Model Talk

Scale Model World 2024

Scale Model World 2024

Our return to Telford featuring favourite models and dioramas, Models for Heros and our own lineup.

The making of a gold DB5

The making of a gold DB5

To mark the 60th anniversary of the movie Goldfinger, we decided to create just 7 gold editions.

Steve McQueen's 1970 Porsche 917K to Headline The World's Largest Collector Car Auction

Steve McQueen's 1970 Porsche 917K to Headline The World's Largest Collector Car Auction

Mecum unveils 1970 Porsche 917K (917-022), Steve McQueen’s Hero Car from “Le Mans,” announcing it will be auctioned at Kissimmee 2025, The World’s Largest Collector Car Auction

Flying the AH-64D Apache

Flying the AH-64D Apache

Last year we included a prototype model of the AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter as part of our display at Scale Model World. Amongst admirers were two veterans who were particularly interested in our model due to their close connection to the Apache.

Scale Modeling Can Help Improve Mental Health

Scale Modeling Can Help Improve Mental Health

When we receive personal emails in our inbox directly from those who have benefitted in some way from modelling, it is a moving experience.

Close Up: The Mercedes 300SL Gullwing

Close Up: The Mercedes 300SL Gullwing

Look at some of the incredible details of the Mercedes 300SL Gullwing

The Rodríguez Brothers - Mexican Legends

The Rodríguez Brothers - Mexican Legends

Pedro and Ricardo Rodríguez, born in Mexico during the mid-20th century, emerged as dynamic figures in the world of motorsport, leaving an indelible mark on racing history.

Clash of the Titans

Clash of the Titans

Ferrari 250 GTO vs. Shelby Cobra vs. Jaguar E-Type in 1960s Racing

Highlights from Scale Model World 2023

Highlights from Scale Model World 2023

We took our first trip up to Telford to visit Scale Model World 2023....

Interview with Agora Models CEO

Interview with Agora Models CEO

In Episode 5 of The Scale Model World Podcast Dave and Wayne discuss what they've been up to and get a fascinating insight into how build up models are created by James Franks, CEO of Agora Models.

Making of the NO TIME TO DIE Aston Martin DB5

Making of the NO TIME TO DIE Aston Martin DB5

Making the model of the most famous car in the world we just had to make the legendary DB5. So important for Bond over the years.

Who is Agora Models?

Who is Agora Models?

In 2009, I was one of two co-founders of an exciting new idea which came to be known as ModelSpace. What started off as a way in which to acquire museum-quality models at affordable prices, would go on to become one of the world’s biggest modeling hobby sites. 

Which Wheels?

Which Wheels?

A closer look at the variety of wheels offered with some of our 1:8 scale vehicles

Get to Know Optimus Prime

Get to Know Optimus Prime

In the words of the most beloved Autobot..."Greetings People of Earth"! Recently our attention has been returning to 80’s pop-culture as we get close to the first pack of Optimus Prime.

Top Tools for a Big-Scale Modeller

Top Tools for a Big-Scale Modeller

They say that a poor craftsman always blames his tools. And, whilst having the right tools won’t necessarily make you a modelling Jedi overnight, it can certainly help to make your build that little bit easier

The Jaguar E-Type – the coolest car of all time?

The Jaguar E-Type – the coolest car of all time?

The Jaguar E-Type – one of the iconic cars you can build at 1/8 scale with Agora – was a 1960s classic. Modding specialist Mike Lane explains why he thinks the E-Type is still one of the coolest, or as Austin Powers might say, grooviest, cars ever made.

World of Wayne – He didn’t see that coming!

World of Wayne – He didn’t see that coming!

Guest editorial article by Ian Campbell

Steve McQueen – the king of cool (and cars)

Steve McQueen – the king of cool (and cars)

As well as being a Hollywood icon, Steve McQueen was fanatical about cars and motorcycles. Modder Mike Lane takes a glimpse at his life in movies and motors.

The Sinking of Bismarck

The Sinking of Bismarck

Bismarck, the legendary Nazi German battleship, was sunk on the 27th of May 1941, days after setting sail on its first offensive operation. In this article, we’ll look at the series of events that led to its sinking.

