iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

The Takom M51 build is done, well apart from the tracks🤣🤣🤣 It’s a bit of a big one #histscalemodels #scalemodels #takom

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The Takom M51 is still coming along, suspension mounts done, wheels prep’d but still plugging away on the track links. Cutting, sanding, filing, repeat. #histscalemodels #scalemodels #takom

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Returned home from a damp Silverstone, excellent weekends racing, and the grid walk this morning was a great start to the day. #elms #silverstone.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Being back at a race track is music to m soul. Great day at #Silverstone for the #europeanlemansseries great sights, and sounds (obviously). Even better we were super lucky to have a garage tour

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Working on some fine tuning of my shot process last night. And focus on pushing my bow hand forward throughout the draw. Started getting some nice groups at 60, 50 & 40 yards. This photo is from 50 yards. #archerylife #archerygeek.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Not posted for a while but the Takom M51 is coming along, the instructions were a bit vague in parts, took me a while to figure out some parts were to bend the PE over🤣. working on the individual track links. This is the time consuming part but overall it’s a great kit. #histscalemodels #scalemodels

The Takom 1/35 M51 Degem Alef Shermanthe upper and lower hull are built up but not yet glued together.
The kit is mounted on a home made wooden jig.
In front of this are six plastic containers with the individual track links, some ready to build others waiting to be filed and sanded smooth.
At the very front are six links made up into a track.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

M51 Sherman update, the build is coming along nicely. Got most of the upper hull done. As for the lower hull, the tracks & wheels are due to go on tomorrow

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

This really is ninja level knife skills.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Yes I have yet to finish the Achilles and figures to go with the Dingo. But stupidly I have begun another project. This time a Sherman themed group build on a Facebook group I’m part of. So now as well as weathering the Achilles, I have the Takom M51 Sherman on the custom made jig #scalemodels

The 1/35 scale Takom M51 Degem Alef or Israeli Sherman, box and sprues at the start of the build.

The upper hull of the M51 gently placed on the lower hull, in front of the jig holding the hull is the rear plate. And it’s this rear plate that will stop the upper hull from laying down at the back.
The jig is two blocks of wood with an 8mm bolt drill into the wood, which is fitted to the hull.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Achilles update. Wheels and suspension now on plus tracks, after weathering the hull. Tools painted and started with oil washes. Some more mud and dust to go on, but coming along nicely. #histcalemodels #scalemodels #tamiya

Tamiya 1/35 M10 Achilles with the turret loosely put in place. Oil washes started to give it a weathered look

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

A wonderful morning at Coombe Dingle sports complex in Bristol for the South Wales & West Uni Open Championship #archerylife

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

More Achilles progress. Managed to get the tools painted, chipping both sponge and brush done, some dry brush highlights and a satin varnish coat happy days. My modelling activity seems to come in small chunks then a big burst of activity and all of a sudden it comes together #histscalemodels

Close up of the Tamiya Achilles turret showing some chips and scuffs in the paint and some dry brushed highlights

Close up of the Tamiya Achilles hull with some of the light green chipping and inset some dark brown rusty red chips painted by brush

All of the parts airbrushed with satin varnish coat happy days.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

A productive morning with the airbrush. Sprayed on a base coat to the Achilles and for the first time feel happy with an attempt at modulation. Not perfect but practice x2 & more practice. Quite chuffed with the turret side streaks. I’ve obsessed on Panzermeister 36 YouTube vid #histscalemodels

Tamiya 1/35 M10 Achilles airbrushed olive green with highlights sprayed on top with rh OD lightened with Yellow green.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Question about building Sherman tank and variants; do you leave the suspension units off for painting and weathering? Ive left them off the Achilles for priming, debating about keeping them off for painting. Any thoughts hive mind? #scalemodels #histscalemodels #tamiya

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Having put a thin coat of Mr Surfacer 500 to give some cast texture to the Tamiya M10 Achilles. I’ve now primed everything in VMS No peel black primer. It does give it all a mean and moody look #histscalemodels #scalemodels #tamiya

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

The build phase of the Achilles is done, having seen the real one in The Tank museum I decided to add some cast texture as the model surfaces were glass smooth. The 50 cal in the kit is a real gem. Even better than the Academy one I’d been saving for this build. I did drill out the air holes.

Tamiya 1/35 Achilles model kit built up with grey putty dappled on the kit surface to imitate cast steel texture. On the board next to the model are all the other subassemblies ready for painting.

