Jay's Model Art
New Additions & Projects
On the bench
On the bench
I am proud to announce that my first book, Old School Modelling, is in the shops now, and is available too from the Key Publishing website. Released in bookazine format, Old School Modelling details how to get the best from traditional materials such as enamel paints, without the hassle of battlinig with quick-drying acrylics. It is an introduction to the techniques I use, many of them unique to my modelling 'style', and created by me during my fifty years of modelling to achieve realistic finishes on small-scale replicas. It also details my simple airbrushing methodology, with step-by-step guidance on achieving spray patterns by utilizing distance, stripping, cleaning, and a troubleshooting guide. Finally, if you've ever struggled to achieve a super-smooth matt, satin, or gloss finish when using Humbrol enamel varnishes, in Old School Modelling you'll learn why and how to achieve your desired finish using those often disparaged but highly versatile enamel varnishes.
Available here in the UK on the high street or via Key Publishing for £10.99
Old school modelling
Next on the bench, after a short break, is Takom Wings 1/48 Henschel Hs129. A commission from Airfix Model World magazine. I'm looking forward to starting this one, and it's nice to be back in the world of quarter scale, which means lots of spare room on my bench to stretch out.
Fresh from the paint shop is a commission build of Tamiya's wonderful and rather big 1/32 Mosquito. This was a complex build, which included removable engine panels, though I was sceptical about whether or not they would actually work. And they don't really. The magnets are so weak the panels tend to fall off, and alignment is anything but perfect. So it is pictured here in its stripped down form.
Fresh from the paint shop
Important notification
Unfortunately, despite spending many hours at the gym, I am not getting any younger, and the even longer hours spent hunched over my modelling bench are increasingly becoming a strain. I have therefore decided that it is time to retire from commission model making, though I will continue to host airbrush lessons in my studio. As from October 2026, therefore, I will not be taking on any new commissions, and I have removed the commission page and price list from view. I will, however, honour any jobs that I have expressed an interest in doing, and I will continue to update this site with new builds and projects I complete for my own entertainment and satisfaction. Thank you to everyone who has supported me in my endavours over the last 10 years.