Great Source of Kit Information

Every wondered if a model kit was worth buying?  Was it a newly released kit or just a re-box of an old kit from the 1990s? If it was a re-box, did they fix or add anything?  For those answers check out the website Scalemates. This site must have every model kit ever made. Put in a kit name, or a subject name and you will get a list of kits that match. You get timelines for the release of the kit, kit reviews if any have been done, photos of the model if they have been uploaded by readers and other info related to that kit.

Here is the scoop on the ICM  T-34/76 kit Ron Craig finished and brought to the meeting earlier this month. It is a new tooled kit and not a re-box. Check it and the Scalemates site by clicking this link.

SCALEMATES LINK

Interesting, if you can't find the ICM kit, look for the Revell version! Same kit, their box. Who would know that?

-Bob Walls

Gene Rasmussen's Progress Report

Here's what Gene has to say about his Tamiya Bradley.

"Today, after fighting with decals that I found can't be seen  anyway, I completed the interior, upper and lower hull with the exception of the machine guns, so I won't break them off while doing the exterior. I put two decals on the fire extinguishers, to find out only one is remotely visible. After 30 hours, the other one stuck to my finger and I tossed it.

The tracks were Futured (sprayed with Pledge Floor Wax), then sprayed with dark steel. They at least don't look as much like vinyl. So now it's all exterior parts and additions to go!"

Chazz's Bradley: Afterword

Bradley Decal

During our Monday meeting, Gene showed off his Bradley and he wanted to warn everyone that the interior decals are very small.

Gene says, "Note arrow pointing at the decal? That decal is about the size of the SIDE of a dime. It disappeared within an hour to who knows where!"

Chazz's Bradley: Part 7 & Fini!

2018 ODO: Weekend Warriors

Is scale modeling just one of your hobbies among many? Is your life so crowded that your available scale modeling time is limited? Then we have the answer for you!

The 2018 ODO will debut four "Weekend Warrior" categories: Aircraft, Military Vehicle, Automotive, and All Other. Each of these categories are "all scales, all types."

Note that to enter these categories, the modeler must NEVER have won ANY award in ANY category at ANY IPMS-, AMPS-, or NNL-sanctioned event.


So . . . no excuses. Ready those entries and become one of our first Weekend Warriors!

2018 ODO: Photos in Time

While you've seen this in other contests as a special or theme award, the 2018 ODO is giving this its own permanent category with first, second, and third place awards!

We all have that favorite photo tucked away that we look at and wonder, "Gee, wouldn't it be fun to make a model of that?" Here's your opportunity to replicate that photo and enter your model in the "Photo in Time" category.

Entries may be any subject and any scale. The photo or photo copy you're depicting MUST be exhibited with the entry--photos on electronic devices will NOT be accepted. In addition to the usual judging criteria, entries will be judged on how well they accurately replicate the subject of the photo.

2018 ODO: Gundam Style!

Start working on your robot suits--Gundam mania is hitting the 2018 ODO!

That's right, beginning with next year's ODO, Gundam aficionados will have their very own category with first, second, and third place awards for any scale Gundams. 

Start building!

2018 ODO: Contestants' Choice Award

Yes, you read that correctly. The 2018 ODO will feature a Contestants' Choice award. All modelers entering the contest will receive a ballot on which to vote for their favorite entry. The winner, chosen by his fellow entrants, will receive one of the 2018 ODO Special Awards!

Just another reason to get those entries ready for February 24, 2018!

Stay tuned to this blog for further announcements of awards, categories, and rules for 2018.

Another Bradley Joins the Herd

Gene Rasmussen has joined the Bradley Group Build.

Gene states:

"My Tamiya M2A2 Bradley IFV  1/35th scale

For someone who did two armor kits in the 70's, this is getting a bit ambitious! Getting add ons for example. Planned out interior that would need the basic color, did that first along with all interior sprues. 

Got the driver seat and part of station in, ramp assembled, and exterior single color parts going on. The road wheels got their first coat on Sunday waiting on last extra to arrive."

Here are some pictures of Gene's progress so far.

If you have not started your Bradley, still time to get one done by August 12th.

Another Bradley Enters the Group Build

Alex Valz is working on the Meng Bradley M3A3 w/BUSK III.  Here's his comments on the Meng kit and how the build is going. 

"So far I am on step 18 and, as you can see, I have constructed one set of tracks.  As the vehicle has armored skirts, I will not have to build the entire side but may have to add some more to this side.  We'll have to see.  So far the kit fits like a glove.  It's sort of like building Tamiya with more detail. Loving it so far.  The color is Testor's Acryl Armor Sand (4711), which may be a little light but I will darken it with washes and pigments. The periscopes I have painted with Tamiya clear red darkened with some clear green.  That makes a nice dark red."
 

Kit Box Art

One track run and hull

Close up of the driver's hatch