Brad Cancian Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 A few months ago, a very skilled aircraft modelling friend of mine, who usually stays well away from WW1 models, decided to try his hand at some biplane models - he wisely chose the Albatros DVa from Eduard in 1:48 scale. Alas, a month or so ago, she came a cropper off his work bench, and straight after became the subject of a fit of rage, ending up very battered, broken, unloved and in the garbage. He then told me about this mishap, vowing (in some colourful language) never to build a biplane again. I asked him if he still had the bits to the poor little Albie, which he said he would have to search through his trash to find out, but was doubtful. I asked if he please could and that I would give the broken bird a good home if there was anything left. The next day he remarked that he had pulled the bits and pieces from the trash literally minutes before it was due to get thrown out, and would gladly send me the bits of the old bus at no charge. So, a couple of weeks ago, this is what turned up: Needless to say she was a very sad sight. Sadly, a full restoration was out of the question given the damage to the wings. So, what to do with a wingless broken Albatros? The same thing that would have happened to an original broken, wingless Albatros of course - put her out behind the back shed and throw a tarp or two over her until you work out what to do with her! Some ideas came to mind, perhaps focusing around an old broken airframe stashed away behind a hangar, maybe a small diorama. So I set to work on repairing what I could of the Albie. After making some small additions, extending a set of undercarriage legs from the spares box, adding some more panel / fastener detail, and some battle damage, I was at the below point as a starting idea: I thought about calling the finished product "Struck Off Charge" or something similar. The resin figure on the left was holding onto a small bomb, so I carved this out and added a book (ledger book perhaps) and a pencil, the idea being that perhaps the CO and technical officer are inspecting and striking the old bird off the Squadron's books... Not sure if the idea comes across, but probably better than throwing the Albie to the garbage hounds... With this idea in mind, and being a little daunted as I had not tackled anything really like this before, I set to painting the model in a fictional scheme - in this case, an Albatros from Jasta 5 in May 1918 markings. I obviously wanted a dirty and beaten up look. I made the tarps from tissue paper and white glue, flattened a tire from the spares box, and added a spoked wheel and other minor details. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Brad Cancian Posted March 6, 2011 Author Share Posted March 6, 2011 I then made the ground work, using plaster for the earth base, and some grass that you can get at model railroad stores. The building was made from balsa wood, and the area was strewn with appropriate spoils of war from the spares box. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Brad Cancian Posted March 6, 2011 Author Share Posted March 6, 2011 I am certainly not a figure painter or dioramaist (is that the appropriate term..?) like the armour guys and such, so the ground and figure work is very rough by their standards.... and I have never really tackled something like this before, so it was always going to be a bit of a learning experience. Still need more practice! No name plaque as yet, but am working on that. Doing something different like this was fun, and saved a nice model from ending up in the trash. Feedback / tips always welcomed! Cheers, BC Quote Link to post Share on other sites
neca12 Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 (edited) IT'S WONDERFUL. What colour have you used because this is one of the nicest I've seen on albatros model? Idea and acomplishment is superb. I'm not sure about rivets on wood? Why cover on cockpit? Why don't you let it open and put some dirt in it, maybe break something? Edited March 6, 2011 by neca12 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ro-Gar Hobbies Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Wow, incredible diorama and very well done! Could you explain how you achieved the wood effect on the fuselage? I like the look of it. As mentioned, the Albatross didn't have rivets, the skin was a laminated wood applied over a wood frame and the skin did not display any type of riveting work. How it was fastened to the ribbing I am not sure about? I can't believe your not a figure painter, they look great! The only thing I would suggest is giving them a light coating of flat to tone them down a bit. Thanks for sharing! Robert Quote Link to post Share on other sites
11bee Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 What a unique subject. I really like it, you did a great job. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HOLMES Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 OH MY GOODNESS....AMAZING, STUNNING Diorama and model.. WONDEROUS!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Diego Quijano Posted March 6, 2011 Share Posted March 6, 2011 Wonderful dio, Brad. Looks great. Q Quote Link to post Share on other sites
moeggo Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 Fantastic Work once again Brad! Looking forward to you next one! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Wege Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 awesome lateral thinking to turn a wreck into a Wreck. Apply for a job at Wingnuts ASAP. :P Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sebastijan Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 awsome, just awsome! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
toniosky Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 Brilliant work I really like your paint job, the figures are lovely The idea is so awesome when, like me, you dont like rigging biplanes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
neca12 Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 And one more question from me, are those Alley Cat figures? Resin ones? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
2qwik4u Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 Wow, that is amazing. The figures are perfect for it. The guy with the hands in his pockets looks like he is reliving the whole experience in his head. Awesome. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chukw Posted March 7, 2011 Share Posted March 7, 2011 Brilliant rescue mission mission, Brad! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Mikester Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Absolutely amazing, Brad! When I grow up I want to build models just like you! B) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
huntermountain Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 (edited) Every year, a model club has it's show in our local sports center. They only do civil vehicles. I've just got back from visiting their show this morning. Lots of great stuff, and a whole lot of dioramas. Great diorama,s, these guys really know what they're doing. And believe me, your diorama would have fitted right in there(if it weren't for the subject of course). It looks really stunning. I like the very classic look of the wooden base together with the WWI era subject. Edited March 13, 2011 by huntermountain Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TF51GREGWISE Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 I love it! I'll be sorting out my spare parts now! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
david sMiGielski Posted March 13, 2011 Share Posted March 13, 2011 At risk of sounding melodramatic, it's actually heartwarming to see you save a destined for the landfill kit. Great job on the dio. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pep Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 Wow just wow i'm at a loss for words its gorgeous! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Icehound Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 Nice job Brad,both the airplane and diorama are very well done. Good stuff Regards Mark Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SBARC Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 It's perfect....I wouldn't change a thing. I love the job you did on the wood finish. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Gambler Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 Just awesome Brad! What a great idea, and you have done a first class job. Cheer's, Jeff. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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