It was the morning of September 2009. This was the day I was going to step outside of my little basement fiefdom of model building and enter into a more social model-building arena. I was going to enter one of my builds into a contest! Apprehensive? Yup. Not so much that I wouldn't win anything.... Continue Reading →
Occasionally there is a 'mainstream' article about hobbies in general or our hobby in particular. Generally speaking, these recent peeks into this thing of ours tend to be positive. But it wasn't always this way. When it came to Hollywood from the 70s through to the 90s, the common theme was that only disturbed or... Continue Reading →
When it comes to painting and putting the finishing touches on a model, there are certain widely held beliefs that, despite logic or critical thinking, have become required conventions. As in, if your model does not follow one or more of these conventions, then it is somehow "wrong" or "off" and perhaps, (gasp!) un-chic! Now... Continue Reading →
Absolutely nothing! Well, at least when it comes to dealing with massive gaps. There was a time when I would gather my allowance and bottle return money and bike on down to the hobby store. Back then I didn't care too much about what model I was going to get. Oh sure I longed for... Continue Reading →
Have you ever seen this symbol? If you have no idea what that logo is, well, I apologize. Because things are about to get a whole lot Canadian for a couple paragraphs. Growing up, this logo was plastered on pretty much every public building I frequented. I'm talking indoor pools, arenas, libraries, outdoor pools, amphitheaters,... Continue Reading →
Last weekend the Hobby Centre hosted its second 'Hobby Flea Market' or, as I like to call it: the Spring Swap Meet. The second time around was much the same as the first. Maybe there was a bit more kit diversity this time and certainly warmer weather. Observations? I have a few. If what is... Continue Reading →
At various points during my articling year, I found myself repeatedly hitting my head on my desk. As it turned out, this was common amongst frustrated law students and easily explained those bruised and flattened foreheads. Another common thing law students run into is what I call that 'ol codger lawyer. That guy (and it... Continue Reading →
Far from it. Actually, after studying these excellent pictures sent to me by my new friend Steve Baker, I am beginning to think jet engines are almost every colour EXCEPT silver! This is the Pratt & Whitney J58 and these engines are found on the SR-71 Blackbird. I am currently building Revell's obscenely large 1/48... Continue Reading →
Bill Chappell owns my local hobby shop. He's an affable guy capable of dishing one-liners with the best of them. He loves a good story and a good laugh and he has been feeding my scale model addiction for years. I imagine he has seen every kind of builder pass through his store. From someone... Continue Reading →
The CWHM is an experience well worth the trip. I usually visit the museum while attending a scale model show so I usually don't get the opportunity to take in the full collection. But what I do get to see is great and the museum has you step right on up beside the airplanes. Even... Continue Reading →
Model Airplane Maker 