Close up of the .50cal machine gun from the kit. Showing the detail on it. I have drilled out the air vent holes on the model to aid in the realism.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Nice bit of bench time this morning working on the interior of the Achilles. All painted and some mild weathering added. Next is the outside of the turret, upper hull then onto painting. #histscaldemodels #scalemodels #tamiya

Interior view of the painted and
weathered Tamiya M10 Achilles tank destroyer. Showing the breach, some brass painted shells

The turret and gun breach before gluing together

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Bit of a mixed bag at Archery practice tonight, as I have a competition a week on Sunday at 70m. Thought I’d better get my sight marks set. Hmm, ended up working on my form and shoulder/ elbow engagement. Shot better but the target was a bit, well let’s say random. #archerylife

Arrows shot into a target at 70 meters range. Closest I got to the 20 millimetre sized piece of yellow paper.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

I’ve not posted in a while having been away for the better halves birthday. However I’ve made headway on the Tamiya Achilles. Lots of subassemblies and some airbrush & mild weathering on the interior. Compared to the Dingo this one is coming together far quicker #histscalemodels #scalemodels

Interior of the Tamiya 1/35 M10 Achilles British ww2 tank destroyer
Painted white and dark olive green on the base with some weathering.

Various subassemblies for the Achilles brass shells, the gun breach and wheels.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Good morning from Dartmouth in Devon. Down here for a few days. Very lovely part of the country. Off to Burgh Island later for afternoon tea. As it’s my better half birthday

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

Finally got the Dingo done! Stowage on last night, matt varnish first thing this morning, followed by small fuel stains on the petrol cans and then a dust coat. Onwards to the figures and the Tamiya M10 Achilles, which will be out of the box #histscalemodels #scalemodels

Miniart 1/35 Dingo armoured car, fully painted and weathered with stowage and a camo net applied.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

After the late prep for dinner. The slow roasted spiced lamb turned out a treat. (As our guests told me). Along with the baked rice and the other salads. #foodie #foodiesky

Lunch served today, slow roasted spiced lamb, shredded and plated up. Along with baked pilau rice, potato salad, sun blush tomato and mozzarella topped with fresh basil. In the square dish to the right is a bean salad made with water chestnuts and an olive oil & balsamic dressing.

Slow roasted spice lamb, the onions from last night were heated in coconut cream then the seasoned lamb placed into this mix.
Before being roasted for five hours.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

A little bit of late evening prep for lunch tomorrow. Dish is a spiced slow cook lamb. So tonight the soundtrack was a slow chilled playlist courtesy of Warpaint & Mazzy Star #foodieofinstagram #foodie

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

The Dingo is done! Got the wheels on and very happy with it. It’s got me thinking of doing some more open topped vehicles. #histscalemodels #scalemodels

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Another milestone step for the Dingo, and no being left sitting on its tires like this is not the goal🤣. The milestone was a satin gloss coat, done yesterday morning. Decals on today then the first round of weathering: mud and texture pastes. Pin washes & oils await. #histscalemodels #scalemodels

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 19/07/2026

Didn’t manage to post this yesterday, lack of signal in rural Somerset. As I was Dunster Castle taking part in an Archery competition. A small part of the overall Dunster week. Fab time, great people and a good atmosphere. #archerygeek #archerylife

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Managed to get the airbrush out again tonight. Working on my technique with base coats and then a touch of modulation. Plus got some of the stowage painted as well #histscalemodels #scalemodels #notafootballfan

Miniart Dingo airbrushed with dark green then lightened with yellow green. To give an impression of light and shade.

The Dingo with some of the stowage painted up.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Impromptu airbrush session after archery practice last night. Masked off the interior with tissue paper and tape. Will see how well fitted I got it after I get the paint on it #histscalemodels #scalemodels

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Miniart Dingo update. Build completed 😮‍💨 Quick question to the hive mind, best masking options for the interior when I airbrush the exterior? As I have the open top, one door and five hatches all opened up? Thanks #histscalemodels #scalemodels #miniart

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Miniart Dingo update. Reasons why I like Miniart: details. Reasons why I get frustrated by Miniart: details. Why do I do it? It’s a nice little kit, but that just makes it more of a challenge, but 9 parts for the suspension on each corner? And most of those will be hidden.😂#histscalemodels

A right side view of the Miniart 1/35 scale Dingo Mk3 scout car. Showing a painted interior. The exterior has a mix of plastic and photoetch parts.

