Davis Grayson is known well to podcast audiences, as the great radio voice of many Trek FM shows, and also Fandom Podcast Network, however he’s also a model maker genius, who’s love of everything from Star Wars to G.I. Joe goes into his work.
He joins us today to chat about that and much more.
Fantha Tracks: Davis thanks for joining us today. Thank you! Where did your love of Star Wars come from?
Davis Grayson: A New Hope was the first movie I ever watched as a young child. I was mesmerized by all the ships, the story, everything. My love for it grew more from the toys as well. You could have action figures from the characters from the movies and create your own adventures. From the Kenner days, Galoob action Fleets, and now Hasbro, there are quite a many cool things that have been released over the years. One ship I wish Hasbro would have re-released is the Rebel Transport. Such a cool ride and a carrying case. Also, if I had my wish list, I want the Ghost to be released. BMF style. I no we will probably never see that , but one can hope.
Also, I had the privilege of becoming a member of the Rebel Legion and have had a great time with that.
FT: What characters resonates with you the most?
DG: Hmm, Wedge is someone I have connected with over the years and finally was able to meet Dennis Lawson and tell him, “Thank you,” he laughed how cool I thought his character was but thanked me. A really nice guy.
FT: George Lucas brought so many amazing things into Star Wars, what are your favourite parts?
DG: A fun story and such cool ships and aliens. I love all the different aliens from Mos Eisley and Jabba’s palace.and I love that there was a story for each one and a name of their species. I mean who doesn’t love Ephant Mon? The ships have been so cool. The Medical Frigate has always been on of my favorites as well as the Outrider. I will even go a little more EU, the E-wing. I have an action fleet of that and it has been one of my favorites.
FT: Tell us how Fandom Podcast Network began and how did you get involved?
DG: I got started by answer their call. Lol. Kevin and Kyle wanted some to come onto the show and I answered it. I made a few guest host and started Couch Potato theater. Where we take classic movies that are so good that you will watch them at whatever point they are on TV on the couch. We have done some great ones, from Mega Force, The Black Hole and Tron.
FT: How does the recording process go?
DG: Logistics can be a nightmare. Lol depending on time zones, and what day, but it can work out. We meet on either Skype or Zoom and start recording the podcast
FT: What makes Podcasting so special?
DG: Podcasting is a lot of fun. And it can help you connect with people who love the same movies you might enjoy or have someone rethink and want to watch that movie once more to see what they might have missed.
FT: What will listeners be able to get from your show?
DG: If you enjoy a little nostalgia, and like classic movies, than this show, you will find entertaining.
FT: What have been your favourite episodes?
DG: Lol. That is like asking who is your favorite child. I will tell you this, each one of the movies we go over, are part of my movie collection and own.
FT: Where did your love of models come from?
DG: I started working on customs many years ago. I would check out Joecustoms.com, TFW2005.com, Hisstank.com and look and see what other people are doing. I thought to myself, “I think I can do this.”
It has been a learning process and something really worth wild.
My suggestion would be to take an old vehicle that might be broken and test paint it. Have fun with and get your technique down. Then move on to bigger challenges.
FT: How do you get such great paintwork on them?
DG: That has been by trial and error. I started with enamel paints and that did not go well. So I quickly switched to acrylics and went even further with Model Masters, Tamiya, and currently I am using Vallejo paints. They have been working really well for me.
My first custom with Vallejo paints was the updated Marauder for Dodger from the 2017 Joecon set. The vehicle itself is from the TRU military line True Heroes. When I saw it in the stores after the con, I knew that vehicle was Dodgers. I had a lot of fun with this one.
FT: What projects are you currently working on?
DG: Not working on any customs at the moment. Life has gotten in the way with that. However, I am working on my own Kindle worlds story for G.I. Joe. It should be out really soon.
FT: Thanks for joining us today.