It's funny that I have a strict 'no hoarding' code when it comes to all things domestic. Yet, after every model build, I keep all of the 'leftover' model parts. These might be unused drop tanks, extra missiles or a myriad of optional bits. Sometimes it isn't my fault - some kits just come with... Continue Reading →
Do we really need another year-end-retrospective or new-year-looking-forward post? Oh sure, the calendar has flipped to 2026. Some stuff was done in 2025. It is always a busy year at work and at home. And there are always unexpected things that bring both setbacks and opportunities. Maybe these posts are important to show that everyone... Continue Reading →
There are some facts that may have been solid and widely acknowledged for most of my lifetime, but, for whatever reason, have become forgotten or less believed over time. Off the top of my head we have: Pluto (as a planet), the moon landings, and the earth being spherical in shape. Coupled with those apparently... Continue Reading →
I think I am missing a muscle....maybe a gene? See, I finish every model I start. Ok, maybe I have to dial that one back a little. I swear I finish well over 90% of the models that I start. I only have a couple shelf queens. And yeah, a couple of them have been... Continue Reading →
The first model I made when I came back to the hobby was, of course, the 48th scale Tamiya F4U-1A in the tri-colour finish. And I was all about experimenting with that one. I did exhaust staining, oil staining, fuel staining.... And I tried adding chipping. I think I read somewhere that people added chipping... Continue Reading →
Can there be such a thing?? Well, yes.... kinda. I mean, you'll never get away from having to carefully prepare your painting surface. And yes, that takes time and patience. However, many strategies for painting bare metal involve the use of delicate and, dare I say flimsy paint. As well as a process that requires... Continue Reading →
"STEALTH!" was one of those things that captured the collective imagination. I certainly can't think of another time when esoteric aircraft technology was part of the culture. Maybe when Lindberg crossed the Atlantic? Maybe the advent of the jet engine? I don't know, I wasn't around then. But I was around when 'Stealth' became a... Continue Reading →
There are exactly 32 ways to paint airplane wheels. But they generally fall into broad 2 categories: Mask and Spray; or Eyeballing it with a brush. I mask when the situation calls for it but I get perfect results with this method of painting by hand. You only need 3 things: Acrylic paints such as... Continue Reading →
TL;DR: A challenging build but it paints up well and I had fun weathering it; build video link When it comes to popular model subjects for airplanes, you have the Spitfires, the Mustangs, the Zeroes and the 109s. On the other end of the spectrum you'll find things like, oh I don't know, Cessna 150s,... Continue Reading →
How often have you seen any of these: A modeler with a parking lot of abandoned half-built kits on the shelf; A modeler who is always shifting gears and often buys armfuls of kits in a different category, or scale, or, a completely different scale modeling subject; or A modeler who constantly buys every new-fangled... Continue Reading →
MODEL AIRPLANE MAKER 