Sera’s Blog 2021
You can now follow the latest news from Staples & Vine with Sera’s Blog.
Updates from the workbench with news on the latest aircraft being sculpted.
I hope you enjoy the blog and I appreciate your feedback.
You can email me directly via sera@staplesandvine.com
You can keep up to date with my news by following me in the social media links at the bottom of the page.
December 23rd 2021
It’s been production, production, production for months now! I’m not complaining it’s great that so many new collectors have discovered ‘Staples and Vine’ – welcome aboard.
I post photos of some of the latest aircraft orders on the Instagram feed which I hope you will find of interest.
The Mosquito is now long sold out and I think will be a highly sought after by future collectors. I am running behind on some orders and for this I apologise but don’t worry you will get your models soon.
Finally I would just like to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and I hope that 2022 is a great year for us all. See you all next year, Sera.
October 27th 2021
Hi everyone just a quick update as I am flat out on production. Orders are flowing in, I’m very happy. The new releases have gone down very well to the point where I can announce…
ONLY 2 MOSQUITOS REMAINING
So if you are thinking about a Mosquito B MK XVI check availability and place your order asap. You can do this either through the site or give me a call.
In other news I have to inform you that due to the steep rise in material costs over the past year I will have to put up prices at the end of November. So if you are thinking about ordering don’t delay order now before the all the prices go up. All the best, Sera.
September 27th 2021
I am now fully on production and have been for a few weeks producing the latest new models. Production is going well and I am going as fast as I can but of course never sacrificing quality. Every model has to be produced to the highest standard before it can be dispatched.
Those of you who have seen my latest VLOG or subscribed to my newsletter will know exactly what I have planned for my next releases. The eagle eyed amongst you will also notice a new category in the menu bar! We are talking CARS! Specifically, Land Speed Cars. Tim and I often wondered about getting into making car models but wanted something that would compliment our existing aircraft range. After a visit to the ‘Goodwood Festival of Speed’ where we saw Sir Malcolm Campbell’s ‘Blue Bird’ we began our journey. Finding decent source material for these beautiful vehicles was difficult but after many years of research I now have the information I need to start this new range.
These cars will be in 1/43rd scale and will be in the same style as the aircraft models mounted on a base with optional figures. In this case the collector will have the option of removing the model from the base to display it separately.
The first of these cars is Sir Malcolm Campbell’s record breaking 1935 ‘Blue Bird’ in which he set a new land speed record of 301.129 MPH on the salt flats at Bonneville powered by a Rolls-Royce ‘Type R’ racing engine from the Schneider trophy aircraft of the late 1920s. This is joined by the Mercedes-Benz T80 ‘Schwarzer Vogel’ which was built in the late 1930s to mount Germany’s attempt at the land speed record. Designed by Ferdinand Porsche the T80 was too late to challenge the record but survives today in the Mercedes Museum. You can find out more about these two cars by clicking on the images below.
I have scratch-built both of these cars in 1:18 scale previously as you can see from my YouTube channel so I have a pretty good idea of how they should look. Check out the ‘Staples and Vine’ YouTube channel to find out more.
September 10th 2021
Lots of thank-yous today! Firstly thanks to everyone who has ordered the latest models. I have been busy casting and assembling them and they will be sent out as soon as they are ready. On another note my YouTube channel has just passed 2000 subscribers! If you have already subscribed that’s great. If you haven’t check it out, there are over 50 videos on there and I am sure you will find something of interest. Videos range from ‘Sera’s Vlog’ ‘How To…’ series and also cover some of my personal projects where I build larger scale models to explore new techniques I can use in the Staples and Vine range. Just click on the images below to find out more. Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the bell icon so you get notifications of my videos when they go live. Have a great weekend, Sera.
August 25th 2021
You wait and wait for a model and then four come along at once! Hopefully it’s a pleasant surprise. Not only is the Mosquito B Mk XVI now in full production but so are three previously un- announced models, the Fairey Barracuda Mk II, de Havilland Hornet F Mk I and the Fairey Firefly Mk I. All of these aircraft are in production and available now. Just click on the images below to find out more.
August 4th 2021
‘Murphy’s Law’ states that if anything can go wrong it will. Well, it has. The decals arrived today, superb quality as always but unfortunately they were last year’s print job! So we now have another delay. I am calm but bewildered currently and do feel I have let you guys down. I’m so sorry but hopefully it will be worth the wait. There is so much I am itching to tell you all. I’m sure you will be as excited as I am when you see what I have planned over the past months.
In the meantime I am working on the advance orders for the Mosquito that have already been placed so I’ve not been wasting my time. So Mosquitos will start to be dispatched pretty soon after the decals arrive. I don’t think anything else can go wrong – fingers crossed. Hopefully good news soon. All the best and thanks for your patience, Sera.
July 26th 2021
By now you are probably thinking where is the Mosquito? And you would be right. Well there has been an issue. Recent research has revealed that I had an error on my decals and have subsequently had to quickly get some more decals printed. Fortunately I had just sent off a print job for lots of new aircraft so managed to get the amendments added on just in time. Now I am like you patiently waiting for the decals to show up. The sample is painted so as soon as they land I will have something to show you all.
