Archive for the ‘From The Modeling World’ Category

I have to admit the fact that I am a big fan of Airfix. The iconic British model maker has always been a favorite of mine, and my enjoyment of their kits only continues to grow. As they release new kits each year, I am continually impressed by the quality and value of their offerings.

A few years ago, Airfix had gone bankrupt, and Hornby stepped in and breathed new life into them. Part of that process was the Airfix Club.

When I was a kid, I belonged to several manufacturer sponsored model clubs. I loved to get the periodic newsletters, catalogs, and even kits. But I think the thing I was was fascinated with was being a member of the club. Their just seemed something special, at least to my nerdy 10 year old mind, to have the club membership card, or a patch for my jacket, or a pin to wear.

So it was the same nerdy fascination, that 10-year-old kid in me, that prompted me to join the Airfix Club when it was announced a few years ago. The first release was a 1/48 Spitfire Mk. XVIe, a special edition kit released only for the Airfix Club members. And since then, I’ve renewed every time.

I suppose one could evaluate what you get from a pure dollars and cents standpoint and question what the big deal is. But for me, it’s far more than that. It’s a re-connection with that kid in me, who still loves the idea of being in a model club, and getting a kit, and a pin, and a membership card. Yes, it’s a bit nerdy. But isn’t our hobby supposed to be fun?

For me, to steal a marketing phrase Airfix used a few years ago, “it’s all about the fun.”

And guess what? It’s renewal time!

This years club kit is a great one- a three kit set titled “Under the Red Star”. It includes a Spitfire Mk. Vb, a Tomahawk IIc, and a Hurricane IIb, all decked out in Soviet markings, all in 72nd scale. My assumption is that the Tomahawk and Hurricane are the new-tool kits, and the Spitfire is the old-tool kit. I’ve built each of the kits, and all are very enjoyable builds. I’m certainly looking forward to building mine!

Membership also includes:

• A three times per-year club magazine (outside of the UK it is a downloadable PDF)
• Discounts on special edition kits throughout the year (some available to Club Members only)
• Flying Hours Passport- a way to collect points from kit purchases to redeem for free kits)
• Club membership card and pin

Yes, it’s a bit silly of me, I suppose. A 45-year-old man, getting worked up about a membership card and pin and kit. But it gives me great joy to know if I could go back in time to visit my 10-year-old self, that little guy would think it was supremely cool.

For me, that, if nothing else, makes it worth every penny.

To join the Airfix Club and get in touch with your inner 10-year-old, visit Airfix’s website. (And don’t forget- it would make a great father-son thing to do!)

Our very own Steve Budd (Dances with Wolves on the Agape Models forums) has had an article published in the latest edition of Airfix Model World. I have a subscription to AMW (and quite enjoy it!), so I’m looking forward to receiving this latest edition. Steve joins another Agape member, Eric Larson, as a contributor to AMW. Eric has had several articles published also.

As always, Steve has done a wonderful job with this model, and the camouflage finish on it looks really great.

Thanks for sharing these “preview” photos with us, Steve! I can’t wait to see more articles from you and Eric.

You can order this issue, or start a subscription, at Airfix Model World’s website.

I normally avoid resin or photoetch after market parts. I seem to have a talent for messing them up, gluing small metal parts to my forehead, or oversanding resin until it’s unusable. (And those are not exaggerations.)

 When I have tried to make a go of them, I’d end up sitting back and wondering “why doesn’t someone make this stuff from regular old plastic?’

Thankfully, someone has!

3D-Kits, a small after-market operation based in the UK, has begun producing high quality after market conversion sets. The man behind the company, Stewart Meikle, graciously took his time to tell us more about his work.

You can also read Part II of this report here, detailing the use of two of 3D-Kits aftermarket sets. Read the rest of this entry »

The Airfix 2010 Catalog

I love what Hornby has done with Airfix…..

First was the release of the 1/48 Spitfire Mk. I in 2007, then the Club Kit 1/48 Spitfire Mk. XVIe bubble top in 2008. This year, 2009 brought new toolings of the 1/72nd Mk. IXc and a Mk. XIX.

Apparently, all that was a warm-up….

The 2010 catalog includes….

