Episode 29 - 1st Anniversary Show! Gunpla, Project Harrier, IPMS(UK) & more!

[00:00:04] Welcome to Episode 29 of Beyond The Box Art and we are joined by Stephen Woodhead of Gunpla UK giving us an introduction to this genre. Your host as usual is Brownie with his co-hosts Neves and Shane.

[00:00:47] Hi bunch mates and would you believe it, we are one year old. 12 months, 28 episodes, countless conversations, extraordinary guests from across the hobby including exclusive industry insights. Laughter, banter and some amazing sponsors in the form of the scale modelling supply, fish cot models, face hanger resin accessories, guideline publications and ammo by MIG Jimenez.

[00:01:11] Thank you one and all for your support. Plus you, you have been truly incredible. A global modelling community with our Facebook Benchmates group. Built around benches, brushes, glue and plastic. And all of this for our audience without monetising or non-hobby adverts. Welcome to the start of year 2 and Episode 29 of Beyond The Box Art, our 1st Anniversary Show.

[00:01:37] And what began as an idea has grown into something far bigger than we could have ever imagined. From work benches across the UK to listeners in 82 countries worldwide, this show has become a home for modellers of all genres, every scale and every passion. And for this milestone episode we wanted a guest who represents innovation, growth and one of the fastest evolving corners of the hobby.

[00:01:59] So joining us today is Stephen Woodhead, Director of Gumpla UK, as we dive deep into this ever-expanding world of Gumpla, mecha modelling, community building and what it takes to bring one of the hobby's most exciting sectors to an ever-growing audience. And before you say it's not for me, this conversation goes into the detail of production processes that are starting to cross over into the, for the want of a better term, mainstream hobby.

[00:02:24] Whether you're a hardened armour builder, an aircraft purist, a naval historian or someone curious about the incredible engineering and artistry behind Gundam modelling, this episode is all about broadening the horizons. Because Beyond The Box Art has always been more than just the models. It's about the people, the passion, the story that brings a hobby to life. So settle in, close some space on the bench, grab a brew and join us as we celebrate one remarkable year of the show.

[00:02:51] Episode 29 starts now. It wasn't until I was just starting to write the intro for the show that I suddenly realised, it's a year. And how far it's come in a year is unbelievable. Isn't it just? So for this episode, I'm joined by Shane. How's it going, Benchmates? Nevs. Hi all, happy anniversary. I had myself. So, buckle in. Here we go.

[00:03:20] So let's find out with what we've got on our benches, starting with Nevs. What have you been beavering away at since the last time you were on? I don't know if I'd use that to phrase Brownie, but I am still working away at the Scharnholz mainly. I've done a little bit of work on the Nassau just in terms of getting first layers of paint down. But yeah, the main work is definitely Scharnholz trying to get finished for our annual build combo.

[00:03:48] The next build competition at Bolton, which is in June. So no pressure there. Like I said on the last episode, these flyhawk kits, you have to be a fan of what you're building to continue with it because the detail on them is insane. So we're currently working away on the Scharnholz's main funnel and to get at some of the details. Thankfully, I bought myself a couple of the volumes on the Scharnholz with the 3D pictures.

[00:04:17] So one's obviously a Stefan Drominski one and then the other I've not got to hand, but they're both from Polish designers. And that is pretty much the best way of finding out where all of the piping and things like that go. So by the end of this build, I'll be able to tell you where all the pipes have shot and all has to lead to and things like that. So yeah, definitely a labor of love at the moment. We'll be asking questions. I've been a bit inspired by James Skiffins and the work he's doing with his Akagi.

[00:04:47] So he's got a minute by minute account of when the decisive bomb hit the deck. And that's when he's basing his build on. So the Scharnholz I'm going to do in a seascape for the competition. And the exact moment I'm going to recreate is at 1221 on Boxing Day, 1943. And that's when Scharnholz conducted this really dramatic about turn.

[00:05:15] So I'm going to show it in the diagram, really sticking its ass out. Trying to get away from three British cruisers, the Sheffield, Belfast and one of the other cruisers as well. So it got its radar knocked out at roughly the same time. But that was really, you know, Scharnholz literally in its death froze a bit like a crocodile rolling. It's this dramatic about turn to try and escape these cruisers or while it's firing to stern.

[00:05:44] So I'm going to mark the sides of the diorama with 1221 and things like that. So you planning to put the other three ships chasing it as well, Neves, or is this just the Scharnholz on itself? Just the Scharnholz. Now I have got some shell splashes from War Ward Games. So I think I'll try and use those to simulate the shots landing at either side of it as the cruisers tried to make the range. But yeah, because the competition is dinner mat size.

[00:06:13] I think I'd be breaking the rules adding the three cruisers alongside. Can you have three dinner mats? Well, I even asked for the annual build competition. Obviously ships never sail alone apart from the Scharnholz. Whether it's possible to do a mini vignette of a little foot fotilla. And even for the annual build competition, that's a no. So these are very much world wolves, which I know Scharnholz definitely was.

[00:06:42] Some of the US and Japanese counterparts definitely weren't. But yes, very much be on its own, unfortunately. And this is the Bolton IPMS annual competition? Yeah. So we're going to have two competitions this year. The first one is the dinner mat challenge that's in June. So that's what I'm trying to do Scharnholz for now. And then we've got the annual build competition. Now it might be that I submit Brandenburg with that one, because that'll be a bit more of a display piece.

[00:07:10] With a bit of the harbour scene from Hamburg in the background. So that might take us a bit longer than Scharnholz anyway. I was going to say, I think we need one of Nev's naval history stories on the Scharnholz, because I'm not familiar with what went on in terms of ships during the war. Well, be fair. We'll let him prep for the next episode. Oh yeah, maybe. Yeah. We'll make that an episode 30. We'll feature it, but I'll just give you this little snippet of information.

[00:07:39] So obviously the Scharnholz and Neuser now, they were the preceding ships to the Bismarck class. So they're very much coming, the transition from the pocket battleships of the Weimar period to the full fat battleships of the German Kriegsmarine. And they were quite under armed for battleships. The only carried 11 inch guns. They were very much designed to be raiders, commerce raiders, but they were faster.

[00:08:05] Similar to the pocket battleship design philosophy, they were faster than anything that could kill them. And better armed than anything that could catch up to them. So when Neuser now and Scharnholz encounter repulse in 1940, it's a pretty near run thing in terms of capability. But the Neuser now is written off in early 1943, whereas the Scharnholz is one of the last survivors of the German fleet in the north.

[00:08:35] So it sails out around about Christmas day of 1943 in search of one of the Arctic convoys. But little do they know this convoy is being used as bait to lure it out. So Admiral Fraser's there with the home fleet. And you can imagine how the rest of the story goes, which I'm sure we can cover in episode 30. I thought that was an episode on his own, let alone an appraisal of what's coming up. That was a synopsis. That was the synopsis.

[00:09:04] That's a synopsis. I love it. Okay. And what have you been spending your cash on? This will be even briefer. Oh, nothing. Ah. But we touched on, I think the stash in the last episode about some of the Japanese kits coming out, things like the Mogami and the Kumano. So they're going to be on the shopping list. Definitely. Okay. With that then, Shane, what you got on your bench? So I am in the final throes of Gundam Deathscythe.

[00:09:32] It's been painted, glossed, decaled. I just need to put a wash on it and then seal it up one final time. Quite happy with it, how it's come out. It's done pretty well, actually. In terms of, let's just put it on there on the camera for you guys. I know our listeners won't be able to see, but it's pretty shaded. There's about 60 or so, maybe a hundred decals all over it. But I've tried something different with this one. And I've sent a couple of images out to you guys in private, but I painted up for those that don't know Gundam Deathscythe.

[00:10:00] It basically wields a giant laser scythe. So it comes with clear green plastic in the kit, which looks a bit tacky. It does look quite effective, but I thought, you know what? I'm going to do something a bit different. So I've sprayed it up and used the colors out of the anime. So it's got like a white, I'll post some pictures on it on our page, but it's got a white middle with the green laser on the extremities just to kind of give it a little bit more of a extra dimension, I suppose.

[00:10:29] And in addition to that, I've actually been building with the boys, which has been really lovely over the last couple of weeks. Edward and I, mainly Edward, he's finished his Lamborghini, his Airfix starter kit Lamborghini, which he's been using the paint paint. He's used the metallic paint pens, which are out of my Gundam drawer. So we've got a two tone green and blue Lamborghini. And then Jacob and I have been building his RG.

[00:10:54] We'll come on to terms in a little while in the episode, but his RG Gundam Epion, which was one of the final characters that he wanted to build out of the anime series Gundam Wing, which is one of our favorite animes now. It wasn't mine, but it's now ours. And that's been it really. It's been quite busy on the bench over the last couple of weeks, which has been really lovely, especially spending time on the bench. And in time with the boys, that's what it's all about for me. Mm hmm. So, yeah, I need to decide what I'm going to do next after this death scythe spill. I think I know what you're going to be working on. Do you? Go on then.

[00:11:23] Which one of the two do you think it might be? Well, I think it'd be something completely left field and it will be what you've been spending your cash on. Because I know you've got an engine for a certain Sea Fury. I have. So it arrived yesterday in the post and I got it directly from a stunt works. So our friend Chris at Skunt Works, he very kindly ran an extra batch for those that have probably been following him on his socials. He had to run an extra batch of sets and it's amazing. So I've got a full set for the MK, one 30 second Sea Fury. It's just amazing.

[00:11:53] The detail on it is exceptional. And even on the spinner as well, you just get a completely different shape. It's far more. I think Will alluded to it during the episode that we spoke to the guys. You just can't get the shape correctly when you're doing molded, but the 3D printed versions. Amazing. So I got that and I've also got the Phoenix publications book for the Sea Fury build as well. So I purchased that off my friend Dave Francis. And outside of that, I don't think I'd actually bought anything else.

[00:12:22] I wasn't expecting to buy those. That you're going to admit to with your missus in air shutter. She's just brought you a mug of tea. Yeah. Although they are just sat here next to the desk and they're not very inconspicuous. Right. You know, so she... Yes, it's not a small box, is it, for the Sea Fury? No. Although she did look at the Hornet and went, Oh, that's different. I haven't seen one of those in that scale. Bear in mind, there's one just here in my cabinet, but it's only 72nd.

[00:12:48] But she's familiar with the Hornet because we're only about 20 minutes from the Haviland Museum. We've been down there a few times. Ah, Salisbury Hall. Yep, that's it. So we've been down there a few times. They've obviously... They haven't got a Hornet there, but they have loads of details on it. And they've all... I think the only remaining thing is the mould, the concrete mould that's... Yes. Okay, well for rare occurrence, I've got some news to report. I have...

[00:13:13] Well, to start off with, production-wise on the bench, absolutely sweet FA because I've spent the last few weeks editing three shows on the bounce. So zero time to play with the plastic, unfortunately. But I have been putting my hand in my pocket and bought a few things. So the Centaurus engine for the DBMK's at Fiori, I've got. I've got the other accessory set as well, which includes the seat. And I can't even remember what other parts are actually in that set. It's the engine cowlings.

[00:13:42] Engine cowlings, that's it. Yep, yep. So I've got those. I've got the Phoenix book as well on the Fiori, which includes a pre-production build of the kit. So you can do it step by step as it goes along. But my main expense has been buying tickets for scale model challenge in the Netherlands in October. Lovely. I am going and I've also bought my return airfare this morning. So that is sorted.

[00:14:11] Just got a few minor bits and pieces to sort, but hopefully we can then persuade the guys from SMC to come onto the show, obviously prior to the event and have a chat about it. And it's going to be interesting to see who's going to be out there for the show and what's going on because I've never been. And I believe I may be joined by one certain Neves as well. Yeah, you just reminded me to put me tickets. And the good thing is with the certain airline that we're flying with, I've got a skiff voucher.

[00:14:41] I might be able to get the tickets pretty much at zero cost. For heaven's sake. Which you should have waited because it might've covered some of yours or not. I don't know, but probably not. I know what my luck's like. If it wasn't the bad luck, I'd have no luck at all. But yeah, I think it'll be great. Obviously I'm off as well. And if we get time either side, probably it sounds like we might have more time before SMC rather than afterwards. Yes.

[00:15:08] I do want to have a quick drive through a little bit of that area as the Netherlands. Yeah. Obviously a lot of history there. Mm-hmm. To do with certain parachute landings in 1944. So it'll be interesting to think we'll probably have to hire a car. I've already got one planned. All right. I was going to say how far is SMC from the airport. That's not that far at all. Right. Okay. Is it in Eindhoven or is it? On the outskirts, on the south side from memory. Oh, okay.

[00:15:38] It's south of the airport definitely though. Right. Okay. So, but for other people visiting, I'm sure it's public transport is doable. Yeah, I believe so. But the hotel was fully booked. So I'm looking for accommodation in the area that's non-ridiculously expensive, but we'll come up with that, but we'll make sure that we book it before this episode comes out. Otherwise everyone listening will be booking up the accommodation as well. Well, just don't tell them where. I mean, we could just hop the border into Belgium at this rate. This is true. That's true.

[00:16:08] So that's what I've been spending the cash on. But before we go into our next feature, we've had a bus spot of mail come through from Darren from the scale model hanger, which I shall read out. He begins. Hey, Benjmates. I've just finished listening to episode 27 and wanted to share my thoughts. Firstly, I do like the new structure of the show. It flows more naturally and makes for a better listening experience. So well done. Thank you very much.

[00:16:37] I enjoyed this show immensely as I liked long form conversations and you couldn't have picked two better guests with Spencer and Rob. Hearing their thoughts on the hobby, the reasons why we do the hobby and their personal insights was to me a refreshing treat. Please do more of this. Well, we're going to try to, but obviously it doesn't work for every format of guests that we have, but we'll do our best. And we have got some other guests of a similar quality coming on very soon. More of that later on. Darren continues.

[00:17:05] I also wanted to pick up on a point that Rob made. There are a growing number of cliques in the hobby and they put people off getting involved. At its best, it's hubris. At its worst, it's gatekeeping. We need more people like Rob in the hobby to call it out. And I thank him for doing so. You realize how big Rob's head is going to get on the back of that comment, don't you? Keep up the good work. I look forward to the next episode. Happy modeling, Darren. Well, thanks for your message, mate. It is appreciated. We're doing our best.

[00:17:35] It is a process of evolution as we're fine tuning the show as we go on. But when you're under the belt and I think we're getting reasonably adept doing it, not perfect. Otherwise, you wouldn't have me sat here. But that's another story entirely. Okay. What are your thoughts, Shane? I couldn't agree more. I think it was a really interesting conversation with Rob and Spencer.

[00:17:58] And I think it was, yeah, enlightening is the best word, I think, because people that you highly regard, both in their own rights, are exceptional modelers, pushing the boundaries. And it's just nice to hear how honest they were about how it can be. And I think this hobby should be as accessible as it can be. And there's obviously different barriers to that, whether it's feeling maybe intimidated by people, which I know Spencer is really keen to break those barriers down.

[00:18:25] Or if it's just having the opportunity, like just having the confidence to know who to ask about what's needed. What do I need to get off the ground and get started back into the hobby? And I don't know about Neves, but my kids got me back into the hobby. I spent the first probably two years back in the hobby building for my kids. The planes hanging from the ceiling, trying to replicate and just spend time together. And then you obviously get a bit more confidence in what you're doing.

[00:18:48] And you might buy slightly more expensive tools or you might try your hand at airbrushing if you've got the funds and drive to do so. And it does escalate. It does. Anyone that's been in the hobby for a while will know that. But yeah, it was really cool, to be honest with you. It was really cool to hear what they had to say. And I appreciate that the listeners got that message as well. Yes, indeed. And obviously, at the point of us recording this, we're just under a week away from episode 28 dropping.

