Imogenia Update Thread

[rstretton]

My model airport, Imogenia, recently suffered the indignity of almost losing its home, as we were thinking of moving house. Now that has passed it is time to give the airport a bit of an makeover.

The central terminal area has not been looking it's best for a while. The terminal itself has been getting a bit beaten about and the windows have been getting mouldy. I've also not been very happy with the details around it, particularly the roads, and have been thinking of modifying the gate layout on pier C.

This pier get's a lot of chinese traffic and that means a lot of narrowbodies (mainly because of my custom models) so I had been thinking of changing the base of the pier from its current 727, 757, 767, 747 (or 2 757) sized gates to a layout which adds an extra gate by reducing the size of the gates and eliminating the swing gate. I'll use this thread to update you all on progress.

Below is how the area looked a few weeks ago. The schabaks are rather random as most are currently boxed. C pier has the two MD80s at it.

[rstretton]

The first thing to do was paint over the existing markings. The first shot below shows the old gate layout with gates C19, 20, 21, 23 (23L & R). I have removed all the airbridges and gse.

The second shot shows the same area after repainting the main tarmac. The roads and edges still need to be done. Getting rid of the old taxiway markings has proven very difficult but I have decided to settle for just scraping away paint and using an eraser. I think it adds a bit of character if an airport doesn't look new but as old markings half visible anyway - its certainly more realistic.

[rstretton]

Ok next step was to tidy up the newly painted area a bit. I readded the concrete blockwork using a pencil, painted over the roading and redid the white edges to the taxiway. In the first photo below you can see the extra room that has been created in front of the terminal by comparing the position of the AM MD80 with the old closest gate positions. You can almost get a view of the new terminal building - but I'll save that for another day :smile:.

Something I have also been working on is new signage for the airport. In the second shot you can see Terminal 2 updated with the new IMO logo and title signs.

[rstretton]

So onto the new main terminal building. The old plastic one was getting tatty and took up too much space so I instead created a more modern looking termoinal with a curved roof space using only cardboard and paper. Thanks again to Julian for e-mailing me his terminal textures they again came in very useful for the windows.

Below you can see the terminal with most of its structure finished but with no details added. Windows are also missing from the left side addition. The second shot shows the new general layout of the airport with the new terminal in place.

[rstretton]

With the new tarmac laid it was time to mark out the gates. With the new space gained from moving the terminal slightly back I could squeeze in four gates on C pier rather than three. So the layout at the base of the pier is now 2 727 and 2 757 gates rather than the previous 1 727, 1 757, 1 767. I decided though that B pier needed to keep its widebody gates and so the only change is that the first gate - previously only able to fit a 757 can now fit a 767 - but only a short one!

Finishing touches have also been added to the new terminal with a new sign and logo, plus tunnels where the roadways disappear underneath the building. The roads have also been marked along the pier edges and look better than before and new cardboard barriers have been added.

For this area all that remains is to add some more apron markings, airbridges and new GSE.

[rstretton]

Moving on I also have begun to modify and upgrade some other parts of IMO. Below are the before shots for the area at the far corner of the model between A pier and Terminal 2 and three shots of the other side of the base of C Pier and the start of D pier.

I've never been happy with the roadway here especially as it is only single whilst being two-lane everywhere else. It also hugs the buildings too closely. Additionally the blast barrier needs replacing and D pier needs new windows. In the last shot you can see D pier has already been removed for renovations.

[charlie_papa]

I like to see these pics.

[rstretton]

Pictures attached show the modifications I have made to the areas in the last set of photos posted. The first two pictures show the new re-aligned roadway and new card blast barriers installed in the corner by A pier and Terminal 2. The area looks a lot tidier now.

The other three photos show what has happened with the other side of C pier at its base and the beginning of D pier. The roadways have been redrawn and painted so that a more convincing double road travels along the whole area. D pier has new windows and gates C30, D31 and D32 all have new airbridges. Gate D31's airbridge now comes from the main terminal itself. Lastly there is a new card blast barrier in place too.

