My insane project (DTW)

TVCFlyer · 12-23-2004, 01:53 AM

I started my DTW McNamara 1:400 project this week. I currently have around a hundred pictures of McNamara terminal, diagrams, and dimensions. I am starting with the north gates, tower, and runways/taxiways.

One thing I noticed when starting to dimension this out, was the size. Im only taking the terminal plus runway 4R from the start to just after 9L crosses. It will end up being 12' by 18' but will be split into sections that can be removed and stored.

Here's a tip for anybody duplicating an existing airport:

I got an aerial photo from the USGS and loaded it into autocad. I then scaled it to lifesize. This allowed me to draw all the runways and taxiways based on the actual photos. This saved a huge amount of time. I tranfered the vector data into Visio and added "life-like" background images to simulate grass and asphalt. After that, I sent the drawing in 3 foot strips to a wide format color plotter.

I have a couple questions for any crafty anal people out there.

1. Has anybody created their own jetways. If so, what was the technique used?
2. Has anybody used any glass/plastic windows in their terminals?

3. Has anybody found an easy way to create working flood lights around their terminals?

Any suggestions, comments, or questions are welcome. Also, if anybody wants to tell me Im nuts, that OK too... my wife tells me every day.

Travis Campbell · 12-23-2004, 10:00 AM

You're nuts. Now, seeing that's taken care of, what scale are you planning? There are not to many airport supplies out there that are beyond being toylike in appearance, and if it is 1:400, you pretty much have Dragon's GSE and that's about it that's worth your money in modern airport equipment (Aero Classics does have very nice retro stuff). I'd recommend searching train set and architecture websites for supplies (which can be expensive). As for making jetways and terminal buildings, I suggest using Evergreen Plastics, people on these forums seem to have luck using their product, especially HNL_Chris, and I know they are usually willing to give tips and opinions. Good luck on modeling what will be a difficult airport to model and can't wait to see photos. Enjoy the snow.

AmericaWestAirlines · 12-23-2004, 12:16 PM

Wow, that is going to be huge! If you want to use windows in your terminal, or any part of your model, you should get the clear Evergreen plastics, that's what I'm using and I think they look great. I hope this helps and good luck on your model.

TVCFlyer · 12-29-2004, 01:50 PM

Here is the preliminary elevations for the terminal level area at the north end gates. Note: this does not include ground level elevation, floor, or roof. Also, as this is the "beta" design, colors may have to be tweaked a little.

Comments are welcome.

-tvcflyer

PS. This is just a snapshot of the actual--detail has been GREATLY reduced.

SouthwestAirlines103 · 12-30-2004, 05:59 PM

It's lookin ver good so far

TVCFlyer · 12-30-2004, 07:14 PM

Colors came out great! I'll try to have a beta 3D model set up and photo'd this weekend.

I did notice one interesting thing. At 1:400, this is really small. Even smaller that most 1:500 scale GSE. I double checked the measurements and all scale out OK. I will have to create new jetways. I looked at the Herpa ones, but even at 1:500 they are too large at the terminal end.

I also was surprised that you can make out the text on my gate marquees. although a magnifying glass is almost needed!

stay tuned

FlyNavy · 12-30-2004, 09:08 PM

I'm impressed that you are taking some this big of a magnitude. Good job, looks great. I looked at the plains a thought, "Whoa sh it, thats a lot of work"

Good-Luck and a HOORAH to you

.

jblu320 · 01-13-2005, 07:20 PM

Does anyone know the website for Evergreen Plastics?

HerpaBryce · 01-13-2005, 07:45 PM

buy here:
http://www.billandwalts.com/bldgsupp...rgreen.ep.html

TVCFlyer · 01-14-2005, 12:01 AM

http://www.evergreenscalemodels.com

you can also buy at Hobby Town USA http://www.hobbytown.com

lollomz · 01-14-2005, 12:00 PM

Good luck with your airport!

Lollo

12-23-2004, 01:53 AM	#1
TVCFlyer Collector / Nut Job Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cadillac Michigan Age: 35 Posts: 4	My insane project (DTW) I started my DTW McNamara 1:400 project this week. I currently have around a hundred pictures of McNamara terminal, diagrams, and dimensions. I am starting with the north gates, tower, and runways/taxiways. One thing I noticed when starting to dimension this out, was the size. Im only taking the terminal plus runway 4R from the start to just after 9L crosses. It will end up being 12' by 18' but will be split into sections that can be removed and stored. Here's a tip for anybody duplicating an existing airport: I got an aerial photo from the USGS and loaded it into autocad. I then scaled it to lifesize. This allowed me to draw all the runways and taxiways based on the actual photos. This saved a huge amount of time. I tranfered the vector data into Visio and added "life-like" background images to simulate grass and asphalt. After that, I sent the drawing in 3 foot strips to a wide format color plotter. I have a couple questions for any crafty anal people out there. 1. Has anybody created their own jetways. If so, what was the technique used? 2. Has anybody used any glass/plastic windows in their terminals? 3. Has anybody found an easy way to create working flood lights around their terminals? Any suggestions, comments, or questions are welcome. Also, if anybody wants to tell me Im nuts, that OK too... my wife tells me every day. Last edited by TVCFlyer; 12-28-2004 at 04:09 PM.

