Something different again, thanks to my friend and colleague Chad Matthew Hill of Django Studios. Books with see-through pages, or pages that overlay onto the next are usually regarded as kids’ stuff, but here we can see a very adult use in explaining the complex mechanism of the Hamilton Standard ‘Hydromatic’ feathering propeller*. Here’s a…
Tag: 3D
Changing Uniform Fashion
It is often forgotten that military formal uniforms are as much fashion and design driven as they are to provide uniformity to their wearers. One area where it is extremely obvious is in the development of women’s uniforms in the military air forces of World War Two. This is because of the newness of putting…
It’s the Wrong Stripes!
Aircraft markings seem to be rather a challenge to understand at times, and are easily misinterpreted. They are a design and aesthetic choice, as well as being a political recognition and heraldry concept as well. This ‘executive desktop model’ made from mahogany will set you back around US $300 on eBay. It’s not bad, but…
Biggin Mug
Today’s art is a graphic text design – on a mug. Through the late eighties airshows I collected a mug a show, as far as I could. Some were specific to the even, or as here to the event and its year. Artistically this Biggin Hill Airshow mug isn’t anything particularly notable, except that such…
Table Toppings
From friend Andrew Matthews, spotted in Dunedin airport, New Zealand some time ago. James Kightly, Vintage Aero Writer.
ANZAC Hornet & Friends
Military commemorative schemes have become relatively common, usually well done and telling a worthwhile story. Today’s is an ANZAC special. The Royal Australian Air Force Hornet above was seen at the Omaka Classic Fighters airshow near Blenheim, New Zealand this Easter weekend just gone. Provided by the Australian Defence Force for the show, it was…
Stuka! One – Shiny
Here’s something you don’t see every day. A full size model (FSM) replica of the iconic German Blitzkrieg too the Junkers Ju 87 Stuka dive bomber. Here in the sculpture garden of Burghley House, in the UK. As reported recently in Militaria & History, it ‘is called Down Two Earth and is an 11m…
Spit-Take
Tribute schemes on military aircraft are increasingly often seen, and overall popular when done well, as here. This one is particularly effective as the blue on the jet’s wings and horizontal tail match the sky, bringing the Spitfire’s famous plan view to life. It represents the Supermarine Spitfire of the late General Frantisek Perina, a…
Choc Aero Altair
Today we have a chocolate box. Confectionery featuring aircraft isn’t that unusual, but this is featuring (I think) a contemporary speedster, the Lockheed Altair, which, as well as not being a generic ‘aeroplane’ is quite well depicted and even with just two colour printing. Confectionery aircraft. Something a bit different, another area which could be…
Enhanced Kiwi
Something with a little extra, today. A bit of fun seen hung in the ceiling of a well known New Zealand restoration shop. The Kiwi RNZAF roundel (with two feet) came in during the 1960s, joining the RAAF’s kangaroo and the RCAF’s maple leaf in separating from the red dot of the British Commonwealth Roundel….
A Year of Aviation Illustration & Art 