::::::::::::::::::: Model News February 2006 ::::::::::::::::::

Catch this link to see some great photos from the IPMS show.

1st Annual held at the Radisson Inn, Madison, Wisconsin.

If you like the old 1960's Hawk model company Weirdo kits, check out these latest reissues from Amok Time.

There are 2 pages worth, be sure and see them all.

I love it when someone tackles making a 1:1 prop. This one caught my eye online, a Star Trek desk viewer. Best of all, he shows you how he built it, and it looks like a good weekend project to do.

It would be interesting to see an original, just to see how close this replica is to the real thing. I can see the studios in the 1960's using pretty much the same or similar basic materials.

The one being built is like the one in Kirk's quarters or sick bay.

Here's a pic of the 3-sided one from the briefing room.

For some reason this The Forgotten One figure catches my attention. At first it looked familiar, and I came to realize that with the head and cowl, it looked like one of the characters from an old Terrahawks episode. That's not to downplay the quality of the sculpture, but sometimes the brain makes connections.

From the images, it appears to have a lot of detail, and the base and vulture really bring the display to life.

Hmm, how about a couple of Brumm models of Fat Boy and little Boy ? I think they took some liberty's with the color choices for sure.

If you could not be at the NNL West 2006, here are some gallery pictures online.

• NNL 2006 Pictures Gallery 1
• NNL 2006 Pictures Gallery 2
• NNL 2006 Pictures Gallery 3

Model Truck Mafia has pictures up of the new Trumpeter American Lafrance Eagle fire truck kit. Check them out online. Notice the large sheet of photo-etch for detailing.

This is a pretty cool Mars Explorer replica, in 1:18 scale.

I remember when the rovers landed on Mars, and everyone wanted the Rover 1/64 packaged replicas. They couldn't make them fast enough to keep up with demand (I think it was Matchbox or Hot Wheels that produced them).

Monsters in Motion is going to carry two new die cast, the Seaview Submarine from Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, and the Flying Sub from the same TV Show. Granted, they are die cast, not model kits, but should be a fine display if you collect scifi stuff.

They don't have any pictures yet (in fact, they use the box art from Monograms Flying Sub model kit, and the box art from Polar Lights Seaview kit), but I expect them to have new information and images soon.

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea

Marc N. at MPC Motorsports has released some new products. Including some Brembo disk brake parts and some amazing GM rally wheels.

Be sure and check out the whole selection.

Just an interesting Nissan Cube Van from HobbyLink. It takes a cue from Scion's XB body style, but it's a Japan/Non-USA vehicle. (In some ways it also resembles a Chevy Astro Van or a Ford Europe Van.

Now, this is unusual. How about Nissan Paper model kits you can download?

Some of the kits announced at this years Toy Fair.

1950 Ford Conv, 3 in 1
1963 1⁄2 Ford Galaxie Hardtop
1966 Buick Wildcat
1971 Plymouth Duster
“Fast & Furious 3” - ’67 Mustang 2 in 1
“Fast & Furious 3” - ’70 Monte Carlo 2 in 1
“Fast & Furious 3” - Nissan 350Z
“Fast & Furious 3” - Lancer Evolution VIII
“Fast & Furious 3” - Veilside Toyota Supra 2 in 1
1976 Chevy Caprice with Trailer
2006 Camaro Concept Car
“Rat Packer” ’65 Nova Funny Car
Silhouette” show car with trailer
International Payhauler 350 Dump Truck

The 63 Galaxie has been out several times over the recent years, but for it's age, it's a good kit. The Fast & Furious 3 movie is in pre production, and will star Vin Diesel as in the first one. And it takes place in Japan, the heart of tuner racing and drifting.

The Camaro will be interesting to see how that kit sells. I am not much of a Chevy guy, but to me, it is a good looking car.

Did hell freeze over? 'Cause I must have missed it. I say this because the word is that the International Pay hauler 350 Dump Truck is being reissued. That's right, you heard it. And you thought that kit would never be seen again.

If you know the kit, you know it's huge. You also know it's rare, and getting one off ebay requires a small down payment on a house and practically your first born.

It's due about October 2006, but it's worth the wait. So save your nickels kids.

If you are a first visitor to the Model Blog, the January blog has been archived. It is also listed in the right column if you want to view older postings or look for something I may have talked about before.