12-23-2004, 10:00 AM	#2
Travis Campbell Insane Collector Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Detroit, Michigan (Roughly) Age: 27 Posts: 1,067	You're nuts. Now, seeing that's taken care of, what scale are you planning? There are not to many airport supplies out there that are beyond being toylike in appearance, and if it is 1:400, you pretty much have Dragon's GSE and that's about it that's worth your money in modern airport equipment (Aero Classics does have very nice retro stuff). I'd recommend searching train set and architecture websites for supplies (which can be expensive). As for making jetways and terminal buildings, I suggest using Evergreen Plastics, people on these forums seem to have luck using their product, especially HNL_Chris, and I know they are usually willing to give tips and opinions. Good luck on modeling what will be a difficult airport to model and can't wait to see photos. Enjoy the snow. __________________ Now that I have my damn Air New Zealand DC-10-30; Where's my damn Air New Zealand 737-300 (N/C), DC-8-52 (Kuru and Star Liveries), DC-8-54F and 787!?! Private Pilot as of 19 MAR 04. Instrument Rated as of 06 AUG 04. Commercial Pilot as of 29 MAR 05. Multi-Engine Rated as of 28 MAY 05. Advanced Ground Instructor as of 10 MAR 06

12-29-2004, 01:50 PM	#4
TVCFlyer Collector / Nut Job Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cadillac Michigan Age: 35 Posts: 4	Update - DTW McNamara Here is the preliminary elevations for the terminal level area at the north end gates. Note: this does not include ground level elevation, floor, or roof. Also, as this is the "beta" design, colors may have to be tweaked a little. Comments are welcome. -tvcflyer PS. This is just a snapshot of the actual--detail has been GREATLY reduced. Last edited by TVCFlyer; 12-29-2004 at 01:53 PM.

12-30-2004, 05:59 PM	#5
SouthwestAirlines103 Git-R-Done Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: HELL Age: 18 Posts: 850	It's lookin ver good so far __________________ Greg

12-30-2004, 07:14 PM	#6
TVCFlyer Collector / Nut Job Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cadillac Michigan Age: 35 Posts: 4	Update Colors came out great! I'll try to have a beta 3D model set up and photo'd this weekend. I did notice one interesting thing. At 1:400, this is really small. Even smaller that most 1:500 scale GSE. I double checked the measurements and all scale out OK. I will have to create new jetways. I looked at the Herpa ones, but even at 1:500 they are too large at the terminal end. I also was surprised that you can make out the text on my gate marquees. although a magnifying glass is almost needed! stay tuned

12-23-2004, 12:16 PM	#3
AmericaWestAirlines Get on board. Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 622	Wow, that is going to be huge! If you want to use windows in your terminal, or any part of your model, you should get the clear Evergreen plastics, that's what I'm using and I think they look great. I hope this helps and good luck on your model.

12-30-2004, 09:08 PM	#7
FlyNavy Whoop-de-do Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Moving all around. Posts: 591	I'm impressed that you are taking some this big of a magnitude. Good job, looks great. I looked at the plains a thought, "Whoa sh it, thats a lot of work" Good-Luck and a HOORAH to you . __________________ If you dont make it the first time.... Blow the f*ker up. Last edited by FlyNavy; 12-30-2004 at 09:15 PM.*

01-13-2005, 07:20 PM	#8
jblu320 jblu320 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: NJ Age: 46 Posts: 110	Does anyone know the website for Evergreen Plastics? __________________ -Jblu320- ------------------------------------ "Have blue" "Blueberry muffin" "Blue skies" "Red White and Blue" jetBlue.com

01-13-2005, 07:45 PM	#9
HerpaBryce Master Collector Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: New Orleans, LA Age: 18 Posts: 833	buy here: http://www.billandwalts.com/bldgsupp...rgreen.ep.html __________________ See my airliner renderings here - http://community.webshots.com/user/banages See my collection here Last edited by HerpaBryce; 01-13-2005 at 07:46 PM.

01-14-2005, 12:01 AM	#10
TVCFlyer Collector / Nut Job Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cadillac Michigan Age: 35 Posts: 4	http://www.evergreenscalemodels.com you can also buy at Hobby Town USA http://www.hobbytown.com

01-14-2005, 12:00 PM	#11
lollomz Insane Collector Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Monza - Italy Age: 36 Posts: 1,885	Good luck with your airport! Lollo __________________ TRIJETS LOVER!

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread: