"Hey Bird Dog"
I'm learning a method of producing a drawing of an aircraft in perspective called APM - Artists' Perspective Modeler. APM allows you to plot points from a 3 view drawing and turn them into a skeleton view of the object in perspective from any distance or angle that you choose. You can also plot other objects from the same viewpoint, giving you the ability to create a drawing of a formation of aircraft in correct perspective.
The aircraft that I chose to try this out on is the Cessna O-1 Bird Dog, serving as a Forward Air Controller's mount in Viet Nam.
This Work In Progress will portray a hypothetical meeting between an O-1 of the 19th TASS (Tactical Air Support Squadron) and the crew of a downed F-4 Phantom.
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The images on the right are clickable to expand.
Using APM starts with plotting significant points of the airframe on an accurate 3 view. You may find that you have to correct the drawing before you begin plotting, as was the case here.
The finished aircraft with shadows and some more airbrushing to bring out the form of the Lancer.
Here the drawing is nearly finished and I've changed the aircraft's attitude somewhat. I actually plotted more points than I needed in this case, getting a little too enthusiastic once I realized how easy it was.
The points are entered into an Excel spreadsheet and the APM macros convert them into a skeletal drawing of the aircraft. Here is the centerline and forward fuselage of the O-1.
The significant points are all drawn in and the prop circle and wing racks have been added. The red circle indicates the area where the downed aircrew will be drawn. The aircraft is now in the position and attitude of the final composition.
I've now started the drawing of the Bird Dog over the APM skeleton.
More detail added and some adjustments made.
Yet More detail added and the pilot's position has been sketched in. I've added some controll deflection to the aircraft as the pilot rocks his wings in a greeting to the downed Phantom crew.
I've now added the final details and the markings of the 19th TASS. The aircrew has been drawn in. Next step will be the painting.
For more information on the APM software visit this site:
or visit the Cat2 Forum here:
