Hello!

Well it certainly has been busy here in the studio! I have had a lot more interest in this blog lately and I would like to take the time to thank everyone who visits, likes and follows. I’m glad you are enjoying what you see! Thank you all for your kind words and support!

Getting right into it after completing my HAF F-16 work continues apace with my 1/48 Tamiya F-16C in the markings of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. The great state of Wisconsin has a very special place in my heart and I enjoyed my time there immensely. When my friend Frank gave me a set of decals for the WI ANG’s 60th anniversary scheme I just had to build it!

Here is how the Tamiya F-16 looks on my paint bench right now……

The Tamiya kit is very well engineered and the fit is great, but it is a slow build as there is so much assembly to do. This ain’t no shake n’ bake kit! It is enjoyable nonetheless and I hope the completed model will be worth the wait.

I have also begun work on two new projects that I have been looking forward to for a long time, the first is this, the Italeri 1/35 “FURY” Sherman tank:

I plan to build a diorama around this Sherman as I have the Bravo Six figures and some nice diorama pieces to accompany the build. The second new build is the Hobbyboss 1/48 F4U-1 Corasir which I will use Barracuda decals with to build the irreverently named “Tojo Eats Shit” I saw this aircraft built on Doogs Models and really wanted to have a crack at building this early Corsair that saw action in the pacific. Matt has done an awesome job of painting and weathering the 1/32 Tamiya Corsair and I would love to emulate his incredible techniques. Look out for Work In Progress posts for both builds.

Further down the pipeline, I have a slightly more ambitious project to commence work on, Revell’s 1/48 B-17F “Memphis Belle”

This is the older cheaper kit so not much detail inside and raised panel lines on the exterior surfaces. However, I have already purchased resin gun barrels, PE cockpit details and masks. There will be a lot of time put into this one as I have always wanted a B-17 on my display shelf and I want this one to be the best that I can make it.

BTW, some time ago I mentioned that my faithful companion Harry had been gravely ill. He really has been to hell and back and it has been very tough to nurse him through his illness. I just wanted to share with you that he is fully recovered now and just as strong as ever. The family are delighted that our big brown dog is back to his normal self and yes he is always at my side. He has enjoyed many a session in the studio with me and its great to have his company when I’m building.

So, with aircraft, tanks and diorama’s on the go there should be something for everyone to see!

I’m thinking about doing a video or two in the future as well, not sure which vein it would be in yet, I think I need to learn how to get my own style across on a video before I inflict it on the rest of the world!

Well, that’s me for now. Take care and Happy Modelling!

Darren.