A MODELMAKER’S LIFE: BOXING CLEVER…

14th October 2025

A short and simple update that that mirrors my relatively simple day.

It began earlier this morning with a blood test that I needed following a slight alteration to my blood pressure medication, followed by a quite wonderful bacon and egg sandwich, streaky, not back.

The rest of today has been taken up with final modelling preparations for the weekend and the packing of my models. This involved, as it has over many years, the creation of custom boxes that I can use to carry the work without fear of anything getting damaged in transit. With an almost 800 mile round trip ahead of us that will involve an 8 hour ferry crossing, I’m keen to ensure that the models get there in one piece and though I will take a repair kit, I’d like that to remain closed if at all possible.

So, I modified the larger of the two boxes and then built a new one using foam board, my trusty glue gun, some Duck Tape and small pieces of packing foam liberated from my collection of Eduard aftermarket sets. Simple materials, simple construction. The only care that you need to take is ensuring the brackets that you fabricate to hold the models in place are sized and located in such a way as to hold everything secure, and allow each model to be removed without damage. It’s all mostly common sense, but as the models become larger or are not fixed to a base, there often needs to be some jiggery-pokery before the everything settles comfortably and securely in place.

As I’m writing this, the models are now packed, have been checked and are ready to go. I could continue to obsess over each one, but I’ve now got to simply cut them loose and leave them alone until journey’s end on Friday. Truth be told I’m pretty happy with everything, so look forward to seeing what other modellers think of them once they are on display, amongst the incredible work I know I will see from the hands of others. I can’t wait!

See you tomorrow.