- A new tool 1/72nd scale Spitfire Mk. Ia
- New tools of the Mk. XII and Seafire XVIIc
- A Douglas Bader Spitfire Mk. Va

My son will be interested in new 1/48 toolings of the Bf-109E and E-Trop also.

There’s also a nice BoB 70th Anniversary set with an He-111, Bf-109E, Spitfire Mk. I and Hurricane Mk. I, all in 1/72nd scale.

To say I am pleased with Airfix’s 2010 plans would be an understatement….

There are lots more kits for 2010- more new toolings and releases of the classic kits. Of course, with all that Spitfire plastic, who needs anything else?

The new-tool 1/72nd Spitfire Mk. Ia

The brand-new 1/48 Spitfire Mk. XII

In early May, I’d posted a build report for Accurate Miniatures’ P-51C “Tuskeegee Airman” kit. As part of the build report, I’d talked about getting to know Tom Myers, who had been the art director for Accurate until he passed away in December. I’d mentioned that it was in Atlanta last year- June in fact- that we’d both met artist James Greene at the IPMS show there. At the show, Tom worked it out with James that he would do the box art for the Tuskeegee airmen box.

The kit has been out for a while now. Now James has made the full artwork available as a print, through his website. The prints look excellent, and show the full artwork as James originally painted it. And at $35, they are a good value, especially being a signed and numbered print.

James said in his email letting me know these were available: “I am now “self-publishing” this print in an edition of 200 Numbered & Signed, using the digital giclee inkjet process. Interested persons may order this and other giclee prints through my website at http://www.jamesgreenfineart.com/.”

James has other nice aviation artwork avaialble, perfect for decorating your work area. Take a look!

Larry Thompson at Pegasus Hobbies sent this information to me, regarding upcoming releases:

We are planning on doing the P40, the Flying Tiger version (early).

At the moment we are doing much work on the movie stuff,  trying to get the Galaxy Quest stuff done.

So that’s 8 new-tool WWII aircraft for under $10 coming out over the next year from Pegasus, in addition to the 5 they already have. How cool!

I am especially excited about the P-40- Larry has confirmed it will be the “B’ model in AVG markings.

I really enjoyed their recently released P-51B and their Hawker Hurricane.  And my son built their Bf-109G and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Keep it up Larry and Pegasus!

When new kit manufacturers make their entrance into the market it’s usually a side-note in modeling sites and publications, and then a wait-and-see time afterwards to find out how promising they will turn out to be. Sort of a slow burn that may or may not turn into a big explosion.

Wingnut Wings must’ve taken note, and decided to take a different approach.

Something more like a nuclear weapon.

If a manufacturer has ever hit the market with this much force, I’d be surprised to hear it.

Steve Budd decided to find out all he could about this phenomenal new company, if only to pass the time until his parcel from his recent Wingnut Wings order hits his doorstep. He shares with us his findings, including some Q& A with Wingnuts’ own coordinator, Richard Alexander.

Dry mouth…sweaty palms…heart racing…you can think of nothing else…it can only mean one thing – Wingnut Wings have taken to the modelling skies! Read the rest of this entry »

Scott Girvan is back with his X-Wing build. This week, he continues to battle toilet paper holder parts, warped engines, and tackling deep philospohical issues such as football shaped X-Wing engines!

Basically, all is normal with the Scale Model Addict.

So take a look at this week’s episode.

And check back later in the week, Scott will give us an update on the progress towards funding a well in Africa. He may be a bit nutty, but it’s all for the Lord. And why not?

God loves us something crazy. In fact, so much, He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins.

So Scott is in good company!

Scott Girvan goes where no man has gone before…. OK, that’s not entirely true. He heads to the bathroom to get get supplies for his X-Wing build.

Now that got your attention, didn’t it?

What should really get your attention is Scott’s heart. All of this fun has a serious purpose. Scott is glorifying God with his work, raising money to help fund wells in Africa. So whether you help by buying some of Scott’s cool stuff, or by simply donating, you too can be a part of this work unto the Lord.

Scott also made some promotional material that you can download and print. They’re perfect for posting at your local LHS (with their permission, of course!), taking to IPMS club meetings or events, public libraries, or simply stapling to your shirt as you walk around your town. And that too will help bring water to a dry land!

(In fact, it would be a great way to open a dialog with someone about Jesus!)

