🎧 Beyond The Box Art® — Episode 22

We interview the main team at Airfix • Kotare 1/32 Defiant Update • Black Rifle Model Worx Community

Hiya Benchmates — Episode 22 has landed, and this one brings together industry insight, community spirit, and a last-minute announcement that dropped just before recording.

Whether you're building at the bench right now or just planning your next project, this episode dives into the people, stories, and passion that keep our hobby moving forward.

🛩️ FEATURE INTERVIEW — AIRFIX®

The interview everyone's been waiting for.

We sit down with Airfix® for an honest, in-depth conversation exploring:

✦ The thinking behind recent releases
✦ Research, tooling and design decisions
✦ Balancing heritage with modern modelling expectations
✦ What happens behind the scenes before a kit reaches your bench

This goes beyond announcements — we're talking real insight into how iconic kits come to life.
(NB. The audio quality for this interview was not ideal - but the content was to important to not use, so please bear with it!)

🚨 11TH HOUR UPDATE — KOTARE 1/32 BOULTON-PAUL DEFIANT

Just before recording, Kotare revealed their upcoming 1/32 Defiant — and we couldn't ignore it.

We discuss with Mark Robson - owner of Kōtare.

🤝 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT — BLACK RIFLE MODEL WORX

Luke Carswell joins us to talk community, connection, and the role grassroots groups play in keeping the hobby welcoming and thriving.

Expect discussion on:

✦ IPMS community engagement
✦ Supporting new and returning modellers
✦ Sharing knowledge and building confidence at the bench

⭐ THE USUAL BEYOND THE BOX ART® GOODNESS

Alongside the main features, you'll find all the familiar BTBA favourites:

✦ Stash Inflation Report — the new releases quietly plotting against your wallet
✦ Bench-top banter and community natter
✦ Benchmates Mail and listener interaction
✦ And some class out-takes at the VERY end!

Hiya fellow Benchmates,
This episode we're heading into something pretty special — the 48 in 48 global charity build, where modellers from around the world unite for forty-eight hours of creativity, community, and building hope in scale for Models for Heroes.

We're joined by Steff Keighley and James Skiffins, who take us behind the scenes of the event — how it started, what makes it tick, and why this incredible weekend has become such a powerful force within the modelling community. From live builds and auctions to merch and community spirit, this is modelling with real purpose.

Then things get seriously interesting as we sit down with the Ma.K master himself — Lincoln Wright. This isn't your typical interview. We dive deep into Maschinen Krieger philosophy, artistic mindset, creative process, and what it really means to push modelling beyond instructions, beyond expectations… and sometimes beyond comfort zones.

✦ Stash Inflation Report — the new releases quietly plotting against your wallet
✦ Bench-top banter and community natter
✦ Benchmates Mail and listener interaction

If you're passionate about modelling as creativity, community, and connection — this episode is absolutely for you.

PLUS — everything you need to know about getting involved with 48 in 48, supporting Models for Heroes, and seeing just how powerful this hobby can be when builders come together worldwide.

So… clear a space on your bench, put your feet up, grab a brew —

🚀 BTBA Episode 21 starts NOW!

Brownie & the Beyond The Box Art® team
Models. Modellers. Meaning.

📧 Email: info@beyondtheboxart.com
🔗 Website: www.beyondtheboxart.com

AMMO by Mig Jimenez: www.ammo.es
Fischkopp Model Company: https://www.fischkoppcompany.de/
Guideline Publications: https://www.guidelinepublications.co.uk/
Phase Hangar Resin Accessories: https://phasehangarresin.com/
Matters of Scale: https://mattersofscale.com/
The Scale Modellers Supply: https://www.scalemodeller.com.au/

• Mach Models: https://www.youtube.com/@machmodels
• 48 in 48 event information: https://48-48.org
• Models for Heroes: https://modelsforheroes.org.uk
• Lincoln Wright / Paint on Plastic: https://www.paintonplastic.com
• IPMS UK: www.ipmsuk.org
• Scale Modelling Now: http://www.scalemodellingnow.com
• Inside The Armour: https://www.insidethearmour.com/

Keywords: scale modelling podcast, modelling interviews, Maschinen Krieger, charity model building, modelling techniques discussion, Mach Models.

In this episode of Beyond The Box Art®, we're joined by one of the most quietly influential names in modern scale modelling — Petr Herrmann of ArtScaleKit (ASK).

Coming to us from the Czech Republic, Petr (joined by his son Petr Jnr) talks us through how ASK began, why so many of their aftermarket masks exist because something annoyed him at the bench, and how real-world modelling experience continues to drive everything they design. English may not be Petr's first language, but the passion, humour and insight come through loud and clear — with Petr Jnr helping translate along the way.

