1/72 DFS Kranich - Jet/Recon/Transport GB

[A4K]

Cheers Jim and Glenn!
Slowly working on... wish there was a clear source of info re the original cockpit fitout...

 

[Airframes]

Jim, That happens to me now and then, when doing close work, and using a magnifying class in particular. It used to happen a lot when I was in the graphics trade, looking through a 'dot glass' at film negatives of printing plates, and more so in earlier years, when using a stereoscope. Like Evan, I'd end up with a headache, and blurred, or 'watery' vision, and had to rest the eyes, or stare at distant objects, in order to re-focus.

 

[A4K]

Interesting (but sad to hear) you have the same Terry. I believe it's largely from the 'moving' focus of the magnifying glass, not being 'fixed ' like a microscope's (if that makes sense)

 

[Airframes]

Yep, makes sense. And after umpteen years of using a 'dot glass' about an inch from a light box, I think my eyes are now older than the rest of me!!
Using the stereoscope, to study stereo pairs of aerial recce photos, was a weird experience too - it could take a full minute, or more, for the eyes to even begin to adjust after using one.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Doing a lovely bit of scratch Even, that Evergreen is good stuff, I was lucky enough to pick up a load of varying shapes and sizes when on a close-down sale.

As for the old eye, happens a lot when getting so engrossed in fine work, blurred vision, watering, stinging or aching eyes. I just back off from what I'm doing and stare out of the window until the eyes are sorted.

 

[A4K]

Cheers Vic! and yep, taking a break from the work and looking into the distance helps the eyes alot. Not too healthy for them to be staring at a close point too long (especially if a blinking surface like the computer or TV, or areas lit by flourescent lighting)

Yep, the Evergreen is great stuff, though having to halve them for this build, it was actually easier cutting strips from the medicine bottle seal I used for the Zlin. Will use that method again instead in future.
That said, hoping there will be some Evergreen strips and rods at the model market this weekend. It's great for larger aircraft.

Terry, never used a stereoscope - be interesting to see what it's like!

 

[Airframes]

Try it if you get the chance Evan. Obviously, you'll need 'stereo pairs' of photos, but the '3D' effect is very good.

 

[fubar57]

Agree with Vic. The small hobby shop in P.G. carries Evergreen so every time I can afford to make a trip down I grab a different size or shape. Lookin' good Evan.

Geo

 

[Wayne Little]

Evergreen is always handy for something!

 

[subkraft]

Very interesting project.....

Just a couple of thoughts on reading this thread thru:

-If they were prepared to sacrifice the gliders and, likely, the pilots....then making up a few drums to fit wouldn't have been a big deal, surely?
-another passing idea.....was there any kind of standard drop tank that would have fitted?

Great job.....

 

[N4521U]

That's some nice ribbing in the pit... a great effect. Well done.

 

[A4K]

Cheers guys!

Pushing to finish an F-51D and Me 262B-1a/U1 for some mates, so no further progress yet. Plan to hand the kits over Monday, so back into this Sunday/ Monday night.

Subkraft... interesting ideas mate, especially like the drop tank idea!
From what I've read ('reported' info only, unconfirmed) fuel was transported in drums, max. load 500 lb. (50 gal). That ruled out jerry cans for me as I'd first thought.
I only know of the 200 L fuel drums, so surmise (given the emergency situation) that these would have been used (..?)

 

[Wurger]

Looking very nice Pal.

Here is a shot of the indicator panel from DFS Kranich II . Maybe it can come in handy ... picture source: Unbenanntes Dokument

 

[A4K]

Dzieki my friend! Had found the front and rear views but not the side and top!

Interestingly, shrank the original front shot to 1:72 to see how feasible it would be to print off, cut out and glue to the dash, and guess what you see? -A black mass!
Just goes to prove a comment I read, that in 1:72 scale and smaller scales, details have to be exaggerated in scale and/or colour to be noticable. So the question is: do we model for realism or effect??

 

[Wurger]

Interestingly, shrank the original front shot to 1:72 to see how feasible it would be to print off, cut out and glue to the dash, and guess what you see? -A black mass!

To a certain extent of course. Here is sized down shot of the panel. The first one was scaled down only. The secon was sharpened..

Just goes to prove a comment I read, that in 1:72 scale and smaller scales, details have to be exaggerated in scale and/or colour to be noticable. So the question is: do we model for realism or effect??

Certainly they don't. All depends on a modeller and his ideas on how to make a such small part. It is better to make the piece of material you wouldn't have to paint than apply an additional layer of a colour. Therefore I make these pilot panels of thin black plastic plate. All wires are these thin threads of hose that are offered of a few colours and different thickness.

A micro fleet.. all models are of 1/500 scale...

Realism or effect .... I think both of them. It doesn't matter if you want to participate in a competition or show your girl and mates how good you are. As long as you model for yourself it's fine. If we would do that for effect only we had to try to cure ourself.

 

[A4K]

Dzieki my friend!

How do you sharpen the images? (keeping in mind my lack of expertise with the computer)

Agree too: realism all the way, or atleast as as far as possible within scale/ skill frame, and a little tweaking where necessary to enhance the effect, like artwork (which modelmkaing is a form of IMO).

 

[Wurger]

How do you sharpen the images? (keeping in mind my lack of expertise with the computer)

Hit the 'SHIFT'+'S' keys when using the Irfanview program. Or choose the Image menu at the top bar there and then Sharpen option.

 

[Airframes]

The problem comes when printing. The average inkjet or laser printer can't really cope with resolution of such fine detail. However, if the image(s) are saved to disc or 'stick', they could be printed onto photo-quality paper, by a photo-print shop, which would provide a better result, although probably not as well defined as a litho printed decal.

 

[A4K]

Cheers guys!

Wojtku, will try, but having to use programs puts me in panic mode - somehow never seem to understand what to do and usually screw it up.
I will try though, and save it on Ivett's pendrive if poss for the local copy shop girls to print, as Terry said! If it dosen't work, will just make and paint the dash myself as usual.

Cheers again!

 

[Airframes]

Evan, when I send the CD this weekend (honest!), I'll try to include a simple tutorial on an easy way of re-sizing and duplicating images, including text, without having to use a specialised programme such as Irfanview or Photoshop. It might be easier for you.