I guess it’s an example of forward planning to a degree, though that’s rather tempered by my forgetfulness. After all, what’s the point of thinking ahead if you then have no memory of that plan in the first place?!
24th April 2025
It must be an age thing. These days I simply cannot remember what I have and if I do remember, where the hell I put it. Yesterday was good example of those particular issues playing out for all to see…
I mentioned on here that I’d just received an issue of World Air Power Journal that was supplementing my meagre references on the Jaguar. Having arrived, I excitedly discussed it and how pleased I was to not only have another copy of that wonderful series of books for my collection but also how useful it was to have more information to use for my future build. Having read my update, some of you commented on WAPJ, both on here and on my Book Of Faces that many of you also visit. One chap, Andy, then pointed out that Key had created a wonderful monograph on the Jag’ and that it would be in my interest to look it up. Thinking no more about it, I went to bed only to wake up in the middle of night, realisation dawning, that I had that book. At least, I thought I did…
This morning, I decided to look for it. Many of you will have seen how my old office has been transformed, so many of the books that were on shelves in the open, are now hidden away in cupboards that form part of my new book case. No matter, I worked my way through the cupboards, piles of soft back books being pulled out as I diligently trawled my hidden library and there, in the second of the two cupboards, was the very book that I had been told to buy.
As you might imagine, I was delighted to see this additional reference source and then annoyed that I had not only completely forgotten about it, I couldn’t for the life of me remember ever buying it! I must have, but flicking through the pages none of it looked familiar, so it must have been a case of that will be useful one day and then it was placed on a pile waiting for that day to arrive. I guess it’s an example of forward planning to a degree, though that’s rather tempered by my forgetfulness. After all, what’s the point of thinking ahead if you then have no memory of that plan in the first place?!
So I now have another very useful book to use, along with a second that I also found by accident. Actually, this accidental find of a book on Desert Storm was less fortuitous and more open your eyes man, the damned books is right next to one that you pulled out! I kid you not. Both were side my side on the shelf and yet I noticed one and missed the other despite the fact that the second book Ian Black’s Osprey volume ‘Desert Air Force’ had far more images of Desert Storm Jaguar’s than the first that I pored over. Seriously, what on earthed did I think ‘Desert Air Force’ from a series of titles on modern aviation, was all about?!
In other news, I have made a start on the Airfix Jaguar of sorts, adding a few details to the main gear legs. I don’t normally warm up on details such as this but was rather taken by the idea of adding the prominent hydraulic pipes that festoon each one. They seemed rather obvious to me, so I broke out the lead wire and started to plumb each leg as the sun shone and the birds sang in the garden.
It’s days like today when I have a little break from the intensity of deadlines that help me to remember why I build models at all. I needed a relaxing diversion from larger projects, so detailing a pair of 1/48 undercarriage legs seemed like the perfect job in-between other builds. It was relaxing, too. I wasn’t too sure how to add the pipes, but a few lengths of the wire and a couple of punched disks here and there seemed to do the trick. The Airfix legs are nicely-detailed as there are, so are a good starting point for further work. Who knows if it will lead me onto a deeper dive into all things Jaguar, but at least I’ve made a start!
See you tomorrow.
I’m looking forward to seeing you in the PL. Hopefully Brentford will still be there.🤞
Dear Spencer! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you, Liz, and your family. It was great to meet up with…
Merry Christmas to you and your, 2025!
Merry Christmas to you and family Spencer and a blessed New Year.
Hi Spencer have a great Christmas for you and your family. And a fruitful and a happy New year. Tom
SPENCER POLLARD'S KIT BOX 
Scalemates is a handy way to inventory your library. It helps with the failing memory. Your posting inspired me to check my Scalemates stash to look for Churchill tank references as I am working on an AFV Club Mk. III AVRE. Lo and behold there were three reference books I had overlooked.
Eric
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At 73, I am having a harder time managing my 2k+ volumes. For many years, I collected books as well as doing models. I have noticed that many of our colleagues are no longer interested in physical books; if it’s not on Google it doesn’t exist. To me an essential part of modeling is the search through the books for info. I guess I was lucky to be alive in the1960s, as there were plenty to buy. I still remember the first book I bought at the Cherokee Bookstore in Los Angeles. It was the profile on the FW 200. That $1.00 book started my manic obsession with books. I believe that modelers fall into 2 categories: those who are more interested in building the model and those with more of an interest in the history and attempt to create as accurate a replica as possible. The end result is the same, neither approach is more worthy than the other,they both result in an accurate model.I’d be interested to see any comments/rebuttles. If I’m way out in left field so be it
John Daniel
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Hi Spencer.
I must admit to be quite taken aback that my comment about the Jag mag led to a whole article on how we forget things the older we get. I must be a similar age to yourself as your music choices gives it away. I too, as I get older, seem to forget things that I feel I should remember.
It’s a bit of a relief in a way that it’s not only me and I mean that in a kind way.
Please keep the models and the blogs going as they are genuinely inspirational.
Regards
Andy
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