Stencils

[pkassak]

Hi society

I have an idea, do not know if a good one, al not discussed one already, but:

What about to make a place in here where to collect and put all possible stencils for all possible aircraft of interest? Or rather those which are not so usual...I need for example stencils for Me 210/410 right now...and it is impossible for me to find any...
ANY HELP?

[Serval]

Well, like templates with national markings, templates with stencils could be uploaded.
And for documentation we could allways think of a way/place to store them.

If anyone is interested in taking the job, we'll gladly support it

[gamary]

I think it's a good and difficult idea. I've started doing that on a few aircraft, but it's a tough job: stenciling varies with users and even time (the French F-8s had at least 3 paint schemes, each with a different stenciling). And for old aircraft, the problem is also that of sources: museum restoration may not be accurate, while old pictures often don't have close-ups (and generally don't have the resolution available nowadays). Most old walkarounds were made by the manufacturer while the aircraft was yet unpainted. In addition, there is often more stenciling on aircraft than we actually realize!

Then you also have a question of format and representation. Should one use existing plans and draw the stencil on those? use parts of pictures?

Surely it can be done, and probably using the Downloads section would be best. Maybe we can trade ideas and decide of how it should be done.

I would favour the following system (keep in mind that this example is quick'n'dirty):



Where one would use pictures (when available) linked to a line drawing. It's easier than re-drawing the whole stenciling. Of course, if no picture is available, drawing can be used. The plan can be set in the center of the page with thumbnails located around it, pointing where appropriate.

I'd also suggest that the aircraft be "broken up" in several sections (in the example I've shown, it could be front, middle and tail sections instead of the complete side view). Doing this would allow smaller images: the hobbydecals stencil sheets are good but the files are very big and yet the scale is not large enough for people to see clearly, as has been discussed recently.

Sources should of course be mentioned pics and line drawing), and (if in PDF format) I'd also suggest that links to existing walkarounds and websites concerning the airplane be listed.

Looking forward to other people's views on the matter.

[Zamex]

I like your idea. Lets use a drawing, and add stencils as photos if possible, if not then drawn. Maybe both if the photo is not clear enough to read everything? Also it is good to add a size of the font used in that particular place, if known.

Sources should be there, for sure.

[pkassak]

Sooo what about to start a new thread or subgroup e.g STENCILS where will be post named by A/C..if someone needs a stencil help..opens a topic named by the type of a/c (and nationality f the stencils were different language version) and loads the blueprint with what he has, and numbers/circle area what he needs (is not readable on his reference photos or so). and others can reply what is there posting their reference photos??
what do you say??

[BLOWHARD]

This IS a tough subject and stencils do change as pointed out, due to manufacturer and when and where the plane is in operation.
I'm looking for something solid for the He 111, something more complete than decal sheets.

About the 210/410, I have nothing useful on this except that it looks like octane triangles are on the main filler caps on the wings, (2 each side maybe?) a block of text is on each cannon barbette but it just looks like small black dots in the photos I have, and that some or all carried the last 4 digits of the work number on the nose. The restored 410 that's the subject of several walkaround books doesn't seem to have any stenciling on it at all

This doesn't help for 410 stenciling, but just in case you haven't seen this page-
Me410 Walkaround Index page.

[gamary]

Maybe what Peter is proposing would indeed be simpler than compiling every stencil for a given aircraft. Or even better, the compilation could be made once everyone has uploaded what he has and/or commented on what's shown.

[Serval]

I've done some thinking on this. I think the Wiki section of the site might be the best place to make such "files". When someone has data he can start the Wiki page Me-410 and when someone else has extra information he can add that without creating a "mess" where you have to read a long thread to find out what is correct. Meanwhile a discussion can be linked to that Wiki page.

Just a thought. We can also have articles like the tutorial section. I guess we have tools enopugh to find the best format to gather such information.

Just one warning from the staff: be aware of copyrights. Ask the photographer for permission. Often when you explain what your purpose is they will agree, but some really do not want you to post their photo's elsewhere.

[gamary]

I think your right about the Wiki section, Serval: it has the advantage of being more interactive. Maybe a new thread could be created called "Stencil requests" where users will tell other people what they need. This way, with one thread only, we wouldn't clutter up the usual forum. What do you think?

As for copyrights, I know it's something to be carefully considered. However, does copyright apply to a small part of a picture? Anyway, we can always ask for permission and/or simply have a link pointing to the picture in question.

[Serval]

In my opinion copyright is also for a small part of a photo or drawing. And beside that you will meet people who strongly feel so when you use a part of their work.
So, asking permission and linking to the source is a good habbit to do.