28th January 2026
Despite this flu bug hanging around and my day being blighted with a cough that sounds like I have a 40 a day habit, I’ve managed to complete my roster of features for this month and tentatively, started something new.
It’s always good to see the last of my work leave my computer and head on over to those belonging to Marcus and Brett. Today, that involved the delivery of a Bolton show report and a simple little feature on how to build and paint a display base for an aircraft model.
Building bases for models is something that I enjoy. I always feel that a nice simple base elevates an attractive model up into another space altogether. Sure, it will look good on a table or in a glass case, but go to the effort of building a base (even a simple one) with a nice nameplate, and you will draw even more attention from any onlooker who may be examining your builds at distance and then at closer quarters.
I’m rather puritanical with my bases, it has to be said. I’m not decrying any other approach, but I like mine to be plain and simple, devoid of clutter and unnecessary distractions. Black frames are always used, as are raised plinths where I can. Nameplates are almost always black and white and if I do need to use colour say for runway markings and the like, those accents are kept to a minimum and I use only muted colours that are sympathetic to the model itself. I don’t like anything to stand out. I don’t like colour clashes and as mentioned, I don’t like distractions.
I’m also one for making bases smaller than they need to be. Building dioramas is the same, where if I can make it small and focussed, I will. That cuts down on the chance for empty space that I have to fill, unwanted areas that look unloved, or forgotten. Also, it reduces the footprint of the finished base and the space I will need to display it in! Smaller is always better in my opinion!
And so on to Revell’s 1/32 Meteor F.8…
I’ve had the kit since well before last year’s Scale Model World, but other commitments and planned builds has meant that I’ve not had the chance to look at it until now. You can read all about it in an earlier update:
It is of course a fantastic kit that builds up into a beautiful model. I previewed it last year and was really taken by the levels of detail, a feature of the kit that I’m eager to exploit. Indeed, though I’ve started to glue some of the parts together today (after printing out a set of instructions from the PDF that Revell supplied) most of my time has been taken up with planning, forethoughts that will help me to paint as much of that detail as possible as the build progresses.
Take the cockpit for instance. Though black and decorated with some Eduard photo-etch, I’m thinking about using the plastic parts for the cockpit and painting only those, shades of grey being used to bring it all out. I certainly don’t want it to all disappear under a coat of black paint, so I’ll force the issue with lighter shades to create the look I want to achieve. I’ve also ordered one of the sensation new ASK Mk.2E seats or this build, another detail that will elevate the model further.
I won’t be doing anything more today, but at least it’s a start. I still haven’t settled on a scheme, nor a mark (I still like the idea of an FR.9…) though I’m leaning towards another model covered in day-glo, similar to my Airfix build. Time, a little more sleep and a few more flu tablets may help make that decision as this week moves inexorably towards the weekend.
See you tomorrow.
SPENCER POLLARD'S KIT BOX 
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