Model Aircraft
Diverse Images
1/72 scale Junkers Ju87G-2 ‘Stuka’
At Diverse Images Milliput has always been a vital material used in the process of sculpting and producing our pewter aircraft models.
We always begin the sculpting process by carrying out extensive research into the chosen subject. In this case the chosen aircraft is a limited edition 1/72 scale Junkers Ju87G-2 ‘Stuka’ with extended wingtips and under-wing cannons for attacking tanks on the Eastern Front in World War II as flown by one of the Luftwaffe’s most famous pilots. The same sculpting process is used for all our aircraft whether it is a Hurricane, Spitfire, Lancaster or Messerschmitt.
The initial fuselage form is roughly made from a 'sausage' of Standard (Yellow/Grey) grade Milliput. We accelerate the curing process by ‘baking’ it in an oven set to a maximum of 50 degrees C for about 30 minutes. This allows us to make more progress with our sculpting than would normally be possible.
The cured initial form is then filed down roughly to shape before more Milliput is added.
The process of add Milliput, cure, reshape and add further Milliput is repeated until the final shape is achieved. The same process is carried out for all the component parts.
The completed Milliput masters are then used to cast pewter masters via silicone moulds. We do not add fine detail at the Milliput stage because the resulting castings have a very rough finish.
Over several days the rough castings are cleaned up, and any distortion is corrected, always referring back to original drawings and photographs.
The metal masters are carefully reworked, fitted together and additional detail added with Milliput prior to making the production moulds which subject the masters to very high temperatures and pressure.
From the production moulds components are cast in pewter, assembled, painted, markings added and the finished aircraft mounted on a base. Accompanying figures add scale and context and are produced in exactly the same way – starting from a pack of Milliput.
To see the rest of our range and more information about how we produce our aircraft please visit our website at www.pewteraircraft.com