Along with a lot of reworked kits, and some very welcome Vintage Classics, I foresee a busy year ahead, if only as a result of finally building a Jaguar or three for my collection…
14th January 2025
The day we’re all been waiting for has finally arrived, or as I like to call it: Tuesday. It’s also bin day, the first of two mornings each week that I take my granddaughter to school and the day that I hoped I would finish painting my little M5. The first two were completed as planned, the third is still ongoing – more of which, anon.
Of course, today was also the day when all hell breaks loose as the Airfix yearly program is announced and those with little better to do, forget that Airfix are in the business of making money, kits cost a lot to create and not everything on a personal wish-list can come to fruition*. Hell, if that was/wasn’t the case (or should that be, wasn’t/was, I’m so confused…) I wouldn’t have to keep pestering Airfix for the 1/24 Harrier GR.9 that I am sure they not only have planned, but will sell by the tens of thousands. *Joke*
Anyhoo, Airfix have now posted a video online that you can watch on Youtube using the following link:
I’ll let you watch the video for all of the juicy details, but highlights include a new 1/72 Wessex and retooled B-24D. A brand-new 1/48 Spitfire Mk.IX and TR.9 as well as perhaps the least surprising addition to their 1/48 range: the SEPECAT Jaguar GR.1/A. Oh, and you’ll find a 1/35 Stalwart in there as well! Along with a lot of reworked kits, and some very welcome Vintage Classics, I foresee a busy year ahead, if only as a result of finally building a Jaguar or three for my collection…
*So the next time you check and there are endless Spitfires, please remember that these perennial best-sellers help to generate money to do the other goodies that you may enjoy, like, ahem, the Wessex and that brand-new Jaguar!
Work-wise, today has been all about completing the M5. This involved not only the addition of weathering over my rather pristine paintwork, but the application of Tamiya decals, which I continue to be told are useless and impossible to apply to a model. As you might imagine, I hold little truck with these opinions, feeling that A) it’s hard to imagine a company such as Tamiya spoiling their ships for H’apporths of tar and B) knowing that with care and the correct use of appropriate setting solutions – such as Mr. Mark Softer – they can be as good as anyone else’s decals and lay down just as well. It feels as though my opinions on this matter might be akin to peeing into a gale, but I feel I must at least continue the fight, even if my energy levels might not be quite up to the task.
As it stands, the M5 is all-but done. A few touch ups here and there and the painting of the commander figure and that’s that. One thing I perhaps should mention is that I’d planned for the finish to be rather more stylised than it is, but that plan was destroyed as I started to apply layers of dust over its surface. It now looks rather too much like a well-worn military vehicle for my liking, but will no doubt keep me in the Guild Of Weathered Tank Models for at least another month. Fingers crossed.
Speaking of weathering, I decided as part of my process today to add splattered mud over the model, so use various solutions from AK that I flicked over its surface. These tiny flecks were then blended in using a soft flat brush, moistened with a little white spirit. It was only after I’d finished that I discovered that the paint had also found its way over almost my entire desk and everything on it. Tempting though it is to leave it be as if ravaged by the elements, I now have to clean everything up, bit by bit. Oh the joy.
Anyhoo.
Before singing off, I’ve had a day of music listening as well, the following albums thrilling my ears over the last few hours.
Simple Minds: Real Life
The Police: Regatta De Blanc, Synchronicity & Ghost In The Machine
Talk Talk: The Party’s Over
See you tomorrow…
SPENCER POLLARD'S KIT BOX 
I think the Airfix releases are pretty solid and typical that some folk still moan about them. I’m looking forward to the Wessex and re-released Puma mostly 🙂
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Great music choices, keep them coming. As for Airfix, the Jag is most welcome. A 1/72 Tornado GR1 next year please!
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The Jaguar was needed but the Stalwart gets my vote for best release..
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I’m loving the choice of The Police for your listening choice these past few days! 👍
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I’m enjoying the peek behind the curtain in your blog.
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