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Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day

We started this project towards the end of 2018. And yes, it has taken us over a year to finish!

“Well, what took you so long?” we hear an intrigued reader asks. We’re not sure either, but you see Rome wasn’t built in a day.

“Of course not! But you’re not building Rome, are you?” You must be the smartest person we’ve spoken with today because, yes, we have been building Rome!

Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits
This saga began when we decided to build this Pax Romana kit. It consisted of a Roman villa, and Roman and Celtic figures.
Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits
The Roman villa is made from laser cut MDF and card.
Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits
The laser cut parts fitted together superbly and was assembled it in no time.
Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits
It is one thing to know that there are 109 figures in the kit, and another to see what 109 figures look like in flesh. We were very tempted to put the figures back in the box and pretend we never opened it.
Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits
After getting over the shock of seeing the number of figures there are to paint, we got to work. We glued the weapons and shields to the figures and arranged them onto cardboard ready for priming.
Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits
Once primed and painted, the figures were varnished with a layer of dark wash. Here is a before-and-after picture. The figure on the left is without the dark varnish, and the figure on the right shows what it looks like after varnishing. The same colours were used for the two figures except for their hair and swords.
Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits
Here is another before-and-after picture. The same colours were used for both figures except for their hair.
Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits
Another before-and-after picture. Same colours were used on both figures except for the shields.
Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits
On completing the figures, we went on to design the layout of our battle scene. Once we marked out the location for roads, garden, and a river, we built the individual elements.
Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits
Here is the river. We first painted some textures onto the base before adding simulated water.
Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits
Next, we made some sheep. We have seen a few “you must be crazy” faces when we told customers that these are supposed to be sheep.
Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits
Here are the finished version. We still get a few “you must be crazy” faces when we say these are sheep.
Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits
Finally, all 109 figures were added to the battle scene.
Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits
Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits
Roman diorama Rome villa Italeri Model Shop Broughty Ferry Space Craft Dundee Scotland Scale Kits

Construction of EM-4 Universal Spacecraft

In the search for a quick and simple project, we set our sights on EM-4 Miniatures’ Universal Spacecraft.

  1. This kit comes with 12 spaceships, each with its own unique design.

2) For our project, we split the spaceships into six groups. Each group was painted with its own colour scheme.

3) Once painted, the models were vanished with a layer of dark wash to enhance the details of the ships.

Construction of 1/72 Spitfire MkIa

Spitfire MkIa Airfix Starter Set Dundee Model Shop Scotland Fife Broughty Ferry Hobby

Taking a welcome break from painting millions of minute Roman figures, we are building a Spitfire!

Spitfire MkIa Airfix Starter Set Dundee Model Shop Scotland Fife Broughty Ferry Hobby
1) First things first – the sprues are given a quick rinse and primed in white.
Spitfire MkIa Airfix Starter Set Dundee Model Shop Scotland Fife Broughty Ferry Hobby
2) Inside the cockpit – the pilot sitting smartly ready for take-off.
Spitfire MkIa Airfix Starter Set Dundee Model Shop Scotland Fife Broughty Ferry Hobby
3) The plane is assembled.
Spitfire MkIa Airfix Starter Set Dundee Model Shop Scotland Fife Broughty Ferry Hobby
4) A dark green base coat is painted.
Spitfire MkIa Airfix Starter Set Dundee Model Shop Scotland Fife Broughty Ferry Hobby
5) A layer of dark earth-brown is added to create the iconic camouflage.
Spitfire MkIa Airfix Starter Set Dundee Model Shop Scotland Fife Broughty Ferry Hobby
6) Finally, markings are added to the plane.
Spitfire MkIa Airfix Starter Set Dundee Model Shop Scotland Fife Broughty Ferry Hobby
Our Spitfire is complete!