AgapeModels.com forum member Rick Lorenz (DiamondLRanch) sent in this wonderful devotional. He describes a marvelous example of the grace we have freely given to us demonstrated beautifully. Thanks for this Rick!

Like a lot of individuals, my background includes growing up in a small church of less than a hundred people. And as is typical with a lot of these size churches, the experience was somewhat more simple and didn’t include much in the way of extras. Metal folding chairs instead of pews, a lawn that could be mowed in under an hour, and those little disposable plastic communion cups. I am forever grateful for the life lessons that I learned in such an environment. There the foundation was laid on which I built my faith and the anchor that holds me to the truth was dropped somewhere way back there in the waters of my youth. Today I still attend what most would describe as a small church, but it is considerably larger in attendance and the building itself keeps expanding as the church continues to grow. I admit that in this larger setting it can take a bit more effort to find those personal moments of truth we all grow on, but God is forever faithful in producing these in the lives of those who seek them. Sometimes they are subtle. Sometimes He even plants them
squarely in front of us where we can’t help but see them. I can testify to His ability to teach me using my eyes to see through His, in order to better understand what forgiveness is.

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Jeff Adair shares his concluding thoughts on his trip to the Nationals in Virginia Beach:

Well, as it’s said, “All good things must come to an end,” sadly, so are the 2008 Nationals. This was my first trip to an IPMS National Convention and I must say that I can’t wait for Columbus! Jennifer and Billy both enjoyed the convention as well. I managed to get my father-in-law to the show and he was impressed. He even bought some models for himself. My father-in-law stated that the models he saw were very good, and the modelers are a talented group.

I’ll hand it to the IPMS Tidewater, they put on a great show, despite a few little bumps, but that is to be expected for such a large show. The location was great; this is the first time that I have been to Virginia Beach, and the whole family is planning a return trip next year. I couldn’t convince them to make the family vacation in Columbus, go figure!

The vendors were tops, and offered a great selection from automobiles to armor. I met up with Tom Myers (tmyers on the AgapeModels.com forums) from Accurate Miniatures and talked for some time. I said “hi” from everyone here at Agape.

The display room was great and full of fantastic models as you can see from all the pictures.

I ran into a lot of old friends from the chapter in Sumter, South Carolina, as well as some old friends from the Atlanta area. By the way I might have found a new member for Agape! (Alright!)

The seminars that I attended were good. I really enjoyed Dr. Frank Mitchells’ “Toxicology of Modeling”- this is a must see! If you go to a national and this seminar is offered I suggest you attend. I learned a great deal about some of the hazards of modeling. Remember to keep the room ventilated or wear a mask when using super glue, especially if you spill it.

I hope that you have all enjoyed the photos and reports that I provided, and I would be glad to provide reports to any show that I am able to attend in the future!

I look forward to 2009 and I hope that we can have an Agape fellowship in Columbus! Keep on building.

God’s peace,

Jeff, Jennifer and Billy

Day One photos

Day two photos

Day three photos

Thanks again for the reports Jeff!

Jeff Adair continues his great reports and pics from the IPMS US Nationals in Virginia Beach, VA.

Well folks, here are a few more pictures from the Nationals. I regret to say that this will be the last update until next week. We will be leaving out on the 9th and heading back to Georgia.

Be sure to take a look at the scratch built 1/24 OV-10D. The pictures do it no justice at all. If I was a betting man, I’d put my buck on this for “Best in Show”- but thats just me!

Look for a full report some time next week,

Until then, God bless!

Jeff Adair

Day three photos

Thanks so much Jeff- have a safe trip!

AgapeModels forum member Jeff Adair is in Virginia Beach for the Nationals there, and has been gracious enough to volunteer to keep us all updated. Here is Jeff’s day two report, and more of pics! Thanks Jeff, Jennifer and Billy!

Hello again from Va Beach!

Well I spent most of the day (and my money) in the vender room today but was still able to get more pictures! I’m sorry that a few were a little fuzzy.

There are some great models on the tables this year- be sure to look at the 1/35 Dora Rail Gun that was there- it is HUGE!

I also had the chance to talk with Tom Myers and look over the “Possum Werks” decal line and they are very nice with very crisp detail.

