About DBMK

DBMK is a company founded by modelers for modelers. We were frustrated that certain subjects had never been covered accurately or at all and we want to change that.

Modern technology, particularly LiDAR scanning, allows for shapes to be accurately captured, really for the first time. The internet has allowed us to undertake research as well as build ‘coalitions of the willing’ that help us understand the subjects that we are looking to create.

We hope that you come on the journey with us.

DBMK is owned by Will and Ilya, two long-time friends with a deep interest in military aviation and modelling. Ilya started modelling in Ukraine in 1975, served in the Soviet Army in Afghanistan in the ‘80s and has been involved with companies such as SIGA, Olimp Models, Armory and Copper State Models. He has lived in the UK for over 30 years. Will has been modelling since 1976 pretty much continuously and his interest in aviation and the military led to a degree in aeronautical engineering and a spell as a tank commander in the British Army. He is now a management consultant working in London.

Our priorities are Accuracy and Buildability. Our starting point for research is usually a LiDAR scan to capture the shape and location of elements such as vents. Care is needed as museum aircraft have often been ‘fixed’ for display that makes them slightly unrepresentative of service examples. We then enrich the scan with extensive research into the subject, in books, at museums, in service manuals and on factory drawings. Daily dialogue with our designers as well as our panel of subject matter experts put together for each subject keep the design on track.

We want our kits to incorporate the latest technology and design approach to deliver the best possible result for modellers. For now this includes injection moulded plastic, photoetch and 3-D printed parts. We will innovate where we see this brings advantages to the modeller. Where additional detail will increase the price for all modellers but who will not all necessarily want this level of detail we will work with our partners to offer these additional parts as aftermarket options.