Aircraft Diorama Accessories Kit II by Airdave

[airdave]

Mike, I PMed you

[Sakrison]

Originally Posted by airdave

well no more offers to do any test builds...
I hope this isn't a sign of no interest in this kit?

I am progressing slowly, got a couple more models done.

...and yes, I still need some test builds.

This is a list of what is actually completed and in the kit right now.
Do not assume I am anywhere near finished adding stuff!
I would guess I am at least halfway.

INCLUDES:
Airfield Accessories:
Industrial Fire Extinguisher*
Hydraulic HiLift Jack Stands*
Hydraulic Tripod Jack Stands*
Jet Blast Deflector Panels - Modular Sections*
Moveable Boarding Ladder - Fixed Height*

“Huffer” Tow Jet Airstart Cart*

Aircraft Carrier Accessories:
Modern Carrier Tug Tractor
Jet Start Unit Add-on (for above)
Modern Carrier Fire Response Tractor
Fire Equipment Add-on Unit (for above)

“Huffer” Tow Jet Airstart Cart (Low Clearance)

as I said, got a few items I would like to see test built (anything with a star*)
and if everything goes okay, take a few photos.
Build threads are not asked for at this point, but we can post some photos later.

Most of the elements in this kit can be built in a few hours if not less.

I need fast builds, the point is to help me correct any issues asap.
And I need good quality photos, since they might be used in the store listing.
(Good skills with small scale models is also a good asset)
let me know if you are interested in tackling a model or two.

"No interest in this kit"?! Ack! Perish the thought! I can hardly wait!
And I'd be happy to do a test build of any part of the kit.
I'm good with small parts (you've seen my Merlin 45 engine) and with a camera (35mm digital SLR).

--David

[Sakrison]

I see that the kit is 1/50 scale. Is the resolution high enough to allow enlarging it to 1/33?

[Zathros]

Awesome airdave. The whole deal reminds me of my time working at Sikorsky and at Danbury Airport. Really excellent!

[Swampfox]

Originally Posted by Sakrison

I see that the kit is 1/50 scale. Is the resolution high enough to allow enlarging it to 1/33?

I've built several pieces from the WWII Diorama kit at 1/48. No problem.

I just enlarged the gas cans to 151% or 1:33 and it printed just fine. I use an Epson Stylus 1400 Photo-6 color cartridge.

To some extent the answer to your question lies in what kind of printer you use.

Otherwise, the PDF files are designed to take an enlargement of 151% with no difficulty.

Try it, you'll like it,
SFX

[airdave]

David (Sakrison) ...go to my site and send me an email.

You can upscale the models, I think most, if not all, will work quite well.
I am limiting details and simplifying many of the designs for the smaller 1/50 scale
so they are not as detailed as they could be (at 1/33) but I think most models are quite acceptable.

I can give you one or two to try.
I don't mind them being built at a larger scale as long as it isn't too obvious in the final pics.
If the test build goes okay, I'd like to use the pics in the store, so i want them to look like the 1/50 scale versions.

[airdave]

Update on the Test Build issue...

This is the updated list of models I have ready and need test built:

Maverick Missile and Container Dolly
Wheeled Fire extinguisher
Fuel Drums with AirDrop Pallet and Chute (Tappi)
Towed Ground Power unit (Tappi)
Hydraulic Jack Stands
Jet Blast deflector Panels (Curt)
Moveable Boarding Ladder (Curt)
Towed Jet Start Cart

(Bracketed names indicate current test builders)

The unnamed models in the list are available...
as I stated I just need quick "test" builds to verify no build issues.
Quality photos of the model are expected for possible use in the store listings.
Yes...I need these items built at 1/50 scale to test specific scale build issues if any.

Dave (Sakrison) I emailed you and explained the build requirements with what models are still available. Thanks!

[airdave]

One more time...Update on the Test Build issue...

