I have been making plastic kits since I was about 13 when I was a member of Abingdon squadron Air Training Corps. Models were displayed in the canteen on squadron meetings for all to discuss. I am one of the founder members of Abingdon IPMS, joining the club very shortly after it was formed in 1978 by the late Tony Clements.

In those days I was interested in aircraft, especially RAF and Fleet Air Arm post war types. Over the years however, I have diversified and had a go at making most things from figures to ships, dioramas and sci-fi models. These days, my main interests are military vehicles, and I specialise in converting military vehicles into recovery and breakdown trucks. I still do make the odd aircraft, like the Micromir 1/144^th scale Beverley and Argosy, examples of which I flew in whilst in the ATC.

I do like to make my vehicles in a used and dirty condition rather than “just out of the showroom”. I have studied and practised many types of weathering techniques and am a big advocate of dry brushing (which seems to be falling out of favour in some circles). I regularly use weathering powders and washes, and also use oil paints and lead pencils to achieve the effect that I am after.

Even though I have been retired for a few years now, the majority of my model making is during the winter, that is not to say I do not have a dabble during the summer months, but there are other things to occupy my time then, such as my classic motorcycle, dog walking and going on holidays! I also from time to time do a little bit of water colour painting. I have always had an interest in aircraft, but I also like old trucks, cars, buses and bikes, and these are the main subjects of my paintings.

I have always been a Honda enthusiast, having owned some in the 1960;s and currently own a CB77 from 1965 and its subject to an ongoing restoration. In the past I have refurbished a CB550F, a CB500F, and I once bought a CB1100R completely in pieces, which took me about 6 months to put all back together. I have also refurbished a couple of 50cc scooters and sold them on. My wife and I have had dogs for many years and currently have a Cocker Spaniel and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, so dog walking is every day for us, rain or shine. We also enjoy our holidays, and have been many places over the years including Australia (twice). Just after I retired we drove from Boston to San Francisco over 14 days. We do like going on road trips, and have driven many places in the continent over the years.

Here are a few photos of my models, and I thank you for looking at the Abingdon IPMS web page, I hoped you enjoyed it and maybe if you live locally, you will come along to one of our club nights sometime.