Again, I want the model to reflect how the real machine looked so tempting as it is to stylise the paintwork, I think I’m going to try and replicate how they actually looked rather than how I think it should look.
30th April 2025
Another beautiful day filled with sunshine, warm temperatures and the glorious sound of birds in the garden. It’s days like today that help to remind me why I love working from home so much, something I have been privileged to do since the summer of 1997.
Today, as mentioned yesterday, I had to paint some smaller subassemblies and details for an upcoming project. Fighting the heat, I spent around 8 hours on the 11 parts that I chose to first finish. A long time for a cluster of essentially hidden parts, the time spent was worthwhile if only because I was able to experiment with specific details and layers of accompanying filth…
When it comes to building and painting aircraft I tend to be something of a grasshopper, bouncing around between ideas and styles. Often I like my models to be relatively clean and somewhat stylised, with sharp colours and markings, minimal weathering and ultra-smooth paintwork. Flying in the face of my approach to armour and dioramas, this has created a collection of models that all share the same style, even if I manipulate that style occasionally depending on need and my mood.
Today, I went for something a little different. The jet I am building was in reality old, but the finish was new. This means that internal areas and surfaces need to be filthy, those on the outside, relatively clean, if a little used. This will I hope create an interesting contrast across the surface of the model and will reflect in miniature how the real aircraft looked in service. It also allows me the chance to experiment with some proprietary weathering products that worked well in creating the distinctive black weathering that I can see in my reference images, both from my library and taken by me in various museums. Those experiments will further come into play later this year with some planned builds, so again, time was well spent doing something I very rarely do: experiment.
Having completed the first set of details (some of which I hope to reveal later this week) I can spend some time in the cockpit. It’s painted, decalled and now waiting for all of the details to be picked out. Given the quality of that detail I’m looking forward to bringing it all together as am I, finishing the seat. These parts will allow me to move on with the airframe and the real challenge, the exterior finish and weathering. Again, I want the model to reflect how the real machine looked so tempting as it is to stylise the paintwork, I think I’m going to try and replicate how they actually looked rather than how I think it should look. Big difference. How I go about that I’m not too sure just yet, but again, I’m looking forward to seeing how things turn out, if in fact, they turn out at all!
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 
Hi, sounds like you need to invest in a portable air conditioner ! We had to and don’t regret it.
The Dyson Blade is good, really works! Other smallerones are on here – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Portable-Conditioner-Conditioners-Evaporative-Humidifier/dp/B0F12XHZXF/ref=sr_1_29?crid=1XH1I3NW2TLEA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.vx0sPAsu7t7ae7l5w6h8XE8GgofYtEkUY97yDmVq8LZ6MJoHqk-4AvIG5v_DeKlmw3vUJrkGRDdUMYOShfkfxjFJ5wWDQ31fvllIVKa09lIjD_AYp7YvtB4TtkmMtjU4L6oFRhuzBSAtCir6DBaFxLwcURuoNtASeav1Zz40JH1WQfBTXMwKc2jByZ_V9uOQVGs4P-A-0tJ9N-_n5oaLddoRAuuHG0fbiGcCSB29pEUVXKctvudTgfYTeTEQMPQzAePE52opbyVt5y2GUsz1_E4JQr1xZoIZ1EEc-AC2OQE.zBftrDYFMDiggC4gfe708Ms6GHF8TerkdSUX3BVieOU&dib_tag=se&keywords=desk+top+air+conditioners&qid=1746058927&sprefix=desk+top+air+conditioners%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-29
Cheers
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Hi
agree a good portable AC is a must. Make sure it has a dry/dehumidifier option.
i live in the wheatbelt of West Australia
its 31C today. So that’s at the upper end for mid autumn.
From Nov to late March it’s 38 to 45 and overnight 25 at best
it makes for challenging conditions for a very amateur basic kit builder and mini painter. Air brush paint dries in the air if you don’t get the job done in the early hours of the day.
Thanks for your daily posts. your style is much more approachable unlike some pros that probably inadvertantly present the hobby in a stort of intimidating way
Go well.
Nic
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It’s a funny old hobby isn’t it. Spending hours on a structure that will be seen by no one. Models that in all likelihood won’t survive more than a generation. But that’s not why we build is it. I think its more about a need to express yourself to no one but yourself. When finished, the models generally illicit no more than a “that’s nice dear” or “Oooh that’s tiny!”. Immersing yourself in a project that will likely take hundreds of hours for little personal kudos makes me wonder what’s actually playing out. Whatever it is. I absolutely love it. When I make models, it means my life is in a tranquil place. That association alone is something I need in my life. Long may it continue. Pass the Tamiya extra thin.
clive
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