Aircraft Diorama Accessories Kit II by Airdave

**airdave** · #1 10-03-2010, 03:14 PM

Yeah, I know...

between Kool Wheelz cars,
a redesign of the AC-130/C-130 Hercules
and Mike Bauer's Stomp Rocket collection,
I don't have much time left on the PC...

so why not start another project?!!

Airfield/Aircraft Diorama Accessory Kit II

This will be my third Diorama Accessory Kit.
The first was of course Airfield Accessories, World War 2 era.
(The second Diorama Kit was Automotive related)

For this new Kit, I had hoped to focus on more modern applications.
Post WW2 for sure, maybe even up to Modern Day equipment.
And thats exactly what I am doing...a little mix of things that didn't get into the first kit,
a few things that were suggested by members during the making of the first and second kits,
and a few more things I have come up with in my search for reference material.

First model in the Kit is a suggested Fire extinguisher that was designed during the Automotive Kit but I felt it had a better Airfield application.

A large, industrial Wheeled Fire extinguisher.
These have been around for many decades, in use on Airstrips everywhere
and still used today.
I haven't got a build of this model yet, but heres the pages for it:

Today I finished a test build of one of the major parts of this kit.
Another Aircraft Tug/Tractor.
This time I wanted to do something more modern,
and Navy fans might enjoy this one...
this is a US Navy Carrier Tug

I still have a little more tweaking to do, but this is basically the final product.

Needs a couple of tabs, some headlight details
a little more stencilled lettering
and I am also adding some 3D wheel parts for those who a little more challenge.

Now, I am also working on some other runway and carrier equipment like towed generators, fire equipment, O2 and Gases Supply and Jet Start Units.

but during the research of this Carrier Tug, I came across the "add-on" units
that can be added to the rear of the tug.
I am researching a fire equipment add-on, but here is the Jet Start Unit that you can build and attach to the tug.

I designed it so it will slip onto the premade Tug, with no modifications.
It does however require gluing or bonding to the rear of the Tug, so how you attach it will decide if it is removable again.

Mine is not glued into place in this photo (thats why its sags a little at the rear).

I also need to add some details to this too...like "Exhaust Danger" signage and the like.

I'll leave the hoses and cables up to the builder to sort out.

More ideas to come...feel free to offer up any thoughts
and I will be needing some test builds of a few parts...details to come.

**Knife** · #2 10-03-2010, 03:34 PM

Glue a couple of strong magnets into the pieces to hold them together. That makes it removable without gluing them together permanently. Here's a link to some strong but cheap magnets:DealExtreme: $5.96 Super-Strong Rare-Earth RE Magnets (8mm / 100-Pack) Suitable for Extending 18650/CR123A Batteries

**airdave** · #3 10-03-2010, 03:45 PM

Its not supposed to be a removable part, you can build a carrier Tug as is
or build one with the Jet Start Unit attached.
My point is, that there are no modifications required to the Tug model to add the JSU.
You can easily add the Jet Start Unit after the fact and just glue it into place.

I will possibly include a Fire Equipment Unit add-on as well.

You could build three tugs, all the same...and add a JSU and Fire Unit to two of them.

..................................

Forgot to mention, that like my earlier kit, this will be 1/50 scale parts.
Easily rescaled, 1/50 still allows me to fit models on to letter size pages.

I haven't quite got the size of this Tug down yet...anyone know actual dimensions on these?
I had to base my measurements on some visual judgements from photos.

My basic Tug (without JSU) is 9-10cm long, supposedly 1/50 scale.
I'd like to adjust if necessary, I think it might be a touch larger than it should be.

**tedparkes** · #4 10-03-2010, 03:58 PM

I think missle and bomb carts would go without saying, although maybe you already have them in the first kit, idk. Maybe a flat tarmac that replicates a catapault, with the blast deflector raised, to set a jet on. only things i can think of just this second...

**Swampfox** · #5 10-03-2010, 04:01 PM

I was waiting for your announcement that there would be a part 2 for your Airfield diorama.

I have part 1 and have made boxes, gas cans, ammo boxes, ladders, wheel chocks............ all kinds of stuff.

Would you consider making a portable control tower? The kind used on English 8th AF fields? They were small one or two man trailers with a jerry rigged bubble window (probably taken out of a wrecked a/c), radio equipment inside and sometimes small steps to help the crews get in and out. Used for giving landing instructions to returning bombers and fighters. They were then towed away to get them off the landing field and stashed until the next missions.

I know this is WWII, but they were also used in Korea;-)

Please consider this item...

Your part 1 diorama is great, I still have many more things to build from it, I'm really looking forward to this next one.

Thanks,
Swampfox

**airdave** · #6 10-03-2010, 04:15 PM

I have a Carrier Missile Trailer that I am considering.
I also have some left over material with regards to Bomb Trailers,
I will keep thinking about those.

The Portable Control Tower sounds very interesting...
although it also sounds like it might be too large an item for my kit?
If you can send me some pics, I will think about it.

I am still thinking about a pack of tarmacs and diorama base.

**hawkman67** · #7 10-03-2010, 05:53 PM

Wow! Dave, that Tug looks awsome! Can't wait for this kit to ready for download. I am very impressed.
Jeff

**Barry** · #8 10-03-2010, 07:05 PM

Looks superb Dave a real show stopper

**Darwin** · #9 10-03-2010, 07:24 PM

Looking forward to this release. Back in the 80s, ERTL released several 1:48 scale aircraft that included several pieces of Airforce service equipment....tug, bomb lift, starter cart, etc. It might be worth your while to look on Ebay and see if you could get ahold of one to use as patterns. Don't worry....contrary to many in the group, plastic is safe to handle....just do it in solitude and wash your hands carefully afterward.

**hawkman67** · #10 10-03-2010, 07:36 PM

Another interesting piece would be the Ford tractor used by both the Army and Air force for moving around carts and other equipment. both in yellow and OD Green. spent many a day driving one of those around the flight line...
Jeff