Blackronin

I needed a balloon so I decided to scratchbuild one. With the nice help of Dave (Clipper) on correct measurements I start making the paper moulds for the Balloon. You can look for the plans in the file section:

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42612&d=1335351216[/IMG]

After the moulds were created, I cut the numerous parts in cardboard from a pizza package. I love pizza and I love cardboard.

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42613&d=1335351231[/IMG]

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:

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42614&d=1335351245[/IMG]

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.

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42615&d=1335351259[/IMG]

After that many cuts and forms I was able to finish the central body of the Balloon:

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42741&d=1335391190[/IMG]

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

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42742&d=1335391202[/IMG]

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42743&d=1335391216[/IMG]

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

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42744&d=1335391228[/IMG]

I finally gave another glue layer to strengthen the tissue paper and to make it become rigid:

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42745&d=1335391238[/IMG]

The skeleton of one of the fins being glued:

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44052&d=1335960534[/IMG]

Another view of half the fins:

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44053&d=1335960544[/IMG]

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

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44054&d=1335960555[/IMG]

All cardboard pieces cut:

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44055&d=1335960568[/IMG]

The fins put together:

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44154&d=1336226580[/IMG]

First stage of gluing the fins:

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44155&d=1336226591[/IMG]

Second stage:

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44156&d=1336226604[/IMG]

Last stage before giving the last paper cover to them:

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44157&d=1336226616[/IMG]

And now the skin finished.

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44354&d=1336251635[/IMG]

It will need one more coat of white glue.

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44355&d=1336251647[/IMG]

Then a coat of brown and white glue mixed.

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44356&d=1336251667[/IMG]

Then finally the final painting.

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44357&d=1336251693[/IMG]

Done! I really don't know if I should have put the cockade. But... it gives the Balloon so much colour that I decided that in my game table reality, the WW1 british High Command decided to put the cockades...

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44398&d=1336307070[/IMG]

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44399&d=1336307078[/IMG]

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44400&d=1336307091[/IMG]

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44401&d=1336307104[/IMG]

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44402&d=1336307115[/IMG]

[IMG]http://www.wingsofwar.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=44403&d=1336307126[/IMG]