How to make a German WWI observation balloon (i think)

Post by **aferguson** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 12:49 pm

This is the observation balloon:

http://www.swiftsite.com/rosemonthobby/drachen.gif

Thought that would be an interesting addition to the collection but was stumped how to easily make one that is light and manageable. Then as luck would have it i came across this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... RK:MEWN:IT

It's size and diameter when inflated are just about perfect for 1/18. Shape is good too (but not great). I need to somehow scratchbuild the scrotum (not surprisingly this balloon was nicknamed 'penis') and make a basket with observer, which should be pretty easy. By being inflatable it will be light to hang and easy to work with. I have one and looking at the material it is made from it should take painting no problem. I thought of filling it with helium but i seriously doubt that helium will have enough lifting power to make it float.....but wouldn't it be cool if it did!

Morian Miner · Post by **Morian Miner** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 1:29 pm

One problem you may run into is the punching bags usually have a little bag of sand or weight in the bottom to keep them upright when they get hit. You'll have to be creative in displaying it to support the end.

Post by **aferguson** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 1:51 pm

no....on this one you just pore in some water thru a valve at the bottom before filling it with air. I simply don't put water in...there is no extra chamber or anything...

DocTodd · Post by **DocTodd** » Mon Feb 14, 2005 8:48 pm

Is it made of vinyl, and if so what paint sticks to it-especially since it will be flexible? Any idea what the extra "scrotum" is for?
Todd

Post by **aferguson** » Tue Feb 15, 2005 2:19 am

yes i believe it's vinyl but it has a very flat, ie non shiney, surface. Any acrylic paint should adhere to it pretty well....i'll have to handle it carefully and it may require touching up from time to time.

The scrotum is actually a fin to help stabalize the balloon and keep it from spinning around in the wind.

This balloon was an early war german design. Later in the war the germans copied a french design, the 'caquet' which looked like a WWII barage balloon.....in fact barage balloons were patterned after the WWI french observation balloon design. The french 'caquet' had much better 'flight' characteristics and was far more stable in the wind.