How it works...

Commissions, Builds, Sales....

By commissioning a kit from me, sending me a model to build or simply from buying one of my pre-built kits, you are supporting a middle aged man and helping to keep him out of trouble and keep idle hands busy. The process is very easy. Start with messaging me, tell me what it is you want.

Do you want to pick up one of the pre-built kits on my sale page? Simply message me and tell me which one, we can agree on shipping, insurance etc and I can post it to you within 2-3 days. Payment prior to shipping, but I can send photo’s & videos on request.
Do you want to send me a kit to build for you? I can give you a rough estimate of costs based on the scale of the kit, number of parts and if there are any after market items you want. I’ll send my address and you can post the kit to me. Once it has arrived, I’ll look it over and come back with build questions (i.e. in flight or wheels down?, cockpit open/closed? Decal & paint schemes etc etc). Once agreed I’ll let you know if I need any additional materials (I have almost 200 paint colours but there are ALWAYS new ones I don’t have, I can close match or buy a new shade for only £3 a bottle). I ask for material costs as a deposit for the work (typically no more than £10). Once built I will send photos/videos and we can confirm if you are happy or want alterations. Finally, agree on shipping and make your final payment before I send it to you.
Commissions, so you want a specific item, tell me what and in what scale and I will find a kit and share it with you. If agreed, I ask for the cost of the kit and any materials as a deposit. Then we go through the process of build questions, paint schemes etc and again once built I will share pics/vids and agree on shipping.

It’s all that simple.

Often asked for info.

Have a read, it might answer some of your questions!

Model Builds

I have taken over the study in my house and made something of a workshop. I’m too cold blooded to go work in the shed or garage, I like a carpet under my feet (except when I drop a small part and the carpet monster eats it). I am no scratch builder nor do I use 3d printing, I buy a box kit, (or you can send me one) and perhaps some after market parts, photo etch or decals. Then I glue it all together. I use Vallejo Model Air paints for the most part, and air brush pretty much every surface so I don’t end up with brush lines (I’m a real Harder & Steenbeck fan, I have the Infinity, Evolution but favour the Ultra, I also have an Iwata Eclipse and a NEOECO which tend to be used for varnish). I will then give the model the finish you want, gloss/matt or satin depending on what the model is supposed to be made of. You don’t get many glossy dope biplanes, likewise an aluminium P51 should SHINE!

Packing & Shipping

Ahh the biggest worry I have. That period from handing a box to the courier and waiting until it lands on your doorstep, ideally, very gently. I do everything I can to make sure my models survive the journey to you. Packaging materials, type and shipper can all be agreed, but I find a strong sturdy box with bubble wrap and polystyrene blocks works well 99/100. On that odd occasion something pops off, it’s always a simple fix. I have never had catastrophic issues but I do offer insurance if needed. I do have a client who I hand deliver to, however, it tends to be 10+ models at a time. Read my client feedback to see how well the shipping goes!

Shipping can be done with a company of your choice, and prices range from under £5 for “this week” to £20+ for next day, fully insured with GPS tracking and a small security team. We can ship to your budget or requirements.

International Ship

I am happy to deliver overseas at cost. We can align on the how and I’ll quote for that. I have been very successful with my shipping, but please keep in mind that these models are typically small, thin and fragile and I can’t guarantee small parts (the odd antenna, a pitot tube etc) won’t get bent or pop off during transit. However, the smaller items are typically added with superglue (vs the solvent glue for the main body) and so are normally stronger.

Finally be aware that you are liable for any import duties and I am happy to ship as “gifts”.

Build Time

How long does it take to build? How long is a piece of string? (I turned into my Dad there) A 1:72 airfix spitfire will take me less than 10 hours to build and paint. A 1:350 ship might take me a week. It literally depends on the size of the kit, the complexity (if you have the Bismark with photo etch railings its going to take longer than a BF109) and the paint scheme. I would expect to have a build done and model shipped to you in less than 2 weeks, excluding any wait time.

Model Returns

100% honesty time, these are small plastic kits, with some very thin parts, and can be incredibly fragile, thus, I can not guarantee that some parts won’t get damaged in transit. BUT!!! In over 250 kits shipped, I have had the odd wheel, a probe, a small mast and a gun barrel pop off. All of which were fixed within minutes of arrival. I have NEVER had an unrecoverable breakage (quickly touches wood). The only way I can guarantee no bends or breaks is to meet face to face and hand over in person. This can be arrange, but will add costs to the delivery process.

I really don’t want any customer to be dissatisfied so will do all I can to rectify any issues you have. However, please be aware, purchased models are non-returnable (unless you need me to fix something).

Anything else?

Message me, text me, call me on 07557 197526 (+44 for those out of the UK). Email me on Darryl.Milner@outlook.Com, or visit me on Facebook/Insta pages (Both Milnerscalemodels).