On the Workbench - Stash Attack

Every model-maker, whether they do it as a hobby or as a line of work - will have a 'stash'. This consists of models which have been bought as-and-when (in a short-sighted spending spree after you accidentally-on-purpose got lost and wandered into a model shop) or particular projects which you buy and intend to 'eventually get round to them'. The makeup of said collection often is without rhyme or reason.

This phenomena led to yours truly having at least a dozen harrier jump jets in his possession at one point (now trimmed down to half a dozen at last count). I still can't remember buying that many; I can count on one hand how many commission jobs I've had for a jump-jet so it wasn't a business decision at any rate. Short of them breeding and multiplying by themselves in the cupboard - the reason for accruing so many will remain a mystery.

Now the stash is getting bigger again, due to a combination of a prolonged period of ill health and my other line of work being a higher priority over the Winter months. The new stash theme seems to be focused around big multi-engine aircraft including 1/72 Lancasters (3 of them), a Shackleton and a couple of Dakota DC-3s...... and a few B-17s in various scales.

This is supplemented by an EE Canberra and a Merlin helicopter kit in 1/48 scale - the former I bought a few years ago in Wales on holiday - no I don't know why either.

In a moment of madness on a certain online auction site I also acquired a Soviet Mil Mi-26 Halo Helicopter from Zvezda in 1/72 - many tins of Russian AF paint shall be required for that particular beast.

However the workbench is not quite ready for airliners / bombers / transport planes / big helicopters just yet.....

Airfix Fairey Battle (Old Classic Tool) - Part of the Victoria Cross gift-set. Went together very nicely and looked good when finished / sent to it's new owner.

Airfix Hurricane II (Classic Tool) - Currently a test-bed for different varnishes. I have 'lost' one or two otherwise perfect models thanks to varnish reacting to the paint coat underneath - so whenever using a new formula/product it pays to test it on a low-value, easily replaced model first. 

The 'Car Park' - This is where the models sit in the sunshine to dry and generally cure. 

Bristol Blenheim Mk I - Old and New - Recently I finished off the Blenheim from the VC set - despite being an older tooling it went together with some filler and modern paints/transfers applied. It took about four days from start to finish - out of professional interest I bought the new tool from Airfix to see how much easier/quicker the new one went together. Currently at the un-boxing stage.

Keep your eyes peeled for some of these appearing online soon (I need the space!).