A Modelmaker’s Life…

Though bullish proclamations and plenty of completed work would suggest otherwise, my confidence is never the most stable of platforms, oftentimes dipping when I most need it to be there to create something new.

A Lack Of Confidence, Changing Plans And Walks In The Sunshine…

After the excitement of earlier days this week, today has been something of a shift in gears as my most pressing deadlines have now passed, and I have a few weeks to settle into a number of new projects and consider if consideration was really needed, whether the modelling world is now ready after 40 years of waiting, for a new-tool S-3 Viking…

At the risk of being accused of vague-posting, much of today was spent working on a brand-new model that will form the basis of a brand-new modelling guide. Though I had planned to release a book on the Sabre early this year, my plans changed when I lost faith in myself. I couldn’t decide if my ideas were that interesting and if I shouldn’t simply shelve them until confidence returned. Unable to shake that feeling, I elected to do something else, hoping that my initial plans would come to fruition when the fog of my own insecurity, cleared a little.

This happens to me a lot. Though bullish proclamations and plenty of completed work would suggest otherwise, my confidence is never the most stable of platforms, oftentimes dipping when I most need it to be there to create something new. That has certainly been the case with recent book releases and though in the main they have been well-received, if I’m not happy with my thoughts I do wonder if readers will notice. It’s often a passing phase, so I hope that my new build (which is growing steadily more involved with every passing day…) will garner plenty of enthusiasm from modellers keen to see something new. I do hope so!

Lockheed’s Viking: how much longer must we wait for a new kit?!

Whilst taking a much-needed walk this afternoon with my wife, I was able to ponder (if only for a few seconds as we wandered down the canal tow path to see the swans and their signets) what kits I would like to see and if there was anything that was now criminally ignored by the modelling world. In my opinion there is: the S-3 Viking. Only replicated to my knowledge by Hasegawa and Airfix in 1/72 and ESCI in 1/48, surely we are ready for a new-tool of this machine in both of those scales? given the sheer number of variants and color schemes, there wouldn’t be much trouble coming up with something original? So how about it modelling world: how about some new-tool Vikings for us to play with?!

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AIRFIX LYSANDER Mk.1/Mk.III

Airfix have sent over details of their new 1/48 Lysander that is now in stock and available to order.

This new mould A07116 Westland Lysander Mk.I/Mk.III in 1:48 scale is undoubtedly the most complete Lysander Kit ever released, featuring newly sculpted pilot and gunner figures, also including the single and twin gun mounts. It also features an open or closed canopy option, detailed interior fuselage, option for open or closed leading edge slats and dropped flaps, covered or uncovered wheels, optional undercarriage bomb racks and full bomb load, and authentically replicated airframe skin textures. Alongside these features, the kit consists of 171 parts, ranking at a skill level 3, including two schemes to choose from and measures an overall length of 192mm and a width of 316mm.

One of the more unusual aircraft to see action during the Second World War, the Lysander was designed to provide the British Army with a modern aircraft for reconnaissance, observation and artillery spotting. Possessing exceptional short take-off and landing capabilities, the Lysander was just what the Army were looking for. Unfortunately, many of the design requirements incorporated into the aircraft were the result of outdated thinking. Of 175 Lysanders sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force, 118 would be lost, the aircraft unable to defend itself against the Luftwaffe fighters.

Scheme A: Westland Lysander Mk.I, No.16 Squadron, Royal Air Force Old Sarum, Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, 1938-39.

Scheme B: Westland Lysander Mk.III, No.309 Polish Fighter-Reconnaissance Squadron, Royal Air Force Renfrew, Glasgow, Scotland, 1940.

For more information on this new kit, including details of how to order your example, please visit the Airfix website:

https://uk.airfix.com/products/westland-lysander-mkimkiii-a07116

TODAY’S MUSIC CHOICES…

Before singing off, I’ve had a retro 80s day of music, deciding to listen to a number of classics that I haven’t heard for a while. Here’s what I’ve had playing today:

Frankie Goes To Hollywood: Welcome To The Pleasuredome

Ultravox: Lament

See you tomorrow!

• A MODELMAKER’sS LIFE: ALL SQUARE IN SOUTHAMPTON…
• 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?!

1. 

   Spenser Lucky to escape with 1-1 with the saints. Still very good reading your daily comments and the last book…

2. 

   Wow! I built a dozen back around 1980. Entered them as a collection at the IPMS USA Nationals. Didn’t win…

3. 

   Yes, stop procrastinating……build a Lightning🤣

4. 

   Who knows, you might even consider publishing another bookazine on building the BAC Lightning as well?

5. 

   I am glad that the man was talked down. It’s definitely hard to see without knowing the outcome, until later.…