[00:19:15] So Darren will have heard our conversation with Jeff and Terry from the Scale Model Podcast. So it's a very similar conversation format. It's slightly different to what we normally did, but I think that he'll enjoy that one as well. And hopefully everyone else will. But please just drop a message on our socials and let us know what you think. Neves, anything to add? I just agree with what Shane said. I'm glad that Darren really enjoyed the show.

[00:19:39] So I think we have had similar interviewees on the pod who've said similar before. Yes. It's just that the people come at it at different angles. I mean, you've heard my two pence on it shouldn't be what you're modeling. It's why you're modeling it and what the story is behind. I think that matters far more than, oh, I followed step by step of the one-on-one guide to weathering, whatever it is.

[00:20:06] But I just remember when Jeff Coughlin was on with us and he took a very similar approach that no one should be there to critique a model that you make, that it is your representation of something. And if you want to complete a 70-second spitfire in like a neon blue and red camouflage, so be it. And who are other people to say, oh, that wasn't like that or that squadron didn't have that marking at the times. It doesn't matter.

[00:20:34] And I go back to episode 20 with Jeff a lot for what he said. That struck home for me. I think it's the way that people say things. Obviously, different listeners will get something from different interviews. So I definitely encourage people to go back and listen to some of those other similar interviews like episode 22. Because like I say, that for me sticks with me in the way that Jeff worded it.

[00:20:59] Now, the way that Spencer and Rob phrased things, it was a bit like preaching to the choir that I'd heard that kind of conversation before. But obviously it's great that people like Darren are really enjoying it as well. Yeah. And the bad news is Rob is going to be coming back on the show again in the future. We didn't put him off. They won't be able to get a word in edgewise, will we? Well, what I'm going to do next time is use the mute button. On him. On him. Rob will be going for about 10 minutes before he realizes no one's actually listening.

[00:21:29] But just busting your chops, Rob. You reckon? But now you're spot on, Nevs. It was episode 17 with Jeff. Sorry, not episode 20. We've done that many now. But episode 17. I think another one that was equally as enlightening was our conversation with Meg. It's almost very like we've inadvertently started having a retrospective on the shows we've had previously, but a lot of the stuff that Meg said about the hobby and it being your representation of what you want to build.

[00:21:55] If you're building something historically accurate, then obviously you need to do your homework and make sure that it is historically accurate rather than it being something that is close but not 100% there. Color scheme wise, et cetera, et cetera. It's down to color modulation, what you're actually doing. Yeah, for sure. But you need to be somewhat close or closer to the representation of what you're trying to build. But if you want to build a Spitfire that's red, blue and green, it's your model. Do what you want with it.

[00:22:25] It's the same. And I'm going to stick my thumb out here and say to Shane, I should imagine it's very similar in the gunplay world. You don't have to stick to a rigid regimented color scheme because as it didn't actually exist, who's to say that the colors are actually wrong in the first place? Exactly. And I think it goes back to what Nev said. It's all about the why. Why are we building? What are we doing it for? Does it really matter what color it is? That is the key point of it all. Gundams don't exist.

[00:22:54] So it's your vision and it's your creative journey. That's what this is all about. Because your creative journey is escaping from one to one scale troubles as Dan refers to it as well. And yeah, it's a bit philosophical, but it's the why is so important. What are you doing it for? And because of that, I know what you're saying Brownie about if it's historical, make sure it's accurate. But you say having your homework, if you're going to deviate from the norm, you can have a new take on things.

[00:23:22] Have your info to back you up. Yes. So that, for instance, I'm building Sharnalls. Do I want to do the turret facings in white? Because I think they were that color, then I should have the reading to back it up. But you're saying with people who want to do the flat earth in more of a desert-y drab color, just have the readings back it up. Just say, well, actually, I saw this modulation. I'd seen these photos of how it faded in the sun and that's why I did it.

[00:23:51] So there's no harm in deviating and don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. Yeah, absolutely. Absolutely. Okay. With that, we will take a short break, listen to some of our wonderful sponsors and come back with you very shortly. FISHCOP models, elevating scale modeling to an art form.

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[00:24:52] Beyond the Box Art is brought to you by Ammo by Mig Jimenez. Fishcop model company, guideline publications, face hanger resin accessories and the scale modelers supply. Here comes the Stash Inflation Report, separating genuine must-haves from, well, it was on pre-order anyway.

[00:25:16] Right then, Benchmates, strap in because the aircraft corner of the Stash Inflation Report is looking particularly dangerous this time around. The latest round of announced kits continues to pile pressure on already crowded stashes, with several manufacturers revealing a mix of modern jets, classic warbirds, maritime aircraft and rotary wing subjets. This report rounds up the newly noted releases and highlights what appears to be heading to the shelves in the coming months.

[00:25:44] First up, Academy looks to set to cover a broad spread of subjets and scales, from helicopters to frontline jets and heavy bombers. Current listings point to several new or upcoming items, with a number of releases appearing to be scheduled for mid-2026. From Academy we have a 1-35th McDonnell Douglas 500 Defender in Israeli configuration, 72nd Boeing F-18E Super Hornet Operation Epic Fury,

[00:26:10] 1-144 scale the Salt Mirage F1, and 1-144 scale Consolidated B24 Liberator. Next, X-scale models have also added some interesting and less conventional subjects to the mix, including a planned 144 scale Lockheed EP-3E Ares II, and a 144 scale Trident IIe. Together, they give a range of distinctively unusual character,

[00:26:37] and should appeal to modelers looking for something outside the standard fighter and bomber lineup. Then we have Rifield Model, preparing to enter the 1-40 aircraft market, with the MiG-21MF. Currently reported to due to be released in June, if that timing hold, it could become one of the more closely watched Cold War aircraft releases of the summer. Hong Kong Models is associated with the 1-48 B-25J Straffer release,

[00:27:04] keeping the medium bomber category well presented for builders of Second World War subjects. That gives another substantial project to consider alongside the flood of smaller scale announcements. Now, fire molds appear to have been one of the busiest and most very released dates to date. This roundup spying Imperial Japanese Navy Subjets, Late War Luftwaffe fighters, Cold War German aircraft, and United States Air Force Phantoms and Eagles.

[00:27:29] Together taken, it is a notably broad range that should interest both propeller era and jet era builders. The list includes 48th scale Imperial Japanese Navy A6M2 Type 21 Mitsubishi built early model, from the aircraft carrier Akage, 48th Imperial Japanese Navy A6M2 Type 21 Nakajima built Solomon Air Warfare. Then they continue with a 72nd scale Meterschmitt Bf 109 G2 Gunther Rall,

[00:27:59] a Bf 109 F4 Barkhorn, and then we come into the jet era with the 72nd German Air Force F104G, German Navy F104 Marine Flieger, 72nd German Air Force F4F Mulders, United States Air Force F4G Wild Weasel Gulf War, F4G Wild Weasel Sea Camouflage, and 72nd USAAF F16C Gulf War.

[00:28:26] Tier prop models adds two more 72nd scale subjects to the growing list, covering both Luftwaffe and Imperial Japanese Navy Territory. That combination gives us the report another pair of classic 2nd World War aircraft, with appeal across different corners of the hobby. From clear prop we have, Messerschmitt Bf 109 E-T in 72nd scale, and 72nd scale Aichi D3A2 Val. And finally,

[00:28:53] 4RT also joins the line up with a 72nd scale SH-3H Seeking, and the Naval Helicopter Subjects the release slate that is otherwise heavy with fixed wing aircraft. It gives rotary wing modelers something to keep an eye on, and broadens the overall mix of the 2026 announcements. So overall, this latest batch of announcements reinforces the sense of that 2026 is shaping up to be an expensive year for aircraft modelers,

[00:29:20] with subjects ranging from compact 244 scale kits to larger 48 scale centrepieces. There is no shortage or temptation for anyone trying to keep the stash growth under control. And with that little warning out of the way, I'll hand you over to Browner who's joined by Luke from Revell to talk about the big news from this week with a new tooled 1 to 30 second release. So those of you that have been looking at the socials over the last week or so

[00:29:47] will have noticed that our friends at Revell have been doing something a little sneaky and teasing something that's coming out. Now we've taken this opportunity to grab our friend Luke Slaney-Hewitt, the Aviation Product Manager from Revell, to give us a little bit of an update. So, hi Luke, welcome back to the show. Hi Paul, good to be back. Fantastic. And obviously, as it's our anniversary show, fitting that you're one of the guests on the episode because you were our first external guest we ever had on the show.

[00:30:16] So, perfect timing. I feel quite honoured. And you should be, but that's another story entirely. So, for those that have seen the socials and saw the announcement that came out on Tuesday, wow! For those that haven't seen the announcement of what's coming, would you like to impart the news? Yeah, sure. Thank you. So, for those that haven't seen the video, where have you been? But, we'll forgive you and I'll announce that we're producing,

[00:30:44] or in the process of producing a 1.32 scale family of first-generation Harriers. So, hopefully that's got you all jumping for joy. Obviously, those that saw the video have seen what we're trying to do, but we're a while away from having plastic. That will be Q3 2027. But the aim is to produce the most accurate Harrier kits ever, out of any scale. Obviously, being 32nd, you have to go to town in terms of detail. But what we're going to be doing is slightly different.

[00:31:13] We're going to be following along the whole process with interviews with myself, the designers, and all the other people involved in the process. So, decor designers, box artists. We want to show you every facet of the project, and what better way to do it than alongside a Harrier. We considered trying to do it multiple different ways. We were going to do it with the 172nd 109, because it's a smaller project and it's obviously something new for us.

[00:31:39] So, we didn't want to do it on such a big ticket item, but hey, let's do it. If you're going to do it, then go big, basically. You can get much bigger than an engine aircraft than that. Wow. I must admit, I got very excited when I saw the release, and that's just a case of, yes. But, so, we're looking GR1, GR1A, GR3.

[00:32:05] Yeah, so first boxing will be GR1, GR3, but we're trying to be as transparent as possible. Obviously, as a model kit company, we'll tool multiple versions and then release multiple boxings over the years. So, first boxing is definitely GR1, GR3. We may do a US exclusive for the AVAA, for our US side of the company to sell. But in terms of mainstream purchase, AVAA, AVAS will come at a later date. Obviously, in terms of parts, they're very, very similar to a GR1.

[00:32:35] But the bang seats, for example, change after a certain date on the AVAAs and the AVASs. Obviously, it's a lot of different decals as well, being from different countries. Yes. The Sea Harriers, we will do... When I say Sea Harriers, we'll do the FR-S1. We won't do the FA-2, simply because it's a whole new fuselage, because the extension plug that was done as part of the upgrade. So, FR-S1, but that's, if we're honest, is the one everyone wants, because of the Falklands. So, at some point, we'll do that.

[00:33:04] True, but also you can do the 51, so you can do Indian as well. Yes, exactly. Yeah. And then we're potentially looking at doing the two-seaters. We haven't decided on that yet, but it's a lot of work. Obviously, it's a whole new front section, nose, cockpit, and also differences at the rear, and some detail differences. So, it might be a bridge too far for us at the moment, but the instruction to the design team is to design that in mind, so that we can potentially revisit at a later date.

[00:33:32] But our work's cut out for us as it is with the single-seaters for now, so it's a long road to go. Well, don't leave the AV-8A to the American market only, because I'm sure there's a lot of people over here that would love to get their hands on the US Marine Corps version of the kit as well. Yes, exactly. We potentially might do two boxes, so unlike Meteor, we won't be doing the first edition. The first kit that comes out will be a standard item, so plastic, decals, instructions inside the box. But next year is 60 years of Aria. Yes.

[00:34:01] It's likely to plan these things, so there may be some sort of special edition, limited edition coming that will have maybe extra decals, so all the different nationalities or maybe photo etched. Nothing's confirmed at the moment. As I say, we're very early days, we're just focusing on design at the moment, and then we'll confirm sort of boxings and pricings a bit later in the year. Okay, so it just has a hover around for that one. Haha, very good.

[00:34:28] Hopefully I'm the first to come up with that, and it will get really old very quickly. Yeah. Okay, well, the options you've got available are exciting to start with, but who in the PR department came up with the silhouette of the Tomcat then? To get everyone completely wider than Mark. Well, you know, you have to throw a red herring in every now and then. You've got to keep people on their toes, you see.

[00:35:20] Oh yeah. And those people would be very, very confused. Because it doesn't. It doesn't relate at all. The amount of people trying to guess, it must be swing-wing. So is it an aardvark? Is it a Tomcat? Is it some Russian thing? No, no. It's an aircraft. That's what it's representing. If we put a Harrier silhouette, unfortunately we'd give the game away too quickly. Milliseconds, yeah.

[00:35:44] So the picture that goes live tomorrow, or for those that are listening, they've seen it already, was the end of Dunsfold Runway. Just with the runway number in sight. And also, if you're a Top Gear fan, you can see, I think it's Hammerhead Corner is at the end of that runway. Obviously the significance being that's where the Harrier first flew. Mm-hmm. We did, I was considering a trip down to Kingston on Thames, where obviously the factory was.

[00:36:11] There's only one original building left really, and that is the Sports Club. And it's still a recreational centre today. And I was going to take a photo of that building, and I was talking to someone and they said, I think you've gone too vague. I was like, maybe I have at this point yet. Was this after the first or second pint? Yeah, yeah. The mad thing is, no alcohol needed. We come up with these harebrained schemes sober.

[00:36:37] Oh yeah, well, you know, it's a housing estate where Kingston and Portland Thames were the factory was. And there is a plaque on one of the pillars. I think it was like the gates to the factory originally. That was too on the nose, because it features a Harrier. So we felt Dunsfold, there's enough connection with other aircraft. Obviously, most people go Dunsfold, Top Gear, Harrier. And then you might also think of Hunter and Seahawk, because there's a connection. And also B-25 from the war as well.

[00:37:06] So we wanted something where there was enough ambiguity, where a lot of people will say Harrier. And we're talking with this happening in the future. So people might be laughing at us now. Hopefully, people were throwing in, well, it might be a B-25, it may be a Seahawk. So we just wanted to keep it open so that people tuned in to the announcement. Fantastic. Or they could have actually chosen Hawk as well. Yes, very true. Even though you've got one in the range, which is really good.

[00:37:36] Okay, so we've got that to look forward to. When will the monthly updates start? So we're going to count it from the announcement. So we're going to try and do it about the middle of the month each month. Okay. But alongside that, there is a blog. So every time we do a video, but also do a written piece, the information will be mostly the same because the same work has occurred. But obviously in a written piece, you can go into more detail and you can read it at your own pace. Yeah.

[00:38:03] So if you're really interested in the subject, watch the video and then read the blog. If you hate hearing me or my colleagues, Chris and Horatio, the designers, read the blog. You don't have to read it in our voices. Oh, we will. Don't you worry. Okay. So that we've got to look forward to. So what is currently on your workbench then? Well, my workbench at the moment is a 172nd 109, that we received first tech shots for this week. So I've been building that. The joy of not having to worry about painting

[00:38:33] and just throwing together some grey plastic to check how it all fits together. I'm glad to say it fits together quite well. Only a few comments to be made back to the tool shop. But as I say, first shot. So very happy with that. Only a few tweaks underneath the radiators or around the radiators on the underside of the wing. But yeah, we're very happy. That's going along quite nicely. It looks really tidy and the engine inclusion as well in 72nd scale. Oh, that looks really nice.

[00:39:02] Yeah, we're going to do two boxing. So the engine's actually on a separate frame. So the 999, the pocket money kit as we call it. That's what pocket money counts for now. We'll be a standard without an engine single scheme. And then we'll hopefully do a version that's more for the enthusiast that has engines. It has drop tanks, bombs, and obviously we'll come with probably two schemes. And that will obviously come at a bit of a price increase as a result.

