James Vaitkevicius

SMN ‘Meet the Team’ Questions

See James’ List of Reviews

Modelling

What first attracted you to Scale Modelling?
As a kid, my first experiences of airshows always ended up with my parents buying me a model kit from the shows. This grew into a hobby to pass the time, and although never actually being that good, I just enjoyed the experience of the paint and glue and putting the kits together.
I think like most teenage boys find beer, women, cars etc and then grow out of the hobby as it is not perceived to be “cool” and this happened to me. It was not until my later years at university where I needed a hobby to relax when I picked up a 1:24 Scale model truck and then have not looked back since.

How long have you been scale modelling for?
On and off since I was around six, so 27 years now – if you take off the teenage years, say near 20. Blimey, it sounds a long time when you say it like that!

Specialist area of Modelling?
I have only really ever been interested in aircraft in recent years, the truck side of my hobby died off a long time ago. I do love al kinds of aircraft, mostly Cold War Era aircraft and modern day. My favourite has to be the Panavia Tornado GR4, I always have a soft spot for this aircraft, especially with my affiliation to RAF Marham.

Preferred Scale?
1:48 and 1:32 scale Aircraft – great scope to detail and the right size for my hands.

What is your favourite real subject of all time (aircraft, armour or maritime)?
I said it above but the Panavia Tornado GR4. I live out in the middle of Lincolnshire and we see these aircraft everyday at all kind of heights around the area. I have essentially grown up in the same era as this aircraft so for me, it is my era if that makes sense? They also look fantastic when I photograph them in the hills of Wales and the Lakes at 250ft!

The best thing you’ve ever built?
I would have to say, purely on the way it is engineered, the Tamiya 1:32 F-16CJ – the kit just builds together so well and I would recommend anyone to buy one! It even comes with its own storage box!

And finally: Most memorable Modelling disaster?
I know this is a common one but spending hours building up a kit and then adding etch to the glazing on the cockpit, only for it to get smoked out by the fumes of the glue. I know there are ways around it now, but after spending the best part of £100 on extras on a Tornado GR4, the final part was to glue the canopy on, and I made this error then. Needless to say I was not impressed but it was easily fixed by obtaining a replacement canopy from the spares box.
Scale Modelling Now

How long have you been a reviewer for?
Just about 3 years now; Geoff and I got chatting at the Newark Model Show and not looked back since then. By joining the site and becoming a reviewer, I feel my skills and improved no end and would recommend anyone to join and have a look at the techniques area. There are some really good videos on there and some experienced guys to help you improve

What made you get involved with SMN?
Firstly, being approached by Geoff to review. I also really enjoy helping others with their modelling and helping them develop, so getting the opportunity to join the team was a great privilege.

What’s your favourite thing(s) about SMN?
The wealth of knowledge the team has is a great point about the magazine. The guys on here are also really friendly and spend the time, sometimes going out of their way to assist you. Personally, I think that is the best thing about this site and SMN; we really do care to help people improve.

Favourite SMN review?
It has to be anything from Les Venus. They guy is ace, especially when it comes to a NMF on aircraft. His review style is fantastic too taking you on the story of how the build evolves.

About You…

Sum yourself up in no more than five words..
Helpful, sarcastic, loyal, generous, patient

Biggest hobby/hobbies outside of Scale Modelling?
Aviation Photography – I go to the hills of Wales and the Lake District as often as I can to photograph the RAF and USAFE doing what they do best (often at 250ft, 450kts!). It is a bit like fishing, you do not know what you are going to get! It also keeps me fit; walking up the hills with loads of camera gear is pretty tiring!

Favourite food/meal?
Has to be Fajitas! Only as I am such a Cr*p cook! I am a bit partial to a roast too!

Three famous people who you admire
To be honest I am not really a star struck person – can I pass on that one?

And finally…tell us a (clean) joke…
Do I know a clean joke? Possibly not!
A man, who was going to bed when his wife told him that he’d left the light on in the shed. He opened the door to go turn off the light but saw there were people in the shed in the process of stealing things.
He immediately phoned the police, who asked “Is someone in your house?” and he replied “no” and explained the situation. Then they explained that all patrols were busy, and that he should simply lock his door and an officer would be there when available.
He said, “Okay,” hung up, counted to 30, and phoned the police again.

”Hello, I just called you a few seconds ago because there were people in my shed. Well, you don’t have to worry about them now because I’ve just shot them all. “

Then he hung up.
Within five minutes three squad cars, an Armed Response unit, and an ambulance showed up.
Of course, the police caught the burglars red-handed. 

One of the policemen said to him: “I thought you said that you’d shot them!”

 He said, “I thought you said there was nobody available!”