I can’t believe it has been four weeks since Christmas, the time has sped by during this wet, grey and often windy season. We are all settled including the moggies who are hogging any warm and comfy spot, usually near a radiator. I have just tidied away the modelling tools as I build various kits whilst avoiding the next step of painting the large model Stuka. Setting up and airbrushing whilst the moggies, especially the two Freds is problematic as they want to get involved. When we do eventually have a dryish and sunny day they’ll all want to go out and I can finally crack on. Progress on two other builds so far…

A 1/35 scale Kubelwagen by Meng which I knocked up in no time despite an initial error on my part reminding me to read the instructions properly. It is nearly complete, requiring a soft brush to tone down the dusty appearance and I intend to add this to a small diorama set in the Soviet Union in 1941.

This kit is a Saab 37 Viggen aircraft which I got as part of a set with a Tiger Moth, both in Swedish airforce livery. This kit is from the 1971 molds and it shows. I have filled using plasticard, Mr Surfacer and sprue goo the many gaps in this poorly fitting kit. I signed up to the Airfix Club and received these two kits which I wouldn’t normally model but part of membership is a good discount on buying kits. I had previously modelled a Tiger Moth in the red and yellow livery so I will look for another colour scheme for the Tiger Moth. I have bought a couple of kits for group builds this year including a post WW2 French civilian truck and the original US Phantom jet from the late forties. I enjoy the group builds with modellers scattered throughout the world, a hobby that brings people together to counterbalance the political madness going on.

In other news my car wouldn’t start and after some discussion we realised it was the battery which was last changed twelve years ago! No wonder it wouldn’t start, it had lasted several years longer than expected. The constant driving and mileage when I was working ensured it kept going but I do very little driving now. No.1 son sorted that out for me and I plan to travel to a couple of favourite spots to view the Snowdrops when they come out. The little harbingers of spring are always a delight and turn my thoughts to the garden which requires some planning. Easy to manage plants as well as my usual attempts to grow tomatoes, chillies and cucumbers. I will grow some spuds again as I have a couple of large potato sacks and Sue has asked for more wildflowers to attract bees and butterflies. There is the possibility of a large cold spell at the end of the month but whether that means snow or yet more rain and cold winds we shall see. It is nice to think of spring and know it is on its way.

TTFN.

 After all the shenanigans of the holiday period it is the quiet aftermath. No.1 son back from Sweden and to good news as he starts his HGV training with the company he works for. He is also applying for an Irish passport so we spent a couple of hours going through family history. As my British passport has run out I might apply for an Irish one as he reminded me I have both Irish and British citizenship. I’ll wait until next year to do any travels as hopefully once I have my state pension added to my NHS pension I can afford to travel. That does depend on the current government not changing the goalposts again.

The Stuka build is ongoing and at a slow pace as cementing parts, filling and sanding takes time to get it correct in such a large scale.

The wings and tail are glued to the fuselage and it has been left to set fully before I do any other work on it. The engine and crew are dry fitted as I plan to airbrush the main body and assorted parts before any further assembly. I had the CD player on after digging out my old CD’s and rediscovering music I haven’t listed to for a few years. Fairport Convention, Fleetwood Mac and Led Zeppelin sounding good in the background. I had considered rejoining Spotify but decided to save my money and I can always find secondhand CD’s in the charity shops. Mind you, the charity shops seem to be shutting down as well which is not a good sign.

TTFN.

 Happy New Year and best wishes for 2026!

Despite the noisy fireworks the cats coped generally well with it all although the tremendously loud bangs at midnight woke them all up. I sat up with them and watched a couple of podcasts and I generally avoided the celebrations. I have been to many over the years and I prefer a quiet night in, getting old I guess! The laser pen kept the youngsters happy and eventually tired but, over the past week the cat who loves to chase it is Maisie. She has discovered a new lease of life as an older cat indoors. She no longer likes the cold and damp winters and after ten minutes of chasing the red dot she is tired but very happy.

The 1/24 scale Stuka is slowly coming together and it is a big beast when compared to the 1/72 Tiger Moth. Parts are dry fitted as I intend to airbrush the interior before cementing it together although washes will be required to highlight parts and brush painting colours in for the pipes, etc…No modelling today as once again we attempted to fix the washing machine outlet pipe. New parts needed and we’ll buy those tomorrow. It’s not a major job but needs attending to. Otherwise I shall be watching the darts on TV and Sue is preparing a roast beef dinner for later. One thing always guaranteed following Christmas is reduced prices on the food and she immediately snapped this up when she saw it for sale.

Hopefully a quiet, peaceful and happy start to 2026 for us all.

TTFN.