Models built from scratch offer a distinct set of challenges that I don’t find within my other projects, most of which feature kits as their centrepiece. And that’s why I have a go at something from scratch every once in a while.
23rd May 2025
Well, well well, another Friday and another end to a working week!
As you will all be aware, I’ve spent much of this week dealing with my commission and when I’ve had a moment, the Jaguar. That’s it, that’s my roundup!
Oh, you want some more detail? Okay, here goes…
Both of these builds are progressing well I think, the former being a particularly fulfilling project that has not only captured my imagination, but also stretched my skills.
Models built from scratch offer a distinct set of challenges that I don’t find within my other projects, most of which feature kits as their centrepiece. And that’s why I have a go at something from scratch every once in a while. There’s the research, the examination of pictures, measurements and all manner of problems that are fun to solve along the way. But more than that, I like the idea of creating something that’s unique to me. Ask a group of modellers to all build the same subject and you can be sure that each will approach the build in their own particular way and all of the models will be different, despite being replicas of the very same thing. That’s what makes them so attractive as projects.
The Jaguar is also coming along reasonably well, despite my earlier reservations about that colour scheme. As discussed in my earlier update, I was certainly concerned about the pale nature of the colour scheme and how best to bring out the detail over the surface of the airframe.
With it now on my desk and more time spent studying images of the real machines used during Op Granby, I have a fair idea of what I’m doing, which if you’ve been around these parts for any amount of time, you will realise is something of a surprise.
One thing I did notice about the aircraft from that particular conflict, is how little they degraded in service. Sure, the paintwork became tarnished and there were areas of muck and grime, but remarkably little in the way of chipped paint. There is always the supposition that temporary finishes applied over a previous layer of camouflage and markings will be less than resilient, pealing easily as time in action passed by. That was certainly not the case with the Jaguars, the paintwork standing up remarkably well to the rigours of use and though chipping was evident, the areas affected and the chips seen, were in the main, remarkably small.
Having had an extended period of fine weather over much of the last month in the UK, it looks as though it will break over the Bank Holiday weekend with a spell of wind and rain on the way. That being so and with the end of the football season in sight (boo!), I might be able to spend much of this weekend pushing the projects forward, with plenty of painting in sight for the façade.
This is definitely going to be fun. I’ve already spent some time experimenting with colours and textures which is again, a surprise. I’m not a fan of experimentation, but in this case I felt it was a necessary if not exactly enjoyable evil (you see, I told you I wasn’t a fan!). I now have plan of action in mind, both in terms of the colours that I need to use and their application. Though the windows and doors will all be airbrushed, the walls will be painted using paintbrushes and make-up sponges, the latter being used to stipple colour over the stonework without worrying about it covering the mortar that will be painted, first. Yes, you read that right: I’m going to be using make-up sponges to paint a model…
And finally…
My Skyhawk project has been wrapped up this week and all books are now in the post. Seeing this little project come to fruition and the books begin to appear in the hands of readers is more than pleasing, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has bought a book and at the same time supported my work on this page and elsewhere. Without you all, I’d have to get a real job and I’m not sure I’d know how to do anything else! So thank you all – your support is very much appreciated!
See you tomorrow.
SPENCER POLLARD'S KIT BOX 
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