This week I had the pleasure of meeting professional model maker Kevin Davies, at his home in Cheshire. Kevin, who's work has graced the blog many times, designs and builds
custom models from series such as Dr Who, Blakes 7 and Star Wars. Kevins work is in great demand for exhibition and tv work and he has been frequently called upon to provide replicas of props used in popular BBC science fiction shows.
Kevin has built a range of studio scale models from
Gerry Anderson tv series such as UFO and Thunderbirds and restored actual props used in Dr Who episodes.
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| Scratchbuilt Thunderbirds with TV studio scale Mole |
Besides showing me around his enviable toy and model collection, Kevin took time to show me the actual studio prop uniforms he had acquired from the short lived BBC drama
'Star Cops', including the uniform worn by the lead character and the sidearm used in the film. His home is shared with a full size dalek, a remote controlled K-9 and a lifesize alien computer ORAC.
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| Blakes 7 ORAC with actual Davidson era Vanir mask prop |
Kevins modelling skill is amazing, as he is able to turn
ordinary household objects into fantastic spaceships and vehicles and duplicate studio size replicas of weapons and equipment from films like Star Wars and tv series such as Blakes 7.
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| An impressive armoury |
After patiently answering all my queries about how everything was made or where each fabulous sidearm featured in a particular episode, Kevin graciously agreed to be interviewed for this months
Swordcast on Celtica Radio as well! Tune in this evening at 8pm UK time to hear his amusing and fascinating tales of the custom modelling industry.
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| Weapons from Dr Who and Star Cops and JR21 Toys |
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| NOMAD (right) rubs shoulders with Cybermat, Zeroid and Polyphase Avatron! |
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| Project SWORD toys |
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| Scratchbuilt Zero-X Blakes 7 Pursuit Ship (centre rear) Hooded Swan (right) and Martian War Machine |
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| Enviable collection of custom built Space 1999 models (centre) and my personal favourite SPACEX (bottom) |
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| DON'T STOP BUILDING IN THE NAME OF THE FEDERATION! |
Just amazing! Great post Bill and what a fabulous man cave Kev! And as Shir Khan said to Bruce Lee in Enter The Dragon, " Your skills are truly extraordinary!". 8pm here we come!
ReplyDeleteThose reaction checkboxes at the bottom of the post need a new option in addition to "Cool" and "OK" and "Trash" -- may I suggest "Mindblowing" since it would seem to be the most appropriate response here?
ReplyDelete(Might as well ditch "Trash" to make room for it, since I can't recall ever seeing a post here that deserved it...and anyone who'd check that box is someone whose opinion I wouldn't care to know anyway.)
Ye Gods...that's magnificent!
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed Bill didn't swoon on the spot from sheer sensory overload, which is what I have just from seeing the pictures. Can't wait for the interview!
Best -- Paul
Its an enviable collection of toys and some amazing creations. Plus Mr Davies is an excellent host and a Kate Bush fan to boot!
ReplyDeleteGosh, thanks folks. It was a fun visit Bill and really nice to meet you.I'm still only an amateur modeller though!
ReplyDeleteYes, sure Kevin and im an overgrown Sontaran! Look out for a return visit soon!
ReplyDeleteJust listened to the interview guys! Well done Kevin, Bill B and Station Manager Bill Ev - a great programme, very informative and insightful interview! SWORDcast on the road is a winner!
ReplyDeleteI'll look forward to it. I'd better build something else!
ReplyDeleteüber cool Bill! I've always enjoyed Kevin's work and it's great that you were able to interview him. And thanx to Kevin for allowing you to show his collection.
ReplyDeleteJust tuned in. Excellent interview folks. I'd check to see if all your Spacex scratchbuilds are still in the cupboard, though, Kev . ; - D
ReplyDeleteHa ha, its ok, I came away with a very special custom build, more to follow soon!
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