Trafalgar Class Completed

Just a follow-on post showing some photos of the completed model. 

A relatively trouble-free build and a joy to put together - will definitely have to do another one of these in the near future!

Trafalgar Class Build

As someone who mainly deals with aircraft - I sometimes feel it's a good thing to take the occasional foray into other model types. Having been a while since undertaking a ship model - I had a look at the 'stash' (that pile of un-built model kits on the shelf which seems to grow steadily bigger no matter many you build!). I had two options - a 1/350 Airfix Trafalgar Submarine or the rather large 1/400 Revell model of the Titanic.

Given that the workbench was cluttered enough as it was (and the difficulties with the domestic authorities in this regard) - I decided to leave the ocean liner and go for the sub.

Currently the only submarine model in Airfix's lineup as of 2014 - this model builds up into a good depiction of the prototype. Online reference photographs were somewhat thin on the ground - only showing the class when in the water and thus hiding anything below the waterline. However, since most of the still highly-classified bits and bobs tend to be under the waterline (hydrophones, active sonar arrays, etc.) - it is perhaps understandable that the RN don't want too much detail pasted on Google Images!

The model was relatively easy to assemble - much more so than I was expecting. The hull itself is made up of three parts which bond together to make the familiar teardrop profile of most modern subs. The kit allows the sub to be modelled with antennas and periscopes extended/retracted; as well as the hydroplanes stowed or deployed. I decided to have all of the masts and planes deployed. Crucially, since this would be finished as a 'display' item - the finish would be pristine (no weathering).

Here is the model just after spraying with the trusty airbrush. Humbrol Matte Black was used - lots of thin coats being progressively added to build up the opacity of the paintwork while preserving the fine recessed detail on the top 'deck' of the sub. The viewing stand was airbrushed in the same colour to match. At this point you could be forgiven for leaving it 'as-is' - since this how most Trafalgars appear to the casual viewer when in the water.

Now with transfers applied and masts fitted - the finished article! Now on to the MiG-29UB (which can be seen lurking in the background waiting for some decals).

Hints & Tips #01 - Using Spare Transfers

A common practice among many hobbyists is to keep what they don't use - be it spare plastic parts on the sprues or transfers.

When building a kit and using the transfers or decals which come with it - you will invariably be left with some left over. This is especially the case when the kit comes with several 'options' - perhaps to depict models from different time periods or nationalities. Keep what you don't use and over time you will build up a 'spares' box of decals.

They can be handy for replacing damaged decals on existing models; or for adding more markings to kits where you don't have too many kit-supplied transfers.

They can also come in handy if you wish to do a common kit in a different scheme - like the model below.

This 1/48 Spitfire Mk Vb was originally an Airfix Tropical Spitfire Vb. First the airframe was painted in the appropriate colours plus some 1/48 Soviet Russian markings which had been left over from a Gavia La-9 were applied. The end result is a convincing (and unique) Lend-Lease Spitfire Vb. 

Creating a Blog!

So having worked as a model-maker in a professional capacity for the past 3 years - I decided that my 'online presence' was somewhat lacking. For prospective customers or those interested in what I do - the only avenue was to look at the items which I sold on Ebay every week or so. For people enquiring about my work - I needed an online resource for people to have a look at.

Hence this blog.

So what do I do? 

Put simply; I build model kits - assembling, painting and finishing them to a standard suitable for display. I then sell these 'built-up' model kits (primarily via the aforementioned auction site) on to a variety of customers. It always raises eyebrows when people ask what I do for a living - but it seems to have worked well enough for the past three years.

It isn't so much a full-time job as a 'self-sustaining hobby which pays the bills'.

What kind of models?

Mainly aircraft in 1/72 and 1/48 scale - these scales being well catered for by most kit manufacturers. The likes of Airfix, Academy, Hasegawa, Hobbyboss, Italeri, Revell, Tamiya and Trumpeter (probably missed some out) all do a great selection of kits to a variety of specifications - meaning that there is something for everybody.

I also occasionally make motorcycles (the Mike Hailwood Replica above now resides in a bike showroom somewhere in the Midlands) and cars. I did make a foray into 1/35 AFVs - however the fact that tanks are not planes significantly dampened my enthusiasm. The odd ship or boat is also not unknown!

Who is interested in models which are already built?

People who collect such models, to businesses and individuals who want them for display purposes. One particular 1/72 Spitfire Mk V was purchased by a proud father to hang from his son's bedroom ceiling! Others have been used as part of community displays.

Many people also would like a particular model but don't have the money to commission one from a master scratch-builder or the time to build their own. In such cases; buying a model built-up from a readily available kit is an affordable alternative.

A wide range of customers after a wide range of models.

What is the point of this blog?

Hopefully, this blog will raise the profile of what I do - much more so than people just having a look at my Ebay profile. Secondly; it will also be a blog of general kit-building - e.g. odd reviews, aviation modelling and the occasional tutorial. Either way - something to interest most people.

I sincerely hope visitors to this blog will enjoy what they read.