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Scale Plastic Resin Model Kit Replicas News, Blog, Reviews, and much more.
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Model News April 2008 ::::::::::::::::::
Baluard Armor and Rail Models 2008
Baluard Models.
Baluard
has released some new products, they were even kind enough to
mail me some printed information with updates.
But
you can catch their new stuff online. How about a 150mm Railway
Cannon 1:35 scale? It's made of aluminum, white metal, and resin.
Their products are available in several scales, train related,
but for an armor diorama, should be good to use.
Say,
how about that stamp from Spain? Cool !
Model Shows and Events 2008
Model Shows and Events.
Let's
catch up on some recent model shows. Whew! Quite a few models
to look at!
This
site (blog)
shows some ship models from Russia. These were prototypes,
ships that were never built before the collapse of the old Russia.
A few interesting concepts, especially the cataram type hull
"Heliport" ship.
The
images on the website aren't clear on the final products, more
like illustrations rather than photos. Still they are interesting,
the bookends are a neat idea. No scale is given.
McFly Model Parts Video 2008
McFly Model Kit 2008.
You
might find this video interesting. The band are parts of a model
kit (the box fashioned off a Tamiya
offering). It's pretty cool, and the music is not that bad either.
Check it out.
Fantastic Plastic's X-Men X-Jet Resin Model Kit 2008
Fantastic Plastic X-Jet Model Kit 2008.
I
thought for a while of scratchbuilding one of these Jets. But
could never find any blueprints or enough good screen images
to get an idea of the dimensions.
But
now, Fantastic Plastics
has beat me to the punch, and is releasing a resin kit of the
aircraft. This is of course, the X-Jet from the X-Men
movies series.
Tamiya
will be reissuing their 1/12 scale Lotus John Player Special.
This kit has always been a popular collectible kit, though it
looks like the JPS decals may not be included. (at least, I
don't see them in the box illustration). It's been years since
the kit has been out, so it has become pretty expensive over
time.
The
new release looks like it will include new photoetch. This will
be a great release, and distributed by Hobby
Search.
The
engines were used in Ford
trucks from 1964 - 1996. The engines were also used in other
vehicles, such as tow motors for airports. Around 1987, Ford
went to fuel injection, so you would have to supply or scratch
built your own intake manifold (though Ken may be offering this
separately at a later date). These engines were known for their
torque and pulling power.
This
is a great addition for modelers to build a unique truck model
when looking for an accurate alternative to the old standard
V8 in a kit.
Alvin L's Porsche Scale Garage Model Diorama 2008
Porsche Scale Model Diorama Display 2008.
Special
build guest Alvin L. has made a new
Porsche diorama for 2008. The wealth of details is endless.
Not only are the cars exceptional, but no small item has been
overlooked to make this garage seem as real as possible.
There's
a ton of work, weathering, scratch building, and just plain
"atmosphere" to make you think you are right there,
ready to lend a hand working on the cars.
Now,
pass me that wrench....
"Dekotora" Panel Trailer Truck Model 2008
"Dekotora" Panel Trailer Model Truck Kit 2008.
Hobby
Search is carrying a new Dekotora
("decorated") truck kit. There have been several kits
like these over the years, for the most part in 1/32 scale.
They
follow the Japanese trend to decorate their trucks with thousands
of lights and chrome. Lots to see.
Steven's International AMT Parts Pack Engines 2008.
Steven's
International is going to release a great AMT Parts pack.
A similar pack was issued straight from AMT about, maybe, 10
years ago. I remember having a couple, but they have long dried
from hobby stores. Which is not surprising, they have some great
stuff in them.
The aircraft engine is a big plus. A good choice to build some
of those strange drag cars from the 1960's where anything goes.
The parts pack issued a few years ago had TV cameras, chrome
chassis parts, and some other stuff. This one focus' primary
on engines.
Keep
an eye out for it in the coming months !
The Kit Factory - Custom Build Model Projects 2008
The Kit Factory Model Shop Building and Lighting 2008.
