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Old 05-01-2017, 08:14 AM
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airdave airdave is offline
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Location: Ontario Canada
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Modern Airport Accessories - Civil Aviation Diorama Kit

This was a topic discussed in the past, and I have finally been motivated to work on it.
This will be a newer Kit of Diorama Accessories for the Civil Airport and Aviation fan.
Things like Airport Tugs and Tractors, Baggage Handlers, Emergency Equipment, etc.

Unlike my earlier Airfield Accessories Kits, this will be smaller scale stuff
since most Airliners and Civil Aircraft models are much smaller scale because of the overall size of these aircraft.
This is a new area for me, having designed stuff mainly at 1/33 and larger.

Although my earlier Airfield Accessories were at 1/50 scale,
this time I'll be attempting to design at a very small 1/100.
Although I am considering including multiple scale versions of each accessory, so I might add 1/72 models.

I will definitely be including alternate 1/144 scale versions of each accessory in a simplified build.
These can be reduced further (to 1/200, 1/300) during printing as needed.

I'm not sure exactly where this will go, or how many accessories will be produced.
But it would be nice to include modern and vintage equipment in the kit.

I decided to start with a simpler design to get a feel for the scale.
Something with as few parts as possible to start with...and one of the largest vehicles I will include.
I didn't want to jump straight into something too complicated.

This is a modern Pushback Tractor...based on a TUG Equipment GT-110 or something similar.
I've decided to not be exact to any one piece of equipment, and I will avoid a specific manufacturer's markings.
More of a generic look to things...but obvious and recognizable equipment.

I built two versions fo the 1/100 scale Tug...it has about a dozen parts, with an inner and outer liner for the main body.
Under 3" long...about 7cm.
Some layered parts make up the front details, and I added a cutout rear body section with a couple of small insert pieces.
The Wheels are flat 2D...the inner and outer body parts help add some 3D effect along with body strength.
But, I left the chassis open underneath (for simplicity).



I also created a smaller 1/144 version, but with a simplified build...less parts...about 6 parts in total.
Under 2"...about 5cm.
Its almost half the size!
The main body parts are just one layer with open bottom again.
Almost all details are surface artwork, and I eliminated the rear cutout section.

I think it is still buildable at a smaller scale, but it will require patience, steady fingers and good eyesight.
And this is a failry large vehicle! Those tires are 60" in diameter!



Its a start...and it is teaching me things about designing at this small scale.
I've already got some new ideas for the kit and the individual models.

So for now, I am sending these two designs off to my "test builder" who will help m along the way.
Stay tuned.
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