[rstretton]

I like to see these pics.

Thanks. Anyone who wants to leave any comments, good or bad, feel free to do so :smile:.

The next part of the model to be altered is the left side of C pier which again needs a general tidy-up.

[777rak]

Man I think your airport is awesome. I so want to do that with my collection.

[Rex]

G'day and Hello Richard.

Name is Jay, goes by the account name as Rex at the W900 Forums.
I simply had to register myself just to comment on this very special diorama. This is utter fantastic. I have visited your airport diorama's website and I liked what I saw. I am impressed of the magnitude of details, that you've put on this diorama. Well done. I love looking at your photos. Great job !!!


Rex

[charlie_papa]

One of the reasons I like scale 1:600 you can make better dioramas than other bigger scales. I mean you even can make a litle city or mountain.

[rstretton]

Thank you all for the compliments. Imogenia has been a labour of love and I plan on continuing to gradually update it as I get time. Hopefully the website will also get updated soon too.

I've been a bit busy to do much just recently but I have removed the gates from the left side of C pier and repainted the tarmac. The original idea was to tidy the area up and try and increase the number of gates from 5 to 6. There were previously 4 747 gates and a 757. I was thinking of modifying this by downsizing a couple of the 747s but now I'm not sure that I can afford to loose two 747s as spacing for the airbridges and planes is probably too difficult to have 1 757, 2 767 and 3 747.

Anyway below is how C's left side looks at present.

[airliner models]

Nice renovations love the airport you make me so jealous i wish i could build airport that size

[rstretton]

I've finally been able to spend a bit of time working on the C pier conundrum and came to the decision that I couldn't squeeze in the extra gate and would be better off respacing the existing gates to end up with 5 gates (1 767, 1 MD11 and 3 747s). I have only completed the airbridges for two of the gates but have started the others. Again GSE and lighting upgrades will have to wait and as I'm going to be away for most of June there won't be anymore updates until July.

Here are some pictures of C pier as it is at present. The biggest change is the reorientation of the end 747 gate to better fit with the others. It will however require a longer airbridge structure.

[Super-Conny]

it looks like an original photo shot from a helicopter :wink:

[CO777]

Good job. What about the silver 757? New carrier from New Zealand? :wink:

[maximilian]

The grass areas are great, too! They are coloured irregularly, just like at "real" airports - how did you do that? :smile:

[rstretton]

The grass areas are great, too! They are coloured irregularly, just like at "real" airports - how did you do that? :smile:

Cheers. It was easy. I just put paint on the end of a bristley brush and dabbed the end against the wood. Stipling is I think what the effect is called.

[maximilian]

Okay, it was the method i was thinking of. A very good result, but I guess one has to pay attention to cover the apron areas before to avoid any green and yellow coloured dots on them. :bigsmile:

[rstretton]

I finally got some time to do a bit of work on Imogenia yesterday and that saw the last two airbridges done for pier C - though I haven't had time to get back onto the GSE. Hopefully in the upcoming weeks I will be able to start a rework of D pier and the website, however I plan on going through my entire schabak collection first, photographing and cataloging, which may take some time!

Anyway here is how C pier looks now with a few Chinese carriers at the gates.

[charlie_papa]

The Xiamen Airlines and China Eastern are custom models?
God job!

[rstretton]

The Xiamen Airlines and China Eastern are custom models?
God job!

Actually in that shot I think all the models are my customs except for the Air China 747 and Malaysia 737.

[Flight fan]

This is really going great!

[rstretton]

Finally I have got around to starting to update the website for Imogenia www.imogenia.com (http://www.imogenia.com)

All I've done for the moment is update the news stories, expand the page size a bit, fix some dead links, add my new collection list and create a pageholder for the cargo area.

I will be adding more information about the Cargo terminal and new photos on the main page as well as rejigging the photo galleries too in the coming weeks though. Stay tuned.

