Rocketfin Hobbies Model Kit Blog and News

Monogram Revell 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Model Car Kit 85-0892

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 22:08:00 -0400

Revell's 1/24 1970 Plymouth Road Runner model car kit.

Relive the musclecar days with Revell's 1970 Plymouth Road Runner. The kit features Six Pac carbs with the pop up hood scoop. The interior has a grocery-getter style bench seat. You can even make this a real sleeper with the included steel wheels and dog dish hub caps.

Mopar Model Kits | Books on Building Car Model Kits

Revell Corvette Grand Sport Model Kit

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:57:00 -0400

Revell's 1/24 Corvette Grand Sport race car model kit.

This kit is a great bargain while it lasts.

Sadly, Accurate Miniatures ceased producing models. There kits were (are) very high quality kits. While the car kits were priced a bit more than an average old 60's reissued kit, their quality made them worth every penny. Fortunately for us, their existing inventory of Corvette models have gone to Revell. This has allowed Revell to rebox these kits at a slightly lower price than you may be used to seeing.

The kits still include the photoetch parts. (in fact, the bags that the trees came in, at least in the kit I have, still say Accurate Miniatures on them). I recommend buying as many kits as you can get your hands on. You may not know it, but this kit has one the best detailed small block chevy V8's ever done in plastic. It' a great model.

GM Model Model Kits | Books on Building Car Model Kits

Round 2 AMT 1965 Chevy Chevelle "Super Wagon" Model Kit (AMT701)

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 21:46:00 -0400

Round 2 has issued the AMT Chevy Chevell "Superwagon" model kit.

This reiisued kit features some colorful decals and old stye box art.

This kit also includes a set of wheel ramps, which are good if you want to pose the car in a diorama or garage scene. The kit is molded in white, clear, clear blue and chrome with pad printed rubber and vinyl tires. With options, you can build it 1 of 4 ways. Some options include: 3 motor intakes, tinted drag windows, pad printed tires, and a bonus Mini display box.

Drag Racing Model Kits | Books on Building Car Model Kits

Round 2 AMT Centennial 1957 Bel Air Scale Model Car Kit in Tin Box

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 07:42:00 -0400

Round 2 has issued their new AMT 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air kit.

Featuring a collectible tin packaging and photo booklet with images from GM's historical archives, AMT's Chevy 100th kits are a deluxe-level products any modeler will enjoy. The 1957 Chevy Bel Air is created from modern tooling and features special detailing accessories like photo-etched parts, metal foil and motor ignition wire. It's loaded with detail throughout!

The plastic kit inside is molded in white, and includes chrome and clear parts, and vinyl tires.

GM & Chevy Model Kits | Books on Building Car Model Kits

New Trumpeter Ford Falcon Custom Scale Model Kit

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 07:23:00 -0400

Trumpeter has new released another issue of their popular Ford Falcon 1/25 scale model.

This new Ford Falcon Futura convertible offeres a top down version for boulevard cruising, but includes a top up for protection on rainy days. With this version you can stylize your project with the included optional rear seat cover, cut down windscreen and "smoothie" wheels.

The kit consists of 140+ parts. It includes clear parts, rubber tires, accurate parts molded in white, and a highly detailed interior, chassis, and engine. It has chrome plated grilles, wheels, bumpers.

Ford Model Kits | Books on Building Car Model Kits

Hasegawa P40 Flying Tigers Model Kit

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:41:00 -0400

I finished my P40 Flying Tiger model. 1/48 scale.

There were some bumps along the way, but it is what it is; finished.

P40 Aircraft Model Kits | Books on Building Aircraft Model Kits

In the Cockpit 2: Inside History-Making Aircraft of World War II Book

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 11:42:00 -0400

I recently purchased this book, In the Cockpit 2: Inside History-Making Aircraft of World War II, and want to pass along that this is a very good book for aircraft modelers, especially of course when it comes to the cockpits.