[00:39:30] But we're talking a couple of euros, so nothing too substantial. And when are we expecting that to hit the shops for the first boxing? It's a good question because my schedule still says May. And the fact that I'm only doing first shots now tells me that's not happening. So probably end of Q3. So yes, September is the hope. Okay. And how are we looking then for the Hunter release? Is that still on schedule? Hunter is still on schedule.

[00:39:57] I believe if the tools are on the water, if not already in Europe, I need to check purchasing. But yes, all on schedule for an August release, which... Perfect. ...we're happy about. Yeah, decals are ordered. Instruction manual is not ordered. That's one of my big problems. But once I'm back from a holiday to Turkey, I will be getting on the case for those. I don't think you needed your teeth doing. No, it's the hairline that's going. Yep. I wasn't going to go down that road, but fair enough. Okie dokie.

[00:40:27] Is there anything else that you'd like to update our audience with before you disappear on your holly bobs? Nothing much for me. Just to say, with the announcement video, we're looking for as much engagement from the fans as possible. So if you have an idea of how we can present the Harrier in the best way possible, how we can do this video series, cool features, or in terms of the model kit, something to look out for, things that we might miss. Please let us know, comment wherever you can.

[00:40:54] Check all the other video feeds, not just Revell and podcast comments, of course. So let us know. And if you want to get directly through to me, I'm not stupid enough to put my email directly on the web. So search for the Revell blog that will be live as we're talking. And at the bottom, there's an email address. Email me with the subject, Project Harrier, and it will get through eventually to myself. And I may reply to you. But I will read them all. Ok, Luke, thank you very much for your time as ever.

[00:41:24] And we'll catch up again later in the year and have a fantastic holiday. Thank you very much. Cheers. Cheers for now. Dan here with the AFV releases. But first off, it was great to hear Luke back on the show, giving us that deep dive into plans for the Harrier. This sounds really exciting. And judging by the reaction online already, there are going to be plenty of bench mates clearing space on that bench, especially our chairman Wong, and probably buying aftermarket before the kit's even landed. Now then, speaking of reducing available shelf space over at Italeri Dock,

[00:41:53] they've announced a brand new starter set, Easy Paint range, aimed at bringing more people into the hobby. The new line launches from the first week of June and is clearly designed as an accessible entry point for newer modelers with simplified builds and included painting solutions. Honestly, anything helping Fresh Blood discover the hobby is a good thing in our book, even if most of us listening immediately looked at them and went, they'd make a lovely weekend build.

[00:42:20] They're all in 156 and you have the choice of a Sherman, Tiger, Panther or Cromwell tank. And they come with AK paint pens in the box for a quick build and paint job, if that's what you want to do with them. You could, of course, add more weathering, etc. Meanwhile, MiniArt continue their relentless campaign to ensure none of us ever financially recover.

[00:42:43] First up is kit 53004, which is the US repair crew with equipment in 1.35 scale. This set includes three highly detailed figures alongside compressors, toolboxes, crates and workshop accessories. Basically everything needed to create an eye-catching wartime maintenance scene. If you enjoy those behind the front line moments in a diorama, this one will help add character and detail.

[00:43:09] And staying with MiniArt, they've also announced the Australian Stuart Mark 1 kit, number 35437 in 1.35 scale. This represents the locally operated Stuart light tank used by Australian forces during the Second World War, particularly in Pacific and jungle operations where mobility was absolutely critical.

[00:43:32] The kit includes photo etched parts, three decal options and detailed suspension and exterior components. It's one of those subjects that feels just different enough from the usual European theatre armour to really stand out in a collection, especially if you fancy something covered in mud, foliage and absolute tropical misery.

[00:43:52] And finally, for the armour fans over at Special Hobby, there's a new SD KFZ 250-1, ALSF-A, arriving in 1.72 scale. Kit number 100 SA 72019. The 250 series became one of Germany's most recognisable light half-tracks during the war, used for reconnaissance, troop transport and command duties across multiple theatres.

[00:44:21] The early ALT version had that more regular angular hull shape which many modellers actually prefer visually and I include myself in that. In 1.72 this could make for a really nice compact project without sacrificing too much detail. So yes, another week, another collection of definitely don't need that immediately followed by, well, maybe just one. And with that I'm handing over to Nefs for the nautical news. Thanks Dan.

[00:44:49] Now, I've been milling around the dock gates yet again, this time at Yokosuka, Kure and Sasabu. Because that's right, it's time to head out into the Pacific. And there's a definite Imperial Japanese Navy flavour washing over the nautical side of the stash inflation report this month. First up, Bunker Studio are bringing a tidal wave of high detail upgrade sets for fans of the IGN.

[00:45:17] And there are so many releases arriving that we can really only skim the surface here. In 1.700 scale, we're seeing beautifully detailed replacement forward bridge sections for the Takau cruises, Atago, Maya and Chakai. Atago and Maya are represented in their 1944 configurations,

[00:45:41] whilst Chakai also receives a version depicting the ship as she appeared during the Battle of Sevo Island in 1942. The famous battleship Congo is also getting plenty of attention, with upgraded bridge structures, rear bridge sections, smokestacks and main gun turrets all on the way.

[00:46:05] And she won't be alone either, because Bunker Studio are also producing turret upgrades for her sisterships, Hiei, Haruna and Kirishima. These are very much aimed at the serious super detail crowd. And from experience, these sets tend to vanish from retailers extremely quickly.

[00:46:27] So if you've got a half-finished IJN project sitting in the stash, waiting for some love, this might be the moment to move fast before they disappear over the horizon. Staying with the Imperial Japanese Navy, Yamashita Hobby are returning to their excellent Matsu-class destroyer tooling, with a new release of the IJN Momo in 1-700 scale.

[00:46:54] If you've never built a Yamashita Hobby kit before, they've developed a really strong reputation for finely detailed injection moulded waterline kits, and this one looks set to continue that trend. The real Matsu-class destroyers were intriguing ships historically. Their design was a marriage between wartime desperation and forward thinking ingenuity, as Japan hurried to replace mounting escort losses.

[00:47:23] They carried lighter armament than the fleet destroyers that came before them, but they were quicker and cheaper to build, helping to fill the growing gaps in convoy protection and fleet screening duties late in the war. The engineering on these kits is also quite clever. The hull halves fit around a central spine, allowing the main deck to slot in cleanly as to single piece,

[00:47:48] and helping to avoid the fit problems that can sometimes plague waterline kits with raised four castles. Previous releases in the series have sold out very quickly, so late war IGN fans will probably want to keep a close eye on this one. And finally, two absolute heavyweights returning to shelves.

[00:48:09] Fajimi are re-releasing their hugely respected next series kits of Yamato and Musashi in 1-700 scale. These are full hull injection moulded kits, with Musashi represented prior to her loss, during Operation Shoichi Go in 1944, while Yamato appears as she did at the end of her life in 1945 fit, just before Operation Tengo.

[00:48:37] These boxings are really aimed at giving builders almost everything they need in one package. Alongside the kits themselves, you'll get large display stands, including a particularly impressive one for Musashi with space for a nameplate, plus full photo etched detail sets and wooden deck stickers straight from the box. The only real thing missing might be brass barrels if you want to go absolutely all in on detail.

[00:49:06] Release is expected in June, and given how popular IGN subjects remain, these probably won't stay on shelves for very long. So if gigantic Japanese battleships are your thing, now may be the time to clear some display space before these leviathans steam back into port. Right then, from battleships and destroyers, to giant robots and futuristic mecha, let's hand things over to Shane for the Gundam and sci-fi news.

[00:49:36] Thanks Nevs. Right then Benchmates, if giant robots, powered armour, alternate universes, and gloriously over-engineered sci-fi are your thing, your wallet may want to quietly leave the room now. First up this month comes something packed with nostalgia from the golden age of Japanese anime. Good Smile Company, Moderoid, Gamburger, from the Energy Bomb Gamburger, the

[00:50:07] GoTiger, MacEagle KingElephant All merging together into the mighty Gamburger robot itself. Standing at 160mm tall, this non-scale kit continues Good Smile's increasingly impressive Moderoid line. Bringing classic anime subjects to a much wider audience, without requiring the sort of engineering degree that some of the older mecha kits demanded.

[00:50:31] This really clever kit, with seven colours, pre-separated runners, and pre-painted parts included. Builders can achieve a very respectable finish, straight out the box, without ever opening a paint bottle. Release is expected later this year, pricing somewhere likely between £45 and £65, depending on your importer and retailer.

[00:50:55] And honestly, this is one of those kits that absolutely screams Saturday morning anime energy. Next up, this one will have the Machining Krieger fans very excited indeed. Waves 120th Panzer D-Dora is finally arriving as a fully injection plastic release. Now, for MAK fans, this is a pretty significant moment, because until now, this particular variant has remained through...

[00:51:25] 1...2...3... Now, for MAK fans, this is a pretty significant moment, because until now, this particular variant has mainly existed for expensive garage kits, or heavily modified Frankenbuild customs that are usually assembled from multiple donor kits. Machining Krieger has always occupied this brilliant middle ground between gritty military realism and surreal science fiction.

[00:51:54] This Dora release means that builders can finally get hold of the subject in a much more accessible format, and because it's WAVE, expectations for mould quality and engineering are understandably high. Expected release window is around September to October, with pricing currently hovering at around £55. And if you're someone who enjoys weathering oils, pigments, and making things look beautifully battered, MAK remains one of the best playgrounds in the hobby.

[00:52:24] Now, sticking with the mecha world, but shifting into the Gundam inspired territory, the intriguingly named Super Soldier Plan. One 100 scale Haluja model kit takes very heavy inspiration from the GN-003 Gundam Kyrios, from the Mobile Suit Gundam 00. What's interesting here, is that this aims to replicate the appearance of a premium resin garage kit, while remaining entirely plastic in construction.

[00:52:51] That means no pre-built diecast frame, no metal internals, and none of the usual hybrid shortcuts many third party manufacturers are currently using. Instead, this is a fully plastic build intended to deliver, super detailed, high-end aesthetic, while remaining relatively affordable, with current pricing expected at around £25. Release is also expected around September to October. Honestly, for the price?

[00:53:20] This could end up being one of those sleeper kits people suddenly realise is far better than expected. Finally this month, and Transformer fans, this one's for you. Flame Toys, model Shattered Glass Optimus Prime version, 2008, takes a very different approach compared with some of the Flame Toys' earlier ultra-angular anime-inspired releases.

[00:53:43] Instead, this version recreates a classic, blockier appearance of the original BotCon 2008 Shattered Glass Optimus Prime design, complete with that wonderfully bizarre alternative universe concept where the Autobots are evil and the Decepticons are heroic. Standing at around 6 inches tall, this is a non-transformable display-focused model kit, prioritising poseability and visual accuracy over engineering gimmicks.

[00:54:11] Expected pricing is around £55, and although the release timing is still currently to be confirmed. So, whether your bench currently contains giant combining robots, powered armour, Gundam-inspired super machines, or evil alternate universe Optimus Prime variants, there is no shortage of temptation arriving over the next few months.

[00:54:35] And that wraps up this edition of the Stash Inflation Report, proving once again that no matter what genre you build, the stash is expanding faster than the available shelf space. And a quick special thanks to Luke for jumping on and giving us the background on the Harrier. We just know that Wongi's going to have 10 on backorder already. Coming up, we head into the latest edition of IPMS Dispatches.

[00:54:58] This time, we shine the spotlight on IPMS Romsey, a thriving club celebrating its 25th year, and the ever-growing Romsey Show, which has expanded from a small village hall into a major regional modelling gathering that attracts builders from all across the south of England. We'll also be hearing a few words from Rich Middleton, as he steps into the role of President of the IPMS UK, and shares a few thoughts on the future of the society.

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[00:57:03] Head to beyondtheboxart.com for host bios, guest features, and direct links to all our social channels. Your central hub for staying connected. Welcome to IPMS Dispatches.

[00:57:24] Bringing you society news, upcoming events, and a friendly spotlight on branches and special interest groups across the IPMS community. Right then, for this edition of IPMS Dispatches we're heading down to the south coast of the UK to catch up with a team from IPMS Romsey, a club celebrating an incredible 25 years in the hobby community.

[00:57:49] Joining me for this one are chair Paul Adams, vice chair Tony Adams, not related, and Simon James. So, let's start off, and you can choose between you who's going to speak, but for the listeners who may not know the club, how did IPMS Romsey first begin back in 2001? I'm the longest serving member of the club, yes. So, hi, I'm Paul. The club was founded in, we think, late 2001.

[00:58:16] There's a little bit of a grey area, but we think late 2001. And the club really got established properly in 2002. But we initially met at the Royal British Legion in Romsey. And I have vague memories of going to one of those meetings. And shortly after we moved to the St. John's Hall in Romsey, and then the membership grew to about ten people. And it really went from there.

[00:58:45] Les Cooper did a fantastic job of setting the club up. And with the help of Pack Camp, the club slowly grew, very steadily. But we went to ten, twelve members. We started doing a lot of shows, local shows. And the membership grew from there. And we went to a local show in Romsey that was a kind of general model show.

[00:59:12] Radio controlled, radio controlled boats, radio controlled cars, that type of thing. And some static modeling. And we picked up quite a few members from there, including Tony, who gave his wife a day out at a model show. That was nice of him. I think one of the big benefits I had with joining the club originally was that, I mean, I build automotive generally. I have a play with aircraft and a few things, a few other things. But generally I'm doing automotive.

[00:59:41] And there's not a lot of automotive models around. There certainly wasn't 25 years ago. Of course, I go along to this club and Les is really welcoming. And we have the ten or twelve members. Everybody's interested in what you're building. As well as the smattering of aircraft and armor and other things. There's my car model. And I went along with a friend of mine who's also a very good car modeler. So there was two of us in the club. And we felt very comfortable there.

[01:00:08] And yeah, I guess that's one of the things that we've tried to keep that ethos going that we're very welcoming to anybody. It doesn't matter what you build. If you're interested in modeling, that's great. As long as you're building something and you get enjoyment from it, it's great. So we do try and encourage that in the club. So with meeting Tony at a model show, we then, Tony and I took over running the club in 2008 when Pat Camp left to go and work in France.

[01:00:34] So that was really quite a big springboard for the club because we had between us a vision of what we could achieve in the club. The first thing we did was set up a website. And shortly after we created the club magazine. So we had a club newsletter that was two or three pages and featured some events going on in the club.

[01:00:56] And Tony kind of took that and ran with it and created the Romsey Modeler magazine, which eventually grew into almost a 40 page monthly magazine. Got a little bit out of hand, to be fair. With popping that up on the website, we were getting four or 500 downloads a month. And we would take copies of the magazine and have it on the club stand and people would come and take them at model shows. It grew too big eventually.

[01:01:27] And we have to call a halt to it. But that 10 year period also enabled the natural growth in the club because we were just getting the exposure online. And yeah, a lot of club members from other clubs were saying, yeah, I read your magazine. Yeah. When's the next one out? Great articles. We were doing all that. So Tony and I kind of transformed the club a bit from around that time. And then 2013, we went to twice monthly meetings. Such was the demand.

[01:01:55] We had a little test experimented and we've been doing that since. So we meet first and third Wednesdays and with about 25 on a main meeting. That's our third, third Wednesday meeting. And the first meeting of the month, 15 to 20 people. It was great, great for the club, great for the social side of the club as well.

[01:02:16] And it gets modelers away from their benches, gets them in front of other modelers with them, with their work, talking about their work, their problems, what they've achieved, what they want to achieve. It's a great secondary platform. And that has worked out really well. I'm just trying to check when. So in 2011, 2011, the other big event, I guess, was that we joined the IPMS. And in doing so, of course, that enabled us to start to go to Telford.

[01:02:44] And from then, we also then started to recruit steadily. And we weren't active, I wouldn't say we were actively recruiting, but the fact that we were part of the IPMS and going to Telford and a little bit more higher profile for the club just meant people were more aware of us. And the membership grew steadily from there. And that really, one of the springboards for, I think, the success of the club in the last 15 years, certainly.

