Category: finances
-
Grumman Guardian – Part …Well… The Only Part

I confess. I got greedy. I started building and just couldn’t stop. I didn’t even take build photos. But in the end, I fell back exhausted and satisfied. I had scored a definite win in the game of scale modelling. I had contemplated this model kit for a year at a local shop. The emotion…
-
The Big Local Scale Model Exhibition – Part Two – More Visitors

Well, that was better. Sunday, the hall was full of visitors, and we even had more to the build-a-kit section. This meant the people nearest the table needed to help with the youngsters – under the supervision of their parents. Sprue cutters were lent out; sandpaper sticks as well. Most of the really young ones…
-
Do You Budget?

No, that wasn’t a typo. And yes, I know I’m writing to scale modellers. But do you? Is your hobby under control? Can you say that it does not take the bread out of your children’s mouths? Or out of your own? Or does the bank have a jug of red ink with your name…
-
What Would I Do With An Inventory Of Russian Products Right Now?

If I was a retailer with shelves full of Russian products right now, I would be worried. There is a war on in Europe between Russia and Ukraine and both sides are killing each other daily. People in the rest of the world are taking sides ( And isn’t it interesting which countries have decided…
-
Well, It’s Not Gonna Buy Itself, Now Is It?

If you have any money, or a birthday coming up, or know where the household emergency cash is kept, you’re ready for a hobby shopping trip. But like every worthwhile and/or criminal activity, there are rules, and you’ll need to learn them. a. Do not shop on an empty stomach. When you try to concentrate…
-
The Kit Whisperer

We are to have our scale model exhibition in a few months and I will be there showing some of my builds and taking pictures of other people’s efforts. I’ll also browse the trade stands and the second-hand sales that go on. Of the two, I think I’ll have the most fun with the junk.…
-
Using Up The Mashed Potatoes

When you open your refrigerator are you faced with shelves full of Tupperware containers? And in each one of them there’s a portion of something you ate earlier in the week? And none of the containers hold enough of anything for a feed? What do you do? Why you tip everything into a fry pan,…
-
Ruritania Post – Part One – Box O’ Doom

Every so often you encounter a model kit that is so old, warped, and manky that it could stand for election to the Sydney City Council…and win. This is the Airfix Heinkel He111 kit I have just opened. It is marginally older than Keith Richards but not in as good a condition. It dates from…
-
Handley Page Jetstream – Part One – Airfix Too Early

Occasionally you can get caught out by events…or by your own eagerness for business. This has happened twice to Airfix kits that I have encountered, but has not dimmed my pleasure in building them. The first model that made me aware of this was the original Airfix 1:72 Blackburn Buccaneer. I was given a historic…