[rstretton]

As I said in the model update thread I've been updating the website for my model airport Imogenia and I have just updated the home page photo and actions. Rather than being one static photo on the homepage I have added some javascript code which now means that the page scrolls through 12 scenes of Imogenia (one every 5 seconds).

I really like the effect and the photos are all new and show off some of the modifications (like the new terminal 1 building, enhanced signage and new C pier gates) discussed in the update thread. I hope you like the new page and I will be making more changes to the website and Imogenia itself as time permits.

Please take a look at www.imogenia.com (http://www.imogenia.com)

You may need to hard refresh to see the changes using Ctrl+F5 if you visit regularly

[airliner models]

Love new look can t wait to see more :)

[stephcharb]

Great job, it will give me some ideas of what to do once I finish creating the last of my customs models.

[simpson_usaf]

I like the looks and layout of Imogenia!! I'm a huge fan of models that use hand-build items (not to dis-credit those who use sets from Herpa and the like), I just like to see some home made creativity incorporated. Awesome model!! :yes::wink:

[rstretton]

After a period of upgrading my 1:400 display area I am back to Imogenia.

Pier D was the first pier I built and added airbridges too and as such it was beginning to look a bit tired. Also I was a bit overzealous with my gate spacing and some of the gates were a bit tight. My plan is to keep the old terminal but give it a facelift and to rearrange the gates so there is more room for the planes.

I've already begun and I'll post some photos as I go.

[rstretton]

Here are the photos of the work I've begun. The connecting pier between start of D and the main part of D pier has been removed in all these shots and is going to be replaced with something smaller.

1 - The old layout with aircraft in place representing the modified gate layout. As you can see there is one less gate for a total of 11 747 gates rather than 10 747 and 2 767s as before. The gates are a bit roomier than they were previously.

2 & 3 - Prior to painting with all airbridges, windows and GSE removed

4 - Masking tape laid out ready for repainting. You can see that the gate areas are going to be lengthened a little bit to better accommodate long widebodies like A340-600s and 777-300s.

[rstretton]

I got some time on sunday to continue on the transformation of the D Pier. I think it is going to become Terminal 3 with the D Pier still existing but shortened to only include the gates coming from the main T1 terminal.

Progress has seen the main gate area repainted and the roadway redrawn and painted around it. The terminal is also going to get a makeover and you can see I'm going to use the top of a Ferrero Rocher packet to add a new level to the end of the pier.

I also have repainted the white perimeter markings and begun to paint in the new yellow gate lines too. I am hoping this terminal will look more professional than my earlier attempts and if its good I'll roll out the improvements across the rest of the airport.

[maximilian]

Yes, parts of plastic packets can be very useful! I used them myself, too.

[rstretton]

Much progress has been made since my last post. I have finished painting the new terminal additions and readded windows. The new connector between the old D pier and the new T3 is in place also. Gate markings are largely complete also.

[rstretton]

Since these photos were taken I have also added the gate numbers and modified the taxiway markings. Of the 11 gates that are in the area two will remain as D pier gates (because their gate lounges are still within the D pier) while the other 9 will become gates 301-309.

Left to do are the airbridges, lighing pylons and some details.

[simpson_usaf]

Looking good Richard!!! You're updates have got me motivated to start working on AmeriCity again. Can't wait to see your finished product :smile:

[rstretton]

Looking good Richard!!! You're updates have got me motivated to start working on AmeriCity again. Can't wait to see your finished product :smile:

Glad you like it. I was enjoying your airport thread - you have some real skill with the materials at hand - please keep it up!

[Flight fan]

Looks good Rich. It's a huge difference from the original layout. Can't wait for it to be finished. Im sure it'll be a great result.

[airliner models]

love way your airport changes over time very interesting like the new terminal up grade cant wait to see more

[rstretton]

Thanks for the nice words everyone, I appreciate it. Here are some shots of the first new airbridge - for gate 306. The main change is using printed windows and gate numbering on the airbridge pier itself rather than drawing on the details.

