New Paints, A Model Shop and a Lifeboat

I had a bit of a road trip....

It’s been a while since I wrote something for my substack. If you don’t already know, I have been trying to set up a new company importing paints from Australia and distributing them across the UK. Outlaw paints has become a product I use in all my builds, acrylic lacquer paint that you can use straight from the bottle.

I have always had this resentment of Vallejo Model Air, it was lauded as the best paint to spray through an Airbrush straight from the bottle.. how wrong was we.. It was like I was so excited for a Christmas present only to find once I opened it, it was a lynx Africa gift set!! This model air paint was just too thick and we had to thin it by mixing thinners into it to make it even go thru the brush.. It was crap!! I was hoodwinked. I felt it was another fad!!

My first time of using Outlaw Paint was a Hallelujah moment. I sprayed straight from the bottle.. It was amazing.. no more thinning paint for me.. In Fact, I won the whole range of Outlaw Paints from a Model for Heroes auction. This paint does exactly what it says on the bottle.

So, my new mission is to get this paint into as many modellers hands as I can. With my business partner, we have spent a few quid buying stock and having a really good website built that explains everything you need to know about the paint, and to buy it for your builds.

https://www.outlawpaints.co.uk/

I can assure you that I’m in this for the long haul, its fabulous paint to use. I know some say it’s a bit of a fad, but if I wanted a fad, I would have got a tramp stamp!! We have plans to get as much of the paint over here ready for the Scale modellers to at least try. You wont be disappointed!

Last week I had a bit of a road trip which ended with me being in Margate. My first port of call was at Modelworx Model shop in Newhaven. Mark has set up this shop with a very good range of models. Airfix Tamiya Trumpeter, Academy, Revell, Mini art, a good range of paints, tools and accessories for the scale modeller. I came away with a Meng Titanic and a Thunder Models Heavy Duty airfield tractor, which I will build on my channel at some point.

From there I drove to Hornby HQ where Airfix is based. I had a look around their new visitor attraction called Wonder works. Basically a room showcasing everything that Hornby Hobbies Manufactures. Pocher, Airfix, Scalextric and Hornby Trains. It showcases the history of each brand under that umbrella and it’s a great display to walk around. Airfix Wall of Models is impressive. Plus they have a huge shop selling the brands. There is also a Café there so if you fancy a coffee and a bite to eat, you can. A Mos’ top tip if you go there.. They do a Brie and Cranberry toastee, just ask them to add bacon to it and you’ll be golden.

I also had the opportunity of reviewing the new Shannon class lifeboat that is due in the country end of May beginning of June. Airfix have released it as a started set. It’s a 1:72 scale model kit and designed for the beginner. It will come with paints, some cement and a couple of brushes. Price of this kit is £19.99 To buy this kit - https://prf.hn/l/mVRMJkd (airfix website)

It’s going to make a great edition to the range of kits for the beginner. The construction is very simple but can see that there might be a slight challenge with all the guard rails that surrounds the wheel house on the deck, but we have all had a go at their old Severn class Lifeboat kit released in 2007 with people struggling with it getting different results. That kit fits like an onion.. it makes you cry.. This new Shannon class starter set is in a different league.

Whilst there, Dale took me to one side saying they will be releasing a separate decal sheet for the lifeboat. Funny enough, I suggested this a few months back to Dale when they announced their release of the kit, did they listen to me? I like to think they did.. But who knows! I’m still taking it as a win.. The sheet will have over 50 names and numbers for all the other Shannon class lifeboats posted around the country, so you can mark up your very own. The decal sheet will cost extra at £9.99 but if ordered on the Airfix website, it will have free postage..

I saw in a few comments that people were a bit miffed at the price of the decal sheet but I feel they should behave themselves. Last time I bought a decal sheet for a build, it cost me £12.99 plus £2.99 shipping, I just wanted a few extra roundels.. I think £9.99 and no postage is reasonable. Plus when new shannon class lifeboats are launched, they will add them to the decal sheet.

Anyways, I am now back to writing more witty and commentary articles for this substack, If you have enjoyed my musings, please feel free to share it around.

Have a great week on your Modelling Bench

Mos