We also get into the thinking behind some of ASK's best-known products, the importance of practical problem-solving, and yes… the unexpected modelling uses for Zippo lighter fluid (not that kind).

Elsewhere in the episode, we're joined by friend of the show Luke Slaney-Hewitt from Revell, as the 2026 range is revealed at the 75th Anniversary Nürnberg Toy Fair at 16:00 UTC on the 27th January — which is why this episode has droped a little earlier than usual.

Add in the usual bench-side banter, a healthy dose of Stash Inflation, and the odd wander off-topic, and you've got another classic BTBA episode.

So grab a brew, move the extra thin out of harm's way, and settle in.

This is Episode 20 of Beyond The Box Art®.
Models. Modellers. Meaning.

Hiya Benchmates,

Airfix have revealed their 2026 range — and there are some serious surprises in store.
From new tool announcements to long-awaited favourites, we break down what modellers really need to know.

We're also joined by Carl Robertshaw and Christopher Mercer from Fischkopp, diving deep into extreme Spitfire super-detailing — pushing plastic to museum-level realism with advanced aftermarket techniques, engineering insight, and hard-won bench wisdom.

Alongside the main feature, we've got all the usual Beyond The Box Art® goodness:
✦ Stash Inflation Report
✦ Bench chat & community natter
✦ What's catching our eye at the workbench

If you love Airfix, Spitfires, and taking your builds far beyond the instructions — this one's for you.

We also chat with Bolders and Wongy about our local IPMS show in Bolton on the 25th January,
at the Toughsheet stadium Bolton - details on the show in the show(!) and available here:
https://boltonmodelclub.co.uk/show/ Where you will be able to SEE what Airfix have announced as they are attending (along with Revell!)

We also have our normal chat for which we are joined by our Gundam expert Shane and the return of Luke Flynn from Mach Models on the back of his recent Tamiya F14D build video.

PLUS! Although the range announcements from Airfix dropped the day before this episode went live, we through cation to the wind and recorded a special addition to the Stash Inflation Report with all the new release news!

So… clear a space on your bench, put your feet up, grab a brew —
🚀 BTBA Episode 19 starts NOW!

Brownie & the Beyond The Box Art® team

📧 Email: info@beyondtheboxart.com
🔗 Website: www.beyondtheboxart.com

Show sponsors:
AMMO by Mig Jimenez: www.ammo.es
Fischkopp Model Company: https://www.fischkoppcompany.de/
Guideline Publications: https://www.guidelinepublications.co.uk/
Phase Hangar Resin Accessories: https://phasehangarresin.com/
Matters of Scale: https://mattersofscale.com/
The Scale Modellers Supply: https://www.scalemodeller.com.au/

Useful Links:

• IPMS UK: www.ipmsuk.org
• Scale ModelWorld 2026: https://ipmsuk.org/ipms-scale-modelworld/
• Mach Models YouTube: YouTube@machmodels
• Scale Modelling Now: http://www.scalemodellingnow.com
• Inside The Armour: https://www.insidethearmour.com/
  
• Bolton Show: https://boltonmodelclub.co.uk/show/
• Airfix: http://www.airfix.co.uk
• Kōtare Models: https://www.kotare-models.com/
• Pondstones: Http://www.Pondstones.co.uk

🎉 Happy New Year, Benchmates! 🎉
Welcome to Season 2 of Beyond The Box Art® — and we're kicking off 2026 exactly how we mean to go on… loudly, enthusiastically, and surrounded by brilliant people.

After surviving the festive fallout of leftover turkey, mince pies, and suspiciously stalled bench progress, we're back with a proper New Year special stacked with guests, news, and a few surprises along the way.

🔹 Joining us first is modelling extraordinaire Jon Tabinor, magazine editor at our newest sponsors Guideline Publications. Jon steps in as guest host for the episode and gives us an exclusive rundown of what's coming across the full Guideline titles in the February issues — plus the thinking behind them.

🔹 We're also joined by the one and only Pod-father himself — Dave Goldfinch from On The Bench, the original scale modelling podcast. Dave dives into the realities of starting and running a show, the state of the hobby, and his uncanny ability to predict kit announcements… sometimes before the manufacturers even realise they've announced them.

🔹 And because it's New Year… we've saved something special.
We're joined by the Managing Director of Kōtare - Mark Robson, giving us an update on their latest developments — only that's not actually why they were invited on.
All is revealed when they're announced as the winner of the Beyond The Box Art® Benchmates Kit of the Year 2025 🏆

So… clear a space on your bench, put your feet up, grab a brew —
🚀 BTBA 2026 starts NOW.

Happy New Year, everyone.

