A strong interest
in classic cars and five years as an industrial model maker is
how it all started. Since then David's skill and ability with
wood and metal has attracted considerable attention from well
known collectors and enthusiasts both at home and abroad. His
first  model
was of a Jaguar Mk IX which was presented to to Sir Anthony Joliffe,
ex-Lord Mayor of London and collector of real Jaguars, MG's and
Rolls Royces. The Mk IX has now been joined by an MG TC, an E
Type, a Triumph Roadster and several Rolls Royces.
Each car
is made to a scale of 1/12th, resulting in a model that is approximately
fourteen inches in length. Before starting to build a model David
makes a highly detailed study (where possible) directly from the
actual vehicle - taking measurements, photographs, noting colours
and materials used, plus any special modifications. The basic material
is fine grained European Beech laminated into a block, from which
the main body is cut. Accurate forming and contouring is achieved
by filing and sanding before the wood is sealed with up to six coats
of a two part flexible coating. This gives greater stability to
the finished paintwork and a strong base for up to 12 top coats,
giving a superb finish.
The intricate
and highly detailed brightwork ie; radiator shells, grilles, bumpers,
headlights etc are fabricated from brass or copper and then either
nickel or chrome plated - depending on the vintage of the vehicle.
Wherever
possible the actual materials are used on the interior finishes,
for example walnut dashboards and door trims, leather seats and
door panels.
One of
the most difficult models so far has been the Ferrari F40 built
for Nick Mason (Pink Floyd). For most car windows David uses clear
acetate, however the rear window of the F40 has multiple curves
and a whole series of louvres. After a lot of experimentation he
made his own mould and successfully vacuum formed the screen.
A significant
improvement is the reproduction of wire wheels. The present method
involves hand building each wheel from hubs and rims machined from
brass bar and lacing with either stainless steel or copper wire
spokes - depending on whether the wheels are painted or plated.
Correct spoking arrangements are adhered to, ie number of spokes,
number of layers and spoke pattern. As many as 72 spokes per wheel
may be used and to create a single wheel can involve as much as
12 hours work.
David
is constantly improving construction techniques and this efficiency
means he can include additional detail and refinement in the models.
The average construction time is between 10 and 12 weeks per model
and costs between £4,000 and £7,000. Each model comes
on a plinth in its own custom carrying box, or mounted in a glass
case.
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