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Geoff Mapes

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Posts posted by Geoff Mapes

  1. On 18/02/2019 at 19:19, jean said:

    I like your Tomcat very much! Looks just right!

    Only small thing: the limit between grey and white should not be that straight. Or am I wrong with that particular airframe?

    I did this Tomcat when it came out in 19.... (already?), but I stupidly decided not to do the VF-1 scheme, which I have regretted ever since! How to ruin your life! I chose instead VF-84 and I still love it. Very dusty at present, but still in my cabinet!!!

    So VF-1 to come, irrespective of the F-14 kit?

     

    Well done!

    JR

    Hi Jean,  yes I have been 'creative' with the grey and white limits.  I just couldn't get another boundary to look right.  There were so many different paint schemes that I bet there was a straight line somewhere and thought I'd get away with it!  Ha!  It looked such a good kit in the bag that I couldn't let it pass.  I've not done US jets before, but at the Bovington model show last weekend I found a Dragonfly, Voodoo and a Phantom!  Not that I need anymore kits in my collection.  Thanks. 

    Geoff

    • Like 1
  2.  

    I've just finished this model that I found at the Poole Vikings model show in Spring 2018.  I've found out that the sculptor was Maurice Corry in 120mm.  A Rifle Brigade officer from the Crimean War of 1854.  I must admit, I'm quite happy with this one.  This is the first figure model I've completed for a number of years - well, 35 years to be exact.  I used to spend all my schoolboy pocket money on Historex 54mm models in the mid-1980s and now, as my teenage son has got into Airfix, I've found the bug again and really enjoying it.  I used Windsor and Newton acrylics for the colours and the Vallejo Model Colour face painting set.  I now have a growing set of Vallejo Model Colours as I think they are great acrylics for brush work.  I have invested in a good set of sable brushes, but the best investment has been the head-mounted LED magnifying glasses - eyesight not what it was when I was 16 years old!  I struggled with the eyes for a while and will try and work on not having such a startled look.  Only practice will help here, I think!  Have a look at Dan Capuano's site for an amazing example that I used for reference and inspiration!  http://dancapuanofineminiatures.blogspot.com

     

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    I also saw this photo from the Royal Collections Trust of a Major Woodford in the Crimean War.  His pose and uniform look a great reference for the sculptor.

     

    MajorWoodford-RifleBrigade

     

     

    • Like 7
  3. First completion of 2019, an old Airfix 1/72nd F14A Tomcat.  I chose the 'Top Hatters' decals from the newer Airfix kit as the original decals were far too yellowed.  I found this kit in a freezer bag, under a club table at the last South West Model Show that was held in the Fleet Air Arm Museum a few years ago, only a few pounds.   

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    • Like 35
  4. Looking really good. I really like the plasticard idea, never thought of that before, I've normally been quite free with the putty.  One thing about the Tomcat I like is that there were so many different variations of paint schemes both afloat and on shore-based stations that no one can say your scheme isn't historically correct, if it's not quite as the box art. Ha!

    • Like 1
  5. Hi Everyone on Britmodeller.  

    Just joined the Britmodeller site!  Five years ago, my 10 year old son said, "Dad, this Airfix stuff looks cool!"  That was all it took.  I instantly remembered my modelling joy when I was a teenager with Airfix, Revell, and Historex and it was inevitable that I would leap straight back into modelling.  I think it was going to university in the mid-1980s when it stopped and then 20 years in the Royal Air Force, a family and a new career in civvy street ensured little time for the wonderful hobby.  But I am back into it and although my teenage son still dabbles alongside, modelling has really grabbed me again.  I manage to find some time for modelling - never enough though, but a busy job has to fund the stash (and pay the mortgage).  I'm overwhelmed by the quality of the modelling I come across and hope to get better as we go along.  I love the research too and spend ages whilst travelling pouring over guides and magazines.  After a while just dipping in and out of the Britmodeller site and being amazed by how supportive it appears, I've finally joined and I will do my best to contribute.  Best wishes all, thanks Geoff. 

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