[Closed] Somerville Models for David Holcombe

I agree with you, Ray

Somerville's built models (from the McHard era) somehow seemed to have "personality" to me.

The builds were simple...perfect...exquisite.

I think Somervilles are generally less appreciated here in the US due to the relative obscurity of the subject matter to us Americans.

As you may know, the modern-day builds from Promod of the Somerville masters do not come close to what the McHards achieved back-in-the-day.

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Somerville Models

John, you came up with the right word. They had "personality". I feel the same way about two other British brands, simplicity, but quality. Pathfinder and Kenna. I'm speaking of strictly British cars. I've never seen a Promod model, so I can't speak to that. I have 51 Pathfinder models, and I think that is every one. I have 20 Kenna, plus the Jupiter and Belgium Trucks models, by Pete Kenna. Those were different times.

Many thanks, Raymond, for the fine pictures of your really special models. I had never seen a Somerville model before purchasing this kit, and I'm looking forward to playing with it.
Over the last several months, I have had a lot of fun building a dozen or so of these 1:43 kits. I have no special skills, as is evident in my results, and there is no real market for the finished models; but at my age it's good to turn to the #2 desk in my study where I tend to keep a model under construction. Here's a BMW by Heller in progress.
Besides, when it's finished, I can have more fun taking some pictures and posting them here!

photo no longer available

Kenna

The Pathfinders I have (Jowett Jupiter, Triumph 2000) are very nice, as you say, Ray.

Pete Kenna is still doing fresh builds of some of his older masters, adding even more detail!

I have a recent build from Pete of his Rover P5 Coupe.

The original build by SMTS for Conquest Models was nice enough.

On this new build under the Kenna Models imprint, Pete has added an open cloth sunroof to the master, sun visors on the inside of a remastered interior, an RAC badge on a badge bar upfront, and a UK decal on the trunk.

I think Pete Kenna is one of the true heroes of 1/43rd.

And lets not forget his work making the masters for many of the best Motor City models!

(My absolute personal favorite Pete Kenna master is the Minerva he did for Belgium Trucks).

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Thanks Ray for the Somerville photos. Doug's attention to detail was..

evident in models like the Sunbeam-Talbot with white rearlights, unlike the incorrect red some kit builders finish these cars with. The real ones had white lens covers with tiny coloured bulbs.
As you may know, Doug and Roly met when they both worked at the Meccano factory in Liverpool, and Somerville was Roly's maiden name.

These look Fantastic Raymond!

And Doug was sent to Liverpool by Tr-ang the company that took over...

the Meccano Empire. Amongst his roles was Editor of the Meccano Magazine.

Chris

Somervilles are great, never seen smoother paint

I didn't know that Chris - I learn something new every day!

You are welcome John.