"Memories of Flight School"

[JohnReid]

It is here around the engine shop that the majority of the work is left to be done.Then the wiring must be all connected up and a few figures added to the outside. Finally ,I think that we are slowly getting there!
I was worried that the engine shop walls looked too high especially with all those vertical battens emphasizing the height.After leaning up those crates to the wall it seems to bring it all together.
This corner is very important to the success of the overall piece as it gives the viewer some nice sight lines into the workshop and hangar.

 

[JohnReid]

Stuck in the weeds!

 

[JohnReid]

 

[JohnReid]

 

[JohnReid]

I am thinking about having these two guys sitting on boxes taking a break near the loading area.One guy is actually sitting on an old aircraft seat that I have often seen hanging around out old airports.I think that they kind of fit in with the general relaxed mood of the whole scene.(probably tea time)
The last two figures will be standing out near the back door sneaking a cigarette.

 

[JohnReid]

 

[JohnReid]

Posing figures.
Although on occasion I will do a major modification on a figure (such as from a standing to a seated position ) mostly l try to work with what I got out of the box.The challenge is to come up with a good idea of how to use them.To create a little scenario that helps to tell the story of the diorama.I seldom use action poses .My purpose is to hold the viewers eye just long enough so that he really doesn't expect any movement from the figures.Long enough for him to suspend his disbelief at what he is looking at and let his imagination get to work.
My goal someday is to have complete control over the process from start to finish .Creating a figure to scale,painting it and have it look like a particular person.

 

[JohnReid]

 

[JohnReid]

Another option!

 

[je_touche]

Hi John,

I wouldn't make him stand in front of the aircraft, he would be hiding too much of that intricate wiring. Also, standing by the Model T would be a more natural position for a driver, wouldn't it? Just my two cents.

I love watching it all come together now. Good luck for the finish!

(I also like the two Germans being put to a less warlike use ;-).)

 

[JohnReid]

This guy works in just about any area that you would care to put him.

 

[vergilius]

Very fine figures you're using!

 

[JohnReid]

 

[JohnReid]

Stranded CNR truck drivers!
For now I am calling these two guys CNR truck drivers.I have not been able to find out in they would have worn some kind of uniform or not or what those uniforms may have looked like.If they wore uniforms I presume that they would have a military look about them which seemed to be popular in that era.
The colors for the under painting are from my imagination and were selected to blend in with the surroundings.Next up is the furniture which will be simple boxes built to accommodate the figures positioning.It is always a lot easier to adapt the furniture to the figure than the other way around.
These two guys are taking a break as their truck has either broken down or overheated.They could be waiting for a replacement truck or the engine to cool down ,either way they are not going anywhere for awhile.

 

[JohnReid]

 

[JohnReid]

 

[JohnReid]

I think that I will stop here for now as too much handling is causing the figures to become too shiny.I will glue this all together as one assembly and then hold on to the wooden boxes to complete the painting.Anyway this gives you an idea of how it will look when finished.
The black guys left elbow will require a book or something for support.

 

[JohnReid]

 

[JohnReid]

I think that this is probably the best solution for this area.I didn't want to leave it just bare and the weeds will help to define a sort of back lane area.I am hoping that the soft look of the weeds will help overcome the straight lines and all of the 90 deg angles.Next up will be some shorter vegetation and a little more color to make it more interesting.

 

[JohnReid]