There are also some new models I am itching to tell you about but you will have to wait until the Mosquito release to find out about them. If you are signed up to the newsletter then you will be the first to see what I have planned. I think you are going to like them…
June 25th 2021
Currently I am up to date with orders! I have been producing orders non-stop for 6 months which has considerably delayed all my planned new releases. I’m not complaining at all. In fact I have never been busier. Business is going from strength to strength I just wish I could get everything done quicker. I’m not prepared to rush production and sacrifice quality for speed. It is very important to me that every model leaves here to the highest standard. Anyway, I am now off production and sculpting the new Mosquito B Mk XVI.
This afternoon I have designed the 4000lb ‘Cookie’ bomb and trolley in my CAD software. The image below is a computer render of the 3D model. The parts will be 3D printed this weekend and moulded next week with some new figures. To make up for the delayed Mosquito you can look forward to a little bonus ( or three! ) when it is released. Make sure you are subscribed to my newsletter to be the first to find out what that’s all about.
I hope you are all keeping well and staying safe. Have a great weekend, Sera.
May 28th 2021
As always lots going on here. I’ve been planning new models ( thanks MD ), originating decals, and working on personal projects and the Staples & Vine YouTube channel in my spare time. Talking of which I’ve made a new trailer which I hope you will check out and enjoy. Just click on the image below. It gives you a bit better idea of the processes I go through to make my models. If you like it share it with your friends and don’t forget to subscribe. All the best and have a great weekend, Sera.
May 23rd 2021
I spoke too soon! As soon as I got up to date with production another batch of orders landed. I am so fortunate to be so busy but all this is slowing down my release schedule for which I do apologise. Don’t worry it is all under control. I have also been working on the sample box for the new base and range. After the 3rd attempt I am finally happy with the sample and have ordered the first batch of boxes which are due at the end of June. There is a cardboard shortage which is why the box delivery is so far off. I have also completed another A4 sheet of decals which are away at the printers. The new decal sheet features many subjects from the new range as well as lots of new aircraft which I hope will keep all you collectors on your toes.
The image below is of the sample box. It is in my classic style but incorporates lots of features to ensure my models arrive safely wherever they are sent in the world. I hope everyone is keeping well and staying safe. Hopefully I shall be back on the Mosie soon. Sera.
April 7th 2021
Just the last few orders to complete now and then I am finally back onto sculpting. It will make a welcome change as I really enjoy creating new models. There are already quite a few advance orders for the Mosquito B Mk XVI. As you can see the SR-71A blackbird is now sold out as is the 1/72 Hurricane Mk I of Ian ‘Widge’ Gleed. It just goes to show that if you are interested in a model please get in touch. They don’t hang around for long.
March 26th 2021
I am almost up to date with orders! I will be next week! And then it’s onto the Mosquito B MK XVI at last. TSR2s are all dispatched and the SR-71A is almost sold out! I have also been very busy behind the scenes with other personal and future Staples and Vine projects sometimes the line blurs between the two!
I try and get out for a decent walk at the weekend and obviously take a keen interest in the military history in North Devon. There is still a military presence here and in WW II the area was used for training and experimental projects (Google ‘Panjandrum’).
There are still remnants of the past and the other day I discovered the now preserved concrete training landing craft for practice disembarkation prior to D-Day. There were 6 of these built to allow the troops to practice with sadly today they have suffered the ravages of time.
In other news I have now finished my 1:18 scale model of ‘Blue Bird’. This was Sir Malcolm Campbells car when he broke the Land Speed Record in 1935 at Bonneville. He set a speed of 301 MPH.
You can find out more about this and other projects on the ‘Staples and Vine’ YouTube channel by clicking n the image below.
March 11th 2021
The start of a new range has begun! Many years ago Tim and I discussed what new ranges we could add to our successful aircraft an tank ranges and we came up with something which I think you will find not only interesting, historic, and attractive but also inspiring and will compliment the existing ranges perfectly. I won’t be announcing what this new range will be just yet but here is where it starts. After several months of planning I have decided on a new base for the new range. Of course as you know a new base means a new box and that is my next stage. Getting the packaging right and ordering the tooling and first batch of boxes takes time and is very expensive. I also have to originate new decals and photoetching as well as sculpt the new models.
The first two new models are well advanced and have even been 3D printed so you can expect to see them launched soon. So that you get the latest news on these and all the new models I release make sure you subscribe to my newsletter. There’s a form at the bottom of the page. More news soon, Sera.
March 1st 2021
A new month, a new desktop! This is the 4′ x 2′ board that covers my workbench. It’s just a cheap sheet of white hardboard but it protects the surface of my bench. I’ve been using it since I resumed production back in October 2018 with the Spitfire Mk I and Bf 109E. It’s now past it’s best and needs replacing with a fresh sheet. I don’t have a lot of space so I use different background sheets for different photoshoots all on the same desk. It works well and keeps my desk protected so it last s longer. Now back to production. Lots still to do, so back to my nice new clean sheet of hardboard. Have a good week everyone, Sera.
