There are a lot of reasons why we build models. For some it is an interest in a subject like airplanes, tanks or ships. For others, it is an interest in history and how these vehicles were used. But sometimes we are just looking to go back to a happy place and enjoy a trip... Continue Reading →
A little History Most people do not know much about the Pacific War aside from the highlights: Pearl Harbor, Midway, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, kamikazes and a couple fairly large bombs to wrap things up. I'll admit, I've been keenly interested in this theater for decades and I am still learning new things about it all... Continue Reading →
As a younger model maker I could never figure out how they highlighted the panel lines on airplane models. I tried a thin black pilot pen with horrific results. I then tried a mechanical pencil with a bit more success. I never thought of a wash back then. After coming back to the hobby in... Continue Reading →
Whether we are pre-shading panel lines, post shading, black basing, dot filtering, mottling or marbling, the goal is to find a way to weather or distress the paint finish and otherwise to bring some interest to the surface of the model. When I first got back into the hobby (circa 2007) the finishing technique that... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
I have been a 'consumer' of scale model related videos on YouTube for some years now. Some are great and some need work but all required some effort to get finished and published to the masses. I have been thinking about doing some how-to videos for a while. It only took a global pandemic and... Continue Reading →
