RAF Battle of Britain Airfield

[John Baker jnr]

Has anyone any tips on building this very ambitious diorama?

[alt-92]

Hi!

 

To start with, definitely check your constraints as far as space goes. 
Then decide what scale you can afford considering those constraints, and plan accordingly.

You'd also need to take into account that the usual depictions of refuelling and rearming at the same time are not quite how it was done, so maybe split those two up. 
Add a standby flight and you're already looking at 6 aircraft, fuel bowser, armament set and the necessary infrastructure.

 

[bigbadbadge]

Not sure if viable, but If you'ryou're able to visit the Battle of  Britain collection at Hawkinge  nr Folkestone,  they have a model of the airfield, well the buildings and some of the surrounding land and it is quite large. Unfortunately you're not allowed to take cameras in, but you could ask if you could get someone to take photos for you or allow you to take notes. Trouble is it is quite far to travel if they won't allow. It is a great place to visit anyway.

Chris

[Richard E]

If you haven't already found it, have a look at the Diorama, Vignettes and Scenery sub-forum as there are a number of posts describing similar projects.

[PatG]

The book entitled 'Aerodromes Of Fighter Command - Then And Now'  published in 2014 (one of many After The Battle publications) would be a great source of information and pictures if you can get hold of a copy.

 

Still available on Amazon and E-Bay for around £28-ish.

 

Pat.

 

 

[Paul821]

Are you looking to build a representation of an airfield or a diorama of a specific airfield. If the first then thing of what elements say to you "this is a BoB airfield?

 

 

Having seen some very impressive 1:144 models at Brampton yesterday I would suggest looking at that scale. There are many sources of resin kits available for vehicles etc. Even more are becoming available with 3d printing.

 

Part of the Duxford Flying Legends was also at Brampton and that just shows the size you would require in 1:72 scale.

 

For buildings a good reference book is this

https://www.abebooks.co.uk/first-edition/British-Military-Airfield-Architecture-Francis-Paul/31440731382/bd

 

But as that copy goes it costs silly money now, I am pleased that I didn't sel my copy when I downsized my library a few years ago, especially as we have now moved to a much larger house.

 

Please do keep posting here with answers to questions people have raised and new questions. There is a lot of knowledge in this forum, and people who will share it, so keep engaged here.

[Dave Wilko]

Sir,might one point you to these:

 

https://kafg.org.uk/

 

https://www.kenleyrevival.org/

 

Kenley Airfield,also know as RAF Kenley,also heavily engaged in the Battle of Britain.

It is now one the most intact fighter station from the period,still having it's runways and blast pens still in place,it is also now deemed a site of Historical Importance.

 

And Sir,one notices you are a Londoner?,RAF Kenley is in your back garden so to speak.

Edited October 1, 2024 by Dave Wilko

[John Baker jnr]

Thank you ALL for your very helpful replies. I've used a few books of reference so far and have virtually all the models ready. I'm building it in 1:72 / 1:76 /00 scale. There are just a few modeling tips i need from you guys n girls as regards what to use for roads and the best grass matting I should use. Additionally help on the best paints and if BoB airfields had any security fencing around the site and the best hanger models for the project for hangars I have some 20mm mdf laser cut kits. Any other suggestions??? Thanks again, you've been very helpful so far. Happy modeling everyone. John Baker.

[Ratch]

Look for model railway scenic accessories. Grass matting is too uniform IMHO, better done with scatters and static grass.

[dcrfan]

I have just finished making this rough rural grass airstrip in 1/48 scale. All done with ground foam in the centre and static grass along the edges.  Important to use a random mix of 3 to 4 different greens and a brown colour to ensure you don't have a monotone green.  

 

 

Edited October 8, 2024 by dcrfan

[StephenB]

On 08/10/2024 at 08:01, dcrfan said:

I have just finished making this rough rural grass airstrip in 1/48 scale. All done with ground foam in the centre and static grass along the edges.  Important to use a random mix of 3 to 4 different greens and a brown colour to ensure you don't have a monotone green.  

 

 

Brilliant, especially the tyre marks in the ground doing turns and the light patches.

[Mancunian airman]

Your ambition is going to be tempered by the available space you have . . .

I have heard others that claim great ideas but limited space put restraints on the open space of an airfield and the resultant diorama is somewhat 'crowded. 

There are a number of 3D printer/modellers -- I know of two such chaps, that produce a number of 144th scale vehicles and aircraft plus a dispersal hut that might be beneficial for you ? 

My current airfield diorama measure 12ft x 16ft  . . . 

I look forward to your airfield sketch plan to see how you are thinking  . . .