the team .

The Leading Model Making Company was formed out of the ashes of a former model making company that had been established for many years and famous for its high quality, bespoke models. Passionate about model making and keen to continue using their skills and years of experience, the Leading Models team won the backing of Lea International to set up The Leading Model Making Company - now totally committed to providing their clients with first class scale models to the very highest standards.

Leading Models prides itself on its level of craftsmanship and personal service to clients, providing continuity, honesty and attention to detail at every step of the way through team work and sheer enthusiasm. When larger projects call for it, the company is also able to draw upon a whole range of outsourced, skilled craftsmen to increase manufacturing capacity. Basically if it can be done, without compromising quality, Leading Models have the skills and the passion to do it.

Ian Lea – Managing Director

Ian has been a leading designer in the exhibition industry for well over 30 years and has been involved in many projects requiring models. As the Managing Director of Lea International he was delighted to have the opportunity to set up The Leading Model Making Company thereby retaining the unique skills of the model makers and continuing to supply clients with models of the very highest quality.

Ian Birch – Director

Ian previously worked for several model making companies and studios. His passion for aviation has seen him professionally involved in model making for the aviation and defence industries for over 15 years and he has worked on numerous projects in both a hands-on and managerial role.

Gary Dickens – Lead Modelmaker

Gary has been employed as a professional model maker since he left school. He was lucky enough to be trained by some of the best model makers around at the time and now with over 30 years experience he has worked on numerous projects large and small, including exhibition and display models, film and advertising models and more recently interactive and flying projects.

Iain Darby – Modelmaker

Iain has worked in the model making industry since he left school immediately working alongside Gary Dickens. Now with over 20 years experience of working together, they make a great team, tackling projects large and small.

Andy Partridge – Modelmaker

Andy has worked as a professional model maker for 15 years, again since school. He has a developed a great knowledge of paint techniques and finishes and therefore often heads up the finishing of projects. Andy has a real passion for all models in general and is a keen radio-modeller in his spare time.