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Facebook: Juanita Franzi Aero Illustrations

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New Aero Image Library Catalogue

The latest catalogue has been uploaded to the Aero Image Library page. A range of interesting new drawings have been added to the listing, include the delightful Armstrong Whitworth Siskin, Curtiss Helldiver, Fairey Fulmar, a D.H.112 Venom and the beautifully designed Martin Baker fighters…

See the “New Drawings” PDF for a succinct summary of all the additions.

In the next post I will include a few photos from the recent air show at Omaka…for the WW1 enthusiasts

F-111 Artworks… some background

The profile drawings published in the art prints and the book “From Controversy to Cutting Edge” are based on detailed and comprehensive research. I use diagrams and dimensions from the manufacturer’s manuals and hundreds of photos to develop original scale drawings on which to base my profiles. David DeBotton of F111.net was of great assistance, particularly with research and advice during the preparation of the scale drawings.

In addition to the main differences between the C and G models, there were external variations brought about by systems upgrades. This is particularly applicable to the C model and includes early and late versions of the countermeasure dispenser (flare and chaff dispenser mounted under the tailplane) and different antennas fit-outs. Jim Rotramel’s series of articles, “F-111 in detail” (www.clubhyper.com, Reference section) provides a succinct assessment of airframe and weapon variations.

The colour schemes were carefully selected and researched…right down to the names under the cockpits, even though this detail is not sharply defined at the reproduction size.
Rivets and fasteners are also in the drawings. They are not clearly visible in the prints but their subtle rendition gives the artwork authentic texture and realism.

RAAF F-111s seen at air shows usually had good paint finishes, however there were occasions when the paint was faded and stained, and the white ‘goop’ (panel sealant) was streaked across the aircraft. This could been seen at times on a number of aircraft particularly in the late 1990s. One of the most striking examples was A8-272 “Boneyard Wrangler” during the 2001 Avalon air show. I have tried to capture this ‘well worn’ look in my artwork. It is an interesting contrast to the pristine factory finish of A8-125, drawn as it appeared in 1968.

To Order:

The F-111 print series (described below) has long since sold out. However a more recent print of A8-129 in the special retirement scheme is still available. For more information, please contact Australian Aviation. Their web-shop does not yet have it listed, but you can contact them and put in an order by email, phone or fax. They also stock the book “From Controversy to Cutting Edge”.

To order the prints and/or book contact Australian Aviation:
Email: mail@australianaviation.com.au
Phone: +61 (0)2 6280 0111
Fax: +61 (0)2 6280 0007

“From Controversy to Cutting Edge”

A History of the F-111 in Australian Service
Author: Mark Lax, Illustrator: Juanita Franzi

Friday 3 December 2010 marked the final flight of the F-111. The last six operational RAAF aircraft touched down after a farewell fly past. The retirement celebration included the launch of this impressive book on the F-111 in RAAF service.

It looks at the political dramas leading up to the purchase of the aircraft, the aircraft themselves and the impact the type had on the way the RAAF operates. The author, Mark Lax, has intimate knowledge of the F-111 as he was a navigator on the type and retired as an Air Commodore.
The writing style flows easily and I found the book thoroughly absorbing.

I created colour profile drawings of the most significant aircraft and detail drawings of most of the special tail markings. My aim was to accuracy capture the shape and details of this iconic aircraft. Primary source material, such as the manufacturer’s documentation, was used as reference. In addition to Mark Lax, I owe a special thanks to David DeBotton of F111.net for his assistance with technical information throughout the preparation of these artworks.

The book is illustrated with many colour and B/W photos and these are enhanced by the high quality paper and the format (just under A4 size). The 8 side view F-111 profile drawings and 7 detail tail artworks are spread over 4 pages. To maximise their impact, the profile drawings are laid-out long-wise on the page.

To top it off, the book is a chunky 263 pages and hard cover…it’s a bargain at Aust $40.00
Follow this LINK to purchase this book from the RAAF Airpower Centre.

The crews disembark for the very last time after flying the final flyby, RAAF Amberley, QLD, 3 December 2010.

F-111 Profile Art Prints

Illustrator: Juanita Franzi

To mark the retirement of the F-111 after 37 years in RAAF service ‘Australian Aviation’ is releasing a series of 4 limited edition prints.

Produced as a collaborative effort between Australian Aviation and Aero Illustrations, these prints feature beautifully rendered, highly accurate profiles drawings of RAAF F-111s. At this size (37cm profile length) you can really see the research and detail that has gone into these drawings.

Look out for the special F-111 feature in the January issue of ‘Australian Aviation’ magazine.

The prints cover the following:
* History Makers print F-111C A8-125 and RF-111C A8-126
* 1SQN print F-111Cs A8-144 and A8-147
* 6SQN print F-111C A8-113 and F-111G A8-272
* ARDU print F-111C A8-132

The prints are A3 size (297 x 420mm), printed on heavy-weight high quality art paper stock (acid free, long life). These really are limited edition: only 100 of each will be printed.

A sample of the detail and quality of the artwork…

Australian Aviation also stock “From Controversy to Cutting Edge”. To order the prints and/or book contact Australian Aviation:
Email: mail@australianaviation.com.au
Phone: +61 (0)2 6280 0111
Fax: +61 (0)2 6280 0007