[01:03:10] I guess the other big thing we did then was 2016, we had our first model show. We held that at our clubhouse, small model show, 10 clubs, few traders came and supported us. All the clubs that came along said, it's like a big club meeting. It's great. Everybody enjoyed it. We didn't lose any money on the first year. Right, let's do it again. 2017, 2018. So we had three shows at our club. And then 2019, we moved into the center of Romsey, which is where we still are now.

[01:03:39] And from there really our membership has grown very steadily. Some things we've dropped off like the magazine, we don't do so much anymore, but we now have a good Facebook group page. Our website is still running and we're now doing regular updates with that. So that's still going to be some exposure. And yeah, 10 shows a year we do around the circuit, not including our own. So yeah, we're a busy club, lots going on.

[01:04:06] And I guess Tony might want to talk about what we do on club nights, but yeah, we've had a very solid base and we've, I think we've pushed the club along very well. We have a very good identity as well with our branding. We did 10 years ago. So yeah, we've made the most, I think of what we got and it's very, it's been very successful. Yeah. Okay. Whereabouts in Romsey do you meet now then? We actually meet in Anfield, which is the little village just outside of Romsey, the Anfield village hall.

[01:04:36] So as Paul said, we meet twice a month, first Wednesday and third Wednesday. At what time? From eight o'clock until 10. Okay. I say, as Paul was alluding to, we do quite a lot on club nights. Obviously, like most clubs, we run competitions. So we have a number of competitions through the year, accumulate in our annual competition in November with the award ceremony in December. We obviously do demos.

[01:05:05] We have regular club members. We'll try and put together some settings. So we might do some airbrushing courses, basic skill courses, dioramas, various different things on a club night. We have previously done group builds. So we're actually planning to do group build this year. Which is here. Yeah. Spitfire. Yeah. Which I think we decided we will be a seven second scale Spitfires.

[01:05:33] So the club's in a reasonable financial position. So we tend, we can afford to buy kits for the members to take home and work on themselves. So we do that. We also have to events. We go to museums, obviously shows. We did organize a trip to the Normandy a few years back and to the Somme and to the base. A few of us went along there.

[01:06:02] So in general, we get to do quite a lot. Yeah. I'm just thinking your branch is probably the closest to the birthplace of the Spitfire. It is indeed. My hometown is East League. Yeah. I know it very well. But obviously IB are just releasing the 172nd K5054. Yep. So you've actually, you're going to have the prototype available for the first time. I can't think of anyone else who's actually done 5054 in any scale. Yeah.

[01:06:29] That's interesting because we've looked at selecting relatively straightforward kits to build because we want people to take them home, enjoy building them and come back with a finished model. So yeah, hence the 72nd scale. Uh, I think we've got about 20 people involved, which is I think about the same we had for the Tempest build a few years ago. Uh, which was very successful. Mm-hmm . And it was interesting because people weren't building them out of the box.

[01:06:55] People were having various interpretations of what they wanted to do with the model. And that made the, uh, we have a section in our annual competition for that, that build off. And none were the same. Every model was different. Every, there was a different interpretation somewhere, somewhere on the ground, somewhere in the air. Some had make believe paint schemes and all sorts of things going on. It was fantastic. People's interpretation of what to do with the model is fantastic. We're hoping to have the same thing this year.

[01:07:23] So is that going to be your theme for Tarford? We are going to have a bit of a Spitfire theme on the table, given that it's quite close to our local history and certainly mine and a few others. We have a few other members living Eastly. So it will be part of the table. It won't be the whole table, but yeah, certainly part of it. You see you keep your card close to your chest. What the main theme is that? We generally don't theme the table too much, but we'll have a small theme on the table. Okay. So how does Simon fit into the organization then? Yeah.

[01:07:53] I was listening to the interesting history of the club. So yeah, I very much so come from this conversation, I guess as the new member. So yeah, I started coming in January, 2025 after kind of meeting some of the guys at some local shows, I think Salisbury, Tangmere kind of saying hello.

[01:08:14] And I went from that bedroom modeler, got back into it in COVID, you know, real sort of typical modeler of that sort of ilk and wasn't quite sure if I wanted to go to a club. There was probably some apprehension about my level and displaying that to everybody else. But, you know, my wife kind of pushed me to go. I think she was set up of being dragged around the shows and needed me to go and find my own people, which has worked out really well.

[01:08:43] So yeah, so it's great. And I think it's, I think Tony really just made the point that the club's got some amazing modelers across all spectrums from different sort of areas, like whether it's automobiles and armor and aircraft and sci-fi and modelers at so many different levels. And in the 18 months I've been coming along, I've made some fantastic friends, but more so I've also really, really improved my modeling skills.

[01:09:12] It's not so much a club. It's like a community because my interaction isn't two Wednesdays a month, but it's very much. So there's a few of us who Paul loves because we'll wear Hawaiian shirts at a show and we get some scowls, but it sounds really daft, but a bit of a band of brothers type thing because it's because all great friendships have got a common interest. And that's very much so in modelers.

[01:09:39] And I think it's a sort of hobby, which is quite unique and there's some fantastic characters that get brought to unique subjects. And because of that, it's just a, yeah, it's a great place to go for two nights a month. And I think anyone that sort of local to the area, cause we have guys come from quite far. I would say people travel a good 20, 30 miles to come to the club.

[01:10:03] So if you're in the local area and listening, I'm doing a big plug here, come and join us, come and say hello. And yeah, it's just the most welcoming and encouraging atmosphere. And from being really apprehensive off the bat within two meetings, it felt like I'd been there for years. So yeah, it was brilliant. So what's your catchment area then? Obviously your Southampton area is on the doorstep, but you've got Portsmouth, you've got Bournemouth, Salisbury, Winchester.

[01:10:32] We also have, it's worth mentioning that there is a number of modellers that come from the IPMS Southampton club and have supported the club since the early days, since I started going as one particular member. Who's also called Simon. He's been at the club as long as I had. We have a few people from Portsmouth way and around. So yeah. And we have a lady come stand as our teas and coffees for us from Salisbury.

[01:10:59] Actually, that's a good point because one thing that I've been really pleased about in the last few years is we have quite a few young members sometimes coming with their mums. Yeah. It makes life a bit more interesting for us rather than sitting around with a load of old gits like, yeah, of men. We've got probably four or five young people now come to the meetings quite regularly. Brilliant. Brilliant for the future of the hobby since most of us are getting on somewhat. Speak for yourself. I kind of feel like I'm in that young group, Tony, still. Yeah.

[01:11:29] We think you are too, Simon. Yeah. Despite the gray hair. Yeah. We've been quite fortunate that, yeah, there's a few kind of members that bring a few of their children along who are modeling. And one of them's gone off to the RAF at the moment, but he's, he was developing very well. And we have a new chap who's, I think been with about six months, comes on with his grandfather and he's 15 and tremendously enthusiastic about the hobby. Brilliant.

[01:11:57] Really interested in, yeah, properly learning, learning, and he knows his subject he's building, does a lot of research. And I'm hoping that people like him are going to be the future of the club because yeah, Tony and I are getting on a little bit now and we're going to need some youngsters like Simon there to help take the club forward a bit further. But yeah, it's healthy.

[01:12:18] Our demographic, yeah, we're probably 60% of us are over 50, but there are some, what I now call youngsters in the club, the guys that are below that. And that's good. It's very good. Very good. Yeah. Excellent. Excellent. Okay. So you brushed on your annual show earlier. When is the next event and where? Okay. Who can remember the date? It wasn't a trick question. No.

[01:12:44] So our 26th event is going to take place on Sunday, the 19th of July. And we are at our now customary venue of the Crossfield Hall in Romsey, the center of Romsey. The show runs, is open at 10, runs till four. We have, I think now 19 clubs attending and I think we have 11 traders attending. So this is not a huge venue.

[01:13:12] So we're, we are busy. So yeah, we have our normal tombola, which the tombola is where we generate the money for our two charities. We support. Which are? Which are Models for Heroes and a charity that Tony knows a lot about, which is Simon Says. Yeah. We're supporting children that have suffered some sort of bereavement. A very worthwhile charity.

[01:13:40] So we've been doing, we've been supporting the bird charities for the last eight or nine years, I think. Fantastic. We have all day refreshments. Around the building is free parking on a Sunday, which is very good. The building is air conditioned, which is very useful for the, for the summer. This year we're going to actually be part of the Romsey Festival, which is a sort of arts festival in the town.

[01:14:07] And I guess it gives us some advantage in terms of raising the awareness of modeling to a lot of people that wouldn't have necessarily thought about it. That sounds really good. And what's the admission price? Five pounds flat figure. Children free. Yeah. Under 16, isn't it? Yeah. And the all important question, what is the postcode for the venue? That's a very good one. And I knew you were going to ask me that. Yeah. Sierra Osco 518, Gulf Lima, Crossfield Hall. On that, I will say thank you very much.

[01:14:37] And we will see you at Telford if not before. And good luck with your show. Thanks for having us on. Thank you. Thanks to the IPMS Romsey for their latest branch information. We've now moved locations to the outdoors at the Coventry Air Museum.

[01:14:57] And I'm stood with Mr. Paul Regan, president at the start of the AGM for IPMS and now in, I'll say retirement for the want of a better term. But Paul, congratulations. 25 years as president. Brilliant job. What's been the highlights? Thanks, Paul. It seems a lot longer at times, but such is the way of these things.

[01:15:22] The highlight of the job has been quite simply meeting the people that we do. Without sitting on the, being a member of the society, sitting on the board and then becoming president. I don't think I would have met hundreds of people that I now know and think of as friends. I can go to any model show in the country pretty much and find somebody that I know.

[01:15:43] I can go abroad to model show or even to a museum, aircraft museums and tend to bump into members and people who've heard of me. Not because I'm trying to be some famous guy. I mean, it's just the people are what this is all about. And we've just sat through the AGM and talked about some of the ways we're going to take things forward and the way things are going to move. And inclusivity was a word that was mentioned several times. And I think that's modeling.

[01:16:10] And I've said this to yourselves and on the pod before, it's about bringing people out of their shells of the modelers so that we integrate, we meet with people, we interface with other people. Be it a club, a show or whatever. And that for me is the core of what this is all about. You know, I've seen some awesome models. Don't remember them so well, but I have seen some.

[01:16:36] Been collared several times to do things that maybe I wouldn't normally have in my comfort zone, like standing at Coventry Air Museum, having a talk about this sort of thing. Being asked to make the final decision on what was the best of show at an event because the judges were completely tied. And they said, I seemed like a responsible individual who could decide. They don't know you do they? No, they clearly, they hadn't. No, they did actually. That's why they did it. But that's what this is about.

[01:17:02] And although I'm no longer president of the society as of this afternoon, the board have co-opted me to stay on the board as an advisory member in part and also to deal with some of the project work that's going on. And just some tasks that I can do that don't need to then be run by someone else. Because IPMS UK is a medium sized enterprise turns over between a quarter and a third of a million pounds. And it's run by 12 volunteers.

[01:17:31] And without some help, it doesn't get done. So I can now become one of those who helps a bit more instead of being the one sitting in the middle, trying to manage others into doing it. And quite simply also, if I went cold turkey, I think I'd probably kind of lose it myself. So I think it's important to wind down a bit. And in exactly the same way that John Tapsall has just rejoined the board after taking a two year gap, might come back if there's a post there. So we'll see.

[01:18:00] But no, it's been a great period to be president. We've seen some quite successful years. And a lot of innovation as it stands already. Thank you. Yeah, I genuinely think that's true. One of the things I can now do, which I held off doing is probably one of my interests in modeling, which is I'm going to be speaking a part and looking to start a SIG based around the Warhammer side of the world. Brilliant. Because it is an interest to have. It is something I do personally.

[01:18:28] And I think it's something different that we can get some people together there who aren't in the hardcore building Spitfires and Mustangs and Phantoms. Absolutely. And German tanks and race cars. Yeah. And I think we may be surprised, maybe surprised either way, but I think we may find that there are a lot more people interested in that than we think. Oh, totally. And also we are looking at doing an episode of the show in the near future on Warhammer anyway.

[01:18:55] This episode is primarily Gundam and actually looking at trying to get the wider IPMS and modeling community in general to look at what is potentially going to be the future of scale modeling and the scale modelers. So it's all about inclusion, as you say. I think you're absolutely right. If we don't adapt, we die. Exactly. I mentioned in the meeting from the floor, 30, 40 years ago, we talked about VAC form kits a lot. Yeah. You don't even see them now.

[01:19:23] And the hobby evolves and moves and changes both in terms of what we do and how we do it. Yes. Materials, tools, paints, finishes, scheme, preferences, I guess. Yes. Heavily weathered, not weathered, pristine, not, you know. These things come and go and subjects are just the same thing. And the Gundams are definitely coming big and thick. I think the Warhammer stuff can sit alongside that. Easily. Sensibly and can work well. And we will see.

[01:19:51] But if we don't evolve as a society, we will die. And in part, if the society were to die, I think that would be bad for the hobby. Very much so. Very much so. And so, you know, we are integral to that. And I think the fact that we have 5,000 members active in the UK at any one time at the moment, that is a lot of people. Yeah. Back in the sixties, the initial membership was, well, the initial was zero of course,

[01:20:18] but in the early years we were talking single double figures, you know, and it gradually limped over a hundred and to the millennium where we had about 1500. So we're clearly providing a need. Mm-hmm. The model is one. Exactly. And for good or ill, that is what we do. And that is what we will do for the coming millennium or whatever. Yeah. However long it may take. And Rich is going to be the guy who's going to help us go into that world. Agreed.

[01:20:46] And he's going to help, but it's going to be evolution, not revolution. Exactly. Nothing we're going to do tomorrow is going to be any different than it was today. No. And you know, and I will sit there and hopefully think, no, what bloody good idea. Why didn't we do that 10 years ago? Equally, I may say we did do that 10 years ago. Let's not do it again. Cause it didn't work then. Yes, quite. There will be changes. This isn't my society. It never was. And you know, my role has always been to try and steer people in directions.

[01:21:16] Yes. And try and pull together a team who can actually make this thing work. And that's probably the hardest and most invisible part of it that you don't see. But such is life. Yeah, totally. Well, from everyone on the show, Paul, thank you very much for everything you've done for IPMS. And we will get you back on in the near future. And we'll be starting to talk about Warhammer. Thank you, Paul. And thanks to the pod. Keep up the good work guys. Thank you.

[01:21:43] As Paul leaves us and goes off into the sunset, I'm joined by Rich Middleton, the new president of IPMS UK. Welcome, Rich. Obviously, second time on the show, but congratulations. Thank you very much. So, now you've actually swept out the old with the broom. Metaphorically. Paul's obviously still hanging around as he just said, but any ideas on direction or plans for the future? I know it's only five minutes since you've actually signed on the dotted line, but...

[01:22:11] Yes, plenty of plans, lots of ideas. They will be on how we take the society forward, on how we can spread the word, how we can become more familiar outside of our little community, how we can work with other genre with similar skill sets. Very much a thing I want to focus on and become part of a coherent community rather than a hidden one. Yes. So, that's where I want to work.

[01:22:41] I want to try and encourage our committee to broaden their support base because there's an awful lot of work to do as individuals. So, we'll be looking for help in every sector that we have. And so, we have 12 positions on the committee. Each one of them needs support to get their roles more effective and efficient. We do get criticism for lack of communication. Well, a lot of these guys have got a day job.

[01:23:10] So, if we can spread the load a little bit, that will help in that process. So, that's another area we need to develop. We have recently started a review of the strategy going forward. So, that will mean some of the things I've just mentioned, but other areas as well where we can make strides forward. It won't all happen overnight. It will take time for some of them.

