SPA Modeler

I wanted to try something different, so I purchased the Eduard ME109. To me there's a mystique about that plane, but I wasn't ready to commit to 1/32 scale on it yet. I also had another reason for a smaller aircraft, I wanted to try building a semi-primitive airfield. To accomplish this, (here comes that OCD again ), I had read that, in France, the Luftwaffe used old railroad crossties to create planking or hardstands to park their aircraft on so they wouldn't sink into the soft ground. Knowing this, I researched the size of a French RR crossties, scaled that down to 1/48, and cut a multitude of small balsa wood beams. Then I used a pin vise to drill holes in each end, put them in place, and anchored them with HO model railroad track nails. The nails give the impression of large stakes holding the ties in place. Then I spread some plaster on me base to semi-level out the ground, added some model railroad grass, weathered the hardstand, and a diorama was born....

The title is "'Waiting' France 1940"



Sadly, this is the only picture I have of the completed dio, as I gave it to a friend who really liked it. I do have a few of the base during construction, if anyone would like to see.

As always, thanks for looking!

Wow! Very impressive work on the base. The weathering is very well done.

Love the base. aircraft is pretty nifty, too!

A tut on the base with pictures would be a nice addition to our tips forum.

LyleW wrote:Love the base. aircraft is pretty nifty, too!

A tut on the base with pictures would be a nice addition to our tips forum.

I'll see what I can do. As odd as it sounds, I do most of my posting and writing at work, since I'm given a computer to amuse myself for 8 hours.

I'm off the next 2, and in between Dr appointments, I'll see what I can whip up. I did do one once on a base for a 120mm Roman Legionnaire, (a future posting in the figures thread), so I know I can do it.

LaserEquippedShark wrote:Yes sir. I have to agree that hard stand is impressive. The kit is really well done too of course.

I think the 109 is a real good subject for a first 1/32 kit. If you want to do an Emil of recommend the cyber hobby. I did the Eduard but the CH is supposed to be the holy grail.

Good to know, thanks. My first was the Tamiya Spit, my second, is under construction and is a WNW Albatros D.v, (I have NO idea why I did that ), but my next is going to be a 109. I'd like to do a BOB 109, possibly Priller's bird. I was looking at the Eduard kit. What can you tell me of it?