Shaughan

Happy Christmas modellers! Remember a model is not just for Christmas but can last a lifetime (if you look after it). All the best.

Simple but very effective. Keep up the good work.

I’ve ordered the hovercraft. One that escaped me originally. I am liking the fact that surprises happen during the year. That’s the big kid in me.

Thanks Sailorman. Mine is the next size up (or two) so it’s more of a desktop, and hence used like one. But I will take your advice and try to do anything other than cutting work, on something more disposable. Like you I had my previous mat for years. Thanks once again, Shaughan

I use a large cutting mat for my modelling. This is my second one. The first one lasted me years before I felt the need to replace it. This one is coming up to two years old. My maintenance skills are virtually non existent. It therefore has two years of paint splatter, glue, various varnishes and other modellers detritus. Is it possible to bring the Jackson Pol…k (word censored by Airfix) of cutting mats to life, or should I bite the bullet and buy another one. And if the latter, what’s the best way of keeping it pristine (lol) ie what’s the best products to use?

Bought these on eBay last week from pete01942. Originally purchased a wagon train set and we got chatting. Let him know if he ever got the Airfix High Chaparral figures I would be very interested. He only gets back to me shortly thereafter with the 5 figures and we agreed a price and took it from there. Had to paint them asap, hence they’re a bit rough and ready. Will tidy them up in due course.

Good question Ratch. I’ve sent a reply awaiting approval.

My old mate Les who passed away a couple of years was an avid hoarder. One day he produced a Airfix M G Magnette. He had bought it from someone not knowing the owner had started it. It put him off so asked if I would like it, to which I nodded. He gave me it free gratis. When he passed away I felt obliged to finish the build in his name and it now sits proudly in my display case

Happy birthday me. The Westland Whirlwind has been unwrapped and I’m eager to get stuck in. I know it’s just a wee kit but as has been discussed lately on the forum, your mojo sometimes needs a boost. And eat cake!! 🥳🍰🍜🍫👍🤪

Just read the latest Workbench on the Vintage Classic Auster Antarctica. I was very impressed with the efforts which go in to bringing an old kit back to life. My belief was that if it couldn’t be just utilised as it was then it wouldn’t see the light of day again. Airfix have shown they have some talented engineers and the odd problem will not stop them from bringing an old kit back to life. Well done!

I suppose when you think of art, painting (including modelling) the one name that keeps coming up is Windsor and Newton. It would make sense that if they produce a varnish it would do exactly what it says on the tin (sorry not you Ronseal). Anyway glad I could help.

I read in the forum once about someone using Winsor and Newton’s Galeria Matt varnish. Purchased a good sized bottle quite cheaply from Amazon. Have had quite good results. Used it on my Airfix guards band if you look it up in the figures forum.

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Fully agree with you Steven. I couldn’t afford the old 1/35 tanks/afv bundle so no chance with these. Airfix have come a long way from their Woolworths days. I don’t begrudge them as that was 60 plus years ago and costs have accelerated in all aspects of the industry. In them days every week my pocket money bought a new kit. You didn’t mind trying something new either. These days you have to decide what really hits the spot and then when you can afford it. I will not take “advantage”? of these buy now pay later schemes. My best source for models comes from eBay where prices are more realistic (sic) and stuff from my childhood often shows up. I know there are risks, but touch wood, I have never had a problem.

Enjoying the build and the crew detail is up to your usual excellence.