[01:23:32] But, yeah, that's trying to get us into the 21st century and thinking ahead rather than covering our backsides, basically. So, it's where can we move forward to? Where's the vision? And that will come out of the ongoing strategy conversations that we have. Okay. IPMS USA has just done a review of their rules and regulations for inclusivity with LGBT, etc.

[01:23:57] Is there anything in the plans or pipeline for the UK to actually look at the rules for the organization? Nothing in the plan, principally because we are inclusive by default. Mm-hmm. If you look in any of the rules and regulations that we have at the moment, it makes it very clear that anybody and everybody is welcome. We don't set barriers. We don't set minimum standards. We are here purely for the arts and love of building models. Yes. Yes.

[01:24:27] If we start introducing specifics for any given sector, then you've started to introduce barriers that are not there. Fair enough. There are no barriers. There is absolutely full inclusion anyway. Yes. And personally, the way I see it, we shouldn't need to make allowances for anybody. Everybody is welcome. Okay, Rich. Thank you very much for that. You're very welcome. And we will see you at Telford, but we will be speaking to you for the July, first episode in July. I think it's episode 32.

[01:24:57] And we'll start the ball rolling for Telford 2026. Look forward to it. Fantastic. Thank you very much and congratulations. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you.

[01:25:33] Thank you.

[01:26:49] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[01:27:28] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

[01:27:56] Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Charles. We stick with Gentleman's Scale with a Tony Grand. British post-war experimental aircraft. Three Fairy Deltas here. Dora Wing's relatively recent 172nd scale model is first. Then there's a 3D-printed Fairy Delta-3 small by Machina models. And the final part of the Triumvirate is a scratch-built Fairy Delta-3 big,

[01:28:23] which Tony built from plans a few years ago I think he found in one of the secret projects books we jump up a couple of scales next Mario Sorrell is here with Kitty Hawk's 1 32nd scale Northrop Tiger 2 the F5F two seater version this is finished in Brazilian Air Force markings with a very attractive green and grey wraparound scheme and to give you more information about the Brazilian

[01:28:49] use of Tigers Mario also has a walk around featuring the F5EM machine this is one of the single seater upgraded aircraft that the Brazilian Air Force is still flying my aircraft in profile this month is the Dassault Breguet Super Etendard and its updated version the Super Etendard Modernize give you a little bit of a history of the type its use by the French the Iraqis and of course

[01:29:15] the Air Force that it's most famous for in Britain the Argentinian Naval Air Service with its use in the Falklands campaign. Colour Conundrum this month has Paul Lucas looking at Shackleton and Seamu MR2 finishes from 1949 to 1972 as ever Paul delves into some of the darker corners of British aircraft finishes and comes up with some unusual schemes and information the colour profiles for

[01:29:41] this and for the aircraft in profile are as ever by our wonderful illustrator Sam Pearson. To tie in with the aircraft in profile we have a Super Etendard Modernize next this is Vinnie Pompeo's take on 148 scale kinetic kit finished in Argentinian naval markings the Argentine the Argentines managed to acquire some of these updated machines but never managed to put them into service

[01:30:06] in the 2000s principally because they were denied access to spares to actually get the machine serviceable again I suspect if you're ever worried about Argentine Argentine use of Super Etendard Modernize you'll probably want to thank Martin Baker for that anyway enough said we drop back down to 172nd next Sergio Belomo provides us with Airfix's Bolton Paul Defiant Mark 1 you don't see many of the smaller

[01:30:33] versions of this Airfix kit made and he does a really really nice job on it so it's nice to see that getting a bit of exposure. Harvey Lowe returns to Sam for the next feature this is Fine Moulds 148th scale A6 M5 Zero Model 52. Harvey finishes it in one of the schemes seen when captured examples were ferried to the USA and these are quite often portrayed as a two-tone camouflage but Harvey provides new

[01:31:00] information which sheds light on how this unusual scheme actually came about it's a lovely model to lovely build and it's a great article. World War II is still on our minds for the next feature Rob van Doddward is here with the 148th scale Italiari the Machi C200 this is the Seri 21-23 kit and it's finished in a very attractive desert blotchy scheme Italian aircraft always look great in that and Rob does it full

[01:31:28] justice. For those wondering if there's anything in small scale this month Mike Verrier brings up the the back of the magazine with a 1-1-44th scale build of BPK's CE-144A Challenger finished in Canadian Air Force markings. It's one of those jets that actually looks really nice in a kind of low-vis scheme scheme and Mike does a really nice job of it. We have the usual updates of product news and reviews

[01:31:57] book reviews with Colin Flying Pickett and you can whet your appetite for the next issue with see what's in coming next month. Who knows I might even find time to finish a kit for that one so wait and see. And hitting the newsstands at the same time as scale aircraft modeling is the June issue of Military Model Craft International that's issue 356. Editor David Grumet brings you a assortment of armoured

[01:32:26] fighting vehicles as usual and we start off this month with an in-depth look at Gecko's new 1-16th scale Panzer Jaguar Zwei 4-Pack 40. That's the early production kit. We follow that up with AK Interactive's M1008 troop carrier built by Rick Lawler. It's a lovely little bit of modeling and we move on then to more

[01:32:51] American tracked vehicles with Stefan Szymaninski who brings us the 1-72nd scale Model Trans M48A3 in a Vietnam setting so you can expect plenty of additional armour on the turrets, the infrared searchlight on top and a lovely little diorama with some foliage and a rather fetching little set of road signs in the background. It's a lovely little build that and set off very nicely. There's an

[01:33:21] American theme continuing now where David Doyle brings us armour in profile. This of course is for the M113 armoured personnel carrier and its variants. This ties in with the new guidelines publications book on the M113 also written by David so it's very much a taster of what you can expect if you purchase this excellent book. We move to the desert now. Chris Johnson, Paints and Weathers, Take-Oms,

[01:33:49] M1 Super Sherman. So it's obviously finished in Israeli markings and for my money the Sherman always looks good when it's got a slightly longer gun barrel on it and it always looks nice in a sort of desert scheme as well. It's very nicely finished and looks very much the part. Change of scene for the next feature. Peter Hanno presents a project inspired by the Wagner Mutiny from June 2023. You may remember that was when

[01:34:15] Russian mercenaries decided that they would march on Moscow. A rather ill-fated event but the diorama is well worth a look and it's a great article to boot. Ramon Segarra is back for the next build, ICM's new SD KFZ 3B Ford half-track with Flak 38. That's titled Achtung Sie Fliegen. Watch out aircraft. David also

[01:34:43] visited the Mozon show this year, one of Europe's premier modelling events. So there's a report in there by the illustrious editor of dioramas and vignettes that he saw there. And to bring up more diorama action in the magazine we have Factory of Fire next. Giampiero Bianchi presents an ambitious 360

[01:35:03] degree diorama of the Battle of Kharkiv. Plenty of World War II German equipment on view there with an array of uniforms. There's a very nice Schwimmwagen and it's all finished in a predictably chaotic manner. A really nice piece of ensemble diorama building there. There's a round-up of the latest military titles in words and pictures and the magazine finishes with of course a quick hint sneak

[01:35:33] preview of what you'll see in the next issue. As I said this hits the newsstands on Thursday the same time as the podcast but if you want to get it beforehand then like all our magazines just head over to guidelinepublications.com take out a subscription and it will land on your doorstep the day before so you don't even have to brave our lovely British summer weather and go down to the newsagents for it. That's it for this month I'll be back next month with more updates. Take care and see

[01:36:01] you soon. Please support Models for Heroes as sometimes building a scale model can help rebuild a person.

[01:36:21] Visit modelsforheroes.org.uk And now our featured interview. Conversations with the people shaping the hobby. From individual modellers to leading manufacturers exploring every aspect of scale modelling together.

[01:36:47] So Benjamais as we've said previously we try to cover all genres of modelling on the show and today is no exception. We are joined by Stephen Woodhead director of Gumbler UK to give us a deep dive into the ever-expanding world of Gumbler mecca and modelling in general. Stephen welcome to the show. Oh thank you for having me. You're very welcome. So we'll start off with probably the most basic question in what the flying is Gumbler modelling.

[01:37:17] Yeah I knew this was going to be the first question and we can go down to Wikipedia route where essentially Gunplar is Gundam plastic models which in fairies it's out of the box building no glue no paint required and you can have a finished product without I want to say not massive effort but with a lot less effort than say painting.

[01:37:43] It's very hard because as we know and I think some listeners are going to know this Gunplar is essentially I wouldn't say a brand but an abbreviation it's now become where it's covering lots of things where people look at they see a giant robot that's snap build no glue required and they go oh that's Gunplar brilliant but it's not always right.

[01:38:07] If you're going to boil it down it's giant robots straight out of the box built without or very little sort of involvement if you don't want to in terms of painting or anything like that. Okay so would you actually compare it to something and I'm going to be very basic here so apologies if I offend you with the first question but are you looking at something like the air fix snap fit kits

[01:38:30] for children and younger modelers to put together or is this the next stage up from that? No I'd say it's along the similar lines of what you class as an entry grade or a super SD grade so this is a fairly recent thing in the last few years they've essentially Bandai who's obviously produces the bulk of what your class as gun they've created an entry grade where it is very simple to Okay.

[01:39:00] It's going to be in Japanese but like any model kit you're following a two-stroke runner and his numbers put them together so I mean if somebody was coming into it from a traditional modeling world i.e planes trains tanks and everything else they would probably pick it up quite easily. Mm-hmm okay we've said it's I'll say a simpler form of modeling in comparison to what the bulk of the

[01:39:27] audience probably builds at the moment but there's a lot of innovation in the quality and the engineering in comparison there's a lot of kit manufacturers would absolutely or certainly the builders would actually get over excited about the fit of parts etc but also you've got multi-colored injection plastic Yes. on the same sprue. Yeah.

[01:39:52] Oh yeah some of the technology they use it boggles the mind and they've recently opened a museum over in Japan which is also you get to look at the factory and the makings and the mold and everything. Mm-hmm. But actually the way that it works in Japan at the moment is you have to be a Japanese national in order to go there and go through the museum. Yeah it's as daft as it sounds but because it's obviously Japan these type of things gun plan

[01:40:18] modeling giant meccas is so big over there and it's now trickling into the western world that they have to limit things like that. In fact I'm pretty sure you can't take pictures either. Okay. Okay. Okay. Because there is technology there and there are things that potentially they don't want people to readily see and be available for another competition always but yeah it's definitely a

[01:40:45] growing hobby and I think that people of a certain age are struggling to understand where this has come from. And I have an age I'm in my mid-40s now where I straddle sort of both sides so you know I mean me personally I can always my fair fix model it was one of the very inexpensive back in the mid 90s you're a fighter typhoon they're probably still producing that oh the exact same thing and I can

[01:41:12] remember getting glue everywhere and everything and my father god bless him he went that's it no more they didn't know more but then I found gunfly and gunfly is a lot different so because again even in the old days before we got this sort of modern interpretation of all the grades and I'm sure we'll go through the grades and what they mean and what they're about but that's where it started for me so I've gone sort of full circle strangely it was my own personal journey I started out with

[01:41:42] air fix and things like that and then for whatever reason obviously because anime has been a big part of my life since I can remember finding that there was gunfly models out there and models of gunfly that were so easy it's hard to get over but easier to build in terms of an out of the box and finished products depending on how quick you build between half a day and up to months and a paint one so it was

[01:42:10] good and I think that and I think I mentioned this to Shane in this day and age as well we're also the generation that wants instant gratification I think is the nicest way of putting it and this is an easy road into it in terms of model building but we do know also reveals come up with air click system they do work with bandai for star wars obviously air fixer has got assist as well I'm not sure about tammy to be honest with you because I'm not a big enough on time here at the moment so well

[01:42:40] it's easy to sort of be mired to explain what gunfire is I think the easiest way where I can for people to understand it think of it as a giant robot out of the box easy to build from what I've seen of the anime that you've been talking about from when I was a kid we had yes I did have color tv in those days before you say anything nev so I can see a look going through your face I was gonna say

[01:43:07] you were that original Godzilla weren't you no I was actually gonna say the original transformers yes so people of my era think of something along the lines of perhaps an advanced form of transformers cartoon yeah as a basis to actually try and build a visual model of what we're talking about I don't understand it but a lot of people I mean within my real life personal realms when I try and

[01:43:34] explain to somebody what I do and what I sell in the core of my business and I got it from Steven last week when I was down at we are with the model for her husband it's just transformers in it and you go oh because it's not transformers there's someone that actually gets into it and obviously has to control it and then you start going down an anime rabbit hole and trying to explain it and yeah sometimes it's just you know what you're building your own transformer what you want to see it and

[01:44:00] say in your head you build it on transformer and yeah you can say that the thing is with the game first that I'll be calling Shane meant you know Shane said about the grades there are all shoots all over the place spin each one down is really hard I even had to read up this afternoon to make sure that what I was saying that works in the head is actually what it is I won't say an official better edition but what is gunplay what are the grades how best can you understand that how somebody

[01:44:30] that spent their life for getting back aircraft carrier submarines and stun that how can you convince them to maybe try it yeah I think there's a couple of different reasons people try it I mean I think just to cut in so when we're looking at I guess some of the main reasons a lot of it is that creativity especially because in some of the grades like the entry grades you don't need any tools either you can just you can sit there you can create something it is relaxing and you mentioned about

[01:45:00] that recognition I know we discussed it with Rob and Spencer a few weeks ago but it's all about having something that's tangible but I've sat and spent time on my bench look what I've got my goodness it looks exactly like I thought it was going to look like it looks like my favorite character from my favorite anime yeah I nearly said cartoon then but I could feel Jacob's death stare through the door but that's what it's about and your creative journey that you mentioned there about being on the bench when you were young and building an ethics model on the kitchen table

[01:45:30] that was exactly like me and even with the kids the kids got me back into that hobby sitting on the kitchen table building models for them and my oldest boy now is nearly 12 and we sat there and I was watching I think it might be in Dragon Ball or something I used to watch this when I was a kid and then Gundam came up and I was like oh Jacob we need to sit and watch this it was Gundam Wing this used to be my favorite show when I was growing up you need to watch this with me and we sat there

[01:45:56] binge watched the whole lot and I was like my goodness Bandai built you can build models of these characters Jacob and he was like oh we should get one daddy and then we ended up getting one and then two and then three and then as you can see in my cabinet behind us about 25. It's just me when I say I've got boxes and boxes of built Gundams that are just I've built them and I just don't have space for them because initially again but as they're obviously listening my entire

[01:46:23] office is covered in everything you could absolutely imagine there's a Gundam from multi-shoulders different series. So Steve we talked about the premise behind what people are actually building with the Gundam and the story behind it. What a lot of modelers probably don't appreciate is the scale in the far east of Gundam versus conventional modeling. Hasegawa was massive in aircraft and other subjects

[01:46:51] through the 70s, 80s, 90s and has virtually completely fallen off of the conventional scene other than just decals of repops of existing tooling and seems to be going down the Gundam route. An example I've heard recently on production volumes which is eye-watering to put it mildly. The Tamiya 148th P38 Lightning they were looking to produce around about 10,000 to 12,000 units

[01:47:21] as a successful product run for the company. With Gundam I believe we're looking in the region of the Gundam. That's probably about right. That gives a scale of how big anime and Gundam is in comparison to conventional modeling and it's a

[01:47:44] lot of manufacturers are using the profits from the Gundam to produce the conventional subjects now and without it they're not able to do it. So from the industry side how do you actually see the progression in Europe and the UK? When he was introduced let's say from 1995 onwards and that's when obviously Gundam Wing came out and it

[01:48:11] was like the first and just to explain a little because I'll explain a little bit about Gundam so it helps people to understand. So obviously it's very very similar if people are understanding that it is every series is different. There are interconnecting series early on but from about 92, 93 they they decided to step away what you could call the main timeline and there are videos out

