The result is I think one of the most pleasing models I have completed for some time, one that not only captures the feel and detail of the real building, but also its colour and weathering. I was really sad to see it go!
16th June 2025
It’s definitely been a busy and thanks to a return of the summer weather, hot day!
First things, first. Having now delivered my commission build, I am pleased to be able to reveal my latest model, a replica on the main entrance to Kingston House, Totnes, in Devon.
Built as a wedding gift, this model was the combination of a month of work, that combined traditional building methods, sculpting and painting with a need to learn Fusion 360 to replicate the door, windows, planters and balustrades. The result is I think one of the most pleasing models I have completed for some time, one that not only captures the feel and detail of the real building, but also its colour and weathering. I was really sad to see it go!
Along with my reveal, I’ve spent much of today working on the new Tamiya F-35C Lightning II. Having already basecoated the interior parts last week, today I was able to spray everything with a layer of gloss vanish (Tamiya LP-9 Clear) ready for both some decalling and the application of washes that precede the detail painting to come.
The kit supplies a lot of smaller decals to decorate the internal areas, small data panels and the like adding increased levels of interest within bays already crammed full of lovely detail. Along with the decals offered in the kit, I decided that rather than painting the coloured bands that appear with alarming frequency over much of the pipework in these areas, I would using Xtradecal coloured stripes, instead. Though I’d seen this done elsewhere, I’d not used decals for this type of work, so was pleased with how it turned out. When my wife described it as “faffy” I couldn’t help but agree, but felt that the extra time needed to apply the decals was well-worth it.
Washing the interior parts took an absolute age to complete. Though I’d opted to use an overall wash of very thin oil paints (black, white and raw umber) to speed things up, the removal of the excess colour still took hours before I was happy with the result.
Being white I was keen to ensure that everything looked to be a vibrant colour and not appear too dark, so I took time with cotton buds and then a soft No.1 paintbrush and white spirit to remove any excess and blend-in what remained, to create a smooth harmonious finish. Now done, it will be left overnight to dry before being sealed in with VMS Satin ready for the equally laborious task of painting all of the details. The interior of the F-35 is almost more time-consuming than the exterior!
Along with the F-35, I was also able to continue with the Airfix 1/48 Jaguar, though only in a very small way. Today, I was able to paint and decal the four 1000lb bombs that will hang beneath the wings. These are also drying out ready to be varnished in the morning and then detail painted and I think, graffitied with some suitably direct messages! That really only leaves the undercarriage and canopy to do, bringing together what has been a highly enjoyable kit and project…
A productive day then, finished off with a most relaxing walk around one of our local villages with Liz and my granddaughter, taking in the sights and sounds of a warm summer’s evening. Being cooped up all day was fun, but getting out and about was just what the doctor ordered, readying me for another busy day ahead.
See you tomorrow.
SPENCER POLLARD'S KIT BOX 
Top-notch work on the Kingston House! I’m sure your client was thrilled.
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The work that you do on projects like the Kingston House totally amaze me. The attention to detail and weathering captures a moment in life and when you include structures like that in your military dioramas out them at the pinnical of our hobby.
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