"Memories of Flight School"
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JohnReid
A Fixture
Well as you can see I am very proud of my dads' service during the war.
The pic of him (on the left) and his navigator/radar operator F/L John Peacock is from that era,about 1944.Unfortunately F/L Peacock was killed in action over France on his first mission after my dad left the squadron.
The list of aircraft is one that my dad kept in the back of his logbook with all the aircraft he had flown during the war.He was able to fly so many different types as his military career spanned training,ferry,bomber and fighter commands from 1938-45.
The pic of him (on the left) and his navigator/radar operator F/L John Peacock is from that era,about 1944.Unfortunately F/L Peacock was killed in action over France on his first mission after my dad left the squadron.
The list of aircraft is one that my dad kept in the back of his logbook with all the aircraft he had flown during the war.He was able to fly so many different types as his military career spanned training,ferry,bomber and fighter commands from 1938-45.
JohnReid
A Fixture
Well good morning to all the vets,thanks guys!
As you guys know,who have been following this thread,my latest diorama "Memories of Flight School" has a Rememberance Day theme.
The first two dioramas of the Albatros and the Nieuport show the aircraft undergoing a rebuild.For this reason I wanted to show the aircrafts' tail raised to flying position undergoing the rigging procedure.With the Jenny I have the option of showing the tail skid resting on the hangar floor in its normal appearance while on the ground or not.Where with the other two aircraft I also had issues with weak undercarriages ,with the Jenny this does not seem to be a problem.Also at each wingtip there are skids that could be modified to help support the wings.
I have since changed the storyline of the diorama from a chance happening ,as to why the WW1 pilots were there ,to a more formal planned ceremony.
Because it is somewhat unusual to see an aircraft in the fully rigged ,fabricless state,the best way to explain this would to be indicate that this was done puposely in honor of these veterans.However ,there is no doubt that the airplane looks better with the tail raised to flying position.Even during the war it seems that for a more formal picture the tail was often raised on a sawhorse of some kind.Decisions,decisions............
As you guys know,who have been following this thread,my latest diorama "Memories of Flight School" has a Rememberance Day theme.
The first two dioramas of the Albatros and the Nieuport show the aircraft undergoing a rebuild.For this reason I wanted to show the aircrafts' tail raised to flying position undergoing the rigging procedure.With the Jenny I have the option of showing the tail skid resting on the hangar floor in its normal appearance while on the ground or not.Where with the other two aircraft I also had issues with weak undercarriages ,with the Jenny this does not seem to be a problem.Also at each wingtip there are skids that could be modified to help support the wings.
I have since changed the storyline of the diorama from a chance happening ,as to why the WW1 pilots were there ,to a more formal planned ceremony.
Because it is somewhat unusual to see an aircraft in the fully rigged ,fabricless state,the best way to explain this would to be indicate that this was done puposely in honor of these veterans.However ,there is no doubt that the airplane looks better with the tail raised to flying position.Even during the war it seems that for a more formal picture the tail was often raised on a sawhorse of some kind.Decisions,decisions............
JohnReid
A Fixture
JohnReid
A Fixture
I have been fooling around a bit with photoshop and for some reason the last pic came out a little large(now you can see all the mistakes better)I added the casters and weathered the stand a little.I will finish it just before final installation.
The following pic is of the type of block and tackle assembly (Chain fall and Rope sling)that I want to hang from a rail on the engine shop roof joists.
The following pic is of the type of block and tackle assembly (Chain fall and Rope sling)that I want to hang from a rail on the engine shop roof joists.
JohnReid
A Fixture
JohnReid
A Fixture
I forgot to mention that if you look closely at the last pic of the engine stand , notice that the casters are weathered.If you want to weather with chaulk pastels over a bare metal shiney surface here is what I do.Take some 600 grit sandpaper and tone down the shine and create some tooth in the metal surface .Then take some acrylic matte medium and spray or brush on and let dry.The matte medium will create some tooth for the chaulk pastels to stick to.Apply the pastels to a newly dried surface as they seem to stick better if you don't wait too long.Don't be afraid to use lots of pastel color in your soft application brush.I scrape off some pastel from the stick using an Xacto blade and dunk my brush into the pile of powder.Try to imagine where crud and rust may gather on the piece you are weathering or where human activity would create wear and tear.Be creative.Have fun,you can't make a mistake,there are none!
