what type of buildings are on a WW2 airbase

Actually, which country you decide to model does make quite a difference - British WW2 fields and facilities were designed by leading architects of the day, and layouts and buildings dictated by operational requirements. If you do a search for Trenchard and airfields you should find some interesting stuff.

For example, many RAF bases had decontamination centres, protected by earth blast walls (gas attack was a real fear in the 1930s), and officers' accomodation was distant from messing and recreation facilities to avoid the whole lot being taken out by one stick of bombs.

The architectural style was (and still is) quite distinctive - red brick mostly for everything except hangars, and a peculiar Georgian style for many bigger buildings like messes and HQs.

And don't forget the traditional wooden dispersal hut with bell and dog outside

where do you get all the buildings, etc. I would like to have a hangar 1/48 scale. all my models are in that scale. I use trees, clouds, etc. for background, but would like to have something a little different, like a hangar inthe background. I dont make dio's per se...just backgrounds for photos

A variety of makeshift buildings and covers.
Lean-to's
Simple 4 post sheds with roof only.
Outdoor and or covered work benches and work areas.
Guard shacks.
Checkpoints and i.d. stations.
Dog houses and kennels for patrol dogs.
Outhouses and outdoor showers and sinks.
Generator shacks.
Pump houses.
A multitude of tables and benches set up along side work areas, firing ranges, outside barracks, etc.

Mike

Nissen huts were used for a variety of purposes, most commonly barrack accomodation, stores, base hospitals, general office space, pretty much anything you can think of.

You can't go far in the UK without encountering Nissen huts, either on airbases, current and desserted, farms and often aften having been moved in urban settings.

On the subject of bycicles model railway suppliers make a large range of bikes in plastic and white metal, would certainly save the need to scratchbuild.

And if you've got bikes you need bycicle sheds, also available from model railway suppliers.

Don't forget trenches and air raid shelters on a base, especially in Europe, as well as pill boxes around the perimeter. Where I live I am surrounded by ex RAF bases, all of which are ringed with pill boxes and other associated bunkers.

Nissen huts? i know what they look llike but what are they for?

Briefing huts, general storage buildings, Guard shacks, Bomb storage depots, motor pool area, Nissen huts everywhere? Specialty hangars. For a good example of a typical airfield, check this site out. It was done by IPMS Atlanta several years ago. It's really impressive! Make sure you look at all the links and pics. There are ove 100 scratchbuild 1/72 scale bicycles in the diorama! - Ed


http://www.geocities.com/~ipms-atlanta/8af/8th-af.html

Fuel drums, fuel storage area and fuel trucks. A post exchange and a snack bar or bar or officers club. The men would have to have something to drink ( or so my uncle tells me).

Another item would be a salvage yard or supply area where spare parts are kept.

You forgot the parachute hangar, and if memory serves I believe you have all or preaty close to all the major buildings that would be found on an air base and note that there was usually more than one barraks.

In the documentaires that I have seen, the ground crews are often playing baseball. A field would be a nice touch. And don't forget the bicycles - They seem to have been everywhere.