claggan’s helicopter production line

Claggan ‘copter maker

Iain Ferguson If someone was to ask you ‘what did you do with yourself during lockdown’ what would you say? ‘Not much’, ‘taught the children’, ‘learned to knit’ perhaps? Douglas Barr, however, unique claim of setting up a helicopter production line in his Claggan home.

Over the last few months, the enthusiastic model maker has assembled quite a few ‘Sea King’ helicopters in the markings of the armed services of many countries which use them in a variety of roles. This includes detailed replicas of what were until recently regular visitors to Lochaber skies in their search and rescue role.

As one of the earliest members of the Lochaber Model Association, set up in the 1980s in response to a small piece in the local papers inviting anyone interested in the hobby to come to a meeting, he remembers being impressed by an older member who said he was running out of space to store his 40 helicopter models.

‘I thought to myself, I would love to have 40 helicopters,’ said Douglas, whose first model was an Airfix ‘Westland Whirlwind’ helicopter, ‘but now I have many more than that myself alongside many other kinds of model and, yes, I can appreciate storage is a problem.’ While the club no longer exists, Douglas and a few other local stalwarts are still very much in evidence at the annual Lochaber Model Show which was introduced to Fort William a few years ago. Like other events, this is not taking place at present, but in its short history it totally

outgrew its first venue in the Duncansburgh Macintosh church halls and latterly even crammed just about every space in the Nevis Centre with exhibitors from across the country.

One of the biggest models on display is a large scale replica of the WWII aircraft carrier HMS Ark Royal, 13ft long and built over three years by association members and almost scrapped when their meeting place was demolished. Luckily Douglas offered it a home in his loft from where it makes regular outings to local events and to other model shows.

An impressive piece of construction made from scratch rather than a kit, its deck is covered with model aircraft, carefully built by local model makers. It is hoped its ultimate fate will not be the scrap yard, but an aviation museum where it can be permanently displayed in all its glory as a tribute to its makers.

Douglas started to make models as a boy - which is where most people start in the hobby - but in that very true adage ‘you are never too old to learn’ skills can be picked up as you go along - as is still the case with all modellers of whatever experience.

Most companies have ‘starter’ kits complete with glue, pots of the right colour paints and a paint brush, along with the model and full instructions on how to tackle the build. These days helpful hints and guidance can also be found on the internet, putting years of experience and advice at your finger tips. Models of many subjects, aircraft, ships, cars and other subjects are also available in local shops.

Douglas works mainly in 1/72nd scale kits, which are generally the most popular for giving an accurate representation of their subject at reasonable cost and in a manageable size. Other than his recent helicopter output, he has also tackled many other types of aircraft and vehicles, sometimes creating dioramas - small landscapes for them to appear in.

Adding to the ‘realism in miniature’ he has also been recreating buildings from TV series such as Holby City hospital, the fire station from London’s Burning and the tower block from ‘Only Fools and Horses’ - complete with the relevant vehicles all in scale. These are very popular and always attract great interest at model shows.

Lockdown may continue for some time, with many still confined to home. Model making not only provides the chance to learn or hone some new skills, but also to have the fun of letting your imagination run free by creating your own world in miniature without crossing the doorstep. That can only be a positive thing.