1/72 Airshow

by David Chong

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This project started off as an idea which I thought would be simple – a public display of a large number of models in an airfield setting. After all, a 1/144 scale airshow had previously been featured on ARC.

After bouncing the idea with other modelers in our local forum, the project was born and has evolved into what it is today. We decided on 1/72 scale, as it is a more popular scale.


The 1/72 airfield project commenced once E-Hobby HQ, a local hobby shop confirmed their participation as the main sponsor.

 

Other contributors included local decal & aftermarket manufacturer F-4DableModels and myself.

 

The apron and taxiways were made of thick cardboard known locally as strawboards. Paving on the apron was simulated by scouring the strawboards in as many 3" x 3" squares as can be fit, and weathering consisted of simply post shading the individual squares with both commercial paint and Tamiya acrylic paint.

 

The taxiways are painted on using commercial paint and static grass was glued on both sides of the taxiways. Taxi lines were of strips of yellow coloured electrical tape.

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

Both the length of runway and most of the buildings were made from mounting boards. Buildings constructed included a control tower, a fire station, admin building, 4 hangars and 2 QRA shades. Construction took over 6 weeks to complete – mostly on weekends. Volunteers gathered nearly every Saturday to work on sections of apron and taxiway, and the task of constructing buildings was distributed to anyone who had the inclination to put up a building. Construction also reached fever pitch in the 2 weeks prior to the event. Lots of midnight oil was burnt constructing various ground equipment, figures and vehicles.

The completed airfield measuring approximately 44 feet long and 8.5 feet wide was assembled in the promotional area just outside of E-Hobby HQ on 16 December 2006, and a fly-in was staged. Local modelers 'flew' in their 1/72 aircraft models to participate in the 1/72 airshow. In all, some 120 1/72 scale aircraft models of all types and from all eras participated in the event which was open to the public, making an interesting if not a somewhat fictional airshow. The event was made merrier by a one-day sale held by E-Hobby HQ, and a sumptuous tea party with lots of good food.

More photos of the airfield and the participating aircraft may be viewed at:  
http://z12.invisionfree.com/ScaleModelsMalaysia/index.php?showtopic=1775

Considering all the work put in, the 1/72 airshow will now be an annual event and this years show is scheduled for June 2007.

This year will see the apron being widened to accommodate more aircraft, building upgraded and properly detailed as well as runway and taxiway lighting being added on.

David

Click on images below to see larger images

  

  

  

Photos and text © by David Chong and Jason Cheah