Also, I got a few test shots of the Trumpeter 1/32 goodies that are on the way like the British Lighting, Euro Fighter, and a 1/32 Sword Fish (that was a suprise to me!)

Well folks, I’ll not be able to get to the show on Saturday but I’ll take pictures of autos and ships on Friday

Talk to y’all latter!

Day two photos

AgapeModels forum member Jeff Adair is in Virginia Beach for all 4 days of the Nationals there, and has been gracious enough to volunteer to keep us all updated. Here is Jeff’s first day report, and a link to plenty of pics! Thanks Jeff, Jennifer and Billy!

Hello to all,

Well, today marked the first day of the IPMS US Nationals in Virginia Beach VA. And I thought I’d give you all a report for day one.

The vendor room and display room opened today at 2:00 PM, and Jennifer and I were there with bells on!

The convention center is a very beautiful place to hold the Nationals. We made a family vacation out of the whole trip and have been here since Saturday.

The vendors are great and seem to have every thing that you could need, And as always the models on display are all top notch (as you’ll see from the pictures). Dragon Con has some very cool items there as well.

I’ll be giving an update every night with a link to the Photobucket album for every one to see the pictures. I was only able to get about 1/4 of the way through the display models today so look for some more tomorrow. Sorry that a few of the pictures are a little out of focus.

Well enough of all that….ON TO THE PICTURES!!!

We sure wish you could all be here with us!!!

Nationals Day One photo gallery

Dragon Con

Be sure and check back tomorrow for more updates!

Pössum Werks has released some brand new decals, following up their very fine initial release of just a few months ago. This time, it’s 3 new sets of water-slide goodies, 2 for some new plastic, and 1 for a classic.

The decals are printed by Cartograph, and as is always the case with their decals, the color and quiality of these 3 sets is simply outstanding.

And the man behind Pössum Werks, Tom Myers, has done a fabulous job on the artwork for each of these sets. His previous set, decals for Steinhoff’s Bf-109s, were very nice, and really looked great when applied to plastic. And I expect these will be every bit as good when applied.

Here are the three sets:

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When I was modeling as a teen, in the late 70’s, I built mostly Monogram kits. I don’t ever recall paying much attention to the panel lines at the time, as my goal was to slap ‘em together, get it on the shelf, and move on to the next kit.

When I got back into the hobby in 2006, I very quickly encountered the raised versus recessed panel line debate. It actually shocked me how heated a debate it was. At times it seems like it’s the modeling equivalent of the Cold War.

Still, I like those old kits. The generally are lower cost, decent quality, and build up into great additions to the model shelf.

And while I have no problem with raised panel lines, per se, I do like the way a good wash looks in recessed lines. I just sort of ignore the debates, basically, and do what I like. :-)

When I first heard about scribing panel lines, it sounded like a pretty difficult process. However, I decided to give it a shot. Now that I’ve got 4 or 5 scribing jobs under my belt, I don’t mind it at all.

My method for scribing panel lines is like most modelers methods- bits and pieces from many things I’ve read or been told. I just sort of pick out the techniques I like. So please don’t think I present this as THE method. It has worked for me, and hopefully, if you’ve not tried scribing before, this can be a starting point for you.

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David Willis speaks today about changes in our lives, and how we can face those.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God….For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.

(1 Corinthians 10:31, 33b)

Few words in the English language seem to elicit as much fear as does the word, “change”. With the exception of our clothes, or perhaps the television channel, there is little we humans wish to change. We find a certain comfort in the “norm”, and will often times go to great lengths to ensure that any upheaval in our lives, no matter how minuscule, is brought back in line with our routine as soon as possible. Change, when it is thrust upon us, can indeed be a frightening experience.

But, there are times when we desire change. Maybe we catch a glimpse of our expanding waistline in the bathroom mirror, or get a terrible report from our healthcare provider regarding issues that concern unhealthy habits. Sometimes we just get tired of the way our lives are progressing, and so we begin to seek a change.

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Steve Budd sent in this great preview of Pacific Coast Models’ Spitfire Mk. IXc, an aircraft that you can never have to many of.

