London Airport Northside retro 200 update

Graham Bridges · 06-23-2009, 02:23 PM

Well I've been busy for 3 weeks improving my techniques with the card, scalpel and PVa adhesive. Becoming more accurate and faster. Surprised at how I've achieved a fairly rapid build so far.

I'm still concentrating on accuracy of overall shape of the buildings and their relationship to each other. I only have one aeriel photo to work from. But my memory comes back as I juggle the bits and I think I have achieved a reasonable result so far.

Intention still the same. i.e. Get the basic buildings without detail in to place. Add the missing roofs. Paint and detail the ramp and taxiways. Add non working coloured taxiway lights and grass. Draw up facing sheets of paper showing building texture, windows, doors etc. Add fencing to the rear of the area to keep out plane spotters. Then ready to invite friends over to play.

Took these pics to keep you up to date. Need to pack it all away now so that I can try to sell the place and move to the sun. Anticipate a final update for the tarmac before moving house, but no idea when that might happen.

Again, sorry for lack of roofs, but it shows construction method.

BoeingFlyer11 · 06-23-2009, 03:10 PM

That looks great! I can't wait to see the finished product. I have always loved the way those propliners looked. What airlines do you have there?

Graham Bridges · 06-23-2009, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoeingFlyer11

That looks great! I can't wait to see the finished product. I have always loved the way those propliners looked. What airlines do you have there?

DC-3 Air France
DC-7c BOAC & SABENA
DC-6B British Eagle
C/V 340 Lufthansa
Strat Pan American World Airways
Super connies: Slick, Air Ceylon, Capitol, QANTAS, KLM, Trans Canada taxying in

Retroguy · 06-23-2009, 07:25 PM

starting to look good,...I have to go back to mine as well, soon,...

dylan · 06-23-2009, 08:53 PM

Damn! Love the way this is coming together! Lots of odd shapes....not a streamlined, linnear concourse in sight.....just the way god intended!

smoothjazz · 06-24-2009, 05:19 AM

Good to see fellow members are doing 1/200 stuff... Can't wait till it's all done!

Graham Bridges · 06-24-2009, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dylan

Damn! Love the way this is coming together! Lots of odd shapes....not a streamlined, linnear concourse in sight.....just the way god intended!

The row of tatty huts alongside the row of red autos (I shall be reworking those they are my first experiments with how to design/construct) represents a row of real huts each one occupied by an airline. I can remember that the 3rd one from camera was Pan Am and they had a big white board that could be seen through the window. It showed all their movements in to LHR and flying over to Europe which included the registrations. Excellent for spotters.

06-24-2009, 08:57 PM

Very well done! Add a little paint and it'll look very realstic! (though the cars look a little weird)

Graham Bridges · 06-25-2009, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by americanair

Very well done! Add a little paint and it'll look very realstic! (though the cars look a little weird)

All those vehicles are really "a better than nothing" selection from N gauge model railway suppliers. I picked them them up at swapmeets. When the project is detailed and finished I have a lead on a couple of architectural suppliers who do 1:200 metal cars, trucks etc. But they are mostly a modern outline. Period 1:200 vehicles and GSE is a real problem. I don't really like the sets made by Western Models either. They seem a tad too big to me.

Anyone have a view on this aspect ?

Moomins · 06-25-2009, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham Bridges

All those vehicles are really "a better than nothing" selection from N gauge model railway suppliers. I picked them them up at swapmeets. When the project is detailed and finished I have a lead on a couple of architectural suppliers who do 1:200 metal cars, trucks etc. But they are mostly a modern outline. Period 1:200 vehicles and GSE is a real problem. I don't really like the sets made by Western Models either. They seem a tad too big to me.

Anyone have a view on this aspect ?

Have you considered using z-gauge vehicles? I know Marklin built some sets that were close to the period you are modelling. Just a thought.

Graham Bridges · 07-18-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moomins

Have you considered using z-gauge vehicles? I know Marklin built some sets that were close to the period you are modelling. Just a thought.

Just picked up your reply. I don'tknow these Marklin Z-guage sets. Any idea how I could view them ? I do have some Kibri "Z" tankers I keep meaning to build up. Any input welcome.

Most roofs are now in place. Will take more pics when board is grey with tarmac detail and some buildings are detailed.

Pic shows first visit of a starliner to London June 1958 with the concrete block terminal (as I've modelled) in the background. Note LONDON AIRPORT on building - perhaps the authorities were worried that passengers didn't believe these old buildings could be London !

airbro · 07-19-2009, 07:19 AM

Nice old airport cool cars.

DELTA-711 · 07-19-2009, 07:35 AM

Nice airport......... doesnt seem to be so many retro set ups out there............ refreshing change.... keep up the good work

Junkcollector · 07-19-2009, 11:15 AM

THAT is a lot cutting and gluing! You've made some nice progress on a huge number of bldgs in a short amount of time. Update us soon with your progress. Also your fleet of Connies and other props look right at home.

OT: Attached is something you might like......!

Graham Bridges · 07-19-2009, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junkcollector

THAT is a lot cutting and gluing! You've made some nice progress on a huge number of bldgs in a short amount of time. Update us soon with your progress. Also your fleet of Connies and other props look right at home.

OT: Attached is something you might like......!

Aaaaaah a 1049-T fantasy. Can't imagine a super connie sounding like an electra but of course they did fly 4 1049s (USAF and USN 2 each) for the turboprop dev prog.

Junkcollector · 07-19-2009, 07:09 PM

Graham,

Where did you get that model????!! Very Cool!

PS: What type of materials are you making your buildings with. I havent jumped in yet, but am looking for a paper
material that is stable and long lasting. Any suggestions?