[01:48:39] there that talks about all the timelines and different universes and everything but what we're saw or what we've seen in Japan and obviously East Asia predominantly is they've grown up on this anime and this style of cartoon and it's progressed from there and the one underneath much like you'd probably expect again some of the listeners from a warhammer perspective the lore around warhammer,

[01:49:07] the lore around Gundam and Gunpla it is massive and sprawling. So essentially building a Gunpla model is just somebody's ability to reach into the a particular series a particular Gundam or a particular mobile suit as such and be able to own it and look at it much in the same way for example that

[01:49:30] somebody who is absolutely in love with the Spitfire because of the stories around it what it means to us as a country they will go out and they will build maybe 10 different ones and that's essentially the way it's grown in the south you know in Asia we've went playing catch up in Europe and the UK because we didn't get that from sort of 1980

[01:49:57] onwards of giant robots with the exceptional suit of transformers and a couple of other things that sat morning cartoon grow ups so easy and now to understand how it's getting bigger is we had we do have a generation where there is no more saturday morning cartoons there is no more war behind anything or for example we could talk about again i'm a child of the late 80s and 90s so i understand everybody

[01:50:24] understands e-man transformers we'll keep going back to that because it's easy to understand and people went out and bought these things this is no different except for it's a model and again much like people sort of reverse you know your traditional models and you want to build it and make it as best you can because you get to own it and look at it every day and that's i think that's the difference but it's quietly coming through like i said it is like a bull in a china shop at the moment and i can say

[01:50:54] hand on that but five years ago when i started gunply uk i never expected to see it in chain places you know and again i don't want to mention particular places because obviously i don't don't rattling off loads but there are now chain retailers out there that are stocking these items now that's good and bad because it's bad for me because obviously the more people selling it

[01:51:22] the less money i make because it's you know and but because it's throwing but it's also i have to look from somebody that's within the community that builds gunpowder loves lives breathes it takes it home with them but yeah it's growing it's getting bigger i think that yes you are right companies asagawa you know bandai not so probably you know time they're bringing out their own ranges because

[01:51:47] they've seen how well bandai have had it for 40 years and they're playing catch up so we are going to see it and it is going to grow because again it's all about the generation and the differences in generation i don't think at all that in 20 years time we're not going to see traditional models and traditional model builders i don't want to see it because it's something that i grew up with it's

[01:52:11] something that i understand so whether somebody comes into the obby as a whole and wants to dive and go build tanks planes trains automobiles or build giant robots it's somebody that's coming into the modeling atmosphere the modeling sphere of the world where we could all enjoy it and respect different aspects i'm not always going to be building what i'm building now from a traditional model sense

[01:52:39] but conversely i'm not going to stop as well building gunpla or snap builds yeah okay you raise an interesting point you're probably not aware but the show is actually picked up in 82 countries worldwide including the far east etc and the european model of the gunpla experience is nowhere near as advanced as is in the far east as you said but you're mentioning of the ability to be able to pick up some of these

[01:53:07] models in conventional supermarkets where you actually buy your grueses etc is the same way that airfix run revel are putting some of their starter sets so people when they're out shopping build something and from that point they start to get into the hobby they start to expand in the hobby and then they actually want to go further and further and that's where stores and the experience that you provide obviously come in because your supermarket is not going to become carrying any of the master

[01:53:37] grade or perfect grade kits that you can actually get on the shelf for a smaller audience as it were absolutely and i haven't seen it yet but i'm damn sure that there are negotiations with somebody like tesco's to stop at the very least the entry-level kits yeah again i'm not anti-business but i think that once i

[01:54:00] start seeing something like a master they're perfect sat in tesco's is the day i go i'm done i think one of the major major differences people are struggling to understand is why can you just pick it up and build it straight out of the box and the simple answer is it was never targeted adults initially it was targeted to

[01:54:22] 10 11 12 year olds in the japanese world they don't want to make a mess my bench in my office down at the store is an absolute mess it is you have never seen anything like it honestly people don't come in and go you build on that i go yeah well but you know i make a mess it is what it is but that's because i'm building obviously the non-gun platform classes traditional model at the moment i have loads of

[01:54:50] customers some of my best customers to come into the store never watched anything to do with gundam or gunpla they just like the fact that it's a giant robot and that's it i've built myself a giant robot or billion and i can only say that it's growing now is it growing at the pace that ouch the production no not yet it did at one point in the last 12 months there has been a shift where the availability of gunpla

[01:55:19] throughout the uk has massively increased versus what it was like covid and post covid okay but when i set up gunpla uk was just after covid i can only describe the sort of growth and the production rate as increasing and increasing even further okay what sort of expansion are we looking at are we looking at 10 20 percent do you think per year yeah i would definitely say from a

[01:55:48] business point of view year on year i can say that sales fluctuate between 17 and under the 50 percent increase okay oh yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah and a lot of people say back again i'm not going to mention numbers no no terms of people getting into the obby the orders you know that is the sort of increase we're seeing now it's starting to stabilize right now and that's an interesting thing as well but the

[01:56:17] stabilization from my business perspective and not these massive leaps is primarily down to availability excess of availability which means that i think they will continuously increase production i think we definitely see kits coming out of china not the bootlegs because you know bandai are very religious trust me

[01:56:41] but these third party kits that are very well designed and very stylized based around gunpla but not gunpla and this stuff is amazing it's coming out of it and i've seen some designs i've seen some third party not so much bootlegs but larger and more detailed interpretations of gundams and ms which

[01:57:04] have come up in shows and they are knocking it out of the park how long before we do get a steady and correct supply of these non-say no law or anything just it looks amazing things that come out of china they're going to start ramping up production obviously japan bandai just opened a new factory

[01:57:27] they're ramping up production based on it so yeah some of the increases in the uk are sort of getting to a real high point tipping point i would say where it's not mainstream it's still niche but because of the way it's being marketed now in the western hemisphere it's a tipping point where we will see it overtaking unfortunately traditional model that's where i see it going yeah and because and again this

[01:57:57] isn't me being sort of elitist about gundam and stat build but we have got a generation that maybe doesn't understand traditional models and the connection myself obviously everybody here is so attached to what we contract called traditional models they don't have that same attachment especially

[01:58:21] as we move on and obviously we talk about two world wars when obviously the jet age came about people are now not seeing that they're not looking back to that and appreciating what it was and therefore wanting the model they want slightly different they're seeing a lot different sort of media that's put in front of them doesn't involve that it's unfortunate but it's a reality that i'd say and again i will

[01:58:51] never stop building all different types of models and i hope that we do see these being available all different types of models available forward and even more increasing so steven my question like i say you've gone down rabbit hole already but obviously as someone who doesn't understand gumpla doesn't work in that space you've talked a bit about how gumpla it's his own universe with his own

[01:59:19] canon and characters and things like that so as someone from the outside looking in when i search these kind of items from japanese distributors mecca is the big word but just because it's a mecca doesn't mean that it's gumpla or gundam so could you just talk a little bit about the differences i know you've said that we're going to start seeing what the chinese spin-offs but how's

[01:59:43] the current alternatives that are broadly mecca how are they interacting with gundam and gumpla as it is now i think you'll answer two parts this the word gunpla is basically what brand i said that that's what they abbreviated to but i think because people do see giant mecca jack robots they assume it's all gunpla

[02:00:10] that without understanding the law and everything and gundam is essentially a sunrise bandai brand so that's the brand name it's much like everybody calls a vacuum cleaner an uber because you say i'm going to go hoover up i think regardless of what sort of brand of vacuum cleaner you are you call it an uber so i think that's where it can cause confusion i think the best way to describe it when we talk about

[02:00:39] gunpla quote unquote people understand that snap build and plamo is probably better catch all umbrella than gunpla so if you look at an umbrella at the top would be sampled stroke plamo and then it branches out because you've got different manufacturers for example good smile they have max factory brands

[02:01:01] have the moderoid range as well which are giant robots some of them are of their own designs some of them again are from ips that people will probably recognize for example a good father robocop snap build kits people will see it and go it's just it's a gunpla kit it's a robot because that's how the brain

[02:01:25] processes it in the easiest way to describe it the stuff that's coming out of for example china of the original designs are brilliant and their designers probably are now starting to catch up on the same level as bandai's designers this is why we are seeing these kits all being gray imported from china

[02:01:49] the only thing i have there steve is let's say a non-bandai manufacturer comes out with a mecha whatever it is can that now be incorporated into the gundam sort of canon no not at all no gundam is a brand as an ip is its own thing guys in china are producing what could be considered

[02:02:13] third party kits that have well look like gundams essentially don't exist in bandai's canon and sunrises canon for gunpla even though they are taking robots and i know it's not how to differentiate it's just unfortunate thing is because bandai were the first ones to do it they get i wouldn't say the rights but they get to brand it as yeah it's like gatekeeping isn't it i think the idea of gatekeeping

[02:02:42] that's what i think especially in sort of the snap build and gundam and giant mecha is very hard to do there is an element that want to go it's under my nothing yeah but they're not always the best designs by bandai and i think at the moment when you compare someone coming out from bandai versus someone coming out

[02:03:04] from some of the charities independence and their own designs some of them are markedly better because they are listening to what people want from a giant robot sense rather than bandai fixated on making sure that it's series faithful whatever that series is back in the year just going on to the point where

[02:03:30] you were talking about bandai own the rights for obviously their canon their ip so when it comes to the third party chinese kits i think the best way to understand it is that a lot of this stuff that the comic that's coming out of china is inspired by yeah inspired by the designs that are from the mainstream animes then obviously not carbon copies i was just showing the monument ex there which is

[02:03:59] clearly influenced heavily by a certain gundam from a certain anime influenced by it's not a copy it's a gray area let's say because they're not from a perspective of china they do produce bootlegs and they've been raided in the last couple of years a few got shut down obviously bandai got very

[02:04:23] litigious about not so much preferred pie stuff you know nudge nudge wing wig it's different of sort of can't have a go but the straight bootleg stuff it is terrible and you don't want to attach to it i've had people from china send me samples of stuff it's terrible it's not good so when it comes to bootlegs yeah i wouldn't touch them but when it comes to third pie personal level i can say that they're

[02:04:52] knocking out of the park from a business level i can't really stock it costs essentially the cost to me to stock these items is virtually if not a little bit more expensive than somebody buying one direct from china from on aliexpress let's say or other sites just can't compete with that with the prices that's just how it is so to understand it it's fine if somebody looks at something oh that's a

[02:05:18] gundam or that's gunpla that's fine you people will understand that nobody's going to correct you and go well that's not a gundam because if they are forgive me for saying this there are gundam because that is gear keepers you can't expect to have it all your own way especially given the

[02:05:39] sort of opinions about green imports and other things so yeah you don't need to be confused no one needs to come into sort of building snap build get confused because they look at everything go well that's gunpla i wouldn't be named gunpla uk for no reason you know somebody types in gunpla they're gonna come to my site and you know they're gonna go that's gunpla uk best market and everyone is free

[02:06:10] absolutely so yeah does aisle james yeah it does and definitely and a little bit playful there in terms of gatekeeping but you do add a bit of nuance don't you in terms of they're not too bothered about people having a different spin on it but they are bothered when people try and do a carbon copy so i wondered steven if you could just talk a bit about if we get back to gundam proper now obviously shane

[02:06:37] and yourself have introduced different grades i know we've got things like entry grade and your website at gunpla uk that's how you differentiate different categories as well so for someone getting into it what are the different grades in gundam so if you want to look at the sort of the main grade without weird offshoots and roundabouts your first one obviously a lot of people and you've heard us talk

[02:07:02] about entry grades but simplest kit you might see three or four sprues very simple instructions very easy to build even zero experience people could probably build them an hour now building within and we'll go through the grades now we'll talk about building an hour and things like then you've got what most people say was high grade so high grade if you consider if you think from non-understanding

[02:07:27] of gunpla point if somebody's coming in from traditional modeling high grades is probably where i'd start from a cost this is finished product because it's a balance with high grade it's not going to be superposable it's not going to be highly detailed but it's at a price point for the most part where

[02:07:53] you're spending no difference to say one four four scale apache helicopter because they're the same i would consider um the best one to use is obviously revels numbering one to five so whereas you consider an entry grade as one high grade will be two might take you an hour to two hours if you want to put loads work in it into it in terms of making it the best it could possibly be sanding nubs down cutting off the

[02:08:22] runners then you might take a couple of days to get it absolutely 100 right right you're not but then there's this weird thing and this is where it gets a little bit strange and a little bit confusing the next two grades real grade which is a one four four scale and master grade the best way to describe the real grade

[02:08:46] it's more of an advanced kit in fact i put a real grade at a four rather than a three and i can see that she's nodding his head at me and this is because two reasons the real grade which where band i say back to your next step up from the high grade it is more complicated you've got a similar scale but

[02:09:09] with a lot more parts a lot more smaller parts and a lot more challenging especially with like like some people like i've got big fat figures massive hands and pieces they're lost so just to recap the difference between a high grade and a real grade is detailing and posability you raise an interesting point there you've said posability are these actually articulated then so it's not just a static

[02:09:36] component you can position them how you want now you have to be careful with any of the grades when you visit because some of them are very very tight fitting joints arm joints knee joints foot joints and can easily break and snap if you're not careful so they are posable lots of things and people can search

[02:09:58] across the internet and some people do some amazing shoots you know pictures or some amazing plausibility especially in real days because of the size and the price point versus a lot of master grades it is great but i would say it's more technically harder for example a master grade okay and you've also talked about fit we mentioned earlier about the quality of the tooling in comparison to conventional models

[02:10:26] do you actually see fit issues in the conventional sense that we are used to with it requiring filler and things of that nature to actually get a tight finish or are we talking about almost a machined finish when you actually snap the components together i would say tolerance is on gunpla case because of the way the perception is is out in the box and build it you would find that the machining is a lot more

[02:10:55] exact fat only once in my entire time have i known bandai to get machining wrong okay so none of the tolerances are almost 100 now again when i compare it for example to the revel platinum edition nine series nine submarine 505 the tolerances on that and i hate to say well if you listen

[02:11:23] are shocking in some cases i don't know what it was produced but when i put a gunpla kit together it's almost perfect in fact if something's gone wrong it's not the kit's fault it's generally our fault for not reading and understanding this instructions i've done it trust me i did it a week ago when somebody said they were having an issue so yeah when you're looking at the machining there they're a

[02:11:52] lot more exact but also because of the way that you build them especially when you hit real grade and master grade and perfect grade they need to have very very little tolerances because they have to work they have to move they have positioned and almost because of a lot of the detailing and the posability

[02:12:14] of them not gonna have the same higher tolerances say from a traditional model kit because it's a market that's minimal work for maximum output for people so i hope that explains it brownie but yeah their tolerances are a lot different so that's real grade one four four scale and then the

[02:12:37] next one is master grade now master grade is strange little beast it's a larger scale and some people say well it's just a larger real grade it isn't it isn't because the trade-off with them going to the next price point in the next grade of master grade is they sort of might trade a little bit of posability

[02:13:01] with great detail and vice versa as well because i've seen some amazingly great poseable kicks but the detailing isn't that great but that's where you will come in say a bit more of a seasoned builder that kind of answer are you it's 1100 scale which makes my fat fingers easier more easily built in a real grade so that's why when somebody comes into it and wants to make a step up i always say no no go from

[02:13:29] high grade to master grade because real grades they're fiddly they're small parts one wrong move and so it breaks and trust me i've had it done to the gear multiple times by broken arms and shoulders off a kit and again my fault i've been a little bit over aggressive with moving some something you've just raised that i hadn't actually considered before but there's obviously different scales rather than it all being in my simple mind always thought that they were all to the exactly the same

