Jess Santos – Basically, imagination is the limit of your creation

Who is Jess Santos?

Jess Santos is a 46-year-old modeler from the Philippines and a mechanical engineer by profession. He is married and a father of three boys.

The Passion Behind the Models…

Hi Jess! Let’s start from the beginning. How long have you been involved in modeling? Can you remember how it all started? What was the first thing you built?

Hi! It was back in my 2nd year of high school. A friend was into it and invited me to join him and learn. He was scratch-building mostly sci-fi things like Star Wars. I joined in, and he taught me how.

The material we used was old paper file folders. We were students and didn’t have money to buy kits, so… we had to improvise. My first scratch-built paper model was an American WWII half-track in 1/72 scale, painted green.

Was it built completely from scratch?

Yup. Completely built from scratch.

Wow! You started from a high step, mate!

Well, I was a beginner back then, so you can’t expect my builds to be as nice as they are now.

Scratchbuild: From Zero to Hero!

I know, and many modelers online would agree, that you have created amazing builds from scratch. This is one of the things I’d like to discuss with you: How do you transform paper into a building material?

Well… it’s both simple and complicated. It really depends on what you want to build. What you want… you imagine how and experiment. At that time, my classmate, teacher, and best friend could already do complex works (but simple shaped) like a ball. Yes, a ball made out of flat cardboard.

It wasn’t actually a ball, but a STAR WARS Death Star. I was making flat-surfaced, sharp-cornered stuff that looked more like a box. My interest at that time was set on military stuff. As time went on, I developed and began to use other mediums or combinations.

I made Mig-21s from a mixture of paper and styrofoam, made the Battleship YAMATO from a mixture of paper and some clay, made aircraft carriers YORKTOWN and KAGA with all their planes out of paper, and even made 1/35 figures out of cardboard.

Basically, imagination is the limit of your creation.

midArticle TIPs:

A simple piece of paper, soaked in thin superglue, transforms into a great building material that can be cut, sanded, drilled and bent. By layering the paper, you can create 3D shapes under your fingers.

Tip: When gluing the paper in layers, align the lines of the paper and ensure each layer crosses perpendicularly. This technique prevents bending and deformation, giving you more control over your project.

Own Decals, Own Way!

You’ve created amazing models with your own custom decals. Could you share more about how you make your own decals?

Well, making my own decals happened just recently. It was more out of necessity than interest. I wanted to make a model of an F-5 fighter with Philippine Air Force markings, but commercial decals for this type were rare or next to none, so I had to figure out how.

These days, it’s much easier to find resources. I found the solution on YouTube, started experimenting, and developed my own approach, especially when it comes to designing. The decal-making process became routine, but deciding on the design and scaling it was the most challenging and time-consuming part.

Rules & Rithuals?

What’s your mandatory rule that you follow in every build? Is it a technical rule, a ritual, or something else?

Hehehe. Mandatory rule? The only rule I follow when building, and it applies not only to paper or plastic, whether scratch-built or not, is this: Bring it as close as possibble to the real thing!

Does this mean that you’re an angry soldier in the “rivet-counting army”?

Well, I am not angry! I cannot be, even if I myself have a tendency to be a rivet counter. xD I think the primary purpose of the hobby is to enjoy, and that is very good. But secondly, I believe that scale modeling is about bringing something from real life and making it end up in the palm of your hand.

They say: The next best thing to owning the real thing is owning a model of it.

With that, I think it is important to bring a model as close as possible to the real thing. Also, in military scale modeling, it’s my way of giving respect to those who have served and used such equipment in contributing to our history.

I also acknowledge that bringing it as close to the real thing also depends on individual skills, financial and material resources, imagination, etc. With this, you can say I am a realist too.

The Old Wheel of Colors …

Do you use premixed paint colors Jess? If so, what’s your favorite brand?

No, never. I always mix the color I need on my own. This way, I have more freedom to find the color I like. But I always mix a bit more than I need, because it’s almost impossible to recreate the exact same color.

Top Picks: Models, Brands & Scales

What are your Top 3 scale model brands?

1. TAMIYA because they are easy and simple to build with a relatively good degree of detail.
2. DRAGON/DML because of their details and more challenging assembly.
3. ITALERI for affordability and simplicity of design, allowing one to experiment, improve the build, and leave a personal touch on the final result.

I hope to try my hand at a MENG kit someday.

What’s your favorite scale?

Was: 1/72. Now: 1/35 for armors, 1/32 for WWII planes, 1/48 for modern aircraft, and 1/350 for ships.

Do you build a model multiple times, or once it’s done, do you look for a different type of vehicle?

I have duplicates, triplicates, and more of a single type of model, but never with the same color scheme or markings.

And what’s the model you’re most proud of so far?

The scratch-built Centurion tank.

Bench Management 101

What’s the latest project you’ve been forging at your workbench?

The F-16 of the Air National Guard of North Dakota Holly Hooligans. WIP dioramas are Flak 36 and 1/72 U-boat.

How do you manage to pursue your hobby at home? Has it ever caused conflicts with your loved ones, or have you been able to balance it peacefully? Is there a secret recipe for finding more time for modeling while keeping your wife happy?

Well, first, my wife had to accept that I’m a modeler before we met. Secondly, I make sure to spend enough time with her to make her feel comfortable.

I usually do my modeling work at the dining table before she comes home from work or after dinner. On weekends, it’s typically after spending time with the family.

midArticle TIPs:

When you spill something on the table, no matter what, clean it immediately because:

• It’s much quicker and easier to clean it up while it’s wet.
• You’ll avoid ruining your model or parts if they fall into it.
• Your wife will be happy, which equals: you’ll be happy. xD

Online Presence & Showcasing

Where can your works be seen online?

I often post my works to PETERBOROUGH PLASTIC MODELING GROUP and Scale Modelling Insight, Innovations and Solutions groups in Facebook.

Well, thanks for your time and attention Jess! Did you enjoy the interview?

Sure!

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