Boeing 747 in 1/48scale? a possability?

[redzed]

Just out of ideal curiosity, (and an idea for a game set on board a 747), how would you make a 747 in '28mm', bearing in mind that the insides have to be accessible?

(I know it's big before anyone says anything, 1.47M long & a wingspan of 1.45m, which will actually fit on my gaming table )

[OSHIROmodels]

Depends on what sort of detail and level of accuracy you are after.

Is the plane in flight or is it on the ground. In flight is easier obviously, on the ground, landing gear and surrounding airport paraphernalia have to be considered.

For the main cabin of the plane, two half tubes could be used with the window cut out of one half. A flat plate (for the 'floor') would have to be placed in the bottom tube with chairs and such stuck in place. For the front cabin and tail section you're probably looking at vacforming the shapes (in two halves again). Remember that most planes will have the bulkheads and food prep areas. Rebasing your figures would probably be in order as there's not much room on a plane 

For the wings, you could get away with sculpting them from blue foam or some other such material. The upper deck would probably have to be made separately as an addition to the upper tube (not forgeting the stairs).

You're a mad bugger if you're going to do it though 

cheers

James

[joroas]

Rebasing your figures would probably be in order as there's not much room on a plane  Smiley

So, sitting with your elbows tucked in, or walking down the aisles sideways....... 

[Michka]

Hate to say it, but I think the most wise idea is to use maps and have some detail pieces such as chairs and bulkheads sitting on the board. The other question is, do you really need the exterior. If you're doing a Snakes on a Plane / Flight of the Dead style game the interior cabins are all you need. Of course this is a reasonable solution, and when have we miniatures gamers ever been reasonable?

[redzed]

the plane will be grounded, so landing gear etc is a must.

there's also this....

[AKULA]

Oh I like that a lot.

 

4d models do rows of theatre style seats (using them in my BSG project)

[AKULA]

If its a cargo plane, you'd have very little in the way of seating....

If its airforce one, then scope for command and control functions etc so again more space to play with.

For a standard layout, might get away with 1pence sized bases?

Anyway stop talking about this, you make me want to build one 

[CompanyB]

I was just at the Boeing Dreamliner factory last month!  Plenty of 1:1 scale models there!

Plenty of 1:48 models of Boeing planes here in Seattle.  Pricey though.

I'd suggest making it like the real ones.  Rib support framework covered with thin plastic sheet.

The new planes are made of continuous carbon fiber components.  So no need for rivets or anything like that.  I can poke around if you like.  They do have kits and toys at the Boeing museum.

Brent

[redzed]

thanks Brent, but it really is a theoretical question
the amount of time it would take is outweighed bu how many times it would be used.

one of these might do, be big enough for a nice skirmish fight- perhaps on a runway in Africa...



not as grandiose as a 747, it's actually half the size  (which gives some idea to how f-ing HUGE a 747 is).

[CompanyB]

Well, there is that playmobile jet that you could scavenge for parts.  Wings, engines, cockpit, etc.

I think though you could make the model out of balsa and skin it ( for the fuselage ) and then sculpt the wings from foam or basswood.

Where is our LAF aircraft expert Jonnytodd?  I'll bet he has some ideas...

[Ulu Elsomalien]

thanks Brent, but it really is a theoretical question
the amount of time it would take is outweighed bu how many times it would be used.

one of these might do, be big enough for a nice skirmish fight- perhaps on a runway in Africa...



not as grandiose as a 747, it's actually half the size  (which gives some idea to how f-ing HUGE a 747 is).

I own two C-130 toys (from Battle Squads serie) and they're rather huge !

[OSHIROmodels]

I'd suggest making it like the real ones.  Rib support framework covered with thin plastic sheet.

The problem with that is when you get to the compound curves around the cockpit.

Plenty of 1:48 models of Boeing planes here in Seattle.  Pricey though.

Wow, I wouldn't mind seeing one of them 

cheers

James

[joroas]

I bought a 'Barby' jet plane from a charity shop.

..and your cavalry are mounted on My Little Ponies? 

[Andym]

I think converting a toy or buiding a scale model without an interior are easy enough to do, but to add insides, its a heck of a lot of work for something that might not be very playable! I considered the same problem when i thought it might be cool to play a game in a nuclear submarine, its too tight inside to get any decent movement from your models!

[redzed]

I considered the same problem when i thought it might be cool to play a game in a nuclear submarine, its too tight inside to get any decent movement from your models!

ah, someone else who had the sub idea