WORKSHOP
BRIAN BORLAND
Brian Borland is well known around NZ and abroad as an accurate and determined builder of fine RC scale models . He has been to world championships and Top Gun as well as many trips across the Tasman .
His present working area came about by default . Within five years of building his house many years ago , he started Scalecraft Models , making display models for the likes of Air New Zealand , Cathay Pacific , Ansett and Gulf Air . He started with what was then the “ den ” in the house , a room specifically for modelling . It wasn ’ t long before he not only needed more room , but also to get the constant smell of polyester resin out of the house .
In 1978 he built a carport and added a room to that . This has been his workshop for some time now . The airline model business was moved to larger commercial premises in Birkenhead which left a dedicated modelling space . There is still a supply of remnants from the Airsail manufacturing days .
His Vampire project is almost his sole focus but he also has a Hawker Hunter , a Dave Platt P51 , a prototype Percival Provost all needing to be finished . The “ Duxford ” Hurricane needs to be refurbished and put back in the air , he says , and he still needs a big bucket for his list of ” need-to ’ s .”
The aim of this page is to present a regular column which features modeller ' s workshops , their favourite tools and techniques . We hope you might find the column interesting and even informative , and we invite suggestions for future candidates ! If you have a layout you find works well , or a technique or tools you would like to share , or a model you enjoyed building in your workshop , let us know !
Brian ’ s list of top tools and aids ….
Proxxon Hand held Tool Scroll Saw Band Saw Perma Grit tools
Optivisor Small Drill Press Assorted small Clamps Three sizes of Sanding Bars