Geoff Coughlin

What first attracted you to Scale Modelling?
Without doubt my Gran. She bought me a 1:72 scale Revell Albatros DV bi-plane in red plastic. I was hooked!

How long have you been scale modelling for?
Since I was 7 – with a 10 year break in-between to do the usual ‘other’ things.

Specialist area of modelling?
As I’ve said a few times now in SMN, I’m no armour modeller, but I am fascinated by the great creations the armour guys seem to produce and we’ve got our fair share here in SMN, not to mention the stunning maritime creations in Finished Now. At heart though, I am a diehard aircraft modeller. I just have always been smitten by the real things and always wanted to try and create small replicas for as long as I can remember.

Preferred scale?
1:32.

What is your favourite real subject of all time (Aircraft, Armour or Maritime)?
English Electric Lightning F.Mk.6.

The best thing you’ve ever built?
This is a hard one, but probably the Hasegawa Fw190A-8 (pictured below) in 1:32 I built for the Osprey Modelling Series of books (Fw 190A-F). It just all came together. That was a few years ago now and in recent times I would definitely say the Zoukei-Mura F-4EJ Kai in the special blue retirement markings.

How long have you been a reviewer for?
Probably more than 40 years, for Tamiya Model Mag, Scale Models then of course since starting SMN back in November 2009.

How did www.scalemodellingnow.com (SMN) start??
I just had to try to put into practice my vision for a great scale model magazine. Paper mags simply don’t have the capacity or content that I wanted to see in a mag like: lots of techniques, much more in-depth builds; reviewers and contributors explaining not only what they are doing, but how – sharing that knowledge with others.

Yes, there are forums, but not a fully professional subscription magazine that’s online only and so I had to create one!

What’s your favourite thing (s) about SMN?
For me, it’s the Techniques Bank and Finished Now areas of SMN because this is where there is a huge wealth of ‘how-to’ knowledge for everyone who takes time to explore these areas. The increasing number of HD videos and even including these in some of the builds is a great way to help others pick up the ‘how-to’ stuff.

Sum yourself up in no-more than five words.
Enthusiastic, driven, honest, objective, friendly.

Biggest hobby outside of scale modelling?
Photography – aircraft and armour subjects mainly, plus some creative stuff.

Favourite food/meal?
Roast lamb – has to be – one of Sara’s specials