As a kid, model building and Scifi just went together hand in hand. I mean, you turn on the TV or see a Scifi / Fantasy movie, and you see all these amazing models of outlandish craft. And let's not forget the various props, from ray guns to Tricorders.

I have probably built every Scifi kit you could buy in the 1970's. (Most of them made by Aurora and AMT I am sure). How many of you had the AMT Star Trek Explorer set? With the Tricorder, Phaser, and Communicator? These were less than 1:1 scale. Just totally WRONG ! Boy was I disappointed. So much so, that I scratch built a Phaser (the small handheld one) from wood and various plastic parts. My first prop ! This was, uh, 1975?

When it came to special effects, I would say John Dykstra was a big influence on me, and anyone between the pages of the old Starlog magazine (Hey, I remember buying the first issue !).

Which brings us to David Sisson. He has an incredible selection of props and model subjects, now online. I am a big fan of Gerry Anderson's stuff, but more for the live action productions (Space 1999, UFO) rather than the puppet projects.

Anyway, if you are interested in the models and props from some of those series (both scratch built and restored), check out David's website.

You may have also have seen some of his work in the older issues of SciFi & Fantasy Modeller magazine (it died out after about 50+ issues, but made a comeback. And is one of the BEST model magazines ever produced for scratch builders).

Kit Builder's Magazine has been around for some time. One of the few magazines for figure and statue builders. Figure kits are unique to me, in that they can range from resin, porcelain, cold cast, vinyl, metal, plastic, and many other mediums and parts. A real multimedia kit (or pain in the neck, depending on your skill !) Almost all of them are a serious challenge when it comes to seams. My favorite part of doing a figure kit is the painting part (such as my Predator, or Robocop).

They come in a wide range of prices, but the 1:6 to 1:8 scale kit (my favorite scale for these kinds of kits) can run well over $ 100.00. But once done, they usually make a dramatic display, especially when the painting is done very well.

Be sure and check out this great selection of builds on their site. My favorite? The Main Man himself... Lobo !

(you rarely see Lobo on film. But the DVD Justice League Season two, in one episode, Superman "Dies". Who better to take his place than Lobo ? The Main Man steps up to do some ass-kickin with the Justice League "Dweebs" (as he calls them). Needless to say, when it comes to pounding heads, he get's the job done ! :-)

Let's get a few recent model shows and contests up. As always, check out the galleries for some modeling ideas for your next projects.

• GMO NNL 2007 (DinoGT)
• GMO NNL 2007 (1802)
• Wester Scale Classic 2007 ( Djway347)

After a lot of work, the site has been revamped. I haven't really done a major update in a long time, a few years.

You know how it is: you add something here, add something there, the next thing you know, you have a cluttered mess and you can't find anything. And a bizillion files you don't even use anymore. :-)

So basically, I moved it to a new, better server, and cleaned up every page (yikes!). I hope it works easier for you. This update will also allow me to do more cool web things in the future as technology marches on.

As always, Thanks for visiting !!

I picked up one of the MPC McClaren kits a few weeks ago. It's a 1/20 model kit (not the most popular scale with U.S. builders) but the size really doesn't matter. If I see a kit I want to build, scale is irrelevant.

I have built one of these before, years ago, and for some reason (I don't remember why), I painted it dark Testors Blue. It wasn't a bad kit, it's different, and it's a unique subject.

I also do have a 1/25 scale version, done by Accurate Miniatures. I have not built it, so I can't do a comparison yet. The tooling I am sure is light years apart, but we will see.

Although I don't have pictures of my build, here is one built online, and a very good example. I do recommend the MPC kit, regardless of the scale issue.

Ira has built another addition to his already amazing collection. The "Curvette" Trike!

I seriously hate body work on a model kit (been there, done that for all to many years), but Ira seems to have little trouble coming up with beautiful custom creations.

Feast your eyes on this beauty. And be sure to check out all his models on his website. They are some really original concepts and full of ideas.

Archer Fine Transfers has come up with this unique and new product. Not that decals or transfers are new, or even detail sets, but these new sets can actually give you a 3D detail...with a decal transfer!

Here is what they're website says: "This is an entirely new technology that allows us to mold printable resin onto clear decal film to create three-dimensional rivet heads, fasteners, access panels, weld beads and even armor casting symbols which modelers apply under paint to add or replace these fine details to their models. Five times as thick as before. Applies like decals."

The picture below shows how the details are raised. (funny that Armor modelers are adding casting details while car modelers usually sand them off! :-). This would be pretty hard to do any other way, but the results are amazing. They offer all kinds of various decal sets, and they can be used on other models other than Armor subjects. Check it out and see what you think.