A left hand side view of the Miniart 1/35 scale Dingo Mk3 scout car. Showing a painted interior. The exterior has a mix of plastic and photoetch parts.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Dingo update. Having spent quite some time on the internal parts of the scout car. I feel I’ve got it to a point for some mild weathering: dust etc. Before moving on to the exterior build. Although I haven’t built an aircraft kit since my teens this part reminds me of the cockpit #histscalemodels

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Dingo Mk3 update. I’ve got a lot of the interior built and now primed. Along with stowage from the Dingo and a Value Gear pack. Next steps: paint the interior and work on the running gear. Button up the main cab and focus on the externals. #histscalemodels.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

While the UK was experiencing the heatwave this week I managed to shoot at 70m on Thursday evening. And reasonably well. #archerylife #archerygeek

Six arrows in a 122cm target face, viewed from the side. The small yellow square in the background is the 70m distance marker

The small white square is the 122cm target face at a distance of 70m.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

The next build begins, although I still might go back and a station building to the PZ4 diorama. Now the Facebook group build is over. Anyway the Miniart Dingo mk3, to be paired up with the Tamiya M10 Achilles. #histscalemodels #scalemodels

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Calling this one done (for now). RFM Pz4 Ausf H, with Tamiya US Infantry scout set. With scratch built platform and Miniart railway lines. Titled: End of the line. #histscalemodels #scalemodels

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

For anyone who builds race car models even after fours racing at Le Mans dirt and debris is building up #scalemodels #LeMans24hrs

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

Afternoon all, as I’m not at #LeMans24hrs this year. I am streaming it from the Man cave in Somerset.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Some more work on the diorama base tonight. Whilst watching hyperpole for #LeMans24hrs. And working on the Tamiya US Infantry scout team. Great bunch of figures, but I’ve got a few touch ups. #histscalemodels

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

Unexpectedly had a proficient bench day today, Matt varnish on the Pz4, then black primer on the base, with various grey midtones and buff tones plus railway tracks and sleepers. The figures weee also primed and bare colour, but out of shot. #histscalemodels #scalemodels

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Very, very, nearly done on the RFM Panzer 4, had an issue with the oil washes last week and took a while to sort out. Nevermind it was as @dr-robonator.bsky.social says track day! Panzerwerk tracks on, side skirts dropped in place, another dab of weathering. Then maybe it’s Matt varnish time.

A 1/35 scale model of a Panzer 4 version H made by RFM. Painted in a 3 colour camouflage then weathered with oils and enamels.

Another view of my 1/35 scale model of a Panzer 4 version H made by RFM. Painted in a 3 colour camouflage then weathered with oils and enamels.

A view of the turret and upper hull from the front of the 1/35 scale Panzer 4 made by RFM.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

It’s been a while since I’ve posted any updates on the RFM Pz4, having been away on holiday I’ve managed to get some bench time in these last few evenings. Mud and dust on the lower hull, dust washes on the upper hull. Some more to do, plus the tracks to make & paint. #histscalemodels

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Made some good progress today on the Pz4, had another go at airbrushing the red brown, not perfect but far less splattering. Got onto chipping, a mix of using a wet brush to lift the paint off the chipping media. Followed by a mix of brush and sponges. Decals on and satin gloss coat. #scalemodels

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 11/05/2026

Managed to get the second coat of dark yellow on the Pz4 yesterday and then had a go at camouflage. Where I ran into problems, for some reason I can’t spray a thin line with either my Iwata or Gaahleri airbrushes. Any thoughts? I was using Tamiya acrylic thinned with X20A, low pressure setting

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Had a good amount of bench time today. Finished the RFM Pz4, washed & dried it, metal primer put on, VMS red primer, chipping fluid on and first coat of dark yellow. Oh and made a start on the diorama, the old Tamiya Pz4 for placement. #histscalemodes #scalemodels

RFM Panzer 4 in the foreground painted in dark yellow on top of the red primer coat. Behind it is an old Tamiya Panzer 4 on the diorama base, with the new Tamiya US Scout set and a Miniart European railway line set.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 08/05/2026

Very near the finishing line on the Pz 4, using some not all of the PE upgrade. Ended up going back to the plastic brackets on the left as the PE ones just weren’t working. Got a few parts on the turret to go on, doors included, then the primer coat on this weekend. #histscalemodels #scalemodels

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Probably a bit late to the party but made this BK logo. Think for anyone in the #scalemodel & #histscalemodel community this will resonate

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Just counting up how many parts went into making the RFM Panzer 4 cupola. 58 pieces! However feel quite chuffed that I’ve managed to get everything in and it fits onto the turret as well. #histcalemodels #scalemodels

The cupola from the RFM Panzer 4, 58 parts went into making this item. A mix of plastic, PE brass and clear plastic.

A view of the cupola sitting on top of the turret

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Managed to get quite a bit of bench time in today and the Panzer 4 is coming along. I decided to press on with the RFM detail kit and had a first go in 30+ years of soldering. It’s a bit messy in parts but beats CA glue in fixing the PE in place. Going for that used/ distressed look #histscalemodels

View of the RFM Panzer 4 in build. I’ve used some of the spare interior parts to build the turret details. The turret roof is yet to go on.

Another view of the Panzer 4 with the PE side skirts

Side view of the RFM Panzer 4. With a view of the scratch built Jerry can rack.

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James @foodiefox.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Post a random cool car photo you took on another year, with no explanation.

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