Est. 2021 · Modelau Graddfa Gymreig

Your scale model.
Commission built.

Aviation · Maritime · Automotive · Sci-Fi

A one-man workshop with over 150 commission builds for collectors across the UK and Ireland. A small number of commissions accepted each year — every one individually quoted.

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Imperial Star Destroyer scale model with 400 fibre optic lights, custom lit build
Special build·Imperial Star Destroyer·400 fibre optics·Lit throughout
150+Commission builds
1981A passion since
17Builds for one customer
1Pair of hands, start to finish

Welsh Scale Models is a one-man commission scale model workshop based in Powys, Mid Wales. Every commission scale model build is hand-crafted — aircraft, warships, armour, vehicles and sci-fi subjects, all scales — for collectors across the UK and Ireland.

Selected works

Full gallery →
Tornado GR1 scale model
Tornado GR1·1/48·Royal Air Force
Typhoon ZJ914 scale model
Typhoon ZJ914·1/48·Royal Air Force
F-4 Phantom Vietnam scale model
F-4 Phantom·1/48·USAF — Vietnam
USS Nimitz flight deck lit with LEDs, top-down view

Currently on the bench

USS Nimitz — CVN-68

A 1/350 carrier, over a metre long. Hangar deck lit throughout with LEDs, fibre-optic island, fully marked flight deck and a complete air group — built for a long-standing collector. She'll sit on a solid oak stand. Proper job.

Follow the build — diary →

Commissions

Tell me what it means to you.

Every build starts with a story — the aircraft your grandfather flew, the ship you served on, the car you wish you'd kept. Send me the subject and I'll take it from there.

Get a quote — WhatsApp How commissioning works

The Gallery

Previous commission builds. Hi-res images of every build and work in progress are on the Facebook page.

Builds 01–20 Builds 41–60 Vehicles
Builds 41–60 →
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More Builds

Builds 41–60.

Builds 01–20 Builds 41–60 Vehicles
← Builds 01–20 Vehicles →
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More Builds

Vehicles — all 1/24 scale.

Builds 01–20 Builds 41–60 Vehicles
← Builds 41–60
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Showcase

Three builds. Three stories. Built right here in Mid Wales.

Imperial Star Destroyer — lit build with fibre optics
Special Build

Imperial Star Destroyer400 Fibre Optics — Custom Lit Build

This one wasn't a commission. It was a challenge — and a labour of love.

The iconic Star Destroyer from Revell, transformed with 400 individual fibre optic strands running through the hull. Every navigation light, every running light, every point of detail across the superstructure — all lit from within.

The base features a custom laser-cut Imperial crest in acrylic, with a dedicated light source illuminating it from below. The result is a display piece that works just as hard in the dark as it does in daylight.

SubjectImperial Star Destroyer
Lighting400 fibre optic strands
BaseLaser-cut Imperial crest, back-lit
TypeSpecial Build
Handley Page Victor XL232
Commission Build

Handley Page VictorXL232 — RAF Marham, 1982

On 15th October 1982, Victor XL232 began its take-off run at RAF Marham carrying 109,000lb of fuel. An engine failure sent debris into a neighbouring engine and the fuel tanks. A fire took hold fast.

Take-off was aborted. The five crew evacuated. Then the crash crew went in.

What followed was eight hours of relentless firefighting — foam tenders, water relays from Kings Lynn and Swaffham, ejection seats and cylinders exploding in the heat around them. They didn't stop until the fire was out.

This build was commissioned by one of those firefighters. A model of the aircraft he ran towards.

SubjectHandley Page Victor K2
AircraftXL232 — RAF Marham
Incident15th October 1982
Commissioned byRAF Crash Crew Firefighter
Tornado GR1 Dallas Dhu — Danger Mouse
Commission Build

Tornado GR1Operation Telic — Gulf War II

This one is personal. Commissioned by a Squadron Leader who flew this very aircraft as a navigator during Operation Telic — the 2003 Gulf War campaign.

The Tornado GR1 in its Gulf War barley grey scheme, Danger Mouse nose art, mission tally on the fuselage. Built to sit on the shelf of the man who was actually there. That's what commission builds are about.

SubjectPanavia Tornado GR1
OperationTelic — Gulf War II, 2003
Commissioned bySquadron Leader, RAF (Navigator)
TypePersonal Commission

Your build

Want something like this built for you?

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Commissions

How a build comes together — and what to expect.

Every Welsh Scale Models commission is hand-built to order. No two builds are the same — so I don't publish a price list. Every project is quoted individually on the subject, the scale, the kit and the finish you're after.

Your quote is all-inclusive: the kit itself, the build, and tracked 24-hour courier delivery to your door. Agreed up front, before any work begins. The only time anything is added is if you request extras such as a custom base, specific markings or additional detailing — always clearly itemised and agreed first.

