A Balloon is being filled with some gaseous paper...

[Blackronin]

As I'm going to take to the air in one of our Over the Trenches mission created by Andrzej (Nightbomber) and a Entente balloon is needed, I decided to make one.

With the nice help of Dave (Clipper) on correct measurements I start making the paper moulds for the Balloon:



Will it work? We'll see very soon.
After the moulds were created, I cut the numerous parts in cardboard from a pizza package. I love pizza and I love cardboard.



And after cutting and cutting and cutting and cursed myself several time in wanting to build two balloons at the same time, I finally was able to put some glue around:



Now the supports that will give the correct shape are done and I must start the other side of the central part of the balloons.



Can someone please explain me how can Clipper do 10 at the same time?

[Grey Knight]

Very nice work,nobody knows how he really does it.I think it's the elves or the chocolate...

[Blackronin]

Very nice work,nobody knows how he really does it.I think it's the elves or the chocolate...

Chuck! I want to hire those elves, or get some of that chocolate!

[Flying Officer Kyte]

With the nice help of Dave (Clipper) on correct measurements I start making the paper moulds for the Balloon:

Can someone please explain me how can Clipper do 10 at the same time?

Simples!

ELVES.

Rob.

[Nightbomber]

No, No, No ---- I didn't believe Joauqim is going to built a balloon on his own! With paper! This is amazing! Hommage, my Friend! What a brave enterprise Good luck!

Andrzej.

[Blackronin]

Thanks, Andrzej!

Where can I find those elves, Rob?

[somaliavet]

I think I need some fey folk too!

[john snelling]

When finished please show us the results.

[Nightbomber]

Quim, do not make a permanent cockade marking on the balloon. You will need it in different missions

[Blackronin]

When finished please show us the results.

I sure will, John!

[Blackronin]

Quim, do not make a permanent cockade marking on the balloon. You will need it in different missions

I'm going to make two. One British and one German. What do you think about it?

[Nightbomber]

I think Clipper has a heir.

[Marechallannes]

Nice project, Joaquim!

Can't wait for the first pictures.

[Blackronin]

I think Clipper has a heir.

I don't have the skill nor the stamina that Clipper has, Andrzej.

[Blackronin]

Nice project, Joaquim!

Can't wait for the first pictures.

There's a pilot's portrait almost finished, my friend.

[sirosis o liver]

amazing i cant wait to see maybe you should rent out the rubber room next to clippers you guys can talk through the vents to each other

[petitbilbo]

I wanna see more! Now!

Seriously, this looks quite promising and I'm seriously looking forward... to see the elves do the work!

[wargamer]

wait! there are vents there?

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Thanks, Andrzej!

Where can I find those elves, Rob?

Try an Elf Spar.
You need a very bad English accent to get that one.
There may be some hanging around the Elf food shop as well.
Rob.

[BobP]

Quim looks like a good start and as with the others can't wait to see the finished produce.

[csadn]

Can someone please explain me how can Clipper do 10 at the same time?

A look inside Clipper's workshop:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PAdQ5anhZE .

[petitbilbo]

Funny, I visited his workshop yesterday and had the good fortune to bring my video camera with me.
Here's the result: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJ-Iu1tuls0

[Blackronin]

Well, after so many cuts and forms I was able to finish the central body of the Balloon:



It looked like a strange larvae of some Scifi movie. I then proceed to use a very soft paper to add the fabric:





I've finally wrapped the skeleton around with the fabric and put a pin to support the balloon in the stand:



The tissue looks wet because it is wetish. It hasn't stopped raining today and the glue takes ages to dry. I finally gave another glue layer to strengthen the tissue paper and to make it become rigid:



But we'll have to wait until it dries completely to proceed to the fins.

[Nightbomber]

Excellent job. Perfect. Can't wait to see the final result.

[Rat of Vengence]

Looks great mate, I like the structure you built to create the form. One thing that occurs to me is that using a soft paper will leave ridges where the card forms are, which may look a bit strange for a gasbag. Would it be worth using a more rigid or stiffer paper to minimise the ridges?

Please don't take that as a criticism, you have done 100% more balloon than I have gotten around to doing

Dave

[gully_raker]

It looked like a strange larvae of some Scifi movie.

Dont suppose you were able to get Sigourney Weaver over to help out with that.

[Marechallannes]

Looks like a BABY-ZEPPELIN!





...please ignore me, Joaquim.

[Crysagon]

Awesome work!

Crysagon

[Rat of Vengence]

Dont suppose you were able to get Sigourney Weaver over to help out with that.

That would be far better than elves!

Dave

[Flying Officer Kyte]

That would be far better than elves!

Dave

That all depends on the elves you had in mind.
Rob.

[petitbilbo]

<Obi-Wan Kenobi>These are not the elves you are looking for!</Obi-Wan Kenobi>

@Joachim: would you consider "publishing" the plans for the paper moulds? I'd be interested!

[Blackronin]

<Obi-Wan Kenobi>These are not the elves you are looking for!</Obi-Wan Kenobi>

@Joachim: would you consider "publishing" the plans for the paper moulds? I'd be interested!

Of course! I'll do it as soon as I made the balloons to see if all fits well.

[Blackronin]

That all depends on the elves you had in mind.
Rob.

Everything good about these elfies except the ears. I'd prefer them a little smaller...

[Blackronin]

So here's more progress on the balloons.

The skeleton of one of the fins being glued:



Another view of half the fins:



The two balloons before the 3 layers of wood glue. I use Pattex Wood Glue:



All cardboard pieces cut:



Next step. Putting all together!

[Skullduggery]

Everything good about these elfies except the ears. I'd prefer them a little smaller...

Ears?

[Grey Knight]

Looks good,keep us posted.

[Flying Officer Kyte]

Coming along very well. The Elves obviously did not distract you too much despite their big ears.
Rob.

[petitbilbo]

I continue to be impressed!

[john snelling]

Ears?

You are no the only one! I did not notice the ears either. I must stop now!

[Marechallannes]

What a project, Joaquim...

[Blackronin]

What a project, Joaquim...

Just to play my balloon mission.

[clipper1801]

Ah, but now you can play more . . .
Clipper

[Blackronin]

You bet, David!

[gully_raker]

That all depends on the elves you had in mind.
Rob.

God! I hope there were no Ferengi around. You know how they feel about Ears & those Elves have very sexy ears. Oh & other attributes as well.

Thinks: "Two Elves at hand is much better than Sigorny Weaver in a movie!"

[Shiraz68]

Your balloons look amazing Joaquim - can't wait to see them finished.

[csadn]

:eek: God! I hope there were no Ferengi around. You know how they feel about Ears & those Elves have very sexy ears.:cheezy: Oh & other attributes as well.;)

" o/~ Just glue some ears on it, and call it Elfpunk/ That's the trendy fashion nowadays.... o/~ " >;)

[Blackronin]

Ears completed.



First stage of gluing the fins:



Second stage:



Last stage before giving the last paper cover to them:



I like the shape. Today I'll finish the balloon and I will paint it, so that tomorrow I can finally play the 5th mission. And tomorrow is the last day!

[Blackronin]

And now the skin finished.



It will need one more coat of white glue.



Then a coat of brown and white glue mixed.



Then finally the final painting.



Will I be able to finish it tomorrow?

[clipper1801]

Looking AWESOME! Bowie will give you time . . .
Clipper

[Rat of Vengence]

Fantastic mate

Dave