Painting Japanese Aircraft Markings Now on YouTube

I’ve uploaded a video with a demonstration of how I make my own paint masks for Japanese aircraft. With the right tools (ie good tape and sharp blades) masks can be made very easily and with complete control. The result are markings that perfectly conform to every surface, panel line and rivet without the need […]

Break out those bell bottoms, heeled boots and earth tones, we’re going old school.

In my “Are we Builders or Finishers” article I discussed a lot of things about model kits of today vs. those of the past. For the most part, today’s kits are well engineered and will provide for a trouble free build with little to correct. We can gleefully put these kits together quickly and end […]

2021 Dream Kit List

It’s January! So it is that time of year again in this platinum era of scale models: Wish time! I’d like to think all the manufacturers subscribe to my blog, wait longingly for this annual top 5 list and duly note my wishes because I have been fairly reasonable with my asks. It’s not like […]

2020: The year we made models

I realize there was one monumental occurrence in 2020 that maintained the headlines for months and ultimately trickled down and affected pretty much everything we planned or looked forward to in 2020. These lock downs and other measures meant that (depending on location) we could not attend model shows, museums or the hobby shop. Vacations […]

Painting and Weathering Engine Exhausts – Now on YouTube

I’ve uploaded a video with a demonstration of how I paint and weather my propeller engine exhausts. I demonstrated using the supercharger on the 1/48 Tamiya P-38 Lightning. I did not invent this technique! I first read about using thin coats of brown paint to simulate rust in JM Villalba’s FAQ book. I added Tamiya […]

Using Quinta Studio 3D Cockpit Sets – Now on YouTube

I’ve uploaded a video with a demonstration of how I installed one of the new Quinta Studio 3D Cockpits in my 1/48 Zvezda Hind. For those who are not familiar with Quinta Studio Cockpits, these are 3D cockpit parts that are mounted on decal sheets. They are made using polymerized vinyl and are incredibly well […]

Finishing Kit Radial Engines – Now on YouTube

I’ve uploaded a video with some tips and a demonstration of how I finish radial engines. For those who have been following the blog for a while, this video features much of the information contained in my Modeling Radial Engines article from last year. The engine I am finishing comes from the venerable 1/48 Hasegawa […]

I actually attended a 2020 Model Contest

I like model contests and shows. I go to them all the time and I had plans to attend a few in 2020. We all know what happened to those shows. If you remember, there were some hold outs in the spring. Some announced a postponement instead of cancellation. Breath was held and fingers were […]

Bargain Adventures!

A natural offshoot of the hobby of building models is the hobby of collecting stashing models. If collecting railroad themed plates, beanie babies or used ‘8 bit’ game systems are considered legitimate hobbies, then I say that maintaining an impressive stash is just as legitimate. It really doesn’t take long for most of us to […]

1/48 A2N3 Biplane Fighter by AB&K

When it comes to building models I think most of us strive to develop the skills that will get us consistent results with few surprises along the way. The idea being that consistency will lead to a lot of successfully completed models on the shelf. But it can also lead to that feeling of rinse […]