A short history of Engine Company 33 and Ladder Company 9

A short history of Engine Company 33 and Ladder Company 9

Firehouse, Engine Company 33 and Ladder Company 9 is a New York City Fire Department firehouse at 42 Great Jones Street in NoHo, Manhattan. The house dominates Great Jones Street on the block between Lafayette St to the west and The Bowery to the east, hence the nickname for this fire house ‘Bowery U’.

Steve McQueen’s Porsche 917: Searching for a Chassis

Steve McQueen’s Porsche 917: Searching for a Chassis

Gulf Oil liveried Porsche 917KH from the film Le Mans is one of the most legendary racing cars of all time, but which particular chassis is Steve McQueen’s 917 ?

TITANIC: Artefact Exhibition, The Luxor, Las Vegas

TITANIC: Artefact Exhibition, The Luxor, Las Vegas

On a recent business trip (honestly!) to Las Vegas, I stumbled across this exhibition in the Luxor Hotel. It showcases over 350 artefacts brought up from the wreck site of the Titanic between 2000 and 2010.

Scale Modeling: from Hobby to Business

Scale Modeling: from Hobby to Business

Companies like Agora Models and Partwork Upgrades are the new faces of Big-Scale Modeling, so what makes them different to the long-established corporates?

Partwork model building – to mod or not to mod?

Partwork model building – to mod or not to mod?

Guest editorial article by Mike Lane

What are Big-Scale Models?

What are Big-Scale Models?

Many of you who have built an Agora model will no doubt have tried to explain to friends what it is about scale-modeling you enjoy, where you go when you disappear from the world for a few hours, and why you are so proud of your completed build.

Get Building to Keep Busy: How to Speed Up Your Modelling

Get Building to Keep Busy: How to Speed Up Your Modelling

Did you know you have complete control over how many and how often you get your Agora Packs?

Story of the Shelby Cobra Emblem

Story of the Shelby Cobra Emblem

For fans of American automobiles, the Shelby Cobra logo is synonymous with legendary American automotive innovation and outrageous performance.

Why Arnie’s lockdown videos have become a social media hit

Why Arnie’s lockdown videos have become a social media hit

For an actor whose most famous character delivered the line, “I cannot self-terminate”, (Terminator 2: Judgment Day) he sure knows how to self-isolate.

Developing the 1:8 Shelby Cobra

Developing the 1:8 Shelby Cobra

“Let’s create a 1:8 scale model Cobra! It’s never been done before!”

How the Cobra got its Stripes

How the Cobra got its Stripes

When we first set eyes on the Cobra 427 S/C, we were in love. That’s pretty much how we choose our models. If we love them, we know you’ll love them. But there’s always a period of questioning that comes after that initial ‘love at first sight’ moment: could we do anything better?

How does Agora Create Such Accurate Models?

How does Agora Create Such Accurate Models?

Creating an Agora Model car is no mean feat, and it all begins with the scanning of the original.

The Story Behind The Terminator

The Story Behind The Terminator

How a Low Budget B-Movie Became a Cult Classic

Model Scales, What’s the Difference?

Model Scales, What’s the Difference?

Do You Know Your Scales? A Quick Ride from 1:43 to 1:8

6 Reasons to Make a Model

6 Reasons to Make a Model

You might find you’re not too busy after all

Precision Detailing at 1:8 Scale

Precision Detailing at 1:8 Scale

Agora’s model cars are created in 1:8 scale, which we see as an optimum size for model hobbyists and enthusiasts. With 1½ inches (38.1 mm) of your model representing 1 foot (30.5 cm) of the real car, the finished model will be impressively imposing and sure to be a focal point of any room.

Visiting Shelby American Heritage Center

Visiting Shelby American Heritage Center

As some of you will have spotted in our photo gallery Liam and I recently visited the HQ of Shelby American Inc. in Las Vegas, Nevada (we were very tempted to try our luck on the roulette wheels to finance a new Mustang!)

Making Model Cars – The Agora Way

Making Model Cars – The Agora Way

How do we get our model cars to be as close to the real thing as we can?

Story of the Shelby Super Snake

Story of the Shelby Super Snake

In 2019, the 1967 GT500 Shelby Super Snake made history, and not for the first time. Selling for $2.2M at Mecum’s Kissimmee auction, it became the world’s most expensive Mustang, beating its own record that it had set six years prior, having gone under the hammer in 2013 and fetching $1.3M.

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