Plastic Model Kits

UK

My scale model / diorama represents an allied airfield in East Anglia, England during World War II.

The scale is 1/144 and the overall model size is 12'x16' (4m x 5.3m).

Although to have an accurate airfield at this scale would obviously require a larger space, this model shows the main features of such an airfield in an accurate compact arrangement and leaves the rest to the viewers imagination

Detail

Control Tower, Living Quarters, Nissen Huts, Hangers, Bomb and Ammunition Depots, Roads, Taxiways and Runways, Maintenance Areas and Adjacent Farm Land.

Lighted features include: Runway Lights, Crippled B17 with "wounded men on board" Flare, Illuminated Roads, Buildings and adjustable Background lighting to represent a dawn morning.

A sky and mural / diorama surround the model on three sides and large cotton clouds hang in the air.

A recording of actual warbird engines and startups can be heard from hidden speakers.

From a model railway engine that travels on a track suspended from the ceiling above the model hangs a P-51 Mustang on almost invisible fishing line, that actually fly's around the Airfeld.

In front of the model are panels with descriptions of the major features including statistics on men, machines and missions etc. There are over 60 different 1/144 scale airplanes made from several manufacturers kits representing  6 major countries that had air forces during the war

Hanging over the model are static displays of flying aircraft including paratroopers leaving a transport plane, a Spifire downing a V1 "doodlebug" by wing tipping, a Lysander towing a target sleeve and a Mustang downing a enemy fighter with parachuting pilot. The model is constantly updated.

Future plans include a group of barrage balloons, gliders being towed by future 1/144 purchases. As these kits have become more scarce in normal hobby shops I have found sites like AirfixCollector.co.uk a great source for out of production and rare kits which will ensure the model will continue to be refined.