Well I figured it wouldn't be a proper Retro Futuristic GB without at least one airship, so I was glad to get this baby off the ground! It all started with a Bronco Models 1/200 Chinese Yuan Class attack sub. If box art like this doesn't get your blood racing, nothing will.
Fortunately, this kit is pretty simple and aligns well with my skill set.
Of course, some additions would be necessary to pull this off. Right away, I knew I wanted to use the lower wings from a Nieuport on the front and wings of a Sopwith Tripe in the back.
I added a large gondola scratched from styrene sheet and some more tail pieces cut from card.
I swiped the rudders in back from a 1/72 scale Airfix Vimy and the winky ones up front are left-over bits from the Triplane wings.
I also added a 1/72 nameless wheel hub on the nose but I used the kit part in back as it fit so nicely. Small bombs were drafted into the role of the compressed air "rockets" and secured with pieces of 1/144 B-47 landing gear struts and this wonderful plastic wire Mr Fontaine sent me a while back (thanks a million, amigo!).
It took me about four days to get this far and then it was time for paint, decals and rigging (ugh!).
The old hairy stick was used along with a boatload of Polly Scale Hopper Beige for the envelope, Polly Scale Antique White on the flying surfaces and Model Masters Sand on those large tail fins (hi Bill!).
The gondola, bottom cargo & escape hatches and nose/tail ends were finished with Model Masters Primer Gray. Model Masters Aluminum (or "Aluminium" if you prefer) was used on the engines and the stabilizer struts were done with Model Masters Earth.
Decals were mostly from a sheet for the venerable Glencoe Vickers Viscount. However the window decals actually belong on an airship, the 1/500 Maquette R-100 I built a few years back.
Rigging was done with this great wire from Woodland Scenics that you can't get anymore.
It was all secured with Gator Glue.
It took me an extra couple of days to get the rigging on and initially I didn't want to bother with it but now that it's done I'm glad I made the effort.
I had a lot of fun building this dirigible which took a shade over two weeks.
I'd like to thank Bill, Jeff and Leigh from LA who all made vital material contributions to this project. You guys are awesome!
I'd also like to thank Mr Tomcat for his bravery and selflessness in moderating this group build!
And I'd like to thank all of you who are playing along or even just checking it all out. We can't do it without you!
Here's one last shot which might give you an idea of the size. Sorry, I forgot the U.S. penny but the model is a good foot and a quarter (or 40-ish cm) long.
I hope you enjoyed Col. Blymp's mythical dirigible and reading a little more over-looked (lighter-than) air craft history.
Brian da Basher
