ModelSpace Scale Modeller of the Month – May 2018
What inspires you to build? Is it the history behind a famous train, plane or racing car? Or perhaps you like capturing the amazing detail of your favourite Star Wars icons? This month’s Scale Modeller of the Month has an eye for art, an appreciation for Napoleonic uniforms, and is a fan of large scale wooden ships! Read on now to hear Ian Smith’s scale modelling story, and check out some of his fantastic completed build projects!
1) How did you get started building scale models?
When I was younger I made a lot of Airfix boats and planes. Most of these did not survive when my Mother dusted them. When I was doing art at school I became very interested in Napoleonic uniforms, and created a mounted figure in lino print. This progressed on to drawing Napoleonic uniforms,and then I moved on to resin figures which were 90mm to 200mm in size. I then saw the adverts for the HMS Victory on TV and decided to go for it. This was my first venture into wooden boat building and is an ongoing project.
Ian’s DeAgostini ModelSpace HMS Victory model
2) How many models have you built so far? Do you have any favourites?
I have finished about four model figures in a couple of years. I also have three boat builds on the go – the Bismarck, HMS Victory, and Soleil Royal. One of my favourite figures was a Grenadier Guards figure I painted for my boss at work, who was an ex Grenadier Guard.
Ian’s Grenadier Guard model
3) How much time do you typically spend during each build session?
A build session for me can range from 1 to 3 hrs, depending on what I am trying to achieve on a figure or boat stage. If I am on days off work these sessions can be a lot longer.
Ian’s DeAgostini ModelSpace Soleil Royal model
4) What are your top build tips for fellow scale modellers?
My top tips for other modellers would be, read the instructions until you fully understand them. Take your time when measuring and cutting things. Research the subject you are making as much as possible via the internet, books, or other people’s build diaries – there are some really good builds on ModelSpace to give you ideas.
Research the subject you are making as much as possible
5) Which scale models do you have on your list of future builds, if any?
My future builds will mainly be smaller figure builds, as I am really running out of room to display bigger builds. I have eighteen figures on my to do list ranging from four Falklands war figures, a Royal Marine Drum Major, various Napoleonic figures, a 1:120 scale Napoleonic field gun and limber, and a 1:72 scale Dambusters Lancaster Bomber.
Ian’s Carabinier Soldier model
6) If you could build a model of anything in the world, what would you choose and why?
There are two models I would love to build. The first would be a diorama of the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery Gun and Limba being pulled by the horses. The second would be a diorama of the Royal Navy doing a field gun run. Both of these would be my ideal models as I was a Sea Cadet, and we always went to the Royal Tournament in Earls Court every year.
7) Are there any other scale modellers, or artists that inspire you and your work?
There are a lot of excellent modellers on the ModelSpace forums who inspire me in different ways regarding the way they build things, their modifications, and their weathering techniques. Two that spring to mind are Alan (Gandale) and Robin (Plymouth57), who both make excellent models and are inspirational to me.
Ian’s US Navy Seal Sniper model
8) Do you have any other hobbies or interesting pastimes other than scale modelling?
My hobbies other than scale modelling are listening to music, and I am a mobile DJ. I also paint pictures of boats in water colour when I get the time to do them.
Are you our next scale modeller of the month? Or do you know someone worthy of a shout out? Let us know in the blog comments, or get in touch via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ or Pinterest! We’re constantly inspired by our growing scale model community, and can’t wait to see what you build next!
