Gnomehome's 'Montgolfier' balloon - "finished" model (pre painting)

[gnomehome]

I'll try to build something that should look like this:



I'll have to adjust the relative scale of the balloon (70 feet high - 46 feet wide) versus the 'gallery' that should contain the models (3 feet wide).

The painting (if I ever get to it) will most likely be far less complex.

[OSHIROmodels]

Very promising 

cheers

James

[Andym]

Cool! Could you not print the designs off to stick on to your final model?

[tomrommel1]

like the idea

[gnomehome]

I've rummaged a bit to the crap resources I've gathered over the years

This should be the main parts used, the rest should be some cardboard, paper and assorted standard stuff. The model will be mounted on an 'aerial' (if it won't turn out ot be too heavy).
Figure (28 mm on 25 mm washer) for scale references.



The 'body' of the balloon is a "leaf catcher" (to be put in a drainpipe). The "shaft" will be a cardboard tube. I'll first try it with the one pictured, a tad wider might be easier to fit everything together, but I'll try to build it so that the "gallery" (part for figures to stand in) is no larger in diameter than the body of the balloon.

Time spent
Gathering materials and supplies: 20 min
Plans/mock-ups: 0 min
Building: 0 min
Pictures/LAF post: 15 min

[Vanvlak]

The leaf catcher idea is ingenious. 

[tomrommel1]

nice

[Svennn]

The leaf catcher idea is ingenious. 

For sure, I can see quite a few of these being sold around the globe for a similar purpose now you have planted the idea.

[gnomehome]

I've started with the gallery (part where the figures will stand)


First impression - before deciding on the length of the central shaft, I'll add the railing to have a better idea of the global look.


Time spent
Gathering materials and supplies: 20 min
Plans/mock-ups: 0 min
Building: 15 min
Pictures/LAF post: 20 min

[Comsquare]

Looks great so far 

The leaf-catcher is a brill idea.

[AKULA]

Inspired.

 

[gnomehome]

This is how it looks after trimming the central shaft & aerial, adding the 'balustrade' and gluing everything into place.

Next up (most daunting bit) is covering the frame to make the balloon itself (I'll give it try with cardstock). If that should be acceptable, I'll just have to base and paint it.




Time spent
Gathering materials and supplies: 25 min
Plans/mock-ups: 10 min
Building: 1h 25 min
Pictures/LAF post: 30 min

[von Lucky]

Aces.

[marianas_gamer]

looking good!
LB

[gnomehome]

After seeing the great stuff some of the others have built, I'm slightly embarrassed to continue with my rather half-assed attempt, but I'll try to finish anyway.

I've added strips of cardstock over the leafcatcher bit (no in progress pictures), just picture some tapered oval shapes and you'll get the idea.

The balloon will need a cap





And something to mask the bottom where the strips meet and smooth the transition to the central shaft



The 'finished' build



The paper strips could fit (quite a lot) better (less 'gap' showing) but I won't redo them. I really have no need for a balloon, and still have a lot of figures to finish so I rather spend my time painting those or building stuff that might have a chance of being used.

I will try to paint and base the balloon, just to have a finished entry. My idea was better than the execution, but I'm convinced that with spending a bit of more time someone more experienced/talented could really make an excellent balloon this way.


Time spent
Gathering materials and supplies: 25 min
Plans/mock-ups: 10 min
Building: 3 h 45 min
Pictures/LAF post: 45 min