Kallon Rawlings

Origins & Craft

1. How did your journey into modelmaking begin?
I've always been fascinated by creating things, whether working with classic machines or using modern technology to produce custom and bespoke artwork. My godfather was a woodturner by trade, and I spent a lot of time with him growing up, watching and helping whenever I could. That experience sparked my fascination with materials, processes and making things by hand. After studying Art and Design at college, moving into modelmaking and design felt like a natural next step.

2. What drew you to Amalgam Collection?
The opportunity to create some of the most beautiful automotive models in the world was a huge draw. I was also excited by the chance to learn from such an experienced and diverse team of makers. Over the years, Amalgam has given me opportunities to develop and grow within the business, allowing me to become a valued part of the team rather than simply filling a role.

3. What does your role involve day to day?
My role covers a wide range of responsibilities in a constantly evolving environment. That can mean supporting the day-to-day running of the Bristol workshop, working on some of Amalgam's most valuable and complex models, or taking part in international and cross-disciplinary meetings for future projects. No two days are ever the same, and each one brings new challenges and problems to solve.

4. What skills are most important in your work?
A logical, methodical and patient approach is essential at every stage of the development and creation process. Attention to detail is equally important, as even the smallest decisions can have a significant impact on the finished model.

Process & Precision

5. What is the first thing you look for when beginning a new model?
The first step is understanding how the model will be produced and making sure we have everything needed to create it. That starts with researching the original car or aircraft, then ensuring the necessary parts, materials and paints are available before construction begins. Good preparation is essential to achieving the level of accuracy we strive for.

6. Which stage of the process demands the most skill/accuracy?One of the most challenging stages is assembling delicate sub-components into the main chassis. Many of these parts require complex mechanical fixing, often around finished painted surfaces. Ensuring everything fits perfectly without damaging the paintwork demands a great deal of precision, patience and experience.

7. How do you know when a part is finished?
When it genuinely feels like the full-sized component it is representing. At the correct scale, every detail, finish and proportion should capture the character of the original part. That's when you know it's ready.

8. What details might go unnoticed by most people, but matter deeply to you?
Many of the details hidden inside a model matter just as much as the visible ones. Elements such as engines, internal structures and mechanical components can be difficult to see once a model is complete, but they're still there because accuracy matters. Knowing that nothing has been overlooked, even in areas most people will never see, is a big part of what makes these models so exceptional and something I'm proud to contribute to.

The Pursuit of Accuracy

9. What separates an exceptional model from a good one?
At a certain level, I think it becomes something intangible. Technical accuracy and craftsmanship are essential, but what truly makes a model exceptional is what it means to the person who owns it. Whether it's a recreation of a client's own car or a piece that captures an important moment in automotive history, our goal is to create something with genuine significance and lasting value.

10. How do you balance technical accuracy with visual impact?
The scale of our models naturally creates visual impact, but that impact comes from accuracy. Ensuring every component has the correct finish, proportions and placement allows the model to feel authentic. When every detail is right, the model speaks for itself and becomes more than a miniature car. It becomes a tribute to the engineering, design and craftsmanship of the original.

11. What standards do you hold yourself to when assessing your own work?
The highest standards possible. We strive to create the very best automotive and aerospace models in the world, and that means constantly challenging ourselves to improve. Every project is an opportunity to refine our skills, push the level of detail further and deliver something we're truly proud of.

Memorable Projects

12. Is there a model or project that stands out in your memory, and why?
Creating a race-weathered car is always a challenging and memorable process. It begins with researching original photographs and accounts from the event, then carefully recreating the dirt, grime, wear and damage accumulated during the race. The goal is to tell the story of what the car experienced on track and capture a specific moment in its history.

13. Have you ever encountered a particularly challenging detail or feature? How did you overcome it?
The Rolls-Royce Merlin engines featured in many of our aerospace models, including the Spitfire and P-51 Mustang, are always challenging to build. They consist of a huge number of individual components, many of which interconnect and must fit together perfectly. The process requires a great deal of patience and precision, but seeing the completed engine come together makes the effort worthwhile.

Working With the World's Finest Cars

14. What do you enjoy most about recreating some of the world's most significant automobiles?
Seeing the finished models take pride of place at events or in private collections is always rewarding. Knowing that they are appreciated not just as collectibles, but as pieces of automotive art, makes all the effort worthwhile. It's especially satisfying to see people connect with the stories and engineering behind the vehicles we've recreated.

15. What have these cars taught you about design, engineering or craftsmanship?
Being involved in the design, production and finishing of these models has given me an incredible appreciation for the thought and craftsmanship behind the original vehicles. From re-engineering CAD data to producing highly detailed miniature components, every stage reveals the complexity of the design and manufacturing process. It provides a level of insight that few people experience outside the teams responsible for creating the full-size cars themselves.

Looking Closer

16. What is one detail on a model that perfectly captures the spirit of the original car?
One detail that stands out to me is the taped windscreen repair on our race-weathered Porsche 911 RSR from the 1973 Daytona 24 Hours. After a bird strike damaged the windscreen during the race, tape was applied to secure it, with sections streaming back across the roof as the car continued competing. It's the kind of detail many people could easily miss, but it tells an important part of the car's story. For me, those traces of what happened during the race are often what capture the spirit of the original machine most faithfully.

17. If you could encourage someone to look at just one aspect of your work, what would it be?
The race-weathering on models from historic events. Using paint effects, surface treatments and subtle alterations, we can transform a pristine model into one that reflects the conditions and incidents experienced during a race. It adds another layer of authenticity and helps tell the story of the car's journey.

18. What do you hope collectors appreciate when they experience an Amalgam model for the first time?
The sheer level of dedication, time and attention to detail that goes into every model. I hope collectors can see not only the accuracy of the final piece, but also the craftsmanship and commitment required to create a faithful representation of these remarkable machines.