If the only kit available for your subject is a poor one, I'll tell you — before you've spent a penny.
The kitBrand, scale, and availability. Some kits are readily available, others are limited run or out of production and may carry a premium.
Added optionsCustom bases, additional detailing, specific markings or personalisation. For aircraft, I may be able to replicate the exact squadron, aircraft number and markings of your choice. For vehicles, custom number plates from any country can often be sourced — both subject to availability from aftermarket suppliers.
Weathering & finishingLevel of detail and complexity of the finish required.

A Word on Scale

I build across all scales — from 1/72 right up to the larger kits. Whether you're after a compact 1/72 shelf display or an impressive large-scale centrepiece, I can help. In my opinion, 1/48 hits the sweet spot for detail and presence — a 1/48 Spitfire has a 9-inch wingspan, substantial enough to display proudly and detailed enough to impress — but the choice is always yours.

Kit Manufacturers

All builds use kits from established manufacturers. I find the best quality kits come from the names below, and I'll always make sure I find one of suitable quality for your build.

Tamiya Airfix Hasegawa Kinetic Revell And others

Turnaround Times

I work solo, and I don't rush. Every build gets the time and attention it deserves — that's just how I work.

At any given time I'll have a small number of builds on the go, each progressing through its stages carefully and methodically. When the build ahead of yours is finished, your project becomes my complete focus from start to finish.

For aircraft, a typical commission takes around 8–10 weeks. More complex or larger builds will be discussed and estimated at the time of enquiry. You'll get photo updates every couple of weeks so you can follow the progress.

Ships are a labour of love and take considerably longer — months rather than weeks. They require patience, and if you're commissioning one you'll already know that. I'll update you whenever there's meaningful progress to show.

My regulars are used to how I work, and they keep coming back, which I think says it all.

If you have a deadline in mind — a birthday, an anniversary, a special occasion — just mention it when you get in touch and I'll always do my best to make it work.

How It Works

01
Get in touch

Drop me a message with what you'd like built. Plane, ship or car — just tell me what it means to you and I'll take it from there.

02
We have a chat

I'll come back to you quickly with an honest, individually tailored quote. No obligation, no pressure.

03
Confirm with a deposit

Once you're happy, a deposit secures your slot and covers the kit and materials.

04
I keep you posted

You'll get regular photo updates throughout the build so you can see it coming together.

05
Approve and receive

When it's done, you sign it off, pay the balance, and I pack it carefully and send it on its way.

That's it. No faff, no surprises.

Full terms and conditions available on request.

Start the conversation

Tell me what you'd like built.

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About & Contact

Tony at the Royal International Air Tattoo

I'm Tony. Welsh Scale Models is a one-man workshop in Powys, Mid Wales — and every build that leaves here is mine, from first sprue to final coat.

A hobby and a passion since 1981, and a business since 2021. In that time I've built more than 150 commissions for collectors across the UK and Ireland: aircraft, warships, armour, rally cars and the occasional Star Destroyer. My regulars keep coming back — one of them is on his seventeenth build — and I think that says more than anything I could write here.

I'm straight with people. If the only kit available for your subject is a poor one, I'll tell you before you've spent a penny, and we'll find a better route. Honest assessment up front is how I work, and it's why my customers trust the quote they're given.

Every commission gets the same treatment: properly researched, carefully built, and finished to a standard I'd put my own name on. Because I do.

Important details researched — markings, schemes and squadron serials
Honest assessment of every kit before you commit
One pair of hands, start to finish — hand-built in Wales

What customers say

★★★★★

"I recently asked Welsh Scale Models to build a Tamiya model for me, and I couldn't be happier with the entire experience. From the initial order to the final delivery, he demonstrated exceptional professionalism and attention to detail. He took the time to understand exactly what I wanted for the build, ensuring that every detail matched my preferences perfectly.

The communication throughout the process was excellent, and it was clear that he genuinely cares about delivering the highest quality work. The finished model exceeded my expectations — every element was assembled and painted to an incredible standard, showcasing his skill and passion for the craft.

This isn't the first model he's built for me, and once again, he delivered outstanding results. His careful handling during transportation ensured that the model arrived in flawless condition, further highlighting his dedication to customer satisfaction.

It's always a pleasure dealing with him, and I can't thank him enough for his exceptional service. I highly recommend Welsh Scale Models to anyone looking for beautifully crafted, professionally built models."

Ian T.
Northern Ireland — 1/48 Vought Corsair
★★★★★

"I received my commission last week and it is exactly what I asked for. Great detail. Some personal elements added too (nose art and crew names). Communications throughout were spot on — Tony sent regular updates and images of the build to me so we could agree some aspects bespoke as it progressed. Well packaged too and arrived safe. Even the little details were in one piece eg pitot flags. A miracle in itself!

I can't recommend him enough. If you want a truly detailed model of your favourite 'kite' look no further."

Mike H.
RAF Navigator (Ret'd) — 1/48 Panavia Tornado GR1
★★★★★

"My rather large B-1 Lancer commission arrived safe and sound this morning. She was very, very well packed. When we got her out, all we could say was WOW. What a model.

