SMN ‘Meet the Team’ Questions
List of Jamie’s Reviews
Modelling
What first attracted you to Scale Modelling?
As with most small boys it was my dad, I remember he had a 1:32 Mirage and 1:24 Spitfire. He bought me my first kit, an Airfix Spitfire Mk 1 in the blue plastic (I think we all had that one at some stage) and I never looked back.
How long have you been scale modelling for?
Ever since I can remember really although I’d say seriously, for 15 years. I was in flying training and getting bored with Wardroom life in the evenings so splashed out on a new airbrush, compressor and an Airfix Seafire Mk 46/47 kit.
Specialist area of Modelling?
I suppose rather than picking a scale or genre I’d have to say weathering aircraft. I have a passion for weathering and I try and make my models look as realistic as possible so in order to do that I have to concentrate on the weathering techniques.
Preferred Scale?
I don’t have one, I’ll make whatever takes my fancy.
What is your favourite real subject of all time (aircraft, armour or maritime)?
I have to say the Hawk. I’m lucky enough to have the aptitude to fly and of all the military aeroplanes I have flown the Hawk is simply the most fun.
The best thing you’ve ever built?
Ooh, that’s hard. If I look at the cabinet for 10 minutes I’ll probably change my mind 10 times. However, if you were to pin me down it would probably be my Iraqi T-55 with dozer blade or the Trumpeter T-34/76 in 1:16 which is in the magazine.
And finally: Most memorable Modelling disaster?
I did glue a resin Bf 109 cockpit sidewall to my finger and then have to call NHS direct for some advice in how to get it off!
Scale Modelling Now
How long have you been a reviewer for?
Ever since I moved to Lincolnshire and met Geoff at our model club, probably since late 2010.
What made you get involved with SMN?
How could I resist Geoff and Les V’s persuasiveness! Seriously though, I believe strongly in the format of Scale Modelling Now and I’m delighted to help make it the success it undoubtedly is.
What’s your favourite thing(s) about SMN?
That has to be the videos in the Techniques Bank. It’s all very well reading about a particular technique but to see it in real time is so much better.
Favourite SMN review?
If I had to pick one of mine I’d say my Trumpeter T-34/76, it’s a stunning kit and one which I had an immense amount of fun painting and weathering with.
About You…
Sum yourself up in no more than five words.
Fun, passionate, fun, dedicated, fun
Biggest hobby/hobbies outside of Scale Modelling?
Reading
Favourite food/meal?
Easy, chilli chicken jalfrezi from La Royale Tandoori restaurant on the A17 just by Cranwell.
Three famous people who you admire
Erich Hartmann, top scoring fighter ace of all time
Eric “Winkle” Brown; greatest naval aviator of all time
Gary Lineker; Britain’s most popular crisp salesman and only professional footballer never to get booked!
And finally…tell us a (clean) joke…
In 1986, Peter Davies was on holiday in Kenya after graduating from Northwestern University …
On a hike through the bush, he came across a young bull elephant standing with one leg raised in the air. The elephant seemed distressed, so Peter approached it very carefully. He got down on one knee, inspected the elephants foot, and found a large piece of wood deeply embedded in it. As carefully and as gently as he could, Peter worked the wood out with his knife, after which the elephant gingerly put down its foot. The elephant turned to face the man, and with a rather curious look on its face, stared at him for several tense moments. Peter stood frozen, thinking of nothing else but being trampled. Eventually the elephant trumpeted loudly, turned, and walked away. Peter never forgot that elephant or the events of that day.
Twenty years later, Peter was walking through the Chicago Zoo with his teenage son. As they approached the elephant enclosure, one of the creatures turned and walked over to near where Peter and his son Cameron were standing. The large bull elephant stared at Peter, lifted its front foot off the ground, then put it down. The elephant did that several times then trumpeted loudly, all the while staring at the man. Remembering the encounter in 1986, Peter could not help wondering if this was the same elephant. Peter summoned up his courage, climbed over the railing, and made his way into the enclosure. He walked right up to the elephant and stared back in wonder. The elephant trumpeted again, wrapped its trunk around one of Peter legs and slammed him against the railing, killing him instantly. Probably wasn’t the same elephant.