Lindsey Shinn – Your mind can do anything

Who Is Lindsey Shinn?

Lindsey Shinn is a 54-year-old modeler from England, a father of nine, and a proud grandfather of 21. He is a professional driver, now classified as disabled.

The Passion Behind the Models…

So, hello Lindsey! How and when did you get involved in the hobby? And do you remember what your first model was?

Hello Nick! My father used to make models when I was young got it from him, my first kit was bought for me when I was 8 years old. Was an Arfix car in 1/32 scale.

Made it in 3 hours lol! Not one wheel pointing in the same direction, loads of glue all over it. I was proud of it, father wasn’t to happy but din’t care I injoyed every minute.

You’re a truck and military vehicle modeler. What do you love to build the most? And do you also build figures?

I Injoy building trucks the most, my favourite subject . I am basically an all round modler. Trucks are my passion, as my father was a trucker. Figures are not my strong point, but will build them.

Paints & Hairy Sticks!

What kind of paints and brands are your favorite? And how do you spray those shiny trucks?

I use Humbrol paints the most, but I do use acrylics sometimes. Love that bling look. All my builds are hand-painted with hairy sticks. Even those trucks. 🙂

What’s the secret to making such a flat, shiny, and glossy finish with a paintbrush? I’m speaking about trucks in general. I don’t believe it’s only because of the gloss enamel Humbrol paints…

It’s just years of practice, Nickolay. Getting the right amount on between coats is very importan, never use primer either. There is no secret to it. A warm room does help. if the room is too cold, it can cause problems. And brush size is important.

Can you share some words about the brushes? Size, shape, or anything else that matters?

You only need an 8 or 9 for painting bodies, say like 1/25th scale, and go up in size the larger the build and the wider the area. I use flat brushes for better results. It’s important to buy good-quality brushes. If you hand paint cheap are no good.

Thinning

What about the paint thinning? As I know, the paint must be thin and applied in several layers, right?

Cool paint thinning can vary on what you’re building. With enamel, I work straight from the tin, only thinning it when it gets halfway down, as it starts to lose its thinner in the tin. But you have to apply it with a droplet so you can get it right.

I find white and yellow are the worst colors to work with. With acrylic paint, I water it down 1 part paint to 4 parts water, then brush all the bubbles out on every coat, allowing good drying time. That way, you get a completely flat paint job with no brush marks.

The chrome on your trucks, do you use paint? If yes, which brand and number? If not, just tell us how you did it without describing the process.

Most American trucks come with lots of chrome allready in the kit. Yes you can use metal foil or you can spray black then sliver on top then polish. There are so many ways Nickolay.

Top Picks: Models & Brands

What are your favorite brands for model kits? Do you scratch-build things in your models? And what are your favorite scales?

My favorite truck kits are AMT and Revell . Tanks will take them as they come. Scratch building I am just getting into. For the scales: has to be 1/25th in trucks and 1/35 in military. Used to build the brail scale but my eyes are not what they used to be.

Of the models you display on your blog, which one do you love the most? And why?

That’s a tough one, lol! I suppose I don’t have a favorite build. I did enjoy and admire the part-work 1/16 Tiger I, that I built. It took two and a half years to complete.

Are you a “Sherman addict”? I saw some on your blog.

Oh, yes I am! Just bought a couple more Sherman tanks for the stash.

Sneak Peek: What’s on the Bench?

What’s coming out of your bench soon? Is there anything on it right now?

Yeah! Just starting to build an AA Gaz. Yep, very old one. Going to build it in civilian style with the wooden bed.

What do you want from Santa Claus, mate? Or what have you planned for Christmas?

Lol a kit that is made by AMT Ertule in 1979, International transtar cabover like gold dust. Just staying at home with my children Nickolay.

Rules & Rithuals?

Do you have any special rules or rituals that you follow in every build? I’ve heard of some guys who buy new brushes for each build, for example. Others wait 48 hours for the paint to dry. What about you?

Not really. I buy new brushes when needed. Paint takes a few days to dry. Being enamel, it can take up to a week. No, not at all.

Advice for New Modelers

If someone is getting into truck modeling, what would you say in a few words? What would be your main advice to a complete newbie in this hobby?

I would say: buy one thats called a snap tite kit in 1:32 scale. Gives you the basics. Or a revell 1:25 snaptite truck the chassis is all one piece so very basic.

You said “years of practice” earlier. Do you believe that the more modeling you do, the better modeler you become?

O yes diffentley! Have been building over 40 years and learn something new every day.

Yes, this is something I can showcase in my interviews. If there are 100 modelers, there are 100 different ways. Even if they all use the same materials, tools, and tips. And that’s the main goal of this hobby: imagination.

Yes, it is. It’s like walking while blind. Your mind can do anything. You just have to break through that barrier.

Online Presence & Showcasing

Who are the modelers you admire? What would be your personal top 3, including both well-known and lesser-known online modelers?

They have to be Simon Polly Palmer, Charles Orwin, and Curtis Keller. They are my top three. I admire all the molders that i know online, I think there work is amazing!

Then I must get an interview with those guys! 🙂 Where can people see your models?

All over the internet really but do have a personal blog page in Facebook. Its called Lindsey Shinns plastic model builds. I also post my models into my group in Facebook called PETERBOROUGH PLASTIC MODELING GROUP.

You run and manage Facebook groups alongside your blog. What’s the goal behind them? I know that administrating such communities can be a headache. What motivates you to do it? And can you share a few words about these groups and their focus?

I started the groups so could bring modlers together and injoy there hobby as a unit. Has been an uphill struggle but me and my admins have been successful with them.

I run four groups, one is a All round modeling site and one for Hot Rods and Rat Rod builds, a Trucker modeling group and a Kit Selling Site. It gives members a wide range of things and interests also put on group builds for them can be quite exciting sometimes.

Do you regularly have group builds in the Peterborough Plastic Modeling Group?

Yes, we do. It helps keep members’ interest going.

Are you enjoying our conversation so far?

Yes sure! I do!

Thank you for your time, Lindsey!

Very welcome! Thank Nickolay injoyed doing it!

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