February 21st 2021
The TSR2s and Blackbirds continue to take off and land across the world. The feedback I have had from my customers has been tremendous. Thank you all. I have been fortunate to add many new collectors, and speak to some wonderful people. Social media such as Instagram, Facebook and YouTube have brought us all closer in these difficult times. One of my happy customers from Instagram posted this photo of his SR-71A next to a real SR-71 pilots helmet ( yes he does have the full suit ). Check his feed out on Instagram if you like anything SR-71 or Valkyrie related, plus some amazing experimental aircraft. Just click on the image below ( you will need to already be on Instagram ). Thanks @romig21 for sharing, and I hope you continue to enjoy your SR-71 for many years to come, Sera.
February 15th 2021
1000 YOUTUBE SUBSCRIBERS
Fantastic news! The Staples and Vine YouTube channel has passed 1000 subscribers. This is a major milestone and represents a lot of hard work that has gone into many projects as well as the hours spent filming and editing. If you haven’t yet seen the channel click on the image below which will take you to the YouTube page. I hope you enjoy my videos and subscribe so you catch the next one when it goes live.
February 13th 2021
Hi everyone the next batch of TSR2s and Sr-71As is about to go out! On Monday I shall be casting the last of the TSR2s and any other outstanding orders of which there are quite a few. Then once I am up to date it shall be onto the Mosquito B MK XVI. It’s all busy, busy, busy, here!
February 10th 2021
Sorry for the lack of posts recently but I am working flat out on production. The next batch of TSR2s and SR-71s are well underway and should be finished tomorrow. Then all I have to do is catch up with all the other orders that have come in over the past few weeks. There have been a lot of those. I must say I am really grateful for the patience everyone has shown and all the orders everyone has placed. I am very fortunate to be so busy, especially in these crazy times in which we find ourselves. I am determined that every model that leaves my workbench is as good as it can be so I won’t be sacrificing any quality and rush to get orders out. Quality must always come first.
In other news the TSR2 is now sold out with the SR-71 hot on its heels so if you do want a Blackbird please get in touch, they are going fast. Right, back to the workbench!
January 22nd 2021
Production on the new TSR2s and SR-71A Blackbirds is going well. The first 10 of each are finished and ready for dispatch next week. Then I start the next batch. Again 10 of each. If you don’t get a delivery next week please be patient you will get your model. I would rather not rush to get them out and sacrifice quality. Remember all my models are hand made not in a factory in China but in my little Devon workshop. Thanks to everyone who has ordered a TSR2 or SR-71 you are all great customers.
As you can see I have been working full time on production but I am working on other projects in the evenings and my spare time. So, you can look forward to lots of new projects in 2021. As I type this blog entry my YouTube subscriber count is 998. I’m getting closer to my first 1000 subscribers. If you haven’t seen my channel check it out HERE to find out more about how I design and make models in the Staples and Vine range . You can also see some of my personal projects where I explore model making techniques and materials some of which I use in my limited editions. Have a great weekend, Sera.
January 4th 2021
I’m now back at work and hitting the ground running. I’ve actually been working on developing more Staples and Vine projects over the winter break and here is the first result of my labours. This is the tank I will be releasing this year, the Churchill Mk VII.
The Churchill Mk VII first saw action in Normandy and was a heavily armoured infantry tank. The vehicle I am going to be modelling will be from February 1945 and was that of Lt Col P.N. Veale DSO MC from the 9th Royal Tank Regiment 34th Tank Brigade who led the allied advance through the ‘Reichswald Forest’ in extreme conditions. His tank was named ‘IRON DUKE’.
You can find out more about the Churchill and it’s history by clicking on the images below. If you would like one please get in touch by email or phone.
January 1st 2021
Happy New Year everyone! Let’s hope 2021 is kinder to us than 2020. You may have noticed a few changes to the site over the Christmas break? The website has had a bit of a makeover. There are still a few areas that I want to improve but they will come over the next few weeks. My objective is to make the site clearer and easier to use while still maintaining all of the content. I hope you like the new look and enjoy discovering new aspects of the site.
Those of you who subscribe to my newsletter will already be ‘up to speed’ with my next release but for good order here it is. The Mosquito B Mk XVI.
The Mosquito Mk XVI was a bomber variant and famously had an enlarged bomb bay to carry the 4000lb ‘Cookie’ bomb. It was used by the elite ‘Pathfinder’ force of Bomber Command for precision bombing. This particular aircraft was flown by Flt/Lt I.G. Broom DFC* and Flt Lt T.J. Broom DFC, together they were known as ‘The flying Brooms’. You can read more about this aircraft by clicking on the image above and visiting the page in the 1/72 RAF aircraft section. There has already been quite a bit of interest from my customers and subscribers in this aircraft so if you would like to reserve one for when they are in production, please get in touch.
News on another new model on Monday so make sure you check back in then…