As modelers, I imagine most of us are pretty handy at building things. Not just models, but everything from furniture, to real cars, to fixing our own home plumbing. We just seem to be able to assemble many parts into a finished project.

While I am no carpenter, I was able to build a desk for my daughter. A Big scale project for sure. And most of us Dads build many things for our kids over their childhood years. We are usually the go to person when toys break, or that bicycle needs to be put together. (This includes Moms, since my own was a single mother raising 3 boys. She helped me build my first model kit (a Skyraider prop) when I was probably around 9.)

For all the cool Dads out there that make things for their kids, here's a project online, for a Star Wars blaster made from PVC pipe, courtesy of Tom Heck.

He didn't go out and spend $$$ on a new toy from China, but made a custom toy for his 10 year old son. Very Cool ! I also like this idea because here's a kid using his creative imagination, and he's outdoors having fun (as opposed to mindless hours in front of a tv or a video game).

Check out the easy and fun project (do it with your kids together, see what ideas they have), it's a win / win deal all around. Tom includes a PDF file at the link with the directions to build your own.

STAR WARS TOY GUN | STAR WARS MODEL KITS | THE PVC 101 PROJECT BOOK |

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In 2004, SpaceShip 1 won the $10 million X-Prize when it became the first commercial vehicle to successfully fly to the edge of space (100 km) and back twice within a week. 

Fantastic Plastic now brings you the first scale model of this ground-breaking spaceplane system.  Patterned in 1:144 scale by Scott Lowther and cast by Masterpiece Models, our 29-piece kit contains both the SpaceShip 2 sub-orbital spacecraft and its gigantic jet-powered "White Knight" carrier.  Landing gear are also included.  When completed, the entire model has an impressive 11.5" wingspan.  (Sorry, no decals with this one).

Build the future of space flight right at home !

SPACESHIP ONE MODEL KIT | SPACE MODEL BOOKS | SPACESHIP ONE ROCKET |

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Some of the iHobby pictures are starting to show up online. It looks like the coming 2010 year is going to bring a lot of great new kits.

Mixed into the fray are a lot of reissues. Some that have only been out of production for a short time, and some that have not seen the light of day in 40 years. Here are some of the highlights that appeal to me:

• Lindberg: 1:144 U.S.S. Arizona Battleship, at 55 inches long !
• Lindberg: Two paddle steamships, the Clermont and Southern Belle.
• Lindberg: Florida State Trooper Dodge Charger
• Round 2: The C57D, which I missed the first time around it was issued.
• Moebius: Superboy and Wonder Woman figure kits, along with the 2001 Moonbus.
• and the Number 1 choice for me: Round 2's 1966 Batmobile in 1:25 scale, as a glue and snap kit!

There are a lot more things on the way. These are but a few, and you can check out the links to see more. But I think this year, there are models to cover whatever you build, from Scifi, cars, trucks, monsters, figures, ships, aircraft, space, you name it, and a kit is probably on it's way. It's a good time to be modeling !

There are some rumors about other kits that may be produced, but I could not confirm the information, or find pictures, so I will hold onto that until I know more, and post them on the blog at a later time.

iHobby Model Pictures 1 | iHobby Pictures 2 | Model Shows & Events |

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BamBam Productions has produced a resin kit of Battlestar Galactica's Poseidon. It is 15 inches long, and includes extra guns, a stand, and two extra engines for upgrading. The master was done by the famous Alfred Wong.

I never really like the new TV Show all that much, the classic Battlestar Galactica I feel was better. But if you dig the new series, this kit would be a good addition to your display case.

BATTLESTAR GALACTICA SERIES | CLASSIC CYLON | CYLON RAIDER MODEL KIT |

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Moebius Models does some exclusive kits for special events. Sometimes it's the box art, sometimes they glow in the dark, but many times they kits are molded in certain colors or a transparent plastic.

Just in case you may not know it, their smaller 1:350 scale Seaview kit is available in Transparent Blue plastic.

Made for the IPMS Nationals in 2009, (but arriving to late for the event), they are limited to 240 kits, 120 for the US market, and 120 for Japan. So if you ever wanted something unique for your collection, now is the time to grab one.

SCIFI MODEL KITS | SCIFI MODEL BOOKS | SUBMARINE MODEL KITS |

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In the past, when it came to drag racing model kits, especially in the 1970's, you were probably building Revell kits. Whether it was a 1:25 or 1:16 big scale kit, from funny cars to dragsters, you had something on the model bench that was made to go fast. Cars from teams like Snake & Mongoose, The Hawaiian, or Jungle Jim and many others. Those that remember those days know how Revell was providing sponsorship to real drag teams on the track and in the series.

Early drag racing subjects have been kind of slim these past few years. Thankfully Model King issued some great kits that hadn't seen the light of day in 30+ years, but let's face it, you can never have enough floppers or rails to build in your growing model stash.

