1/48 WWII Air Control Tower

Hey Ed,

I'm not aware of any kits out there ... might be a good question to throw out to the aircraft forum. However, there are PLENTY of image references out there, especially on the web. Should be easy enough to do w/ styrofoam as a base.

Good thing about scratch building something is that only the finished product has to look like the real thing .... doesn't matter what you put into it or what you make it out of! I've used all kinds of crazy stuff from around the house!

Stan,

I looked for a build review, haven't seen anything yet.  But for the price of this kit, I'd say you could easily scratchbuild one for a fraction of the price!  Just get some basic references and build away with some architectural carboard, sheet styrene or any other basic material you'd like.

Yeah, scratching a tower like that is a snap... All straight lines, flat roof, no surprises..  Simple "Scribe & Snap" job if you use styrene (I use the plastic "For Sale"-type signs from the hardware store as a source of styrene.. Cheaper than the hobby brands like Evergreen)..

What's frustrating is Airfix's 1/76 control tower is under $10, nicely detailed, and includes suitable figures.  And Hansa's 1/35 tower also costs less than Flightpath's 1/48 photo-etch.  As for scratch-building, you could use the Airfix design as a starting point to rough out a materials list. Parts-tree and instruction sheet photos are at http://henk.fox3000.com/Airfix.htm  

If this is a large dio with focus on 1/48 bombers in foreground, placing the smaller scale Airfix tower in the background using *forced-perspective* diorama techniques might be an option.  

If detail/accuracy are secondary to expediency, a model RR 1/48 O-gauge control tower or yard tower might do the trick - several mfrs of those.  

Card-stock models are another option if 2-D printed vs. 3-D molded detail passes muster. Here's an example: http://www.dgapapermodels.com/Instructions/RAF%20Tower%20Instructions.pdf

What country, airfield?

That Airfix kit is a good place to start. For a British one.

Or you could get crazy and scratchbuild the one from Ford island.

Wow you guys!   How old is this thread???

I could have built a 1/1 scale tower by now.

( And it would have natural weathering too.)

Seriously though, since we are all here now,  how about an update? The "O" scale yard tower would have been my suggestion too.

Actually, I like Hammer's suggestion-it's always nice to come across his posts.  I think this is the specific one from which I picked up his suggestion to use "For Sale" and other signs bought at the hardware store, rather than Evergreen or Plastruct.  If all you need is plain sheet, it's a bargain.

In any case, Hammer was right.  A tower is a relatively simple shape to scratch-build, especially if you use styrene.

I used the O scale kit of an RR  control tower.  swapped the peaked roof for a scratch built flat one surrounded  by  railing and connected  to  the  second  floor with steps up to a hatch.

I will try to get pics posted this weekend.

Viejo

I used the O scale kit of an RR  control tower.  swapped the peaked roof for a scratch built flat one surrounded  by  railing and connected  to  the  second  floor with steps up to a hatch.

Hey look for a photo, any photo. It's all over the internet as these flyers go back to England for one last time, and their daughters post the trip on flikr,

the Baron

In any case, Hammer was right.  A tower is a relatively simple shape to scratch-build, especially if you use styrene.

 

Oho !

 That's neat " G " .  T.B.

GMorrison

 

NNice kit, but the scale is 1/72, is it not?

O Scale RR control tower with peaked roof.....

Hi .

 I see some have hit on this post again .Well , here's one for you .A 1/48 RailRoad Switch tower . Elevate it one or two more floors and you have an old private field tower .

 And it looks good too !

 T.B.

Tanker - Builder

Hi .

 I see some have hit on this post again .Well , here's one for you .A 1/48 RailRoad Switch tower . Elevate it one or two more floors and you have an old private field tower .

 And it looks good too !

 T.B.

 

Thanks, I like the way it turned out too.....

I know this is 8 years too late, but maybe for the benefit of others, I'll add my two-cents.

This is pretty standard for WWII Watch Office Buildings (a.k.a. ATC Towers)

Check this book out: http://www.controltowers.eu/

BTW, Watch the Movie "Twelve O'Clock High" with Gregory Peck. A lot of good shots of an operating WWII Airfield.

If you scratch build, check for building material in the model railroad section of your hobby shop. 1:48 scale is O gauge scale.  The model RR section has a couple of different forms of sheets of building materials, for things like brick and concrete blocks.  A simple box of any material, sheathed in those sheet overlays, and  window frames (also available in many shops) will go far in helping the build.

If local hobby shop doesn't have enough of that stuff, check out Walthers online (and maybe send for their catalog).

Does this help?

https://www.scalemodellingnow.com/aircraft-airfix-airfield-control-tower

The box says 1/76(?) scale but it looks like a good place to start...