[02:13:57] scale no okay that's interesting and just going back a second the reval german submarine that you're talking about the u505 that was originally toured in 2013 really re-released in 2024 with upgraded parts yes so we're talking about 13 year old technology for the tooling you had design work and it's been the

[02:14:21] increment of design tool and work on tooling has changed so much over the last few years i can see why it's got a different tolerance to what you're actually talking about now for the gandams i think the one major difference style you've mentioned that i would say is when bandai for example produce the dyes and the molding for a kit they will use that for years in fact they don't just use

[02:14:49] that particular mold for one kit they might get away with that and you do see it in early real grades not so much the modern real grade kits where they you literally they're using the same dies for being a free example they will use it over five five or six kits and even now a kit that was released last year was using the same die parts of a kit that was produced in 2011. it's good so the designers

[02:15:18] they don't think you never see anything bandai advertising new die used or improved they'll generally just put out as a brand new kit well still produce original kit as well and i don't know if any other manufacturers do that but we have seen it especially i mean when they do reruns because they will do reruns and you can pick up one that was manufactured in 2013 and one that was manufactured

[02:15:46] yesterday they are virtually identical then there's very little change it looks like airfix will still be using designs and potentially molds from years ago if not longer yeah if not longer yeah i'm gonna be using airfix as an example i'm sure that everybody but yeah so in terms of the dyes and everything i don't think they change them back but

[02:16:11] and if they do they'll generally tell us but again five years once done a 2.0 as such which is which came out a couple of years ago and just for those people that don't know the rg 2.0 there is a kit called the rx 70 dash 2 which is like the main thing in in the original anime that was produced and it doesn't matter what grade or anything it's generally the first one produced in producing that

[02:16:41] great people can look it up it's the one that you see the giant york hammer and then you've got what you would consider the big daddy the grade fives which is the perfect rate it's a 160 scale it's highly detailed it's highly poseable they take so much time to do this design whereas for example in

[02:17:08] comparison to a traditional model kit you will have loads of detail but unless it's a specific kit that is we value detail the cross section and i say that because i've got a couple of some things from revel where they've cut out a cross section underneath there's obviously a little when it comes to perfect rates and high grades really as well you can take off with the panels

[02:17:33] and these details massively underneath so they thought about it for all essentially the scent outwards every level is highly detailed loads of parts and absolutely amazing i build one perfect rate every couple of years because it blows my mind every time i build a perfect rate i take so long on it because i want it to be perfect it's that highest pride point you could get is a perfect

[02:18:00] rate without going into spurious kits now so that's perfect rate now there are some subsets there's there's figure eyes kits which people still say they're gunpla because obviously it's all again it's a big umbrella thing but they tend to be more human looking animals think digimon

[02:18:24] pokemon dragon ball z figures that's where they'll send so figure eyes kits there are ones called the full mechanics where you sacrifice it frame for long to details this is a one-one only as well and there is also mega size 148 which are just essentially big statues there for the size not for anything else it's just a big piece of real estate that you've got on display so they're not highly

[02:18:53] detailed been very very limited amounts made i think there's 10 or 12 whereas we compared to a high grade there are a couple of thousand different high grades that have been produced and then there's the weird sd kits so that's thick of them is very similar to entry grade but it's what's called super reformed so they're squished down small they don't actually have a grade off the top of it didn't sds

[02:19:18] they're called and then you've got the og first race the fgs these are literally the same things that was produced in 1980 literally they are statues and you might have seven or eight pieces to put together and i can freely admit that i have some in store of those they're built for nostalgia so no building

[02:19:41] for anything else so i hope i helped in terms of grading in so i think the other thing which because we are talking about grading and obviously everyone's here you would call yourself a seasoned builder where would you start if you were coming from a traditional model build personally i'd say go for mg kits

[02:20:07] really because you're gonna get an experience which challenges you a little bit you've got to get an experience where the length of time you concentrate on that kit would be comparable to when you're building and making and painting a traditional models if somebody was just starting out i mean and again depending on their age as well when i advise people in the store if it's a 20 year old that's coming in

[02:20:36] and saying i'm new to it i want to build one i would probably say high grade and because again no experience very limited sort of knowledge so but an entry grade may get again similar to yourself to the season builders but i find it's quite boring to build in a day they're back the next day because they want because

[02:21:01] the back gratification that length of build time for somebody is still a great experience might not like for me i love the building the end product for me is secondary it's the journey to build it and then obviously we talk about young people getting into seven eight nine ten year olds entry grades all the way sd kits all the way they're inexpensive you can predominantly have said snap the

[02:21:28] entry grades off out of the runner minimal i mean it's not going to be the greatest looking thing if you just snap out and done it's sounding but it's an experience to say well i built that enjoy building it i love the fact that i finished it what's next i want to do more and i want to make it better so yeah i don't know how much you want to explain to you i think the other thing to really consider especially when you're looking at getting into it and building don't spend loads of money

[02:21:55] there's no reason to don't run out and start spending 50 60 70 pounds on a set of nippers but because unfortunately your experience level with those particular nippers that are that cost you will break them very quickly and be sorely disappointed from my company's sort of point of view when somebody's just getting into it we do what's called a introduction kit so it just covers

[02:22:21] a random hg or random entry grade kit depending on age plus the basic tools to get you started we're putting together purely because we don't want people coming and spending three for 500 pounds on summer or a bunch of kits building one and going wish i'd never done this i'd rather p and from my point if it was a business i'd rather somebody come in spend as little as possible

[02:22:48] and then go i've enjoyed that i'll come back not i hate it put it to one side they don't want to talk to what i was going to say stephen is obviously again you're going down this route that i quite like so you're thinking from the business point of view and i run a very small model business myself and this idea of having an introduction kit where you've got not necessarily the man you're requiring

[02:23:13] the manufacturer to provide that for you but no let's say you've got some ideal starting tools and an ideal starting kit and it's a pretty low price point like you say but one of the things you mention is getting people coming back either the next day or a few days later looking for the next thing but you also say that we're still behind the curve compared to say japan yes in availability

[02:23:40] perhaps so what kind is there still that gap in terms of the choice that someone coming into the hobby in japan would have versus what they'd have coming to your well not necessarily to your store because i know you're obviously a bit of an expert but more broadly in the uk is there still that availability gap compared to say japan yes but then here's the short answer now next question yes japan

[02:24:08] it's many you know much like if you've ever built and dealt with games workshop for example we'll produce and supply the uk best i would imagine because it's weather based it's the oldest audience out there for conversely in japan guns been around since 1979 it's like the old grail to them

[02:24:36] and again because they're so entrenched in the law production for them they will get for example one of the things as a business that i hate is delays customers are unhappy and what for example happens especially on something that's like a highly wanted kit for example the most recent release the pg unleashed new gundam if i had a thousand of them they'd be gone i'd have sold them all but what

[02:25:03] could the i had a couple of them and they went and they were gone but japan got that johannuary i was surprised that we got in one case the competitor got on when they weren't meant to get out with them but they go on february time and then most everybody else late march early april but that's a good thing so that's what our suppliers weberids and i'll mention supply

[02:25:29] weberids cause bandai uk dates are quite fluid so we are always going to be behind the curve to japan people emailing about yesterday he was released in japan yesterday so when he was questioning me if it's being released in japan yesterday you don't have it because behind them it takes a long time even longer now because of people being perhaps in the middle east to get to us as a country and just

[02:25:58] sorry shay i was just going to say it's still relative so for example there are still kits of particular characters that i want to add to my stash because they're from my show so a master grade gundam epion is something that i really want to add to my stash so when they're available because of the the way the production runs work and accessibility is if you really really want something you have to

[02:26:24] go and get it it's a bit like when we talk about the qatari spitfire or the special edition edward releases if you really really want it these things are limited ones they're not going to be around forever so if you want one you need to get it there and then if it's available you need to get it because of the way that these peaks and troughs are and the irony is 150 odd runs on a sprue it still isn't enough

[02:26:49] it's still not enough and that's saying they'll never be enough but the one good thing about all the manufacturers in the far east they don't just do one run and put it away and never look at it again they are business oriented they want to milk it as much as they possibly can but they also understand the market because drummer if i could sort of grade to give you an example about sort of availability

[02:27:16] bandai will manufacture it they'll do 150 200 300 000 in terms of overall japan will get the bulk of them and the rest will go to sort of east asia then it's the us there is randomly a couple of places in saudi arabia in the middle east that actually dude there's a gunman base actually i think it's in riyadh off the top of my head there is a gunman base there so they'll get applied europe is last

[02:27:43] because until bandai uk got back into the wholesaling game of gunpla because that's an whole different story there was one well two is two european suppliers more and half because unfortunately one one supplier that's based over in germany they're silly but the main supplier from my point of view i think the guys i have the best relationship is coming in italy but we are last

[02:28:07] unfortunately whether we like it or not again conversely probably because airfix i'm assuming is still manufactured in the uk i'm not off the top of my head maybe not you're checking your head it's because i'm not i'm coming from a i'm blind but to give an example company space in the uk we're going to they're going to supply the uk first yeah so it's other side of the planet where last if you ever thought of buying direct at source from the factories out in japan i don't have that's all

[02:28:37] money clip okay because obviously i'm a massive fan of the japanese model manufacturers and they from what you're saying in terms of it's a limited run and then it's gone and you're gonna have to wait your turn until it comes back out maybe a year or two it works so similar in terms of the japanese manufacturers that they put say a thousand kits out of a rerun which has got a few updated parts

[02:29:03] like we were talking before about some of the little battleships that come out and you think i didn't get this the first time i better get it and you don't manage it because you just go on to the websites and it's back ordered or order stock and i think it's like you're saying steven that interest they take up that market so easily yes in japan do you think there's ever going to be a way around that is there

[02:29:27] going to be a european competitor that can you know supply the european market first in the way that say a revel can for the modeling community would there be a revel equivalent in the sort of gunplay universe now it's an interesting situation because for example revel strange and from what i understand it and again you guys have contact with somebody in revel so you can probably explain it more

[02:29:57] take for example star wars this is a perfect example revel sell both their own star wars kits and bandai's star wars kit surprisingly you know i think it's down to licensing licensing and the way that it works yes oh revel has worked with bandai to get into europe and get it on to us now i am aware now

[02:30:21] i've got your stocks it revel have their own click build range which is growing i've built a couple myself it's evolving are they gonna go the same way as bandai don't think the design philosophy potentially in these european manufacturers i don't think they've got forgive me european manufacturers

[02:30:48] and suppliers i don't think they've got the experience and the knowledge on how to produce for example a rival to a perfect kit yeah we have to accept it was a long time to design a kit with pads the modeling the initial design and you show them all in dry back to design because so

[02:31:14] what's wrong i don't think they would but do it to that scale bandai and good smile and corbett kia do it i just can't see it just it's a lot of way it's gonna be a lot of money brand new production like potentially i'm gonna learn how to put multiple colors into a dye and get it right because they've got the experience they've got how they've got the technology but know what pressures

[02:31:41] is they know how hot the plastic color plastics have to be obviously a pump team i just can't see it i've woven it yeah but i just can't see somebody spending that money now in the current pirate of the world on manufacturing a snap build kit it's 100 english we're about losing the technical

[02:32:08] and basically the quality that badai can produce yeah it's a different design philosophy build philosophy manufacturing philosophy it is totally different and also some of it might be down to the subjects when you're talking about a mainstream traditional model manufacturer they're having to do their research on museum pieces that may or may not be 100 correct and they we had various

[02:32:35] conversations with different manufacturers about that challenge yes i can imagine it would i can't see either like say the chemical makeup of it all and how it all works and yeah quite simply the infrastructure needed to do that whatever i say that but you don't know somebody about i mean like i say the kits that i've built revels designed they are very simple i'd say an eight year old could

[02:32:58] knock them up in half an hour and i'm very little sort of issues so just to expand on that then so obviously we've got we've got like the because i've gone for it with jacob but i'd be interested to hear your take on it as well when when you've got comfortable you've built up a little bit of a bit of confidence maybe do you what would you say like the key things for people to know you mentioned about the start you start a set what you need to get off the ground are there any tips or

[02:33:26] tricks that you would recommend to people straight away and go look this is something that you need to know yeah if you were just starting out i always tell people when they're starting out don't be disappointed if you get it wrong a lot of people come and show me pictures and phone me up and go i've done this i've cut somewhere and i've said the same thing don't worry about it mistakes happen

[02:33:48] and i don't know much about the modern ways that the building techniques in terms of traditional modelers use but for example your basic set of twin edge nippers they're all right to start with they're basic but very quickly you will notice they're not the greatest thing so you're probably

[02:34:11] going to go from the cheap nippers maybe to a decent mid-range 20 to 30 pound single edge set of nippers that's the most important thing of everything it's because it's your first and your second cut now i don't know again shane i don't know how you build well i've always built two cuts are always better than one absolutely yeah to be fair i think we we actually put a message out across different groups

[02:34:41] you know between us about what people would like to discuss and actually that's a really interesting point about two cut so for a better context to our listeners what that means is when you're doing you've got your sprue and you've got your part on there what you would do is you would nip off the sprue but you would maybe leave two three maybe four millimeters of the sprue on the piece and then you would go in again for the second cut where you are effectively trimming off your excess and it's

[02:35:09] as close as you dare to go yes because obviously one of the major differences is the idea that you do not have to paint a gunpla kit you don't have to do it so it's very quickly obvious to people that if you get too close or stress the plastic too much i've seen that as well and i've done it myself you will leave a mark it will stretch but and no end of trying to tidy it up we'll get rid of

[02:35:39] yeah and yeah absolutely and this is the thing from a traditional modeling point of view what was it you know blue is my worst i hate i hate blicky yeah blues are always the worst off of my head when i do it you can see it but my other way when i do it and i've been building gunpla kits for 20 years 20 years 20 years plus from all then yeah so i think they understand that and this is where

[02:36:04] the idea also of two different nippers coming because you will you with your first cut you want to do it with a cheap set of nippers you're not bothered about them but because you're 299 from local or store or god forbid you go to mr bezos's place to go order them online but it does happen this is his business after all and obviously but that second court my biggest advice is number one is

[02:36:30] making sure that you have a very good set of nippers but an affordable price at least initially as you start progressing in the hobby now the other thing is sanding to sand or not to sand it is a massive question now when you're building the traditional model you aren't that bothered because 99.9 percent

[02:36:55] at the time you're gonna paint it i don't think anybody by myself by myself 10 year old self building a year of fire time with a set of crap the albin eyes and some glow against everywhere you're gonna immensely you're gonna paint that so you're not massively worried whereas obviously when you're

[02:37:18] building gunpla you're not painting it so your sanding technique is paramount now two things that i have come to the conclusion with one is a glass file a lot of people look at me whether and go the glass file because they will come in week after week buying more and more sanding sticks of different

[02:37:40] grades a glass file can do the job most of them up to ten thousand now you don't need that for gunpla kits you've gone too far if you make it shiny is the word especially shane's on it i can see sorry i can see shane smiling you've gone too far and you've ended up with a shiny bit of blue one and that is not that's not any sort of ulterior there is a reason stephen that i paint my kits now

[02:38:09] that there is a reason i think our american listeners are going to need subtitles or translations for this yeah carry on carry on well i've used my strong contracts they're not using it yeah i will carry on so so for anybody getting into it yes a glass file now surprisingly we don't within deduction kits don't have a glass file with that because of the price point what feels but you do get

[02:38:36] some sort what you would classes it graded files you know you get a 400 you'll get a thousand two thousand four thousand these boxes on the buffing block and you know what and i've seen it happen touching my nails when i say it but this isn't expired last files as does everybody else that comes in this female because there is almost zero difference between a nail glass file and a modeling glass file you don't