[kabasch]

Great Richard! That looks like 1:200 or even real! It looks very genuine with it falling sunlight.

What type of matches do you use? They look very thin. At my zurich piers, I just replaced now all toothpicks by pencil leads. I will do some photos soon.

[Flight fan]

Wow, that is very realistic! Great job!

[rstretton]

Great Richard! That looks like 1:200 or even real! It looks very genuine with it falling sunlight.

What type of matches do you use? They look very thin. At my zurich piers, I just replaced now all toothpicks by pencil leads. I will do some photos soon.

The legs are actually very thin bits of balsa wood - though matches is a good idea. The model shops in NZ sell a wide range of balsa wood shapes and sizes. I know a lot of people in larger scales use styrene but I have never seen it for sale over here.

[rstretton]

Hi guys - I finally managed to find the time to finish the rest of the T3 gates which leaves just the two end D pier gates to add airbridges too. I am really pleased with the difference between the old and the new. I Hope you like it too.

[rstretton]

and a couple more shots...

[kabasch]

Very good looking airbridges! I like the style of your work and the freedom, that an own design brings, if you have a not really existing airport. When I get the time in next years, I will also do an self-designed terminal complex.

[rstretton]

Hi Guys,
I am close to making a tough decision. Imogenia may be about to go into storage :sadsmile:. In the past few years my 1:600 collecting has ended and I haven't updated IMO since May 2011. I can't see myself doing anymore updates in the near future as I don't have the time I used to have and my project work and collecting has moved towards 1:400s nowadays.

Imogenia takes up a lot of room downstairs and moving it into storage will give me a lot more room for my 1:400s (perhaps even for a small diorama). I feel kind of bad about it as I can't see it ever coming out of storage once it goes in and the only place I have to store it is under the house which is a bit damp. I will try and wrap it up so it survives ok and maybe one day it will re-emerge?

My mind's not 100% made up at the moment but I'm 95% certain Imogenia will be closed. I'm also thinking of selling some of my new Schucos but I'm definitely keeping all my Schabaks.

Rich

[Emmi74656]

Sad to hear about your decision :crying: as you have put a lot of work into Imogenia until now, but a man has to do what a man has to do and if you decide to put your focus on scale 400 I wish you all the best.
As you mention, never say never and maby there will be a Imogenia reloaded somedays!:wink:
Keep it up!!

[Flight fan]

Sorry to hear... :crying:

[CO777]

sad to hear that your airport will be in storage soon.
But I agree with your descision and know how you feel. I have the same issue. Frankfurt is closed too! I didn't make any changes on my model airport for years and it rests in the attic. No time left for new construction works since I moved to my own appartment.
The 1/400 scale is much more interesting (thanky you Schuco) and a diorama in this scale is much more realistic in the future than a new airport in 1/600. If Schuco continues with the not exsiting strategy and if they are not willing to hear to the collectors wishes I will stop collecting this scale too. But this is an other discussion.
But for sure I will never sell my Schabak's too :smile:

[stephcharb]

Sad news as your airport was one of the only inspirations I had found in 1:600. I too have been thinking about other scales, but that would mean starting from scratch and I am too invested, especially in term of custom models.

I am moving next summer back to Canada as so a new home and a new room for the airport se we'll see what happens. Most likely an expansion and a complete re-doing of the ground and tarmacs: I hope I can still find you for tips.

I'm also worried about the future of 1:600 models and their availability, but since my collection is based on every airline/plane combination I have ever flows (300+), I don't think starting over is in the works.

All the best with whatever you choose and let us know where to find you online!

[Flight fan]

Sad news as your airport was one of the only inspirations I had found in 1:600. I too have been thinking about other scales, but that would mean starting from scratch and I am too invested, especially in term of custom models.

I am moving next summer back to Canada as so a new home and a new room for the airport se we'll see what happens. Most likely an expansion and a complete re-doing of the ground and tarmacs: I hope I can still find you for tips.

