Well the first three are finally finished and should be boxed up this week for transport in about a week from now.I will be really happy to get some space back again as things are just getting too crowded to be able to work properly on anything.I will take some pics of this operation ,I hope things go OK.The two large dios require that they be tipped 90 deg to go up the stairs. I have checked and re-checked that things are secure but you never know.The boxes will only be opened upon arrival in Ottawa .I hope that there are no surprises!

Excellent work John. Your threads continue to be inspirational.

Veneering a door.
Here is a fun project,veneering a plastic door in 1/24 scale.This was done mostly with coffee stir sticks and a few odds and ends of wood I had lying around the shop.It is an old RR car door that still requires painting and weathering.The little bit of gray plastic still showing will easily be lost in the shadows.I used something a little different to glue on the boards to the plastic,it is called "goo" and is made by Walthers.Unfortunately it is hard to find in Canada,so I also use something called "sho goo" as a substitute.
Prepare the plastic by sanding the surfaces to give the glue a little tooth to hold on to.It can be messy stuff but just use it sparingly as it is very strong.
It is toxic in confined areas like super glues etc... but so far I have had no allergic reaction to it.A mask and good ventilation is recommended.
Sand the wood carefully and remove any left over glue especially in the corners.
I will make a simple pull type door handle and some fake hinges to finish it off.

Those wings,and that hammer,Masterclass!

Cratin 'em up!

Now the whole world can share in your fine works!

This pic gives you guys an idea of the size of these crates.I will put some bubble wrap along the underside of the top to make sure nothing moves and to stabilize things.The roofs are removable on my dioramas and are the key piece to remove first when you want to take it apart.I plan to put foam rubber on the bed of the truck to help absorb any vibration.The crates will have to be tipped almost 90deg to get them up the stairs.Estimated weight 150 to 200 pounds.

The finished door was weathered with pastels.The door handle is just a simple arrangement of a ring and eyebolt design.The hinges are on the inside with just a hint of rust to indicate their position.The glass of course has long been broken and removed but I left the space open for viewing.It too would normally be covered to keep the elements out.

'Tis the night before the big move to Ottawa and I am nervous as hell ! I hope that the next time that I see these guys that they are in their new permanent home at the museum.
After almost ten years now, I hope the kids (and the kids at heart) have as much fun looking at them as I had building them.

Well now I will finally have some space to move around again.I will set up the next diorama right away and get busy finishing it too! This time I have learned my lesson and it will be modular and a lot easier to move ,as it will be constructed in sections with the final assembly done on site.It probably will be the last of my really big dioramas.The RR diorama that I am doing now is basically a round piece of about 48 inches in overall diameter at 1/24 scale.

I know that I have learned so much from watching you build these great pieces. When I hit a dry spot, I was inspired to build so John, please Model On! You are always welcome here.

Thank you Stephen, I just got word that everything arrived safe and sound in Ottawa.

With the New Year fast approaching and Winter here to stay for awhile ,I think that it is time to return to the "Backyard Flyer" and finish it off before Spring ,now that I have lots of space available again.It is another big one but this time it is done in removable modules so that it will not be such a problem to move.I can then do the final assembly at the museum in just a couple of hours.

Canada Aviation Museum names new Director General
April 29, 2010, Ottawa - Denise Amyot, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation, is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Quick as Director General of the Canada Aviation Museum.

“Mr. Quick brings a heartfelt passion for aviation to his new position at the helm of Canada’s national aeronautical museum,” says Ms. Amyot. “With his extensive experience within the public and private sectors, and more than thirty years as a professional artist, Mr. Quick is uniquely qualified to guide the Museum in showcasing Canadian achievement and innovation.”

“As museums,” says Mr. Quick, “we should not only function as stewards and guardians of our collective past, but be proactive in introducing future generations to the tools that will help forge their future. We should act as extensions of established learning institutions, helping to shape the future and engender pride in Canadian endeavours by telling the stories of those who have dared follow their dreams, and by showcasing the next wave of exploration and innovation.”



Deeply involved in Canada’s arts and culture sector, Mr. Quick has been painting professionally since 1978, and has been a professional aircraft and military illustrator since 1984. He spent 27 years in the Canadian publishing industry, including senior positions with both McClelland & Stewart and Stoddart Publishing. He has also worked within the public sector, including positions at the Department of Canadian Heritage and the National Gallery of Canada, prior to becoming Associate Director General of the Canada Aviation Museum in 2008.

The Canada Aviation Museum is Canada’s finest aviation museum, with an internationally renowned aeronautical collection. The Museum, a component of the Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation, is located at the intersection of the Aviation and Rockcliffe Parkways, just ten minutes from Parliament Hill.

It is really nice to know that a fellow artist is finally running the show!

Another pic