1/6th scale bust of RNZAF Pilot on Trademe

[Dave Homewood]

I've just spotted this really nice looking bust of an RNZAF Pacific WWII pilot on Trademe. If I had the money to waste on models I'd buy it.

The kit is made by AC Models, whom I'd not heard of before, and I assume the letters AC stand for the sculptor Andrew Cairns. I am wondering if anyone here knows more about this company and chap? There used to be a chap in my modelling club here in Cambridge circa 1988-90 called Andrew Cairns who was a superb modeller. I'm wondering if it is the same chap? Does anyone know when this kitset came out? Is it definately made in NZ?

www.trademe.co.nz/Toys-models/Models/Aircraft/Other/auction-234188007.htm

Doesn't it look nice?

[Parrotfish]

The guy who owns and sculpts all the AC models stuff (Andy Cairns) is a member of of IPMS here in Christchurch and his sculpting is just great. Look his work up on figure planet: www.planetfigure.com/blogs/avbench.php?name=2416

A really nice guy guy into the bargain. No one would be disappointed with one of the figures he mastered.

Dave the bust came out 2 years ago. Andy was down south for a while. Not sure about up your way or not, but he is a fitter turner by trade if that helps place him at all...?

Know nothing about the Trademe trader.

[Dave Homewood]

Yes, our Andy was also a Fitter and Turner, working at that time at Aotearoa Meats in the exact job my Dad had done there about 25 years previously. It must be him. Thanks for that info Sean. He was indeed a great chap. Last I saw him was in 1990 when he was about to go for a walking holiday through Iraq. I always wondered if he survived the slight turmoil that happened there shortly afterwards. If you see him please tell him I say hello. I'm going to have a look at some of his models on that link. Cheers mate!!

[Parrotfish]

Will pass on your hellos Dave.

Cheers.

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks. Please recommend him to join the forum if he's interested.