It may very well be that most modelers never modify or add to a kit. They just build it as it comes out of the box. And I am here to tell you: There is nothing wrong with that! Actually, I just finished the Airfix Saturn V Apollo 11 rocket and I added nothing to... Continue Reading →
There's probably some psychological explanation behind it. But put a shark mouth on something, and I’m gonna like it. I have built a number of models featuring shark mouths and I have snapped more than a few of them at museums and the like. So, when my buddy Bruce asked if I would be interested... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
Wow did 2024 ever pass by in a hurry. I swear I was writing one of these not so long ago. They say time flies when you are busy and this year I certainly was. Not so much on the hobby front, mind you. No, it was various home projects, work, courses, and that so-called... Continue Reading →
MODEL AIRPLANE MAKER 