A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: PLANNING, SCRATCHBUILDING AND FIRST IMPRESSIONS…

 I love this type of work because it allows me to stretch out and create something that’s unique to me. It also allows me to use my imagination, melding real life machinery with objects that are a little more science fiction, than science fact. 

26th February 2025

Though it doesn’t always pan out as I hope, most days are planned out in advance so that I know what I need to do and how long each task will take to complete. For instance, I will work on constructing a particular section of a model or will decide to dedicate time to painting sub-assemblies or camouflage schemes. I may choose to use a day to decal a model. Each day is different, but one thing remains the same: I always plan in advance and I never deviate from that plan until the model I need to complete, is finished and ready to photograph.

Today was just one of those days. Last night I completed the basic construction of the Resin Scales Centurion AX, so as I packed up for the day, I planned that today I would not only finish any remaining assembly jobs, I would also deal with the rockets that I had decided to add to the side of the turret to create a replica of one of the in-game assets, that I was using as inspiration. Plan in mind, this morning I set to work…

Though I can’t go into this in too much detail, I was able to scratchbuild the rocket and their launchers within the time I allocated to myself. I love this type of work because it allows me to stretch out and create something that’s unique to me. It also allows me to use my imagination, melding real life machinery with objects that are a little more science fiction, than science fact. That was certainly the case with my Centurion. Though vehicles have been armed with such Heath Robinson contraptions over the years, I haven’t seen anything like my rockets bolted to the side of a centurion’s turret! Still, they looked cool in the game renders, and, look cool on my model, so that’s all that really matters!

As it stands, I have a few hours left to complete the build before I can apply some paint. The next few days are likely to be a bit of a bust where work is concerned because I have both my mum’s birthday and Liz’s 60th over the weekend to navigate. Frankly, the idea of time off to spend with family is way more appealing than more hours at the bench, so I’m thinking the former will most certainly take precedent over the latter! But, I still have to factor in some painting, even if it is between social engagements. It’s either that, or I don’t sleep!

In other news, the Airfix Typhoon ‘Starter Set’ has arrived for me to build. First impressions are really very positive. The kit is beautifully moulded and really well detailed, both pointing to what looks to be a fun project and pleasing end result. Such was the positivity that I felt as I examined the kit, I couldn’t help but wonder if the ‘Starter Set’ moniker would put off the more, shall we say, highbrow enthusiast, who may see such things as beneath them. That certainly shouldn’t be the case, because if initial impressions tell me anything, it’s that the kit will stack up really well against Hasegawa’s more complex and more expensive offering, which was certainly not something I was expecting.

I have plans for the Typhoon, so will keep my powder dry for now. In the meantime here are a few shots of the kit’s contents, including the tip sheet that is there to guide the beginner through the intricacies of perhaps, their first kit. This little sheet made me smile. Though not in any way identical, I couldn’t help but be reminded of similar drawings found on Matchbox instruction sheets, those tiny sketches that we all no doubt became oh-so-familiar with back in the day. Frankly, I’m all for such things, feeling that they should be included in all kits, after all, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of nostalgia now and then, whilst building something brand new?

See you tomorrow.

TODAY’S MUSIC CHOICES

Big Big Train: Merchants Of Light

Thompson Twins: Into The Gap

Nik Kershaw: The Riddle

And by way of a change, here’s a video I came across of Big Big Train, playing Love Is The Light. Stunning song. Stunning performance.

• A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: STILL UNWELL…
• A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: LURGY, LEGO AND A TAMIYA TOMCAT…
• A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: UNWELL…
• A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: SNOW DAY AND FAMILY…
• A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: STUDIO REBUILDS AND WHY I CANNOT WORK IN A MESS…

1. 

   Hope you feel better soon!

2. 

   My home in Sweden this evening. 25-30 cm snow, all within 24 hours.

3. 

   That certainly resonated with me Spencer, my work area is invariably a tip and also working on one kit at…

4. 

   With respect, disappointment is when you get beaten when a victory was on the cards. It’s known as supporting Brentford…

5. 

   Ah… where the magic happens! Looking really great Spence; mine is overdue a good looking at.