Herb-

Graham Bridges · 07-20-2009, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junkcollector

Graham,

Where did you get that model????!! Very Cool!

PS: What type of materials are you making your buildings with. I havent jumped in yet, but am looking for a paper
material that is stable and long lasting. Any suggestions?

Herb-

The R7V-2 model was made for me by a model maker called John Alcott. He used an old French Dinky Toy as the basis (1:192 but near enough to 1:200 for me). He modified the nose and front gear which was totally wrong and toy like. Removed the engines and replaced them with hand formed brass turbo props. My weird ambition is to have a full set of L-1049 models in 1:200, showing all the schemes of new from factory customers. Its getting a bit expensive already !

As for the buildings, I'm no expert and have never done this before, so I'm learning by experience. However I have discovered that various card works well. e.g. the thickest for large panels is mount board or art board used in old fashioned artwork boards. Its very stable I've found. I also use loads of recycled packaging, drinks mats and corn flake cartons amongst my favourites. Envelope card is good too from those special brown stiff photo envelopes. I use white pva adhesive but you guys may call it something different. I'm imagining that I'll scan in door and window frames on my PC and print out paper coverings for the buildings. That'll take up some time too especially as I need to fit it all in alongside a "normal" life (what ever that is !)

Graham Bridges · 07-21-2009, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoothjazz

Good to see fellow members are doing 1/200 stuff... Can't wait till it's all done!

Yet another little indulgence: I found this pic on the net which shows just how close we were able to get our beloved connies, strats and dougs as they taxied past us on to the old North apron. The little fenced off enclosure was really for passsengers friends and was called the "waving" base. I'm not in this pic, but I recognise 2 of my old friends in there. Itwas usual to see more spotters there than passenger friends. Our presence was tolerated.

Camera is looking south with the new central area behind the Capitol super connie.

Us old boys had some Simplistic and happy times.

Retroguy · 09-10-2009, 06:17 PM

Graham, I was thinking,...if you need help on those windows and doors to print, let me know,...we may get something done,...I tried it on the Blue terminal, as you know, its all printed paper and cardboard, and it doesnt look all that bad

either that, or cut all those windows and doors by hand

rui

Graham Bridges · 09-12-2009, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retroguy

Graham, I was thinking,...if you need help on those windows and doors to print, let me know,...we may get something done,...I tried it on the Blue terminal, as you know, its all printed paper and cardboard, and it doesnt look all that bad

either that, or cut all those windows and doors by hand

rui

Thanks RG, I may take you up on that. I don't have any of that photo shop stuff yet, but its on my agenda for next year. Custom decals for the connies too !

All of the huts on LAP North have corrugated asbestos roofing. The model now has roofing in place throughout but no ramp detail which is next phase.

Like the Flying School hangar especially with interior and flooring.

Jet 8595 · 09-12-2009, 08:20 AM

Nice Work!!!

Retroguy · 09-13-2009, 05:31 AM

Graham, I keep on trying new textures,...just making my first MARRIOT Hotel

for 1:400...looks big !!!!
and it gives the illusion of far away buildings...

Moomins · 09-15-2009, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graham Bridges

Just picked up your reply. I don'tknow these Marklin Z-guage sets. Any idea how I could view them ? I do have some Kibri "Z" tankers I keep meaning to build up. Any input welcome.

Most roofs are now in place. Will take more pics when board is grey with tarmac detail and some buildings are detailed.

Pic shows first visit of a starliner to London June 1958 with the concrete block terminal (as I've modelled) in the background. Note LONDON AIRPORT on building - perhaps the authorities were worried that passengers didn't believe these old buildings could be London !

Sorry - I only noticed your response to my posting from several months back.

Here's a few links for you:

Marklin 89021 - MODEL 10-CAR SET MIRACLE ERA 05

Marklin 89022 - Automobile Set

Unfortunately, the models are most likely based on German prototypes, but I suspect that you could probably pass them off at 1:220 scale without drawing too much criticism.

FYI - reynaulds is a large European Model Train Importer in the US. I've given a considerable amount of my income over the past five years. If you do decide to pursue this option, call them directly and ask to speak to Rey - he'll go to the ends of the earth to make you happy.

Best Regards,

Graham Bridges · 09-20-2009, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moomins

Sorry - I only noticed your response to my posting from several months back.

Here's a few links for you:

Marklin 89021 - MODEL 10-CAR SET MIRACLE ERA 05

Marklin 89022 - Automobile Set

Unfortunately, the models are most likely based on German prototypes, but I suspect that you could probably pass them off at 1:220 scale without drawing too much criticism.

FYI - reynaulds is a large European Model Train Importer in the US. I've given a considerable amount of my income over the past five years. If you do decide to pursue this option, call them directly and ask to speak to Rey - he'll go to the ends of the earth to make you happy.

Best Regards,

Hey thanks for that, I've checked them out and they look quite useful. I wondered where you'd gone ?

Graham Bridges · 09-20-2009, 03:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retroguy

Graham, I keep on trying new textures,...just making my first MARRIOT Hotel

for 1:400...looks big !!!!
and it gives the illusion of far away buildings...

I won't need any hotels for my LHR (LAP) model. Only a model of the pub on the other side of the road called the AIR HOSTESS. The days all gone and replaced by a hotel. Which one I dunno.

Graham Bridges · 02-24-2010, 07:32 PM

Latest pics. Most roofing now fitted

5 months on and some changes!

Bigger cargo shed. Building changes in the main terminal area. Now happy with general layout so working out how to detail the buildings.

sla31 · 02-24-2010, 08:17 PM

That looks great! The buildings look fantastic! Great job! I really need to finish my airport, oh but how I have had so little time lately.