The Little World

Pilots, aircrew, figures…whatever you prefer to call them.

They were once included with all scale model aircraft kits – now they are rarely seen. The only reason my RCN Grumman Tracker has them is that it is a very old stash kit.

The quality of the mouldings is marginal, but far surpasses those moulded in some of the old FROG and Airfix kits. I have a box of those hidden away so that they do not frighten the children. Hollow chests and blob faces mean they will be suitable for Dr. Who builds.

Airfix and matchbox did have some well-sculpted figures in their day, and I treasure these. Revell also issued a box of RAF WWII aircrew that are reserved for very special open-canopy builds. They have separate and poseable torsos, arms, and heads. They would sustain careful miniature figure painting if I could do it.

I cannot do it at present, though I once tried to hire the job done by a figure painter. He was a sad disappointment as he disappeared with the models consigned to his care as well as the money paid to start the job. The only consolation is I was able to remove him from my Facebook friends and avoid him ever after.

But I will persevere – perhaps taking a class at our local Big Scale Model Exhibition. I should not like to let the Air Force down.

Note that When I put a plane on a flying stand it must have at least one chap at the controls.