The detail and weathering is fantastic. There was continuous updates along with videos on the progress. Also if little things needed tweaking, Tony was straight there asking if it was ok as not to delay the build.

To me the personal touch means a lot. I cannot recommend Tony and his work enough. His attention to detail and the communication is second to none.

I've already enquired about my next commission."

Andrew W.
Cumbria — 1/48 Rockwell B-1B Lancer

Send a Message

Message sent. I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

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Build Diary

Commission updates, personal projects and articles from the workbench.

USS Nimitz — CVN-68 | 1:350 Scale

The Ship

USS Nimitz flight deck lit with LEDs, top-down view USS Nimitz from the side showing LED deck and fibre optic island lighting

An aircraft carrier is one of those subjects that makes you question your life choices about halfway through. At 1:350 she's still over a metre long, and every single part of that metre has demanded proper attention.

CVN-68. Lead ship of her class. The one from The Final Countdown. If you're going to build a carrier, you may as well build the one that nearly changed the outcome of Pearl Harbour.

The flight deck is fully marked up — catapult tracks, arrestor wires, deck markings, the lot. The hangar deck is lit throughout with LEDs, which sounds straightforward until you're lying on your kitchen floor at midnight feeding wire through a hole the size of a matchhead. The bridge island is fibre optic, which gives the mast and sensor arrays a glow you simply cannot fake with paint.

She'll sit on a solid oak stand. Proper job.

Hull and deck are just about ready to meet each other, which is the moment you find out whether six months of work lines up or doesn't. The air group — Tomcats, Hawkeyes, Phantoms, Corsairs, Vikings, Prowlers, a couple of Helos — is built and waiting. Tiny. Alarmingly tiny.

Nearly done. Probably.

May 2026

USS Nimitz — Air Group | 1:350 Scale

"We are going to fight a battle that was lost before most of you were born."

Capt. Yelland, USS Nimitz — The Final Countdown (1980)

USS Nimitz air group — F-14 Tomcats and E-2 Hawkeyes fresh off sprue with pound coin for scale

Well. Not quite Pearl Harbour. But it is the beginning of something — now that the ship itself is 90% completed — and a bit of a battle for my enormous sausage fingers and Home Bargains reading glasses.

What you're looking at here is the air group in its early stages: six F-14 Tomcats and a pair of E-2 Hawkeyes, all fresh off the sprue for their tiny 30-minute strike alert. There's also a smattering of Phantoms, a couple of Helos, and some Corsairs, Vikings and Prowlers in the mix.

Stuck a pound coin in for scale — considering the size, they're pretty detailed.

The Nimitz herself is already lit throughout, which means all of this lot needs to sit properly on deck once she's done. Tiny markings and all. 😄

May 2026

Porsche 934 — 1:12 Scale | Personal Build

Guards Red

Porsche 934 body side profile Porsche 934 body with door open Porsche 934 engine bay top view Porsche 934 engine and running gear

The 934 is one of those cars that looks aggressive standing still. Wide arches, whale tail, Guards Red — the colour Porsche chose for the original press cars, and it's not hard to see why.

This is a 1:12 scale replica built to match. The body is done. The flat-six is in. Running gear, suspension and brake detail are all there — because at this scale, you can see everything, so everything has to be right.

Interior still to come. Available as a commission build or for sale on completion. Get in touch if you're interested.

May 2026

Hawker Siddeley Harrier GR3 — XZ997 | 1/48 Scale

Falklands Conflict, 1982

Harrier GR3 XZ997 Harrier GR3 XZ997 Harrier GR3 XZ997 Harrier GR3 XZ997

The Harrier GR3 needs little introduction. During the Falklands conflict of 1982, the RAF's Harriers flew from the deck of HMS Hermes into one of the most demanding operational environments imaginable — long range, austere conditions, and no fixed base. XZ997 was one of the aircraft that made that deployment.

This is a 1/48 scale commission build capturing the aircraft in its Falklands scheme — the distinctive dark sea grey and dark green camouflage, Royal Air Force roundels, and the understated markings that characterise the aircraft from that period. The detail work on the cockpit and undercarriage took particular care, and the panel lines and weathering reflect an aircraft that had seen real operational use.

A big thank you to Andrew for the commission — always a pleasure building for a regular, and I hope XZ997 takes pride of place. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁥󠁿

May 2026

F-4J Phantom II "Showtime 100" · 1/48 Scale | Commission — Darren

Showtime 100

F-4J Phantom Showtime 100 top view F-4J Phantom Showtime 100 side view

10th May 1972. Lieutenant Randy "Duke" Cunningham and RIO Willie Driscoll, flying this exact aircraft from VF-96 Fighting Falcons off USS Constellation, shot down three MiG-17s in a single mission over North Vietnam — making them the first American aces of the Vietnam War. Showtime 100 was hit on the way home. They ejected. The aircraft was gone. The legend wasn't.

Built in 1/48 scale, markings and weathering now complete. The build should be ready for delivery to Darren within the next few weeks.

May 2026

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