[JohnReid]

Modifying the "T"

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Before I go any further with the T I had better figure out where and how I am going to stash all the Camel parts and pieces.The 4 wings will be attached to the fuselage and will be resting up against the side probably held on with rope etc..The center section and its struts will be left on the fuselage for easy re-assembly.The horizontal stab ,fin and elevators will be strapped to the side of the T and the ailerons on the roof rack.
I hate to cut this nice kit up but I have to re-design it a bit for my purposes.The cab portion will remain the same but the body will have to be opened up a bit as I find it too enclosed .I want the focus to be on the aircraft parts and pieces that the truck is carrying and not the truck itself.
I have a set of more modern headlights left over from another project ,so I will convert the system to electric more in keeping with a T from early 20's.

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

This is the plan for strapping things on to the van.The horiz stab and elevator will take up one side ,with the ailerons on the top rack and the rest inside. I don't plan to fabric cover any of this.I have had to stop building the T for now until I get the seated figs that you see here,which should be in a couple of weeks or so.These figs are already in a seated pose so I don"t anticipate too much modification.The uniforms can be altered to become street clothes or coveralls.The hats I will modify or change the heads altogether.I plan to improve my painting techniques(especially the faces) as these figs are outside and not subject to hangar lighting .They also are near the edge of the diorama and more subject to up-close observation by the viewer.
This Camel /Ford truck piece will probably take a lot more time than I anticipated as it seems to grow in complexity day-by-day.The whole thing is just an add-on and not central to the storyline .It is more just a fun piece that I thought would add more interest to the back of the diorama . We don't often get to see airplanes being towed on our roads anymore!

[JohnReid]

From van to flatbed!

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I don't know what I have been thinking but the van idea is really not a good one.A flat bed would be much better as it would allow me to rest the Camel's tail directly over the T's rear wheels. I could also leave the fin and rudder on the airplane which may look a lot better.It would also provide for a much more open concept to view the various parts and pieces.This would be an easy modification at this stage.The seated figures are on order at the hobby shop and when I get them they will be temporarily fitted to the seats of the T or one seated in the T and the other on the flatbed as an observer.Remember the driver is in the mens room taking a nervous one!

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

For a more complete version of the text or instructions on this build please see:
Welcome to The Aerodrome - Aces and Aircraft of World War I

See the "forum" section.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by JohnReid

I am going to have to use that trick when building stick and tissue flying models.

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

[JohnReid]

Except for the plumbing most of the engine area is finished.A few paint touch ups and a little weathering later should do it.
I temporarily installed the engine up against the firewall to see how it looks and now will remove it again to put the fuselage assembly in the kit supplied jig and complete the cockpit area.
I must confess about how easy it is to screw up even when you think that you are being careful.It always usually happens when I set my mind to finishing something at the end of a building session.I just wanted to see the engine mount permanently glued to the fuselage. I super glued it and then much to my horror discovered it was upside down.Luckily I caught it before it had time to really cure.Luckily I had some un-cure handy and it worked out well with no damage to the structure.Darn,you can't let your guard down for a minute!