As long as your airport doesn't close aswell, im happy.

I'm also worried about the future of 1:600 models and their availability, but since my collection is based on every airline/plane combination I have ever flows (300+), I don't think starting over is in the works.

All the best with whatever you choose and let us know where to find you online!

I don't think 1/600 will disappear any time soon. There will allways be kids who want model planes, and that leads to parents looking for models that aren't to fragile.

[maximilian]

Hi Rich, the only thing is you have to choose your storage solution carefully. As some of you know, I have Wolkenburg International stored except for the times when I work on/with it. The model is leaned against the wall of my room and covered with cloth to protect it from dust. Doing so I have much more space in my room. But the vertical position means the terminal has become somewhat aslope, so I have to adjust it from time to time...

[kabasch]

Richard, that's too bad. Your superb airport has inspired me everytime to renew my Zurich diorama. And Julian's airport is also closed! I also collect 1:400 models, but an airport model in this size is unthinkable for me. I still swear to 1:600​​. I'm probably the only one who ever builds a new 1:600 model. The "Dock E" at the Zurich airport. But pass as another 1-2 years before I would have done. I'm seriously at work. I will do it transparent with the interior design. Years ago, I had obtained plans of this building. Currently, I buy some new 1:600 ​​models, which are typically handled at the dock (Thai A340-600, A380 of Singapore, Emirates 777-3, Swiss A330/340, A330/340 Qatar, Jordanian A320, Continental 767-200 ...). I am still search the Delta 767-300 of Herpa Magic in the latest colors and Schabak A330 Edelweiss and 2-3 pcs Swiss A330 (Schabak). But I know, that I can't forget some BA A320/Embraers or Swiss Avro RJ100 or ELAL 737-800 ...).

Imogenia will still live in our hearts.

[CO777]

If you plan to build a complete airport, not just a small part, 1:600 is the best solution for sure. But its almost impossible to get models in actual airline liveries. The selection is too small nowdays. 10 years ago it was much much easier if you know what I mean :wink:
My airport is still in the roof and I can't imagine to destroy it or something like that but the construction works have been stopped. But maybe when I'm retired I will continue :rofl:

[moazz]

Richard, i always admire your custom models and the creation of IMO have open my eyes to stick to 1:600 scale, but again your decision is somewhat important to you. Have to agree that the 1:600 scale is going downwards instead with the limited models. I'm contemplate to upgrade to 1:400 as well, but as usual the models costs more than our lovable 1:600. Whatever it is thanks again for influencing me and other collectors to believe that 1:600 models are nice to collect......

[rstretton]

Thanks for the messages. It is done and as of yesterday Imogenia is in storage. The only place I can store it is under the house which is a bit damp but I wrapped it up in tarpaulin and have put it on a wooden platform so hopefully it'll be ok. I was able to remove the main terminal building so that will be ok. It's sad for me but it's time to move on and even if I were still collecting 1:600s I'd have liked to do another airport.

I am not leaving scale600 so will be keeping an eye on Schuco's latest stupidity and am obviously available for any tips or whatever. However Schuco are not making models I am interested in and the number and quality of releases is never going to be good enough. Plus postage to NZ from Europe is a killer whereas I can get post from the US of 1:400s much more cheaply. Finally in my experience the cost difference between 1:400 and 1:600 is very small if you know where to shop.

Good luck Kabasch and Stephcharb with your continuing model building. Imogenia may yet reappear again it is after all about my 20th model airport and there have been multi-year breaks in my schabak work before.

[Super-Conny]

nevertheless...
I try to serve in 2012 as in the past years.
Hope hard to have good infos when I´m back from the Nuremberg Toy Fair..
Toy Fair starts feb 1st , I´m visiting it on feb 4th ...
...

CO777 will accompanied me and be sure , he will be very critical
comments give to Schuco at the fair :wink:

[CO777]

I've created a new discussion and moved the last posts in there...

http://www.scale600.com/forums/showthread.php?t=591