ModelSpace Scale Modeller of the Month – January 2018
For some people, scale modelling is a part-time hobby, something to fill the time in between other life activities. But for others, such as this month’s featured scale modeller, scale modelling is a part of who they are – from RC cars to military icons and famous war ships there’s always a new project. With over 50 years of build experience, and hundreds of models built in that time, it’s our privilege to announce Graeme Pemberton as our January Scale Modeller of the Month! Read on to hear his scale model story, and see some of his impressive build photos!
1) What made you start building models? Do you remember your first scale model?
My father used to build kits when he had the time, which wasn’t often, but it got me interested at a very young age. I built my first kit when I was about 8 years old, an Airfix Foland Gnat, and never really stopped from there.
Graeme’s DeAgostini ModelSpace Swift 1805
2) How long have you been making models for?
I have been building models for over 50 years, with just a few years break when our children were young as I didn’t have a dedicated modelling room back then, and delicate models and young fingers don’t mix well.
3) What is the most enjoyable part of the model making process?
I enjoy the whole build process, from the initial opening the box to the completed model. I’m still like a kid at Christmas when I get a new kit – can’t wait to see what goodies are inside. More recently, I also enjoy designing and making my own etch parts for one of my current projects, a 1/128 model of HMS Hood.
Graeme’s HMS Endeavour
4) How many models have you built? Do you have a favourite?
I’d hate to think of how many models I have built over the years, it must be hundreds, most of them now long gone. I used to build mainly 1/72 military aircraft in my younger years, then got into radio control when Tamiya first brought out their RC tanks and cars. I then moved more into 1/35 armour and 1/350 ships only to go back to RC for a while when my children were interested in running them. More recently I have built more wooden ship kits as these became more affordable due to the increase in the number of part works available, especially through ModelSpace.
I don’t know if I have a favourite. An early memorable one was the 1/96 Apollo Saturn V by Revell which I built when it first came out in 1969, it was almost as tall as me at the time, standing at 114cm. A more recent one would be the DeAgostini ModelSpace San Francisco II.
Graeme’s DeAgostini ModelSpace San Francisco II
5) What is your top tip for others building scale models?
My top tips for building kits would be firstly, to read the instructions all the way through at least twice before starting the build, so you get a good idea of how the kit goes together. Secondly, always test fit the parts together before gluing to ensure they fit together correctly, and so you know how they align correctly. It is often too late to adjust parts once the glue has been applied.
6) Are there any other modellers that inspire you, or have helped you?
As I said earlier, my main inspiration and help came from my father, everything else has come from reading modelling magazines and experience. I am still constantly inspired by the excellent modellers on the ModelSpace forum, I never stop learning.
Graeme’s DeAgostini ModelSpace D51 Locomotive
7) Do you have any other hobbies outside of model building?
Modelling takes up most of my spare time, although when my children were young and I had to put the models aside for a while, I did take up photography for a few years.
Are you our next featured scale modeller? Or do you know someone who deserves recognition? Get in touch in the comments below, or reach out via our Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ or Pinterest channels! We look forward to hearing more fascinating scale model stories from our amazing community!
