The RNA Model Makers SIG was well supported and represented at the June Conference & F40 Reunion in Portsmouth. We had our own display marquee adjacent to Pusser’s Rum tent (perfect!), and were joined this year by Mike Tarrant of MT Miniatures who put on a display of 1/700 scale RN model kits that visitors to the Model Makers marquee were able to purchase. Personally, I couldn’t resist the temptation and spent far more than the ‘long haired Admiral’ would have been happy about!
Special thanks goes out to shipmate Ken O’Brien (Southend Branch) who supplemented this year’s model display with his own special brand of scratch-built models and demonstrated his prowess as a fine artist, showing off some of his unique RN & Falklands Task Group based oil paintings. Bill Vernon (Rayleigh Branch) also gets an honourable mention for lending a hand and being a great support for the duration of the weekend.
This year’s display was heavily focused on F40 and the Falklands Conflict, with fine scale models from Ken O’Brien, Ralph Dodds, Gary Daisley and a few others. F40 specific models included HMS Illustrious (with HMS Eskimo), SS Canberra, HMS Invincible, Sea Harrier/Skyhawk, bronzed miniature FAA, RM & SBS busts, bronzed RM Commando, Westland Wasp and a Chinook heavy-lift helicopter. There were many other models on display to keep our visitors happy too! At one point, we even had an armed visit from the other boys in blue..!
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Model Makers at HMS Nelson over the duration of the weekend. Sorry if I didn’t get to speak to everyone in person (we were rather busy most of the time).
Are you interested in joining the RNA's Special Interest Group for Model Makers & Model Making? Search for ‘RNA(SIG) - Model Making’ on Facebook or contact Gary Daisley at [email protected]