The publication is a real deal price wise, as it is a hardback, but the covers have a look and feel like an old leatherbound log book. The book is in color (fantastic color!) and only a few images are black and white, (a traditional documented WWII photo for instance). A bit of history is given with each aircraft photographed, and many of these planes are ONE OF A KIND. Aircraft you will likely never see in real life.

If aircraft cockpits are your thing when it comes to building models, you will be looking at this book over and over. Many are common model projects, a few have probably not been in model form ever. But the popular aircraft model choices are well represented here.

The aircraft in this Volume II are: M6A1 Serian, Arado AR234 B2, P39Q Airacobra, P63A Kingcobra, B17G, B29 Enola Gay, Stearman N2S5 Kaydet, SB2C5 Helldiver, XP55 Ascender, SBD6 Dauntless, FM1 / F4F4 Wildcat, Focke FA 330A1 Bachstelze, FW190D9, FW190 F8, IL2 Shturmovik, N1K2JA Shinden Kai, Kellett XO60, KUGisho MXY7 Ohka, J7W1 Shinden, PBM5A Marina, ME262 A1A, A6M5 Zeke, F1 156 Storch, Nakajima J1N1 Irving, Nakajima KI115A Tsurugi, North American O47A, YC64 Norseman IV, P51D Mustang, SNJ4 Texan, P61C Black Widow, Sikorsky XR5, Spitfire HF MKVII, Sikorsky OS2U Kingfisher, Sikorsky XR4C.

Some of the cockpits are from restorations, but some are very well worn, the way I prefer the subjects. But the author points out any objects not "official" or if a modern change has been made, and that accuracy is much appreciated.

I recommend this book for modelers and aircraft fans alike.

Large Scale Aircraft Model Kits | Books on Building Aircraft Model Kits

Ridley Scott Blade Runner Sketchbook Online

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:01:00 -0400

I am not sure this would directly help a modeler with their modelling, but if you build Science Fiction subjects, or if you are currently thinking about building the Fujimi "Spinner" police car kit, this may interest you.

The Blade Runner Sketchbook has been made public, and covers artwork while developing the movie's concepts.

While there are not many images for the Spinner, if you like the movie, like I say; it may appeal to you. Check it out.

ScFi Model Kits | Books on Building Scifi Model Kits

WWII Ford Images - Aviation Images and Photos

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 20:17:00 -0400

Photos and images for detailing out models, in this case, aircraft, can be found in some unusual places.

Ford Images has saved up quite a few photos, some even in color, of aviation they have been involved with. I especially like the aircraft factory pictures from WWII.

I recommend you check them out. The images are also available for purchase, but even if you browse through them, you can still be inspired to build your next aircraft project.

B17 Bomber Model Kits | Books on Aircraft Models

War Time Movies Modeling Reference on Film

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 09:17:00 -0400

Well, even if it's not direct reference per sec, old war time movies usually have plenty of images of various military vehicles, aircraft, and ships. Sometimes they are models, but many times real hardware is used.

For instance, if you like the old movies, some can be viewed online for free on YouTube, such as John Wayne's Sands of Iwo Jima. Or if you like aircraft, how about Baa Baa Blacksheep, the Flying Misfits pilot movie? Though most of the Corsairs were restored aircraft, and the Zeros were sometimes doctored up planes made to look like Zeros, you can still view the entire film, with no commercials, for free.

So if you are in the mood, try it out, and enjoy some old war flicks (oh, excuse me, model reference) for free.

M1A1 Abrams Tank Model Kits | Books on Military Models

Italeri M1-A1 Abrams Tank Scale Model Kit with Resin Engine Deatil Parts

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 17:15:00 -0400

I have always wanted to build an Abrams M1-A1 tank kit. Most of the kits I have seen seemed kind of basic, and I just never got around to getting one.

I really wanted a kit with an engine, since I like the mechanical / powerplant aspects of a machine. I found out later that there are a few resin engine conversions available. Most were from small companies, online, who didnt take credit cards. Or I just didn't get around to ordering them seperate, or ordering them from overseas.