When I wrote my full build report for the 1:48 Airfix Spitfire MkI elsewhere on the site I commented: “Has there ever been an aircraft type modelled in plastic that’s been more heavily scrutinised with each release than Mitchell’s Spitfire? It seems that the many compound and subtle curves of this quintessentially British and uniquely beautiful aircraft have taxed the abilities of toolmakers to the limit and beyond. Launching a Spit at the modelling public has become something of a white knuckle experience for manufacturers, as they brace themselves each time for the jury’s decision on their product”.

A modelling friend spoke to Ken Lawrence (of PCM), when he first mooted the intention to release a big scale Mk IX, cautioning that he needed to ensure that the product was thoroughly researched and accurate. It’s apparent from what’s in the box that Ken certainly took that to heart and gave the designer of the superb Czech Master Resin 1:72 kits significant input in the creation of the PCM model.

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Forum member SteveL posted these photos of an awesome build he did of a very unusual aircraft that you don’t see on every shelf.

Got some pics this weekend of one of my favorites from the display case. It’s the Monogram A26 Invader converted into a JD1 target tow aircraft.

• Rescribed all the panel lines.
• Repositioned the rudder and nose wheel.
• Opened canopy. (cut apart vac-form)
• Detailed and converted the interior compartments.
• True Details Wheels
• Some marking had to be either hand cut (white) or laser printed
• Scratchbuilt tow attachment under fuselage.
• Antennae made of hyperdermics
• Radar from P61 kit
• Windshield Wipers
• Clear nose smoothed and masked to reveal earlystyle radome

If you’d like to join fellow modelers who have a great time not only talking models, but also fellowshipping and praising the Lord, please consider joining the forums. And if you’ve built a model recently and would like to share photos of it with your fellow hobbyists, please contact me and let me know. Whether it’s just a few photos or a full build report, I’d love to hear from you.
Jon Bius, Editor/Publisher

One of the great things about modeling is discovering new techniques, methods, and building up your skill in the hobby. It lets you see progress, and shows you where you need to improve. Each kit can be a new adventure in learning.

And bless its little heart, this LTD CA-13 Boomerang was about a PhD level class in modeling for me.

Now let me say right off the bat, this was not a bad kit. Yes, it is “short run” in every sense of the word. Lots of flash, thick sprues and connectors, blobbish and oddly shaped smaller parts. Everything required a fair degree of cleanup. (You can read my previously published kit preview here.)

But, despite all of that, it went together well once cleaned up. Sure, there were some gaps, and it needed sanding…. a lot in fact. Yet from start to finish, this little kit was fun. And isn’t that what it’s all about?

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Don McIntyre gives us the details on Lonestar Models 1/48 OS2U Cockpit Set (LSM 0224). This is Don’s first contribution to AgapeModels.com- thanks for the support, Don!

This set consists of approximately 20 resin parts, and is designed for Monogram’s venerable OS2U-3 Kingfisher kit, a WWII observation floatplane produced by Vought. The Monogram kit is pretty well done for it’s age, excepting the cockpit and engine/cowl area (which Lonestar Models also covers in another set).
From reading I’ve done over the years it appears that the floats on the kit aren’t quite right either, but unless you can find a Cutting Edge Float set (obviously discontinued for the foreseeable future and very expensive on eBay if you can find it) you’ve got a lot of scratchbuilding to do. Neither option appeals to me, so I’ll probably just leave things as they are when I get around to this build.

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This is Hobby Boss’ 1/72 P-40M, which turned out to be a fun little kit to  build. It’s part of their Easy Build series. Each kit has a single piece fuselage and wings that fit together very tight, leaving little to clean up as far as seams go. The detail is simple but very nice. And their is a huge number of kits in the line- well over 50. And the price is great- under $10! Grab one of these, and just build it like you did as a kid- it’s good for what ails you!

David Willis shares some wonderful thoughts on a very foundational notion in the Christian faith- that God is real, and at work in our lives every day.

(Psalm 19:1-4 NLT)
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. 2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. 3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. 4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.

Have you ever noticed how there’s not much reality in “reality” TV shows? Most seem to circle around a group of people bent on winning a prize by either eating various and sundry inedible animal parts, performing silly or somewhat dangerous stunts, or subjecting themselves to humiliation at the hands of “experts” in a particular field.

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OK… I gotta brag. This is my son’s build. It’s 21st Century Toy’s Bf-109G-14, built out of the box for the most part- except for the markings.

