently picked up the Italeri 1/24th Opel Blitz Fire truck which will get a similar makeover. This is going to be a LOOOONG project as I pick it up occasionally between campaign build efforts, and I change and add to the basic plan each time I play with it.

All comments and suggestions gratefully accepted !

Cheers and thanks for looking, D

The finish on that engine looks great.

Thanks Bryan. Once I get brave enough to tackle the spark plug wires on the other side I'll post some more pics of it mounted on the chassis.

Cheers, D

Hei Damian, yuor engine is fnatastic!
How do you obtain such a great effect?
Mine always seems dull...
ciao
edo

Hey Edo, thanks. I'm happy with the finish as well. The base coat is Tamiya X-5 Green, I dry brushed a few times over that with Tamiya XF-56 Metallic Grey, the exhaust manifold got some Testors Burnt Iron Metallizer and a few spots of Tamiya XF-64 Red Brown. The last touch was a very thin wash of Red Brown but just here and there, not all over.

There was no formula or plan, I just added a touch of colour wherever I thought it was needed.

Hope this helps. Cheers, D

Hi Damian!
It sure helps! A green base coat never crossed my mind! I'll give it a try next time.
for the red-brown spot, did you used an airbrush?
Thanks
Edo

This was all brush painted, in fact I don't think I even owned an airbrush when I did this engine, that is a recent addition to my arsenal. To add the red-brown I used a very fine brush with the bristles cut short and just "dotted" the paint on until I was happy with the area covered. I have also used the end of a toothpick to get a similar finish by just building up an area with small dots of paint.

Cheers, D

Some nice decals released with femine noseart for 1/24

http://www.zotzdecals.com/reviews/Zotz24-01/zotz2401.htm

Smashing start. Keep it lit.

A full review of this decal set in in the works right now.
Nige

A little more progress over the weekend, my first go at scratch-adding some ignition wiring. I have no idea of the firing sequence of this beast so it will probably backfire a couple of times and explode all over my diorama. Never mind, I'm happy with the result (even if the photo's are VERY ordinary!!). The wire is from plastic-coated bread ties, I just burnt the plastic off which gave the wire a nice finish. The wire is very soft and looked the right diameter. A few tiny holes drilled with the pin-vice and some CA applied with a toothpick. I would never have had a go at this if I had not seen the work you guys show on Kitmaker.




I will try to get some better pics with another camera later.

Cheers, D

Another Blitz update, going hard on this to get it off the bench and get back to some campaign builds . . .





Cheers, D

Looking good mate! Know how you feel with all the campiagns I've loaded myself up with!

Ok, time for another mad dio update. Got started on the Blitz Fire Truck but not worthy of shots yet. Got some more work done on the Willys . . . . .






And picked up a couple of figure sets. This seems to be the only way to get some 1/24th scale figures so I will have some fairly heavy (and no doubt amusing) chopping and shaping to do to get them to look like they are from the 40's. As always any and all advice or suggestions VERY welcome in this regard.



Cheers, D

Edit, sorry for the quality of the shots !!

Awesome plan for a diorama! Just stumbled over here from Armorama and was impressed by your build. This is going to be one BIG and very detailed piece. It'll certainly be impressive once you get all these vehicles and figures around that P-47.

Jim
Large Scale Armory