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MILITARY MODELS BLOG:- Air, Land and Sea.

02 SEPT 10. Wow! Where has the last month gone?   I hope you have managed to get some model making done over the summer or taken in a few visits to shows or muesums.    I got to visit the IPMS AVON show two weekends ago. No pictures though as I was on my way to catch the Liverpool ferry so didn't stop long.     A very good show with even a few military vehicles outside.     Did you know that the Royal Marines had used the Citroen 2CV van as a military vehicle?    I was pretty surprised to learn that myself, and even more impressed with the restored example at the AVON show.   Proof that you never know what is round the next corner.     Real vehicles brings me on to the next few pictures, a Challenger 2 made from the Trumpeter kit.     It is straight from the box with a few modifications to replicate the mount of a friend who served as a commander in the second Gulf War.     Shop news for Armour buffs: BMP3, WWII Grant and latest WWII Soviet Arty tractor from Trumpeter are all in stock. SAS Pink panther has already sold out but more expected in late September.

28 JULY 10.    Aircraft modellers will need no help in naming the picture below, the massive Vulcan bomber. I stumbled across this relic while fundraising for H4H along the Haydrians wall in Cumbria. It was most unexpected as it resides along side the entrance to Carlisle Airport. It belongs to the Solway Aviation Museum in Cumbria who have a number of aircarft displayed outside as well as many interesting artifacts inside the old military buildings that home the museum. Worth a visit if your in the area ( near M6, off the A689). I'm sure it would be appreciated as the museum is run by volunteer enthusiasts who have a huge task maintaining the site. The Vulcan is often opened for internal viewing but only on weekends. Ring 01228 573823 to verify  times. Airfix are set to re-release their 1/72 scale Vulcan with some of the profit going toward the costs of keeping the only airworth Vulcan still flying, a worthy cause too.

24 June 10.  With England facing Germany on Sunday in the World cup I though it best to update on some home grown products after the German WW2 items of the last update.     Long term supports of SMC will remember PG models range of white metal kits in N scale.    The subject of PG Models is modern British Army equipment from the 60's to present day. These kits are back in stock with armour ( Warrior, FV432, sparten and scorpion) and Combat service support ( Foden artillery tractors, bedford 4 tonners and DROPS) available.   Even trailers and landrovers are modelled. The scale also makes them ideal for modelling modern military freight movements such as Lugershall and Marchwood. Those modellers who served in the 80's will be delighted to know the Leyland Sherpa is also available to remind them of many a cramped adventure training trip.

 As promised, a picture of my latest WWII diorama in 1/35 scale. I hope you like it.

04 MAY.  I managed to do some model making myself recently which has been rare since taking on a model shop. A diorama using Great North roads plaster ruins and a Tamiya Jagdpanzer. Painting of figures is always time consuming but using acrylics certainly speeds things up. Their quick drying time and consistant matt finish is excellent even for the most complex of uniforms. For brushes I am very impressed with the "Army painter" range. Designed for wargamers they are suited to all modellers and are well priced, keeping their shape and tip after prolonged use ( as long as they are cleaned and stored correctly). I may well get some pictures together myself.

 28.Apr 10. Mr M Massey has contributed a number of pictures to SMC2010, two of which are displayed here.

A sherman in winter colours with troops. The diorama depicts the "Battle of the Bulge"

A metal finished Mustang with cockpit detail.

Thanks Marc, nice work.

23 Apr 10. I am pleased to let you know that SMC2010 now stocks TAMIYA range of kits and mini paints. TAMIYA's fine spray surface primer is also available in store. From AIRFIX their big 1/24 'MOSSIE' is available and will be listed on the site soon. Other 1/24 aircraft from AIRFIX are also in store. They take up a lot of room but make fine models. Track heads shouldn't feel left out as 1/16 AFV kits from Trumpeter are also in store though its hard to keep enough M16 Half tracks in at present, they are proving popular.