I love to watch my son build. He’s 18, but still builds like a kid. He’s got a lot of imagination, building F-5 Tiger II in his school colors, Yak-3s as they appear in video games, and now, “his” Bf-109G.

He decided to paint it as if it was his plane. So he’s given it an orange and black nose- those are his high school colors. And the number on the side- 70, was his jersey number when he played left tackle for his football team.

It’s been a joy watching him build this. His collection of 109’s now outnumbers my Spitfires!

Butch Delvaux submitted these photos of his great looking Taiwanese Independent Defence Fighter. Looking forward to seeing more Butch!

Here are a few pictures of an aircraft I recently finished, the KITECH #08M- 331, 1/48 IDF (Independent Defence Fighter) Fighter. This is Taiwans new fighter, with the help of the USA.

Looks like the nose of an F-20, canopy and tail from the F-16, and wings & engines from the F-18. It is a very nice kit, recessed panel lines, good fit, did not use hardly any filler. I made the nose to show the radar, with help from the parts box. Decals were OK, but some of them from China are not that good. A big question- there was NO control sticks for the cockpit floor, but a control stick on the right panel like the F-16. I used Testors Model Master paints, and a light coat of Model Master Clear over the top.

I have always enjoyed the odd-ball aircraft, this fits my collection well. Now if some one would come out with a 1/48 Argentine Pucara,  and an Italian AMX!

If you’d like to join fellow modelers who have a great time not only talking models, but also fellowshipping and praising the Lord, please consider joining the forums. And if you’ve built a model recently and would like to share photos of it with your fellow hobbyists, please contact me and let me know. Whether it’s just a few photos or a full build report, I’d love to hear from you.
Jon Bius, Editor/Publisher

Drew Hatch sent in this very useful tutorial for bending photoetch. Though he’s using The Small Shop’s “Bug” bending station, the basics he covers will apply to just about any bending tool.

When photo etch bending stations first came into the market, their need was questioned. Their usefulness has now become redundant. Today, very few modelers can get along without one. The complex development of photo etch has created a necessity for them. Although many different types have become available, there are two manufacturers that are recognized in the industry. The largest one being Mission Models, and the first manufacturer, The Small Shop.

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David Willis challenges is to consider how we are serving Christ- by serving others.

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others…”

(Matthew 20:28a NLT)

I had the opportunity to spend some time with a good friend, and brother in Christ over this past weekend. We made good use of our time together, solving the world’s problems, sharing how God has blessed our lives and, last but not least, discussing things theological.

As we pondered the mission of the Christian church as a whole, I wondered these questions out loud, “Why is it that the International Red Cross is the number one provider of humanitarian aid in the world? Why isn’t the Church the number one provider? Aren’t we called to serve?” We both agreed that these were excellent questions, and then pressed on to ponder other issues.

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A new provider of modeling resources has opened it’s virtual doors- Modeler’s Warehouse. And ya gotta love their logo- big hunk o’ pork in a pointy helmet. Their first two product releases are Warpig’s Scale Modeling Weathering Pigments, and Warpig’s Washes.

According to their site, Modeler’s Warehouse is going to provide modeler’s with the “hard-to-find and not-so-obvious under one roof.” And they have an interesting focus, saying it will “always be on the products and tools you use to build your models. We’re not going to be a huge mega-store operation, that’s not our goal. We intend to remain a small operation, focusing on carrying products from smaller, cottage-industry producers.”

I think that’s a very interesting approach, given the huge growth of smaller, home grown operations that are delivering an amazing array of products to modelers. Anything that help bring those products to modelers attention is good for the whole industry.

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David Willis shares with us some thoughts of freedom- not only the kind celebrated here in the USA on the 4th of July, but the kind we can celebrate every day in Christ.

In a moment of quiet yesterday afternoon, I began to reflect upon the long and winding road that has brought me to this point in my life as a Christian. I suppose my knowledge of things-Christian began in my childhood, but without a doubt, the starting point of my life with Christ was when I surrendered my life to Him some 12 years ago. It was at that point in my life when I began to understand the freedom that the Apostle Paul spoke of when he said, “Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.” (Galatians 5:1, from The Message)

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