This
project started off as an idea which I thought would be simple – a public
display of a large number of models in an airfield setting. After all, a 1/144
scale airshow had previously been featured on ARC.
After
bouncing the idea with other modelers in our local forum, the project was born
and has evolved into what it is today. We decided on 1/72 scale, as it is a more
popular scale.
The 1/72 airfield project commenced once E-Hobby HQ, a local hobby shop
confirmed their participation as the main sponsor.
Other
contributors included local decal & aftermarket manufacturer F-4DableModels
and myself.
The
apron and taxiways were made of thick cardboard known locally as strawboards.
Paving on the apron was simulated by scouring the strawboards in as many 3"
x 3" squares as can be fit, and weathering consisted of simply post
shading the individual squares with both commercial paint and Tamiya acrylic
paint.
The
taxiways are painted on using commercial paint and static grass was glued on
both sides of the taxiways. Taxi lines were of strips of yellow coloured
electrical tape.
Click on
images below to see larger images
Both
the length of runway and most of the buildings were made from mounting boards.
Buildings constructed included a control tower, a fire station, admin building,
4 hangars and 2 QRA shades. Construction took over 6 weeks to complete –
mostly on weekends. Volunteers gathered nearly every Saturday to work on
sections of apron and taxiway, and the task of constructing buildings was
distributed to anyone who had the inclination to put up a building. Construction
also reached fever pitch in the 2 weeks prior to the event. Lots of midnight oil
was burnt constructing various ground equipment, figures and vehicles.
The completed
airfield measuring approximately 44 feet long and 8.5 feet wide was assembled in
the promotional area just outside of E-Hobby HQ on 16 December 2006, and a
fly-in was staged. Local modelers 'flew' in their 1/72 aircraft models to
participate in the 1/72 airshow. In all, some 120 1/72 scale aircraft models of
all types and from all eras participated in the event which was open to the
public, making an interesting if not a somewhat fictional airshow. The event was
made merrier by a one-day sale held by E-Hobby HQ, and a sumptuous tea party
with lots of good food.
More
photos of the airfield and the participating aircraft may be viewed at:
http://z12.invisionfree.com/ScaleModelsMalaysia/index.php?showtopic=1775
Considering
all the work put in, the 1/72 airshow will now be an annual event and this years
show is scheduled for June 2007.
This year will
see the apron being widened to accommodate more aircraft, building upgraded and
properly detailed as well as runway and taxiway lighting being added on.
David
Click on
images below to see larger images
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