Hi everyone

The fellow we are having the pleasure of is ANDY ARGENT , a talented modeller known for his amazing basework and weathering effects



Let's introduce the man himself




Hi my name is Andrew Argent. I'm 58 years old. I live in the south west of the UK in a town called Bournemouth.
I am married with two fantastic children/ adults now. My interests are scale modelling, being an author. I like 50,s music and culture. I have a lifetime interest in classic American cars and have owned many over the years. Currently a 1959 Dodge 2 door. I enjoy walks in the countryside with my wife. I also have been an active artist since my childhood. My main job is a builder.


1.What got you started into the hobby and how long have you been painting figures and what made you start the groundwork ?

I first started modelling back in the 70,s as a kid. I loved doing tanks, chopper motorbikes, cars and horror chare tors like frankenstien and Dracula the mummy and werewolf. I also used to convert action men into planet of the apes characters with plasticine. That's what first got me into doing figures. Groundwork came way later in the mid eighties when I discovered the brilliant Verlinden magazines with the Dioramas from Verlinden and Bob letterman.

2. Have you a favourite period of history and why ?

My favourite time frame to model is ww2. I have always been fascinated with ww2 since I was a kid thanks to the vast amount of war films that used to grace our screens on TV in the 70,s.

3.Whats your favourite modelling material/paints ?

My favourite paints to use are valejo acrylics. A product I use a lot is the original Mig pigments. I still have tubs from the early 2000,s. AK products are also a favourite of mine. I don't know why but I have never got into using Tamiya paints but I do have a lot of them.

4.Whats the essential modelling tool you think everyone should have and why ?

I think the essential modelling tool every modeller should have is an airbrush. You can achieve effects you will never get with a brush. They do come with a few issues though and get some getting used too. Cleaning it properly is a must and mixing quantities can take some getting used to for the beginner.

5. Have you a favourite companys products ?

My favourite product to use is Mig pigments. Both dry and wet. You can achieve wonderful weathering effects with them.

6. What is your favourite model show and why ?

My favourite model show was Euro militaire The show had an atmosphere that no other show comes close to. Over the years I worked my way up to a gold standard at the show and even achieved a BOS candidate. I also had the privilege of being asked to judge at the show on the back of my groundwork. The awards at the show were so prestigious it was really the Olympics of modelling. Sadly it is no longer on. Therefore now there are a few other shows I like equally but they all have their own personality. SMW, SMC, KMK & Moson

7.Is there a show (worldwide) you would like to attend and .demonstrate at ?

Yes there is shows that I like to attend and demonstrate at and I have been privileged to be asked to demonstrate and judge at all of them. They are SMC, Moson and KMK. I was very excited to be asked to do a Seminar at the World model Expo when it was in Holland last year but due to health issues I missed attending.

8.Whats been your highlight so far in the hobby ?

My highlight in the modelling world is qualifying for BOS at Euro Mikitaire . It was an insane feeling

9. Which direction do you see the hobby and your work going in the future ?

In a upward direction for sure , not so much compteting more seminars and publications , life got in the way a bit but it's settling down now and I hope to be doing much more in the future

10. How do you think we can get more youngsters modelling ?

At times this is frustrating for all wishing to promote the hobby but fantasy and Gaming i.e. Dungeons and Dragons help and are bringing new and talented youngsters in , long may it continue

The old school of tanks, planes and aircraft have little appeal to youngsters

11. If you could change 1 thing in the hobby what would it be ?

Change and stop the unnecessary judgements we are all at different levels and have different skill levels , some are beginners and some model to help with the pressures of life , some experienced modellers comments can come across as degrading and negative
There is a way to give constructive comments in a polite and understanding way

A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO ANDY for his time and permission to use the pictures

Nap


Let's enjoy some more from the man himself

" working with AK "