I
want to spotlight a site and a company that is really amazing.
The Kit Factory.
While there are other individuals and companies that build replicas,
models, and props, Simon kicks out some extraordinary work.
The
part I really take to personally is the spectacular lighting
and effects. Way beyond slapping a few LED's or wheat grain
light bulbs on a kit and calling it done. He incorporates everything
from moving lightings, glows, digital displays, to lasers.
Fortunately
for us humble modelers like me, he takes pictures of his work,
and through his site, he shares a lot of his steps to building
one incredible project. Even the pictures are well done, so
you can really get an idea of how the lighting makes a big difference
in the quality of work, and shows off the model in spectacular
fashion. Kinda takes the "static model" description
to a whole new level !
I
recommend his site highly, you won't be disappointed. Check
him out, and see some cutting edge building!
(a
special thanks to Simon for allowing use of his pictures here).
Models By Dave Resin Ford C-600 Fire Truck Cab 2008
Models by Dave Ford C600 Fire truck C-Cab Resin Body 2008.
Models by Dave has again created
a great resin body to build another popular fire truck model,
the Ford C-Cab style in 1:25 scale.
This
kit uses the AMT Ford C-Cab
Stake Truck (or one of the earlier versions, such as the
day-cab kit) for various parts to finish it. The bed would be
up to the builder (depending on if you are scratch building
a tanker, ladder truck, etc).
Again,
Dave has filled a huge gap for Fire truck modelers with a quality
product!
JADA Shelby GT500 Ford Mustang Model Kits 2008
JADA Plastic Shelby GT500 Model Kits 2008.
JADA
has started to make plastic model kits. They've been doing die
cast cars and products for years, but now it seems they are
dipping into the plastic model business as well, under the GarageWorx
label.
Information
is sketchy on what they plan on making, so far I only know of
one kit out, a new 2007 Shelby GT500 Ford Mustang.
The tires are a bit big and custom, but a simple wheel swap
can fix that. I'll have to keep my eyes open for one and see
what they are like.
I
looked on their site (a real POS, slow and can lock up a browser),
but I didn't see mention of these new kits yet.
Beck Guitar Model Kits 2008
Beck Guitar Model Kits Series 2008.
I
love Asian model companies, they are fearless when making model
kits, they will produce a model of just about anything. Lucky
for us.
There
are a couple of Beck guitar stores, and repair shops online,
but these kits may be referencing Jeff
Beck. Still, whatever the connection, if you are into guitars
and models (like me !), these are great.
Ross Gibson HEMI 811 Resin Engines 2008
Sonny's Blue Ridge Semi Hemi 811 Inch Pro Stock Engine 1-25
Ross Gibson Engine 2008.
This
would be a great addition to your next GM build. Either your
next custom model subject, or one of the recent prostock Firebird
/ Oldsmobile kits by Model
King.
Here's
a link to the real Sonny's for reference- Sonny's
Engines. Fortunately for us modelers, the resin example
is a lot less money than the real one. :-)
1:1 Scale Dr. Who Tardis 2008
Dr. Who 1:1 Full Scale Tardis 2008.
Most
of us would be content to scratch build a TARDIS
in maybe, 1/12 scale. You know, use some sheet plastic, a little
light on top, and have a model to be proud of.
Granted,
it's purpose is to create a cabinet for an arcade game (remember
those?), but it still has a quality look, and much like
the real TARDIS, includes everything from the light on top to
the door keyhole.
Now
if only it included a Sarah-Jane-Smith, Rose Tyler, or Martha
Jones.....
Model King Tom Mcewen's Mongoose Dragster Kit 2008
Model King Mongoose Dragster Plastic Kit.
Model
King is going to be releasing a great older dragster kit
from original Monogram tooling. The Tom Mcewen Mongoose (one
half of the 1970's Snake & Mongoose Hotwheels Drag Racing
Team).
Great
box art as usual !
Model Shows and Contests Galleries 2008
Model Show Contests IPMS Too.
Here
are a few model shows recently. Enjoy the Galleries !