JohnReid
A Fixture
You know it is a good thing that I deleted the idea of 2 engines in the engine shop.With one engine and the stove space is already a concern.The 2nd Ox5 will probably look better out on the floor of the main hangar anyway.There is so much interesting detail on that little engine that I want it to be readily seen by the viewer but not be too distracting from the main subject matter.Another option would be to show it on the truck loading dock being crated for shipment or uncrated for use.Any suggestions?
I will take some 35mm pics of this new addition when I am a little further on in the process and it is a little more interesting.
I will take some 35mm pics of this new addition when I am a little further on in the process and it is a little more interesting.
garyjd
PlanetFigure Supporter
John, The engine looks really nice. Thanks for sharing some of your Dad's things with us. How cool is that? Did he take part in the Battle of Britain or Normandy Campaign?~Gary
JohnReid
A Fixture
Well thank you guys for your birthday wishes.I guess that I am rapidly reaching old fart status now.I in turn would like to thank all you guys for making my later years so much fun.It is very rewarding for me to think that my modeling friends out there take the time to read my sometimes rambling monologues.I am still blessed with a steady hand and keen eye and for this I am very thankful.
Speaking of which,I am now in the middle of the somewhat boring but essential job of weathering the interior of the engine shop.Starting with the floor and simulating the nailing pattern.I know that I have mentioned this before but I will review my technique here again.
The popsicle stik floorboards have already been prepared with washes of nimbus grey with a touch of raw umber.They are then glued to the underlay, which in this case is plywood ,with carpenters glue in a random or a pattern that follows what in 1:1 scale would be the floor joists.After it is thoughly dry,I take a sharp pin and simulate a nail pattern of my liking by punching small holes in the wood.I then take a sharp grahite pencil and twist it into the pinholes leaving a mark simulating a nail head.I then take a very thin wash of raw umber and brush or spray over the whole thing which will swell the pinholes level again but leave behind a permanent nailhead mark.Your floor should now look greyish in color with the underlying wood pattern showing through.You can now continue weathering as need be with a toothbrush spray and pastels.
Speaking of which,I am now in the middle of the somewhat boring but essential job of weathering the interior of the engine shop.Starting with the floor and simulating the nailing pattern.I know that I have mentioned this before but I will review my technique here again.
The popsicle stik floorboards have already been prepared with washes of nimbus grey with a touch of raw umber.They are then glued to the underlay, which in this case is plywood ,with carpenters glue in a random or a pattern that follows what in 1:1 scale would be the floor joists.After it is thoughly dry,I take a sharp pin and simulate a nail pattern of my liking by punching small holes in the wood.I then take a sharp grahite pencil and twist it into the pinholes leaving a mark simulating a nail head.I then take a very thin wash of raw umber and brush or spray over the whole thing which will swell the pinholes level again but leave behind a permanent nailhead mark.Your floor should now look greyish in color with the underlying wood pattern showing through.You can now continue weathering as need be with a toothbrush spray and pastels.
JohnReid
A Fixture
JohnReid
A Fixture
This is the floor after the initial pinhole punching and pencil coloring routine.I have yet to brush or spray on the thin wash of raw umber.Some of the larger openings in the boards I sometimes take a small brush a with a watery raw umber and color them before starting with the pastels.I will post a pic of the finished floor later.
JohnReid
A Fixture
JohnReid
A Fixture
the above is after one thin wash of raw umber followed by the toothbrush flicking treatment.Pastels will be applied when I figure out where to put the human wear and tear.
JohnReid
A Fixture
Originally posted by greatwarpilot over on theaerodrome.com
I'm under the impression that the trend to restore all aircraft to "Factory new" condition has been diminishing in recent years as museums become more aware of the value to be had in retaining as much of the original artifact (aircraft) as possible even if being restored (not rebuilt) lightly.
I am speaking almost exclusively of non-flying museums since airworthiness standards require extensive rebuilding in many cases.
When it comes to casting a critical eye on the actions of museums in the past that have "restored" aircraft and thus potentially lost important original date (even if attempts were made to document it) one needs to look at the context, as in most historical issues. If these restorations were done decades ago, the prevailing wisdom of the day was to do such restorations. In other cases the aircraft may have been disassembled or in terrible condition when they received it and there was little choice but to restore it in order to make a suitable display piece.