This is the updated list of models I have ready and need test built:

Maverick Missile and Container Dolly (David)
Wheeled Fire extinguisher
Fuel Drums with AirDrop Pallet and Chute (Tappi)
Towed Ground Power unit (Tappi)
Hydraulic Jack Stands
Jet Blast deflector Panels (Curt)
Moveable Boarding Ladder (Curt)
Towed Jet Start Cart (David)

(Bracketed names indicate current test builders)

The unnamed models in the list are available...
as I stated I just need quick "test" builds to verify no build issues.
Quality photos of the model are expected for possible use in the store listings.
Yes...I need these items built at 1/50 scale to test specific scale build issues if any.

[airdave]

Okay heres the update again, on the kit:

Models in the Kit now include:

Airfield Accessories:
Industrial Fire Extinguisher
Hydraulic HiLift Jack Stands
Hydraulic Tripod Jack Stands
Jet Blast Deflector Panels - Modular Sections
Moveable Boarding Ladder - Fixed Height
(8) Wheel Chocks
(4) 45 Gal. Fuel Drums plus
Fuel Drum Drop Pallet with Drag Chute
“Huffer” Towed Jet Airstart Cart
GPU Towed Ground Power Unit
ECU Towed Electrical Cooling Unit
Maverick Missiles and Shipping Container Dolly

Aircraft Carrier Accessories:
Modern Carrier Tug Tractor
Jet Start Unit Add-on (for above)
Modern Carrier Fire Response Tractor
Fire Equipment Add-on Unit (for above)
“Huffer” Tow Jet Airstart Cart (Low Clearance)

Just added the Towed ECU this morning, and put together 2 sets of Wheel Chocks.
(A more modern design of Chock, a multi-purpose design which can be built in two sizes)

Models being test built or needing test build, are:

Towed Electrical Cooling Unit
Maverick Missile and Container Dolly (David)
Wheeled Fire extinguisher
Fuel Drums with AirDrop Pallet and Chute (Tappi)
Towed Ground Power unit (Tappi)
Hydraulic Jack Stands
Jet Blast deflector Panels (Curt)
Moveable Boarding Ladder (Curt)
Towed Jet Start Cart (David)

(Bracketed names indicate current test builders)

[airdave]

Swampfox - email me, I do have a couple more kits (see the list above) that you could do...

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

I was doing some reference hunting a day or two back
and came across a photo that sparked an idea!

Thought it might make a fun addition to the Diorama Accessories.

Many AirBases around the world have these Guard Houses at entry and exit points.
I found a photo of one (probably an Asian location) that was pretty generic looking...

and so...



1/50 scale makes it a little small to go crazy with details, so I used some photo textures and photo realistic effects for the windows.



The main sign is blank...just has the words "Air Force Base" at the bottom.
Its up to the builder to add a name, as I have done.
...but I've also included a completely blank sign, for your imagination.



not exactly a "tarmac" model, but maybe a fun addition?


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

which brings me to my next question...for all who are still paying attention.

I need some advice.

My original plan for Airfield Accessories Kit 2 was "post WW2 airfield equipment, etc".

I have built up about 15 pages of models so far.
But my first airfield accessories kit had an assortment of items including a couple of vehicles.
Whereas this new kit is almost entirely vehicles and trailers.
I've also got a mix of old and new, ground and aircraft carrier equipment.

I do have a few other model ideas still in mind, but I have reached the point where I need to wrap this kit up.

So that suggests I think about another Kit after this one? and continue with more of my ideas.

OR...do I throw out my original idea and split what I have got now?
If I separate the Aircraft Carrier stuff, I could add more "post war" type equipment and follow up with a "modern" equipment Kit?

Only question this raises for me, is what other carrier stuff can I think of? ...or do I just focus on the "modern" aspect of the second kit.

So..the question to you, is:

A. Leave the kit as is...wrap it up before it gets out of hand, and release it.
B. Continue adding more and make it a bigger, more expensive kit.
C. Remove the "modern stuff"...turn it into a "post WW2" kit and also release a "modern" Kit.

I would appreciate any ideas on this.