— Brownie & the Beyond The Box Art® team

📧 Email: info@beyondtheboxart.com
🔗 Website: www.beyondtheboxart.com

Show sponsors:
AMMO by Mig Jimenez: www.ammo.es
Fischkopp Model Company: https://www.fischkoppcompany.de/
Guideline Publications: https://www.guidelinepublications.co.uk/
Phase Hangar Resin Accessories: https://phasehangarresin.com/
Matters of Scale: https://mattersofscale.com/
The Scale Modellers Supply: https://www.scalemodeller.com.au/

Useful Links:

• IPMS UK: www.ipmsuk.org
• Scale ModelWorld 2026: https://ipmsuk.org/ipms-scale-modelworld/
• Mach Models YouTube: YouTube@machmodels
• Scale Modelling Now: http://www.scalemodellingnow.com
• Inside The Armour: https://www.insidethearmour.com/
• Bolton Show: https://boltonmodelclub.co.uk/show/
• Kōtare Models: https://www.kotare-models.com/

Ho Ho Ho Benchmates!
Welcome to the festive episode for Beyond The Box Art®, and boy have we got a christmas cracker for you!!!

We are joined by Ethan goodbody from BBC1 TV's recent series The Marvellous Miniature Workshop talking about the show and scale modelling of a slightly different type than we are used too.

Our main guest (for the whole episode) is Geoff Coughlin who talks about all aspects of the hobby & scalemodellingnow.com plus so much more with the BTBA team including Spencer Pollard & Martin Drayton.

We also chat with Julian from the IPMS Farnborough branch about the formation of the branch in 1975 and the history of the branch up to date along with a few surprising twists!

We have our normal Stash Inflation Report plus our bench chat all with added tinsel and fairey lights!

Plus the show closes out with something special and appropriate!

Between Christmas & New Year we will be online for a special bench chat non-recorded session LIVE, so jump on as we are at our benches, meet some of the team and have a chat!

As we said in episode 16, we are not taking a break so our next episode will be on the 1st January 2026, with Jon Tabinor from Guideline Publications and Mark Robson from Kotāre Models

Till then, have a great Christmas, and keep an eye on our socials (Facebook etc) for the live link to join and have a natter (it's free of charge so why wouldn't you!)

Happy Christmas one and all

Brownie & the BTBA team

📧 Email: info@beyondtheboxart.com
🔗 Website: www.beyondtheboxart.com

Show sponsors:
AMMO by Mig Jimenez: www.ammo.es
Fischkopp Model Company: https://www.fischkoppcompany.de/
The Scale Modellers Supply: https://www.scalemodeller.com.au/
Phase Hangar Resin Accessories: https://phasehangarresin.com/
Guideline Publications: https://www.guidelinepublications.co.uk/
Matters of Scale: https://mattersofscale.com/

Useful Links:

• IPMS UK: www.ipmsuk.org
• Scale ModelWorld 2026: https://ipmsuk.org/ipms-scale-modelworld/
• Mach Models YouTube: @machmodels
• Mon Studios (Ethan Goodbody): www.monstudios.co.uk
• Scale Modelling Now: http://www.scalemodellingnow.com
• Inside The Armour: https://www.insidethearmour.com/
• BBC iPlayer - Marvellous Miniature Workshop:
  https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002n1pj/the-marvellous-miniature-workshop

Hiya BenchMates!

We're back with Episode 16, and it's another corker!

We are joined by Stewart from the Black Hat Scale Models YouTube channel and Facebook group – talking AFV's; Scale Model Challenge in Eindhoven which he visited with Martin Drayton & they recall some of the events highlights plus a big surprise with whats coming next from this AFV modeller!!!

We have our 1st IPMS branch spotlight – talking with Chairman Wong (In Hong Kong!) about the Bolton branch and the upcoming show in January.

👉 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music, or wherever you get your modelling fix!

Got a topic you'd like us to tackle, or a question for the team? Drop us a line at mail@beyondtheboxart.com — we might just read it out on the next show!

Until next time — from Brownie and the BTBA crew — keep well, keep modelling, and remember: you're part of our Benchmates family :-D

📧 Email: info@beyondtheboxart.com
🔗 Website: www.beyondtheboxart.com

Show sponsors:
AMMO by Mig Jimenez: www.ammo.es
Fischkopp Model Company: https://www.fischkoppcompany.de/
The Scale Modellers Supply: https://www.scalemodeller.com.au/
Phase Hangar Resin Accessories: https://phasehangarresin.com/
Guideline Publications: https://www.guidelinepublications.co.uk/
Matters of Scale: https://mattersofscale.com/

Useful Links:

• IPMS UK: www.ipmsuk.org
• Scale ModelWorld 2026: https://ipmsuk.org/ipms-scale-modelworld/
• Mach Models YouTube: @machmodels
• Inside The Armour: https://www.insidethearmour.com/
• Black Hat Scale Models – facebook.com/black.hat.scale.models