For example the "original" DVII at the Canada Aviation Museum came to them with a Hall Scott engine and currently sits with no fabric and disassembled in their storage wing. Sure it’s an original airframe, and sure it’s a shame that it is in the condition it is, but what is the museum to do?
These questions are faced by all museums and the answer depends on many things including the prevailing museological techniques and attitudes of the day, and of course available funding.
In the case of this DVII, I agree that it has been preserved in its current state thanks to it’s rather out of the way and undisturbed location. If it must move, one would only hope it is to a place that will preserve its originality.
There are enough "restored original" DVIIs out there.
Perhaps the unrestored condition of the CAM's AEG Bomber or Junkers ground attack aircraft are indications of their current attitude towards German War Prizes and originality. This in contrast to their original Naval Camel (and other aircraft) that were extensively restored by Carl Swanson many years ago.
Sorry for the diversion from strictly discussing the fate of the Knowleton DVII, but this seemed an appropriate opportunity for a diversion into museum practice and how it has changed over time.
Sincerely
Edward
Hi Edward! I have had personal experience with this evolution of thought over the years.When my dad and I first aquired the 1929 Beech Travelair it was a bastketcase 4000 model.I wanted to re-build it as a 4000 but dad had bigger plans.I think that in the 60,s the prevailing mood was not so much preserving these aircraft for history but updating them to modern flying standards.In the end he did get his wishes and the airplane had a complete C of A with no restrictions. That seemed more important to him than its historical value.It was a beautiful airplane no doubt when it was finished but it was changed forever.It was much like the Pepsi Cola D4D's at the time ,stressed for 9G's both ways,inverted fuel and oil system,skywriting capability and a much more powerful engine.
When he went west 20 years ago I followed his wishes and donated the airplane to the Canadian Warplane Heritage as he wanted it to go to a flying museum.It really did not fit into their collection so they traded it to the Reynolds museum in Alberta.They flew it at airshows for awhile then changed it back to a 4000 model(as much as possible) and repainted it in a 1920s style.It now sits in the museum on static display awaiting engine parts .It is now niether a 4000 or D4D .Whether it will ever fly again is problematic. It is still my position that it should never have been converted in the first place.I can understand the thinking of the 60's when the idea that modern was better. A lot of those guys, because of the era they came from, viewed these old airplanes as something to be improved upon and not for the historical value.Although it could be said that it does have a unique history of its own now.
I am also an vintage car buff and have noticed the same change in thinking from only a few years ago.A lot more owners want their cars to be as original as possible even trading for old parts as opposed to reproductions.As long as I have my 1931 Ford model A, which was re-built 10 years ago with original parts, that is the way it is going to stay.I won't make the same mistake again.
Cheers! John.
__________________
It has been said that the difference between a "pilot" and an "aviator" is that a pilot is a technician,and an aviator is an artist in love with flight.
JohnReid (Aviator)
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I'm under the impression that the trend to restore all aircraft to "Factory new" condition has been diminishing in recent years as museums become more aware of the value to be had in retaining as much of the original artifact (aircraft) as possible even if being restored (not rebuilt) lightly.
I am speaking almost exclusively of non-flying museums since airworthiness standards require extensive rebuilding in many cases.
When it comes to casting a critical eye on the actions of museums in the past that have "restored" aircraft and thus potentially lost important original date (even if attempts were made to document it) one needs to look at the context, as in most historical issues. If these restorations were done decades ago, the prevailing wisdom of the day was to do such restorations. In other cases the aircraft may have been disassembled or in terrible condition when they received it and there was little choice but to restore it in order to make a suitable display piece.
For example the "original" DVII at the Canada Aviation Museum came to them with a Hall Scott engine and currently sits with no fabric and disassembled in their storage wing. Sure it’s an original airframe, and sure it’s a shame that it is in the condition it is, but what is the museum to do?
These questions are faced by all museums and the answer depends on many things including the prevailing museological techniques and attitudes of the day, and of course available funding.
In the case of this DVII, I agree that it has been preserved in its current state thanks to it’s rather out of the way and undisturbed location. If it must move, one would only hope it is to a place that will preserve its originality.
There are enough "restored original" DVIIs out there.