But old times are here again! Like the glory days of drag racing, NHRA and Revell have gotten together to release some drag racing its just for you !

...""NHRA welcomes the return of Revell and their classic model kits," said Gary Darcy, senior vice president-sales & marketing, NHRA. "The Revell models were synonymous with the sport of NHRA Drag Racing, and reintroducing these classic model kits to today's fans will reinforce the long and storied history of the sport and its partnership with Revell."...

So get ready to build some nostalgic drag cars and smell the fumes, they're coming your way !

DRAG RACING MODEL KITS | AMERICAN DRAG RACING |

Should be some new announcements from the iHobby show this weekend (or sooner !) on new kits. We will have to see. Stay tuned.

Round 2 has already got a sneak peek going on with their 1:1000 scale Enterprise-A from Star Trek. I am more partial to the TOS Enterprise, I don't like the A-model nacelles. Still, this scale will go well with Round 2's other 1:1000 scale Star Trek kits.

STAR TREK MODEL KITS | SCIFI MODEL BOOKS |

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Here's a really cool looking kit. The Markov Anti Gravity Racer, a resin model by ALB-LAB.

The kit was designed from an illustration by Ben Mauro. It has a little bit of everything as far as influences, from Star Wars to The Fifth Element. Painting the vehicle is wide open, but being a racer, I'm sure racing stripes and gumballs will be right at home.

The model is 1:35 scale, but still ends up a respectable 17.5 cm (about 7 inches) long. Like any good race car, it looks fast even when it's sitting still. It's not quite available yet, it's projected for November, but I recommend you get your orders in early. It looks like it will be a hit.

RESIN ANTI-GRAVITY RACER | SCIFI MODEL BOOKS |

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Model company ICM in the Ukraine has released a new 1:72 scale Sukhoi Su-27 Jet Fighter. The kit represents one of the "Russian Knights", an AF Display Team.

The SU-27 is Russia's fourth generation fighter, and serves with some of the the CIS Air Forces, including Russia and the Ukraine. As well as with other countries such as China, Vietnam, Latin America, Africa and Asia.

The kit features engraved panelling, highly detailed landing gear, and colorful decals to model any aircraft of the "Russian Knights" Display Team.

"The Russian Knights are an aerobatic demonstration team of the Russian Air Force. Originally formed on April 5, 1991 at the Kubinka Air Base as a team of six Sukhoi Su-27s, the team was the first to perform outside the Soviet Union in September 1991 when they toured the United Kingdom. On December 12, 1995, disaster struck as three team members flew into a mountainside while practicing formation flying in adverse weather. Despite this unprecedented tragedy, the team bounced back and now performs with four Su-27P's and 2 Su-27UB's..." www.electronicaviation.com.

ICM SU-27 MODEL AIRCRAFT MODELS | SUKHOI SU-27 FLANKER WARBIRD TECH | AIRCRAFT MODELING BOOKS |

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Models by Dave has released a new resin heavy truck cab / kit. Fresh off the mold, this new model is a 1:25 scale International 4000 Standard Cab.

The conversion kit is designed to replicate one of the most popular International trucks on the road. This kit will fit on most 1:25 heavy truck model kit chassis', with minimal modifications.

The kit includes: Cab, interior, hood, grill, bumper, headlights, quarter fenders, and the dash. These trucks / cabs were used in all kinds of duties, from fire trucks, box trucks, to beer trucks. So there are a lot of possible builds and projects you can make.

INTERNATIONAL TRUCK CAB RESIN MODEL | INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS | INTERNATIONAL PAYSTAR 5000 DUMP TRUCK |

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There was a time in the 1990's when monster / horror kits were everywhere, cast in resin or made in vinyl. You can still find them today, but I believe that was a peak time for sales, and many small shops / companies folded, with molds and products never to be seen again. (despite some re-casters).

One strong company then, and still going strong now, is Geometric Designs. They continue to release new products, and their name is known as one of the premiere companies producing monster and horror kits.

New for Geometric is their Mr. Hyde figure. It is 1:12 scale (around 8 inches high) and includes a base. There is a lot of detail, especially in the face and clothing. I can see a modeler reconstructing the street lamp and making it light up, to give an eery glow on the scene.

One product they also make, and these are fun for model car builders, are their 1:25 scale monsters. Very unique !

MR HYDE FIGURE MODEL | FROM GRAVES TO CAVES, MODELING YOUR DIORAMA | HORROR MONSTER MODEL KITS |

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Just about every modeler has made a diorama of one kind of another. Usually incorporating their favorite model subject.

Diorama Dreams is a company that specializes in dioramas. Building large scratch built models and scenes, often in 1:6 scales, you are drawn into the action and display. The models vary, from helicopters, science fiction, figures, to military vehicles.

Many of their scenes use figures, in what appear to be modified GI Joe bodies. An interesting touch.

Check the site out and see what you think. There are a lot of ideas, especially if you into large scale projects.