[02:39:04] have to spend 50 60 quid on a glass file the 299 will from players accessories and i've said that because it will completely suffice and have no problems whatsoever with the exception if you go too far now if you go too far shane and it goes a little bit shiny the best thing to use is four or six thousand or even just the buffing block and i don't think i've got one here in my office but

[02:39:32] the buffing block's a good tip the buffing block because you can knock that shine back very quickly but you've just essentially done in 10 20 seconds what could have taken a couple of minutes when you're going down the grades and getting closer and closer so yeah glass file the third thing is don't ask my opinion when you've built it because you're never going to get it the reality is

[02:40:01] everybody builds at a different level everybody builds with different experience everybody's perception of when something is finished on and this goes for traditional models as well it's completely up to you it is not for me to judge you on how you build something it's not for anybody else if you're happy with what you're built or you're not happy you're going to make tweaks and

[02:40:27] come back to you've got a little bit more experience with the plastics how they actually work then that's fine also i like the journey and i said i would prefer the building finished product because i go i building it now and because of the way my mind works next do you know what perfect isn't necessary is it and there's no thing of perfection no exactly i think that's the common that is a common beginner

[02:40:55] mistake i i totally agree with you the encouragement is to just build and whether that is a traditional model as we're referring to it on on on the pod or if we're looking at a snap build kit yeah you know whatever it might be it doesn't matter just encouragement to build it's you it's you know it's we mentioned earlier nev's you know why you build to tell you a little story now recently i'm going to be part of a documentary that's coming out later this year about neural divergence

[02:41:25] and how hobbies whether it's traditional model building or it's snap build or other sort of things which sharpen the mind and concentrate about how it benefits you and the guy one of the guys john and he won't mind i'll just call him john because he is called john but he had an idea and i had to stop him where he said we're gonna have a group of us four or five we're all normal divergent what do you

[02:41:53] think about us together building a pg kit and i went no don't do it he and he asked why he said why wouldn't you do it asses because everybody builds differently when four or five people working on one kit somebody looks timmy looks john and john's done a brilliant job but because of his experience level and because he's obviously the neurodivergence can affect a multitude of things thank you this is why i

[02:42:21] talk so much it would be unfair for him to build it together your better option because opinions matter and people will get upset if they think i think it's wrong no i mean obviously people not understanding that some things have come with experience and some things just never come to you well person i'm a terrible painter to be honest with you but i'm

[02:42:44] left-handed i've got fat fingers i can't do detailing trust me i have a go i've tried it people say it looks good but that's that's how it is because people building different levels i think they need to understand that not going to be perfect out out of the traps as such nobody is someone might be but what the hell it's going to be one in a billion that's going to be able to just go understand it i'm going to build it and it's amazing yeah opinions don't matter it's only your own opinion

[02:43:12] as long as you're happy with building there's not a problem and don't rush it's not a race enjoy the process enjoy the journey there's nothing wrong with it everybody builds them down different way people look at me and how i build and think i'm mental but you know they think i'm on a different planet because i start building weapons and stuff like that they go why are you doing that i said because usually by the time i've finished building the main kit got me ass with weapons it ends up with a bean saber yeah so all myself bean sabers are a thing just think like

[02:43:42] say it was but that's just my process of building it how i do it yeah and that's fair enough and again that's your is your catalyst for enjoying that process and getting the most out of it yeah it is i wish i could build more just me i wish as a business owner i could build more especially as said it's a shame before that i might not be number one but i've got to be in the top five retailers for snap build not as gunplay but snap building the country and i wish i had more

[02:44:07] time to build it i wish there's a small business family-run business i'm working all the time that's the reality though isn't it so just on that then so with the kits sitting on the shelves whatever but if you were to say to someone try this try snap build is there one kit that stands out and you go oh try that give that one a go oh don't do it to me don't do it people ask me what my favorite gundam is and i just go no don't do it to me no that's different that's different favorite gundam's different

[02:44:37] that's different and this is where i want to get really really controversial from an experience build upon you perfect well one of the most perfect kitchen build if you're an experienced model builder and this is very you're going to look at me going on a minute he's just said something else completely different five minutes the rg's asabi no yeah or the rg's the reason being and yes the rg

[02:45:06] kits the one four four still but they have a perfect balance of size over building what was the best way to describe it just because he's one four four i think is the best way it doesn't mean it's small these kits are big kits in fact in some cases they are bigger than mg kits yeah but the challenge to build them this is the payoff absolutely amazing i've not personally built the zazbee i've seen the

[02:45:33] finished product but i know people will love to build it it's a big red robot it's not a gundam which is surprising that it's not a gundam technically both of them are not gundams but they are really nice kits to build really enjoyable the zion i have relax all i get is 10 out of 10 for the zazen i've personally built the zion the reason why i'd say one of either of them and not just one of them

[02:45:59] is the zion is great because you're not dealing with legs yeah yeah yeah and people that don't know what the zion looks like think of it as a floating torso where the end pops off his fingers have got his hands can pop off and wires and stuff like that what lucky old guys lucky if you've never seen it look at the zion view of it very rarely in stock though they go very quick then yeah very quick

[02:46:28] if somebody was just getting into it now it's got to be i'm flailing between two unfortunately i'm gonna say the kasi gundam okay it looks like a giant video if anybody looks at the kasi gundam it's the rh106 or 104 xi c some people say the seagull they might say because it's a

[02:46:50] x and i but that is really an example of a modern xg yeah and it's really that again it's a cool looking thing the look for a fall scale it's just cool it's like the penelope as well it's just a cool kit but it's very modern i would never give somebody converse out what's a kit that you would never give

[02:47:12] to somebody to build for this kit i'd say 100 the rg sin andrew it is horrendous never touched that as a first kit never touched that kit ever everybody goes i'm gonna have a go everybody goes broke the shoulder and it's the same facts it's the same with the unicorn kits like in rg the band ship and the unicorn himself all three of them seem to share the same in the frame share the same issues as everybody

[02:47:42] brings and i do generally have but i've had it you know i can definitely need but fingers and toes to count the number of times someone has gone i've messed up the shoulder on this can you help me but yeah the dog just felt such simple as a first time don't touch kit never go anywhere near it i would say

[02:48:02] it's gonna be hgm the reason why it's the hgm is the most complained about kit that i get phone calls when somebody buys it ever and this is a weird thing so if you look at all the hgm and just type in green white the kicks white parts and not white it's like a weird washed out minty green and everybody opens it

[02:48:31] goes why is it not white and then they phone up and complain it's not white and then you have to go through the entire explanation why that kit is not white it's bizarre but yeah it's just one of those things that because of the way that they've photographed it when it first came out i think it's 2000 maybe it's a very early hg kit number 20 in the lineup so that's where it comes early

[02:48:59] it is yeah it's a proper early one sound like it now yeah it's a rock early one and it's just not great but if any kit needed an rg or an upgrade it's that yeah well because of the price point between 10 and 11 pounds it's not kit but you're not going to be over bothered about i think people a lot of people building because they want to complete the entire set yeah i think that's probably a motivator isn't

[02:49:26] it that's a major motivator and we're in a similar boat with jacob he's literally just waiting for a hg or a an rg tall geese and then that's it he's got the whole lot then all these i don't think so there is and again forgive me this is the weirdness there are hg tall geese out there yeah but the more i think the latest ones are the rgs they are very little yeah the latest one is the rg number 28 and

[02:49:53] this is really sad that i know it'd be that g numbers but yeah number 28 is the tall geese again really nice little kit but it is an early one it's number 28 so you still gotta be careful with it yeah little grenades fact i've done the mg special coating version yeah it doesn't yeah yeah very nice to look at but i don't want to touch you but mine is static yeah you can look at a bill fall off

[02:50:21] but that's what happened yeah yeah because the tolerances are so tight when they manufacture some of them are just hand grenades yeah move it oh it had to come off the fins come off now you're good the only thing i'm thinking of is obviously oh the majority vast majority of our listeners are traditional modelers are there any tips from the world of gundam and gunpla that you

[02:50:49] think your traditional modelers would benefit from for example i know you're obviously a submarine builder as well i'm a massive shipbuilder is there anything that we would benefit from gundam that would make our modeling better i don't think there potentially is okay reason being you have

[02:51:11] 100 years worth of experience on a gunpla build a lot of techniques whether it be painting clean up panel lining it's all come from the traditional modeling world which is brilliant because it's it translates so well if you look to the differences between traditional model builders and a modern

[02:51:37] capture in their quotes gunpla builders the actual process of potentially cutting out of the run and making sure the nose is right and essentially any clean up is virtually the same the only difference to try and explain it to somebody who wants or is debating whether to make the leap and pop back cherry of trying the first gunpla kit is don't disappoint it that you don't that you might not be painting it

[02:52:07] i think there's a lot there's a lot of experience in the traditional modeling sense where they look at the robots so we've seen them in some ms shows and stuff like that we have seen it and it's it's a growing subsection don't be scared of it either don't be don't be scared just because it's different as a giant robot you might find that giant robots lead on to maybe watching some of understanding

[02:52:33] it's it is a different sort of angle of entry into modeling it's probably and again this is not for new builders the baby's disorders you will understand once you've built say a master guide but out of the box building can be just as fun as spending maybe up to a year perfecting for example a lancaster bomber it's setting a city of where it's bombing target there's very little difference

[02:53:01] you're just picking a bit of a sci-fi pick it as a sci-fi genre there are model kits out there that people may understand obviously there's star trek model kits the star wars model kits so there is something that somebody coming into it will understand but i don't think we could teach anything to a traditional model builder they don't already know maybe glass files i don't understand them maybe that glass files can make the life a little bit easier maybe speed up but i don't

[02:53:30] think they could sort of say shane i think that obviously both you and i had a gunplag and he's obviously being the owner of a company and you've got understanding the building you know yeah i think it's interesting because when i look at it obviously i can only talk from my point of view and i came back into the hobby through building airplanes predominantly i then discovered gunpla probably five

[02:53:58] six years ago actually would i say i'm a better gunpla modeler builder because of the knowledge that i've built up prior yes in some cases yes from a painting point of view i would say that i have a lot of transferable skills from painting aviation onto my gunpla kits i'm quite comfortable with my airbrush i'm really comfortable with how to modulate or layer or pre-shade post-shade my kits and that's

[02:54:28] what i choose to do but from the interesting thing here is flipping it on its head the traditional snap kit builder would look at it and go well yeah but you painted it so that isn't necessarily traditional snap kit building but i would say that just building stuff out of the box from a snap build point of view being a lot more disciplined with my cutting and my sanding has definitely taught me

[02:54:54] the importance of spending that extra little bit of time to finesse i can honestly say it's both sides so from a traditional model point of view coming into gunpla from a painting side of things absolutely it's helped me from a gunpla point of view in traditional modeling the cutting the finessing absolutely has made me a better modeler full stop and that's the best way i can give you both sides of the coin so to speak

[02:55:23] yeah no i completely agree like i said from the very beginning it is growing and it is growing at pace and again it goes back to what i was saying earlier about about however certain age where i grew up with giant robots and going into anime at such an early age so i understand it from that point of view the modern

[02:55:48] teenager that is watching anime that's lost the law much much like warhammer they want that they want a favorite they want their favorite giant robot yeah favorite character whether that be a giant robot from macross or a giant robot from gundan they want to hold it they don't want to play with it i do know people that play with them it's quite strange to be honest because they're breaking board and they're

[02:56:15] actually playing but yeah it's i would say that anybody decides to even give it a try from traditional model building to gunpla you may find you like it but yeah it's completely different type of modeling and if you are neurodivergent or if you are sensory it definitely helps accessing helps

[02:56:39] i know it feels i've seen the good it's done for people but i don't think it's as different and unusual and scary what traditional model builders think is agreed try it you might not like it you might go this is tosh this i'd rather spend my time doing building x y's kit rather than paying it and it's built but just building it doesn't stop there and one good thing that we haven't really

[02:57:05] talked about is kit bashing you talk about kit bashing when you're talking about painting gunpla as well and people that all the modding that people do we thought we we touched briefly about obviously the competition but that has to be part two steve i think you might have to be bad it's been a great introduction though for people like me who don't know we've really dipped our toe in and like you're

[02:57:31] staying there steven he pees in all these little avenues that people can go down with it if they haven't thought of it before and thought of the techniques that you can hone i know you're both there or there's nothing nothing about gunpla that you need to know actually getting the basics right getting your nipping and taking things off the sprue and sanding we just ignore that so much the time we think oh it's about the gluing and it's about the painting maybe about sanding filling whatever

[02:58:01] but just getting the very first steps the first two steps in the build right you know i think a lot of people could take that away with them just to touch it very lightly getting that getting the kit built can be either the end or just the end of the beginning and i know because you don't have to stop there and i'm sure that if we do a part two we can talk about modding and i'll give some pictures

[02:58:30] from the guys and obviously we could all have a look at it's just never ending and i think that sometimes and forgive me traditional builders in some cases it's a race to that finality because you might be putting yourself under pressure to go to a show you want to and try to get the next one whereas quite easily the gunpla kit can build and i do know this because i

[02:58:56] have seen it happen somebody built a kit the night before an ipms show they came second to win a prize and they did nothing but build it i don't like to see that because i think it's a little bit naughty personally but that's how little effort you can play conversely when you know

[02:59:19] people out there go look at the is it g gmb gwb gwb or some of our competition band i know the worldwide one oh the worldwide one yeah look at some of those i've created oh they are just as good if not better quite a lot of traditional model scenery stuff oh some of the diorama stuff is incredible

[02:59:47] it's absolutely amazing i think yeah i think it's a good note to end because i'm starting to look forward to part two now this is the thing it's all about educating and sharing knowledge across the whole model hobby spectrum because we've got builders all got the sorry got listeners that they can't build or feel like that they might have questions that that they don't know who to ask and we're giving them answers that to questions that they didn't maybe didn't even know they had

[03:00:14] thank you so much thank you very much stories thank you again guys coming up next in episode 30 we are joined by sam dwyier scott taylor from the scale modelers supply and john marley from peace by peace

[03:00:41] well benjamins somehow unbelievably that's episode 29 and our first anniversary edition of beyond the box art wrapped up a huge thank you firstly to luke slaney hewitt from ravel who was literally packing his case to go on holiday when he stopped to join us and give us a fascinating insight into project harrier what's coming down the line for 2027 i for one cannot wait and i know samo from the model geeks is itching to get his hands on one as well our thanks as well to incoming ipms uk president

[03:01:09] rich millerton and outgoing president paul reagan for taking the time to join us during what was a really important time for the society at the end of a very busy agm at coventry airport which for me was a bittersweet experience as i popped into the air traffic unit that i used to manage next door to the museum just before the meeting to chat to my old staff members as the airport is closing permanently in june to become an industrial state what a waste and of course a massive thank you to stephen

[03:01:34] woodhead from gumpla uk for what was a brilliant conversation now if you notice that about halfway through stephen's interview i suddenly disappeared off the face of the earth there was a very good reason for that mid recording my husband appeared at the studio door saying he was really not feeling that well and needed an ambulance thankfully after rather unexpected diversion to a and e everything turned out absolutely fine but it did make for a fairly surreal moment when i was messaging shane and

[03:02:01] saying keep talking i'll sort this later so if the second half of the interview suddenly feels like organized chaos now you know why unfortunately we also had internet gremlins affecting steven's audio quality in places as well but we'll absolutely get that sorted before part two in a few months time because there's a load more to talk about but genuinely from the bottom of my heart thank you thank you

[03:02:25] to everybody who's appeared on the show everybody supported it every sponsor every guest every co-host and every single one of you benchmates listening around the world i still honestly cannot quite believe that this started a year ago and now this little audio only modeling podcast is being downloaded in 82 countries worldwide it's been emotional exhausting hilarious chaotic at times and above all incredibly

[03:02:51] rewarding so here's the next 12 months of modeling modelers and meaning thanks for listening benchmates and we'll see you in a couple of weeks bye-bye for now