Perhaps the unrestored condition of the CAM's AEG Bomber or Junkers ground attack aircraft are indications of their current attitude towards German War Prizes and originality. This in contrast to their original Naval Camel (and other aircraft) that were extensively restored by Carl Swanson many years ago.
Sorry for the diversion from strictly discussing the fate of the Knowleton DVII, but this seemed an appropriate opportunity for a diversion into museum practice and how it has changed over time.
Sincerely
Edward
Hi Edward! I have had personal experience with this evolution of thought over the years.When my dad and I first aquired the 1929 Beech Travelair it was a bastketcase 4000 model.I wanted to re-build it as a 4000 but dad had bigger plans.I think that in the 60,s the prevailing mood was not so much preserving these aircraft for history but updating them to modern flying standards.In the end he did get his wishes and the airplane had a complete C of A with no restrictions. That seemed more important to him than its historical value.It was a beautiful airplane no doubt when it was finished but it was changed forever.It was much like the Pepsi Cola D4D's at the time ,stressed for 9G's both ways,inverted fuel and oil system,skywriting capability and a much more powerful engine.
When he went west 20 years ago I followed his wishes and donated the airplane to the Canadian Warplane Heritage as he wanted it to go to a flying museum.It really did not fit into their collection so they traded it to the Reynolds museum in Alberta.They flew it at airshows for awhile then changed it back to a 4000 model(as much as possible) and repainted it in a 1920s style.It now sits in the museum on static display awaiting engine parts .It is now niether a 4000 or D4D .Whether it will ever fly again is problematic. It is still my position that it should never have been converted in the first place.I can understand the thinking of the 60's when the idea that modern was better. A lot of those guys, because of the era they came from, viewed these old airplanes as something to be improved upon and not for the historical value.Although it could be said that it does have a unique history of its own now.
I am also an vintage car buff and have noticed the same change in thinking from only a few years ago.A lot more owners want their cars to be as original as possible even trading for old parts as opposed to reproductions.As long as I have my 1931 Ford model A, which was re-built 10 years ago with original parts, that is the way it is going to stay.I won't make the same mistake again.
Cheers! John.
__________________
It has been said that the difference between a "pilot" and an "aviator" is that a pilot is a technician,and an aviator is an artist in love with flight.
JohnReid (Aviator)
Link to Post - Back to Top IP:
JohnReid
A Fixture
Sorry guys ,the above was posted by mistake!
JohnReid
A Fixture
JohnReid
A Fixture
Engine shop walls.
On some websites the pics are awfully big,I will attempt to change the settings if I can figure out how.Besides it shows all the mistakes!
Anyway this is a pic of a section of the interior wall of the engine shop.I simply laid cardboard over the foamboard and glued it on.The window trim and battens are 1/4 inch coffee stir stiks.On a rough structure such as a barn or hangar they really are all you need but the quality is somewhat poor as you can see from bent and warped shapes and the inconsistent 1/4 inch widths.
They were treated the same way as the floor with watery nimbus grey(the bottom line of vertical boards are the inside of the outside board and batten wall.)The cardboard insulation has been treated with a spray coat of laquer and allowed to soak in.Do not overspray as you do not want a shiny surface.Nail holes were done the same way as the floor.Weathering is next!
On some websites the pics are awfully big,I will attempt to change the settings if I can figure out how.Besides it shows all the mistakes!
Anyway this is a pic of a section of the interior wall of the engine shop.I simply laid cardboard over the foamboard and glued it on.The window trim and battens are 1/4 inch coffee stir stiks.On a rough structure such as a barn or hangar they really are all you need but the quality is somewhat poor as you can see from bent and warped shapes and the inconsistent 1/4 inch widths.
They were treated the same way as the floor with watery nimbus grey(the bottom line of vertical boards are the inside of the outside board and batten wall.)The cardboard insulation has been treated with a spray coat of laquer and allowed to soak in.Do not overspray as you do not want a shiny surface.Nail holes were done the same way as the floor.Weathering is next!
JohnReid
A Fixture
JohnReid
A Fixture
This is the exterior of the same wall done in board and batten style.The boards are tongue depressors and the battens are those some 1/4 inch stir stiks.The bottom of the boards and battens are left in an irregular pattern as I want to show a little heavier weathering where they come in close proximity to the ground.Additional weathering will be carried out the usual way except the nail heads will show a little rust.
