Those of you who follow my blog – all 3 of you! – will know that I start each new year with a build list selected at random by some of my modelling friends.

This year, it looked like this

And I have to say, unlike other years, this time I almost got through the entire pile. The exceptions being the Academy Hornet and the Tamiya Tomcat. The Hercules has been started, but at this stage remains parked with just the fuselage done..

The year started out with the ICM Gladiator MkII, a very enjoyable build , which was also published in Model Airplane International issue 332.

In fact, it was so enjoyable the other Gladiator in my stash got built as well, this time as a MkI, because, who doesn’t love a Gladiator in 1930s markings?

Next, the model I was dreading, the Walrus. This really did end up becoming a slog and I was glad to get it off the bench

After this, respite was sought in the form of the Arma Models 1/48 Hurricane MkIIC Simply the best Hurricane available in 48 scale. I was also pleasantly surprised when it won a Sjlver at ScaleACT

Here’s hoping they bring out a MkI

This was followed by my best build of the year, the WNW Rumpler, Again, a very enjoyable build, so its no surprise my 2025 build list includes a WNW kit

Now, here’s where I went off piste, as instead of grabbing another model off the pile, a tamiya Mosquito was instead pulled from the stag so as to use a rather fetching scheme that had caught my eye in my decal collection. Although now ageing, tamiyas Mossie is still the No 1 in 48 scale, beating the Rervell kit which is let down by a few inaccuracies..

November was a time for catching up with a few modelling mates I hadn’t seen in quite some time at ScaleACT. One of Australia’s premier modelling shows held in Canberra. Upon my return home, the urge to complete a quick build was strong, so out came the Eduard 1/48 Mustang. This really was a fun build , and there definetely will be a couple more Eduard Mustang builds in my future

The final build for the year was the RedRoo Models 1/48 Dragonfly. Not the easiest kit, but I quite like the finished model, although I don’t think its anywhere near my best work

What didn’t get finished

The Hercules, simply because Id had my share of drawn out builds for the year. The fuselage is together, AND I will complete it. Working out how to scratch build some chin mounted flare fairings is also holding me up

The Tomcat and Hornet also were not started , thanks to the distraction of completing a couple of kits that weren’t on the pile. Do I feel guilty about this? Not in the slightest. The Tomcat will get added to next year’s pile , and Ive decided to move the Hornet on as along with a few of my other larger 1/32 scale jets.

Final Thoughts

Eight kits is not bad, especially given 4 of them were 32 scale kits, but I really was hoping to crack double digits. getting an article published was one of my aims this year, and I was chuffed to have ticked that one off. Thanks Brett Green

Whilst I feel I have made some improvement, my biggest downfall remains getting really nice sharp base coats down, without the need to go back and rectify seams and file marks I missed even after inspecting the model following the primer coat. More attention needed here, and my weathering looks shit! My oils just look stippled on rather than properly blended. And Im still really not happy with my photography. (shut up Calum!) despite changing my lighting setup this year. I still feel like Im not turning out consistently high quality models, but inn some ways this is a compromise Im happy to make if it means I get more models finished, rather than just spending a lot of time on each model and getting 3 done for the year.

Thank You All who take the time to read my ramblings on this blog. It really is appreciated.

May you and your families all have a Happy and Safe Festive Season

Next years build list will be announced early in the New Year. One that definitely will be on it is the Airfix 1/48 EE Lightning. This is the subject of next years build off between myself and The Hamfisted Modeller

Seeing as I won this year’s Hurricane Build Off, I get to pick next years!

Bruce