Then one day I was in my local hobby shop, and there it was (cue the sounds of Angels singing. LOL ) Bang! There was the kit I always wanted! Granted, the engine parts and interior were resin, but I could deal with that. Without hesitation, I shoved it under my arm, and when I checked out, that baby was on it's way home. The years of waiting were over !

Now, I don't build armor kits all the time, so I am taking it slow, and we will see what will come of it. But it has been fun so far. I look forward to working on it each time I sit down on the bench. (Though I do work on several projects all at one time). I am posting an image now, but I will continue to post them as it goes along. :-)

M1A1 Abrams Tank Model Kits | Books on Military Models

Hasegawa 1/48 P40 Flying Tigers Scale Model Kit

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:57:00 -0400

I have to say I have a thing for P40 aircraft, and the Flying Tigers. I just like the design and look of the aircraft. They are basic, spartan in comforts, and remind me of a "put together" well worn old hot rod. With character.

I have built a 1/48 Hasegawa kit before. (Click here for that one). And about one year ago or so, I bought another. For some reason, I stopped working on it, after completing the cockpit. But yesterday I dug it out, and decided it deserved a second look. Not that there are any issues with the kit. It all fits like a glove so far, I don't really remember why I put it away.

But it's now back on the bench. We'll see what happens. :-)

P40 Aircraft Model Kits | Books on Aircraft Models

Sailing Ship Models - Friend and Family Hobby Deals

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 16:43:00 -0400

Not all modellers share their hobby. Meaning, most of their co workers or people they meet probably don't even know they are a builder. I recommend you mention it to everyone you meet, because you never know who might be in the same hobby, or who might just have a few models lying around ready to be build by a modeler...like you.

For instance, a family member on my new sister-in-law side mentioned to my brother, that he had a few models. My brother does not really build anymore (though he did as a kid), so of course, he suggested that I may want them. Indeed I did !

While I don't usually build sailing ship models, the recent Pirate movies from the last few years has sparked my interest in building one. So now, thanks to a gracios relative, I have THREE kits to choose from and build. What a find !

So be sure everyone is aware of your hobby. You never know when there might be a few models out there that are looking for a new home... with you ! :-)

Sailing Ship Model Kits | Books on Building Ship Models

Roy Sorenson's New Issue of Model Car Builder - Book Six

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 08:34:00 -0400

The new issue is out of the Model Car Builder publication. These are put together by the famous modeler Roy Sorenson.

This is a Special anniversary issue. In this issue they build three of the hottest new kits; Revell's 1948 Ford Custom, Polar Lights Batmobile, and Revell's 1/12th Mustang GT500! In the Builder's Gallery they have Jerry Shoeger with a nice assortment of his cars, and a special look at Randy Vandriass' "Dry Lake Racing Team". The Miss Molly Merc project returns, and the ProMod chassis gets a rear suspension. They also take a look at Pebble Beach cars and check out a 1/6th scale Duesenberg.

These "magazine" style books are available as a download (PDF) or in print, shipped to you. Price wise, it runs around the same price as any other good model magazine, such as Scale Model Aircraft or Tamiya's Model Magazine. (only without all the ads!)

If by chance you missed the first five mags, and want to pick up some back issues, you can order those here.

I just ordered this new issue for myself, I look forward to it. :-)

Hot Rod Model Kits | Large Scale Model Cars

NASA Scale Models from the Past - Looking Back at the Early Days of Space

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 09:07:00 -0400

NASA Scale Models from the Past - Looking Back at the Early Days of Space

I came across this article online from Wired, showing some scale models from the Space Agency in it's early years. There are some interesting ideas if you like to build NASA Space models. Check them out and see what you think.

There are many NASA models that have been issued over the years, many Apollo and Space Shuttle kits. Lately, Dragon has produced around 10 or so that have been well recieved by modelers. Model companies have done a pretty good job covering our space exploration hardware.

NASA, Apollo, & Space Model Kits | Space & Scifi Model Books