Brand new to the forum so let me start of by saying hello, the name is Thomas and Im glad to be here...a quick into...I have never scratch built a single thing, however Ive spent years browsing forums, checking out others peoples works and just being mesmerized by the creativity...so I figured it was about time to try my own hand at it...
I am currently in the Navy which gives me access to hands on references, my latest obsession is the aircraft elevators on modern carriers. After my last underway, seeing the elevator taking up a Hornet and a Growler side by side, I just couldn't shake the image from my head. I spent my days jotting down quick measurements, dimensions, making mental notes of how far apart the tie downs on deck were, their rough sizes, etc. Now I think I am ready to build...
After hours and hours and hours spent online looking up models and accessories in the 1/48 scale, I discovered that most of my work is going to have to be scratch built from other kits or just random things I find on the internet ( Aside from the plane(s) themselves ).
I have finally started the project (as the pictures show)...but Ive stopped and I guess here is where I ask the more experienced people for advice...
The elevator is quite large as you can see from the Foam board cut out, almost 2 feet long (21in along top edge, 24in along the bottom) ...I was thinking of cutting it in half, for better storage and transportation, would a cutaway/cross section elevator take away from the diorama any or maybe enhance it, allowing you to see the undersides?
I wasn't planning on using the foam board long term, does MDF come thinner than 1/4 in? The support framing below the elevator is going to be 1mm styrene eventually, right now Im just mocking it up with foam and card stock.
Sorry if any of these questions or comments Ive made sound stupid, I am a complete n00b at this. Ive built plastic models before as a kid, but I am trying to make a come back now as an adult. Bare with me...thanks!!
See images below:
The first attempt at drawing the elevator to scale
Corrected scaled down dimensions
EA-18G Growler paper silhouette
Testing a folded wing option next to the marked location of the previous plane for possible dual lift diorama
Finally cut out, still a lot bigger than I expected...should I cut it in half and show the cross section under?
Starting the spacing for aircraft tie downs / pad eyes
More spacing
Putting in simulated tie downs for now...
Debating if I should cut that back half off for a smaller diorama...
This is where I have stopped to plan my next step...continue in foam board/card stock or start looking for thin wood such as MDF which can be shaped accordingly...
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