With the recent RCHTA event, some new (or reissued) Revell model kit announcements have been made. I don't have a full list yet, but of interest to me would be the Revell 1969 Chevy Nova. I recently bought a 1/25 scale diecast of a '70 (much like a '69), simply because I like the body style. So that would be a kit I look forward to.

The Star Wars kits might be interesting as well, depending on exactly what they are (scale?). I am still waiting for the release of the Galactica series kits, announced for this year.

I've got a bunch of show listings here. Plenty of ideas.

• Classic Plastic 2007 (RKing)
• NNL Toledo 2007 (Scale Auto)
• IPMS Regional Convention Roanoke VA 2007 (DarinB)
• NNL Nationals 2007 (MRchevy)
• NNL Toledo Show 2007 (marty)
• Classic Plastic Model Show 2007 (gabe)
• Glue Crew Wausau Show/Swap 2007
• NNL Toledo Show 2007 (midmichigan)
• Roanoke Valley IPMS Regional 2007 (DrewH)
• 1/25th scale Bikes at the NNL Nationals 2007
• NNL Toledo 2007 (tomk)
• NNL Toledo 2007 (budl)
• NNL Toledo 2007 (patr)

I've been working on new designs for the clothing, coffee mugs, etc. Be sure and check them out. I've got a lot of ideas, just can't do the art work fast enough. LOL :-)

Sharpie has a new product. How about markers that simulate wood? Modelers already use their markers, especially black and silver, for touch up.

I can see these being used to simulate wood grain on interiors, or maybe even on a woody kit. Military modelers may be able to use them on wood planks to simulate grain.

Model King is releasing a some more great kits at the end of this year. One is the Allison Thunderland, with an Allison aircraft engine no less. Another will be the Challenger Funny Car. And how about the great box art from Sven ? Pretty cool !

Let's start the month of with some links to some recent model shows. Also, we keep a list of up and coming contests here online at Rocketfin Hobbies- so always check back to see if there is a show coming up near you. It's always best to see the models in person, even if you are just a visitor. And it supports the modeling hobby.

• Nordicon St. Paul MN 2007

• HobbyTown Fall Classic 2007
• Three Rivers Model Contest 2007
• Foothills Plastic Pros Fall Classic Sept. 2007
• Route 66 Model Show 2007
• September Showdown 2007
• September Showdown PA 2007
• Super September Showdown, Gilbertsville, PA 2007
• YCSM Model Contest 2007
• Goodguys East Coast Nationals Model Car Show 2007
• IPMS Stockholm Show 2007

These models are pretty cool, for a couple of reasons. They are done in 1:25 scale. It's also amazing that they are outside, in the weather, yet hold up year after year. I am sure there are people who maintain them. Wouldn't that be a great job? To work on models all day? This "outside" museum is in Austria. Most are architectural, but still amazing.

This is a very well done interview with the president of the company, Ms. Linda Habovick from Accurate Miniatures. While they are best know for their aircraft kits, their car kits are exceptional as well.

If you ever wanted to know more about the process of how a model gets produced, this is the most accurate article I have ever read on the subject. I get the impression there is NOT any BS or vague lies. Just straight out facts on how the process works.

Very refreshing. It seems model companies today are always hiding what they are doing, or have no focus, or to busy telling us misinformation. Maybe they just don't care. Who knows?

I have built the AM Corvette before, and it is an excellent kit. It also has one of the best 350 Chevy V8s ever done in 1:25 scale. Don't let the price deter you. It is worth every penny. I also have one of the McClarens to do.

Click here for the entire online interview.

I want to mention this model car subject, built by Katsuhiko Yukawa from Hiroshima, Japan. There are some great tips and ideas, plus it's a very well done build. He is used a stock AE86 Trueo kit and made it into a race car.

If you ever wanted to do the interior right on a race car, this guy shows you how to do it. It's mind blowing, the work on the doors, the floor detail, gutting sections here and there. The outside of the kit is just as amazing, with fender flairs, hood modifications, etc. There's some serious inspiration here.

While I don't really have an interest in trains, or playing with them, I do find the layouts and model / sceneries catch my eye. This one in particular is different.

It features model neighborhoods, similar to what you would see in NY, Detroit, or Chicago. Very realistic.