Scott Girvan, the Scale Model Addict, has posted his weekly adventure building an X-Wing Fighter. And this week he gets 10,000 Ninja Bonus Points for the most creative use of the word “capillary”.

And a special thanks to Scott for giving AgapeModels.com a shoutout! Thanks so much brother for your support of this ministry! (You can see Scott in the picture to the left taking a brief nap while surfing AgapeModels.com.)

Scott’s work is for the Lord- he’s raising money to help build wells in Africa. Most of us take something as simple as clean water for granted, yet in most of the world, clean water is a rarity. And yet something so simple as a clean glass of water can save thousands of lives. So take a look at this weeks video, and if you can, consider helping Scott in his efforts to reach out to the world with the love of Christ!

(And don’t miss this funny little “bonus” video too!)

Scott Girvan has a new video out for ScaleModelAddict.com, “A la Peanut Butter Sandwich Wings”. Scott’s documenting his build of an X-Wing fighter.

But it’s not just for any old reason… Scott’s work is for the Lord. He’s raising money to fund drilling a well a in Africa. All the proceeds from his efforts are going straight to that.

So without further ado, I invite you to join Scott, and hop on over to his channel on YouTube and take a look at “A la Peanut Butter Sandwich Wings“.

Scott Girvan is addicted to modeling. And Scott loves the Lord. Combine the two, and you get a Christian modeling website! (Kinda cool idea…. )

Scott’s goal is simple but powerful. He wants to fund a well in Africa. A very tangilbe way to love his neighbor. So he’s selling various wares on his site to fund that.

And on top of that, he’s producing some very cool videos about modeling. You can visit Scott’s channel on Youtube and see all of his videos. And to get an update on Scott’s efforts- and to see his heart for the Lord, you can watch this video.

Bless you, Scott, for your work for His Kingdom! Keep Scott in your prayers, and if you can, and feel the Lord’s leading, please support his efforts.

For a company that looked like it was on it’s last leg a few years ago, Airfix seems to now be doing quite well. Hornby certainly seems to have had the right touch. And they’re not just releasing their old kits- new kits are flowing out at a good pace, along with releases of their older kits.

As part of their growth and progress, Airfix has updated their logo to reflect “a modern feel, whilst keeping the traditional round shape with the red and black colours”, according to their website. I likOne of thee it- familiar, yet with a modern look. For modelers who grew up with Airfix, it’s nice to keep that connection to youthful nostalgia. Read the rest of this entry »

I remember as a kid being part of the “Revell Master Modellers Club”, if I recall the name correctly. They sent me a cool club patch, and some other goodies, and there was a newsletter. (You can still find it from time to time on Ebay.) I think there may have been a kit, but I’m not sure. It’s been a few years.

When Hornby purchased Airfix in 2006 to breathe life back into the iconic British model maker, they also continued the Airfix Club. The kid in me immediately said “join”. And being as the kid in me chased the adult in me into a dark corner somewhere looooong ago, I joined up.

I actually posted doing so on a forum or two (besides the AgapeModels.com forum, mind you…), and a few people questioned my sanity in spending US$40+ dollars on the Airfix Club.

I say “why not”? We’re mostly grown-up folks playing with toys, when you get right down to it. Whether we do it as an occassional hobby, or we make a living off of it, we do it because at some level the kid in us still loves it.

And I have to admit I love patches and buttons and membership cards. The Flying Hours program isn’t bad either…. save up the points and get free kits. And, oh yeah, the cool members only kits.

So I was really happy to see that that it’s almost time to renew my membership. Especailly when I saw the Club kit- A Fleet Air Arm boxing of a Swordfish MkIIc, a Wildcat MkVI, and a Seafire MkIIc, all in 1/72nd scale. Count me in!

I need to get a shirt like I had as a kid…. put all my club patches and buttons on it. I can wear it when I’m modeling.

Who says you can’t be a kid again?

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!

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

AgapeModels.com had a table at this past weekend’s IPMS show host by IPMS Metro Atlanta. It was a great show, with quite a few vendors and a plent yof kits and parts for sale. And there were were some great models on display too.

Quite a few friends dropped by our table, and I am so thankful for everyone of them. We also made a lot of new friends, and I hope they’ll drop by the site regularly.

Here are a few pictures from the show:

Special thanks to David Willis for joining me at the table both days.