Now it is finished and photographed I have to say that I’m pleased with the results, but man, does that change when I look at the model on my computer screen! When it’s five times bigger, all of my raggedy-ass paintwork is plain to see.
15th January 2025
FUTURE PLANS, NEW BUILDS AND SOME CHILLED-OUT MUSIC
So, how are we all feeling after yesterday’s Airfix announcements? Good? Not good? I’m still rather happy with what was on offer, seeing at least six full builds amongst the list and at least one diorama that I may attempt. Actually, make that two as the Stalwart might find its way into something I can have fun with and no, it won’t be an in-service machine…
This morning against my much better judgement, I made the effort to read all of the comments under Airfix’s Facebook post to see how the modelling world had reacted to the YouTube video and subsequent posts. In the main, I was rather surprised – read: shocked to my very core – to see that the replies were in the main, positive. That’s good to see. I was also not surprised to see the usual round of not my area of interest, not may scale, too many Spitfires and the industry is dead to me, scattered amongst some New Year positivity. Actually, I made that last bit up, but you get the picture. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more and more certain that commentators online are utterly convinced that companies make decisions just to piss them off, rather than for commercial reasons. I tend to just laugh about it these days, but honestly, some modellers need to give their heads a wobble and stop trying to suggest the world revolves around their no-doubt unused workbenches. Some of the rants I read today bordered on the absurd, with levels of anger that should perhaps be placed at the door of life and death situations, not the release of some new plastic kits. There are way more releases than you will ever have time to deal with, so why not just enjoy what is on offer, even if your heart’s desires aren’t always there in the upcoming lists? Just a thought.
Anyhoo, if you want to read more about Airfix’s plans, check out this morning’s post on here for more information.
https://thekitbox.org/2025/01/15/airfix-2025-range-launch/
TAMIYA 1/48 M5 STUART
In other news, I’ve finished my first build of 2025: Tamiya’s tiny 1/48 M5 Stuart. Small but perfectly formed, the kit offers plenty of scope for personalisation, something I investigated to the full as I added additional aftermarket detail, my own stowage and some items from Tamiya’s range of accessories. It all looked rather busy once done making my decision to add it all, if not in one go, worthwhile. Next time, I may leave some of the add-ons to one side rather than attempting to paint them all in situ, my limited sanity no doubt thanking me as a result. And if I ever decide to repeat this week’s trick, you can remind me how painful painting those wheels and tracks were, before punching me square on the nose…
Now it is finished and photographed I have to say that I’m pleased with the results, but man, does that change when I look at the model on my computer screen! When it’s five times bigger, all of my raggedy-ass paintwork is plain to see. And don’t get me started on the figure! What looks okay actual size looks all over the place on a computer screen, leading to minor panic attacks that make me wonder if another round of painting is not so much an good idea, as absolutely essential. Thankfully, the model will be seen in the flesh at the next model show, so hopefully any misconceptions created by overly-enlarged images, can be put into some kind of context. But for those who won’t see it, let me assure you than it looks fine in reality. Honest it does!
One thing that I’m happy(ish) with is the weathering, which is a little heavier than I tend to enjoy applying (no, it’s not my favourite part of a build). Using plenty of AK and AMMO weathering materials helped to recreate a worn machine, and though I started to get carried away before I remembered I wasn’t being paid by the hour and my deadline to move on to new work had already passed, the results are nice and busy given the time I spent on it. Were I to build one for myself over a much more extended period of time I’m sure it would look different and some of those areas I’m not entirely happy with, could be smoothed out. Deadlines, eh?
TODAY’S MUSIC CHOICES…
Before singing off, I’ve had a chilled day of music, deciding to listen to a number of classics that I’ve been meaning to check out, but hitherto hadn’t gotten round to. Here’s what I’ve had playing today:
Sade: Diamond Life.
Marvin Gaye: What’s Going On.
George Benson: The Ultimate Collection.
See you tomorrow!
- A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: WHY HAVE I NEVER BUILT A LIGHTNING?
- A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: A TRIP TO BRISTOL…
- A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: A RELAXING DAY…
- A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: HOW MANY MORE KITS DO I HAVE, HALF STARTED?!
- A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: 2025 ALL WRAPPED UP!
Wow! I built a dozen back around 1980. Entered them as a collection at the IPMS USA Nationals. Didn’t win…
Yes, stop procrastinating……build a Lightning🤣
Who knows, you might even consider publishing another bookazine on building the BAC Lightning as well?
I am glad that the man was talked down. It’s definitely hard to see without knowing the outcome, until later.…
sadly(?), I’ve at least 15 models at various stages of completion. 2 I started back in the 80s, iirc I…
SPENCER POLLARD'S KIT BOX 
Macro photography is never the modeler’s friend!
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That M5 is beautifully done! Regarding the Airfix announcement yesterday and oh dear….some people take this hobby FARRRRR too seriously. The Wessex and Puma are for me very welcome and good to see a new tool Jaguar in 1/48.
I had to laugh at the “Oh no not another Spitfire” brigade as I don’t think the T.9 has been kitted in 1/48 before (injection moulded-wise anyway). The Stolly is a very good choice as this was only previously available in resin (and very expensive) plus a Mk.1 Ferret so yeah, good stuff!
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At least Airfix has revived itself to be an active, quality producer of new model kits. Having been in the modeling hobby since 1954 (my dad and I built Revell’s USS Missouri on my 8th birthday), I have watched both the breadth and detail of kits expand to a point where one has almost limitless possibilities for modeling, and if you occasionally yearn for the good old days, you have companies like Atlantis who are reviving old Revell and Aurora kits – which allows you not to have to dip into that priceless “collection stash” of kits!
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Fair play Spencer , the daily posts continue – along with playlists …enjoying both .Thanks
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I recently watched some muppet on YT rant about Airfix not bringing out anything its customers wanted. As the video went on, it became apparent he really had no idea what he was talking about, despite saying (several times) he had marketing experience. I resolved then and there to not watch any more of his or other so called “influencers” videos. You’re right in saying people like this bring nothing positive to the hobby. They are now off my playlist. The Stuart looks terrific Spencer, almost Verlinden- esque, although this probably wasn’t your intention. Quite enjoying these daily blogs too
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The NNew Airfix release list…..I only have one nay make that two complaints, or should that rather read regrets.
Yes regrets
One iis that as a pensioner living far away in South Africa, the price of the kits are way beyond my ability .
And the chance of seeing these awesome new releases yet alone building them are very slim.
Damn it! I am still trying to get hold of a 1/48 Anson.
Regards
Tony Dill
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Lovely little Stuart Spencer and totally concur with yr views about the nay sayers…. for me personally a new tool TR9 Spit is absolutely superb… I don’t think we, ve ever had it so good in this hobby
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