5B Productions: Battle of Britain Diorama

Overview

While studying on a design course at university, I received an opportunity to play a role in the construction of a large scale diorama for the Biggin Hill Festival of Flight 2018, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the formation of the British Royal Airforce (RAF). The design of the model was based on the Battle of Britain, featuring models of several aircraft from the battle, set above the white cliffs of Dover.

Development Process

Before meeting with the company that was commissioned to create the piece, the experience began with them sending myself (and another student from my course) several Airfix® model kits to construct and paint to be placed on the diorama. Based on the Battle of Britain, above the cliffs of Dover, the models provided were a mix of 1/72 scale Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire fighter aircraft. Initially, we were only set the models to build, with the delivery of the paints arranged at a later date. Once the paints arrived, the models could be completed in preparation for placement on the diorama base.

01. Model making work area

02. Model planes in drying area

After these models were completed, we arranged a day to meet up at the companies workshop to assist with the main build of the diorama base and to deliver the finished model aircraft to be placed on the base. We organised for the work experience to take place on the 3rd August 2018 at the workshop in Orpington.

Once we arrived at the workshop, we began planning the day, setting up the equipment, materials and finalising the design. The main objective of the day was to build a solid foundation for the diorama base, with a secure timber frame.

03. Dover cliffs & timber framework

04. Timber framework

05. Dover cliffs with sky background

The white cliffs of the piece were created by another company and delivered to the workshop. Once the cliffs were in place on the framework, we attached the sky background that was painted for the model. With all these elements secured in place, and with no materials to finish the clifftops and cover the framework at the sides, we decided to move on to the next task.

The next task required of us was to construct a series of television stands. These stands were designed to be placed on the ground at an angle so that a flat screen TV could be attached to the front for the public to view. It was decided that the shape of the design would be a large circle with three coloured rings painted on to replicate the appearance of the RAF insignia (red centre, white middle, blue outer) used on their aircraft.

07. Dan drawing circles in preparation for painting

06. Design setup test

08. Partially painted TV stand

The first step in making these stands involved cutting the circles from sheets of wood and figuring out the angle required to view the TV screens clearly while standing. With this worked out, we screwed them into position so they would have several pilot holes on each to make it easier to reassemble the stands after transportation. When completed, the screws would be covered over with paint and the television screens. To paint the stands, the circle boards were first removed from their box stands and placed on top to prevent any paint running down them.

Final Outcome

At the event, these pieces of work were on display at Biggin Hill in the 100th anniversary of the RAF marquee. The stands featured television screens with videos of witness testimonies and information about the Battle of Britain and the individuals that took part in the battle. The 'Dover Cliffs' diorama was also on display in the marquee, along with a plaque featuring photographs and information about Biggin Hill and the Battle of Britain.