A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: HOUSEKEEPING AND STUPID DECISIONS.

Not this idiot. No. I have to build up everything to create as many sub-assemblies as possible, then paint them all in one go thus creating a mass of parts that not only have to be housed on my far from large workbench, but then have to be painted in one confusing and often frustrating session.

22nd January 2025

Happy Hump Day, everyone!

As mentioned yesterday, today has all been about rounding off my latest article for work and then trying, albeit tentatively, to begin work on something new. As I expected, the fabulously rounded prose that I so eloquently penned (or should that be typed, or indeed, keyed…) had to be changed as mistakes and frankly odd ideas, reared their ugly heads. Note to self: type a little slower and read each section as you are going along!

Having sent over the completed article, I set about working on my new project and then had to take a break as a friend who I had not seen for a while, dropped around for lunch. Several hours, several cups of tea and some very nice cakes later, and it was time to get back to it.

First job was to clean the airbrushes and then give each a small service, not grandiose, just enough to allow me to squirt paint in the general direction of any unsuspecting plastic kit that may feel disinclined to be naked, feeling more comfortable under a coat of paint. It’s a job I loath frankly, but given the importance of these tools day to day, I like to keep on top of their health and wellbeing. Nothing is worse than using a brush to apply light colours only to see it puke some darker bits of dried up paint that have suddenly broken free as new paint and thinners, crosses some old unseen crud.

I’d love to say that this has not happened to me that often, but that would almost certainly be a lie, if not a particularly egregious one. Only recently whilst rushing a paint job that needed to be completed ion less time that I would have liked, I cut corners with my cleaning, only for some residual crap to leave my airbrush tip and settle nicely over my neatly applied finish. Up against the clock, time trying to be saved, I now had to repaint the model. Any savings I could have made flew out of the window, my sanity and my normally calm demeanour following closely behind.

So, the brushes are clean, thus bringing me to my final job today, painting some small detail parts.

Over the last few weeks I’ve discussed how I constructed a tank in three large sections that were all then painted as single subassemblies. This works for tanks in the main – if only those small kits that I like so much – but not aircraft, which are my preferred targets of affection. No, they are way more complex and thus need to be broken down a lot more.

As you will no doubt know, aircraft often comprise dozens of small bits that you need to painted separately and then brought together. Anyone that is sensible (or indeed enjoys their life and the relaxation that hobbies can provide) will work through an aircraft kit slowly, building small parts, painting them and then moving on. Not this idiot. No. I have to build up everything to create as many sub-assemblies as possible, then paint them all in one go thus creating a mass of parts that not only have to be housed on my far from large workbench, but then have to be painted in one confusing and often frustrating session.

Every model I build I do the same thing. And every time I swear that it will be the last. Rinse and repeat.

So, as it stands, I have an enormous pile of parts in my studio that I have at least made a start on. They’ve been primed in colours that are close to their final finish so at least I feel like I’m making some headway, even if truth be told, I am not. Tomorrow, once these initial layers are dry I can begin to deal with some detail painting and then hopefully, start to bring it all together. That’s the plan at least, but if I’m honest (and this is the place to be that) I’m bound to find some way to make my life even more complicated because I’m already confused and have lost track of what is what. I’m relatively sure that it will all come together at some point, though that conviction is rather tempered by the fear that I will lose at least one of those small parts that are now on my desk, rather than safely homed as part of the kit’s wonderful sprues, safely tucked away in the kit box…

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:

Secret Affair: Glory Boys

The Beat: Special Beat Service; Public Confidential

Dexy’s Midnight Runners: Searching For The Young Soul Rebel

See you tomorrow!

• A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: SNOW, WALKS AND RANDOM PERIODS OF SLEEP…
• A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: AIRBRUSHED PAINTWORK AND IAN DURY & THE BLOCKHEADS…
• A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: TOMCAT ASSEMBLY…
• A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: STILL UNWELL…
• A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: LURGY, LEGO AND A TAMIYA TOMCAT…

1. 

   I’ve just completely revamped mine, and I’m still refining it, and making a few 3D prints that will fill some…

2. 

   My sympathies- I’m on day 6, and feeling just a bit better. Good luck!

3. 

   Hope you get over the flu but soon Spencer. Without sounding a bit, how can I put it, full.of doom.…

4. 

   That’s a great kit, enjoy.

5. 

   Hope you feel better soon!