I've long been an admirer of Mikes work, especially his amazing dioramas, so it was my great pleasure to visit Glenn Field itself at the weekend and see Mike in his workshop. Mike built a large modular diorama of Glenn Field to accomodate the Aoshima Zero X model, complete with strip and hangars. During my brief visit, Mike revealed some of the secrets behind his fabulous models and his amazing photography. In order for everyone else to get an insight into the man behind the magic, i'll let Mike take up the story from here:
"It goes without saying that I’ve always liked the Anderson series,
the models of course, and in particular the model sets. I loved creating little
scenes for my Anderson toys along with my Spacex and Sword stuff. When Space :1999 turned up on TV in the early seventies I wasn’t that taken
with the series but I thought the models were pretty good, and to my mind fairly
simple to make. Mainly basic shapes, I tended to use sanded and filled hardwood
with a few bits of plastic kit and brass tubing stuck on them. Add a spray
job and some Letraset , and hey presto a reasonable representation.
Along with most people, I generally like to have an outlet for my creativity. I suppose the first Fanderson convention in 1980 was a bit of a turning point – I suddenly I found a lot of like-minded people who enjoyed the same stuff I did. I saw a lot of great scratch built models and met a few interesting people like Phil Rae and Martin Bower who gave me a few pointers.
While I didn’t feel I had the skill or patience to build a huge Fireball or Stingray, I did want to have a go, so for the next Fanderson I entered the model competition with a small Marineville tower (see last photo) made from card, paper and some bits of plastic. Needless to say I didn’t win but I did enjoy the experience. For the next convention in 1984 I built a studio scale Space City Tower complete with electric motor that turned the main tower. I thought it was a bit different than the usual Thunderbirds offerings and had high hopes – but the judges didn’t see it that way, and needless to say I still didn’t win. Around this time I produced my 2 minute Super 8 film featuring the take off sequence of Fireball. I built an 8’x 4’ set of Space City with a 6’ launch rail and a small wooden Fireball. To put it mildly, the film didn’t turn out the way I would have liked but it was a lot of fun, it spite of what my wife would tell you!
Not put off, I decided to build a more accurate Fireball model which would require a clear cockpit cover and a top blister. This involved a bit of Vac-forming using clear acetate. With this new knowledge the model world was my lobster and from then on I decided to build a studio scale Fireball to go with the Tower.
Along with the Anderson shows, I’d always had soft spot for British comics and Dan Dare. When it was announced that an Eagle exhibition would take place in Southport during 1990 I just had to get involved. I’d built a small wooden model of Dare’s spacecraft, Anastasia a few months back and figured this could be my way in. Luckily, the organisers loved it (even though most of the models that were eventually displayed were built by model master, Martin Bower) and I found myself in the thick of it. The organisers wanted me to create a moonscape. complete with a base and lander. They paid expenses and I duly obliged. The scene was eight foot square and great fun to do. I built a couple of other models for exhibit – a Treen Super Shark Fighter and Space Kingley’s Comet spaceship. Even my Fireball made an appearance.
Recently, a chance purchase on eBay from Woodsy reignited my interest in creating
something in three dimensions. Woodsy directed me to Moonbase Central and the
next thing I know I’m back building dioramas for my Anderson toys along with
my Spacex and Sword stuff. It’s funny how things turn out isn’t it!" - Mike
The Master at work! |
Mikes MLP Launch Pad Diorama |
Glenn Field in all its glory! |
Behind the magic - Mikes wife Laura captures the set up for another cool photo |
The final shot! |
A selection of collectables and original models from the Burrows Man Cave! |
The word "awesome" gets bandied around quite a bit these days. But it's entirely applicable here. Dead-impressive work, Mike!
ReplyDeleteBest -- Paul
Very impressive- I would have thought the picture at the head of the article was a still form the Thunderbirds film!
ReplyDeleteAndy - thanks for that, thats exactly what I said to Mike - he manages to capture that unique Thunderbirds 'look'extremely well.
ReplyDeleteWitnessing such craftsmanship makes one very humble. Just tremendous, Mike. And that collector's den is one to dream of!
ReplyDeleteApart from the genuine vintage look, there is something very fascinating about the top picture. The massivity of the hangar, the lightness and fragility of the lifting body. Could watch it for hours.
This was one helluva article. Really fun stuff, terrific modeling, and a bit of an insight into the modeling process and the modeler's world. Great story, great pics!!!! Many Thanx!
ReplyDeleteKnocked out by your comments, guys.
ReplyDeleteI wish we all lived locally then I could take you all out for a pint. : D
I have to say though it's great to have the Woodsy's and Wotes blog to give us all an excuse to share and indulge our interest.