DIORAMA MODELS | SUPER DIORAMAS | STYRENE MODELING | SCUD MISSILE MODELS |

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If you like bi-plane aircraft models, especially in 1:32 scale, Silverwings of Poland has released some new aircraft model kits.

Silverwings offers models of airplanes from the years 1914-1939. This era has a special niche as a pioneering age for many unique and experimental designs in the aviation industry. Especially during WWI.

So far they are producing a Focke-Wulf FW44D "Stieglitz". Parts are included to make a wheeled or ski landing gear version. This is a resin kit. The Commemorative Air Force actually has one of these planes in their collection in the U.S.

FOCKE-WULF 44D MODEL KITS | GERMAN FIGHTER UNITS 1914-1917 | BIPLANES, TRIPLANES AND SEAPLANES |

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If you like big rig truck models, one of the most popular sites online would be Model Truck Mafia. There's even more to see with their new web design (totally cool by the way), and new navigation.

I recommend checking it out. And drop Adam a note, there isn't much he doesn't know about truck kits.

MODEL TRUCK MAFIA | TRUCK MODEL KITS | EXTREME TRUCKS |

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Revell has released a second version of their popular 1:32 scale Piper Cub aircraft. This one is the PA-18-150 float plane. The kit includes 102 parts. This Piper Cub represents a 1949 model. According to Centennialofflight..."The need for new pilots created an insatiable appetite for Piper Cubs. In 1940, the year before the United States' entry into the war, 3,016 Cubs were built; soon, wartime demands would increase that production rate to one Piper J-3 Cub being built every 20 minutes!

Official Company Piper aircraft (subsidiary & licensed), specifically some of the the PA-18 / L-18/21s, were built right on up to 1994. Replicas of PA-18 Pipers and SuperCubs are still being built today, by companies such as Backcountry Supercubs.

With this long aircraft history, there are plenty of chances to get some great reference to detail out your model. If you don't want the float-landing gear version, a wheel gear version is available also.

PIPER CUB PA-18 FLOAT PLANE MODEL KIT | SUPER PIPER CUB MODEL KITS | PIPER CUB PIN | PIPER CUB SIGN | REVELL |

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Plenty of time to drink some coffee this morning,and browse a couple of model show images.

• Hobby Town Model Contest 2009
• 3rd Annual Mid-America Nationals Bellevue / Omaha, NE October 10th

F4U AIRCRAFT MODEL KITS | MODEL CONTESTS & EVENTS | MODELING THE F4U CORSAIR |

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You never know where a model part will show up. Or know when and how someone will make it, whether it's from resin, to wax casting, to photoetch, to using a lathe.

There is now a company online, Shapeways, where you upload a file and a product can be made, literally produced on demand. The website says it's in Beta, and some items may or may not appeal to modelers. But I think it could be an outlet for those who may want to try it and make something of their own.

There are model products on there, such as a set of valve covers and air cleaners, in 1:25 scale. I also see a set of what may be a set of carbs, and even a small scale car model.

It's hard to say where this will go. I think for model parts, and I mean small parts not available in a plastic kit already, may have a chance with this procedure to get produced. And sell.

MODEL KIT VALVE COVERS | HOW TO CAST METAL AND RUBBER PARTS | PLASTIC VACUUM FORMING |

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I am into traditional hot rods. Rat rods, homemade buckets, and the whole 'be creative, weld whatever you have' thing. From a time when rodders had only a few dollars, and swaping for parts with your car buddies was the only way to get the car built that you wanted to drive.

Coming up this month, Billetproof is having a 1/8th mile drag event in Lakeland Motorsports Park in Florida.

I recommend checking it out if you can. Billetproof specifically has cars, truck and motorcycles that MUST BE PRE-1964. An event for those who build their own traditional style rods and customs on a limited budget. NO billet-clad, digital gauge, pastel graphic, named after a fifties song trailer queens!

BILLETPROOF FLORIDA DRAGS | HOT ROD MEMORABILIA & COLLECTIBLES | HOT ROD GIRLS SAVE THE WORLD |

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Hey, let's list some great pictures from some recent model shows! Inspiration is just around the corner!

• Classic Plastic NNL Model Car Show 2009 - CB
• Classic Plastic NNL Model Car Show 2009 - JD
• Classic Plastic NNL Model Car Show 2009 - TJ
• Classic Plastic Toledo NNL Model Car Show 2009
• Classic Plastic NNL Model Car Show 2009
• Classic Plastic NNL Model Car Show 2009 - PR
• Classic Plastic NNL Model Car Show 2009 - modelcarguy
• Classic Plastic NNL Model Car Show 2009 - tomk
• Classic Plastic NNL Model Car Show 2009 - daryl
• KKIM Model Car Show 2009 - marty

PLASTIC MODEL SHOWS | BUILDING & DETAILING MODEL CARS |

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