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Paul picked up his first kit in 1975 and hasn’t looked back—except to mourn the day his entire bound Scale Aircraft Modelling collection from edition 1 was skipped by a house moving company! Early success at an IPMS comp in London kickstarted a long modelling journey, briefly paused by a 30-year detour through an ongoing career in air traffic, founding two ATS associations of which one was (and still is worldwide!), and earning the nickname “El Presidente” (Take that Tim!), but to save confusion in modeling pods, Paul has reverted to his schooldays nickname of “Brownie”!

Now firmly back at the bench, Paul focuses on aircraft from airfields he worked at. He’s moved up from 1/72 to 1/48 (with occasional 1/32 indulgences) and is always testing new techniques. His work now features in research for upcoming kit releases—proof he’s as productive with a scalpel as he is with an airband transmitter!

Mike’s modelling began at age four, influenced by his dad’s ceiling-mounted air force. His first solo kit collapsed under excess cement, but he stuck with it—through cadet competitions, life on the road, and even a brief modelling sabbatical (blame relationships).

Airbrushing at 30 transformed his approach, and a five-year stint working in a model shop only deepened the obsession. Since joining Bolton IPMS in 2015, he’s taken over as Show Manager, balancing builds, events, and the occasional rescue of a fellow modeller’s stalled Spitfire.

Mark’s journey began in the ‘70s with a Boulton Paul Defiant and a love for box art that never really faded. Matchbox kits, pocket money, and patient grandparents helped grow his early skills—until music, fashion, and wide trousers briefly derailed things.

He returned to the hobby as an adult, setting up a proper modelling loft and expanding a stash that could rival a small warehouse. A Gold at Telford confirmed he was doing something right. These days, Mark builds when time allows, aims to reduce the shelf queens, and stays active with Bolton IPMS and the 580 Modellers—often found deep in conversation or elbow-deep in a classic kit.

James’ passion for modelling began back in school, where he and his best friend started collecting Airfix soldier sets. That early fascination soon expanded to aircraft and tanks, laying the foundation for a lifelong hobby.

For over a decade now, James has been a dedicated scale modeller with a focus on miniatures, aircraft, and ships. He favours 1/72 scale for figures and aircraft, and is unwaveringly loyal to 1/700 for ships—full hulls only, he insists (looking at you, Trumpeter and Flyhawk!).

Paul’s first kits came courtesy of his grandad—and a quiet Woolworths bribe. Matchbox kits and dioramas quickly followed, setting him on a path of modelling, collecting, and eventually… hoarding.

A career in engineering and family life pressed pause, but when his son showed interest, so did Paul—buying kits, building alongside, and falling right back in.
As of May ’25, Paul became Chair of Bolton IPMS, he’s known for experimenting with lights, motors, and keeping his builds to “60 parts or less.”

Despite losing 2000 kits in a fire (yes, really), he’s back at it—with a scratch-built HMS Hermes as his long-term tribute project.

Mark is a digital designer with a passion for scale modelling, where he brings his professional eye for detail into a creative and hands-on hobby.

Drawing inspiration from sci-fi and pop culture, his projects often range from the mechanical complexity of Gundam Mobile Suits to the iconic ships of the Star Wars universe.
Mark enjoys pushing his builds beyond the standard instructions, using his graphic design background to experiment with paint, decals, and creative weathering techniques that give each model its own unique character.
For him, scale modelling is not only about craftsmanship but also about storytelling - capturing a sense of imagination and bringing well-loved worlds to life in miniature form

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