International Plastic Modelers' Society / USA

International Plastic Modelers' Society / USA

IPMS/USA

IPMS/USA

I asked to review this as I have never used any Yahu Models products before, and I have the Airfix Chevy M6 Bomb Service truck in their USAAD Bomber supply set. Unfortunately, I found out the set, while saying 1/72nd, is actually made for the 1/35th...

Landing Page Reviews - Sat, 02/07/2026 - 00:00

I asked to review this as I have never used any Yahu Models products before, and I have the Airfix Chevy M6 Bomb Service truck in their USAAD Bomber supply set. Unfortunately, I found out the set, while saying 1/72nd, is actually made for the 1/35th scale ICM series of kits. The back of the package has the correct 1:35 notation.

The set is very nicely detailed with 2 small frets of photoetch. The first one has a full-color instrument panel and separate bezels to add to it. The second fret has some pre-printed placards, including for the engine bay.

Overall, this set will add a lot of extra detail, even though I think the bezels are a bit too small for my skill level, but I also think you could get away without adding them.

Other than the scale confusion, if you have the ICM kits, these will look very good.

Background NotesThis is a white-metal replacement for the Magic Factory A-4M Skyhawk kit and provides all the small details to match those of the kit’s parts, as well as those from the plastic kit itself.While the Magic Factory’s A-4M kit is a great...

Landing Page Reviews - Sat, 02/07/2026 - 00:00
Background Notes

This is a white-metal replacement for the Magic Factory A-4M Skyhawk kit and provides all the small details to match those of the kit’s parts, as well as those from the plastic kit itself.

While the Magic Factory’s A-4M kit is a great kit in itself, this aftermarket kit provides two aspects which will aid in completion of the base kit: (1) all of the small details are faithfully replicated in white metal (including expansion marks, collet rings, attachment points for both the rear and front wheels and gear retraction bar) and (2) the added weight provided by the white metal itself adds not only to the strength of the landing gear but more importantly the sheer weight itself of the metal gear parts.

Preview: Takom's 35th scale T28 & M28A1/A2 Super Assault Tank

The Modelling News - Fri, 02/06/2026 - 07:28
New information on Takom's T28 & M28 A1/A2 superheavy tank is here. We look at the announcement & the features of these two kits in our preview...Read on... »
Categories: News

Dragon 1/72 Challenger 2 MBT w/Dozer Blade

Forums - Thu, 02/05/2026 - 21:58
Well here is an unexpected update on an old build that I finished back in late 2018. This past Tuesday, IPMS Phoenix had the theme of Braille Scale builds for February's meeting contest. Any subject, any era, just be 1/72 or smaller. Seeing that this is my only 1/72 build in my possession since 1983, I dusted it off, packed it up, and took it to the meeting. Lo and behold, it took 2nd place. Mind you, IPMS Phoenix is a VERY 1/72 oriented chapter, and there was plenty of good competition! Ya just never know what will happen ;

Preview: MiniArt's 48th scale P-47M Thunderbolt "Basic Kit" in CAD, features & art...

The Modelling News - Thu, 02/05/2026 - 06:01
MiniArt's new 1/48th scale P-47M is with us in box art & CAD form. We look at their second "M" model release, the box art & the markings in real life in our preview...Read on... »
Categories: News

Trumpeter 1:350 Forrest Sherman (Arleigh Burke, dressed as USS Nitze)

Forums - Wed, 02/04/2026 - 13:26
1:350 Arleigh Burke, dressed up as the USS Nitze. These were my first times using photo etch and painting, believe it or not. I also kit bashed the CIWS onto the USS Nitze from another kit, having to do some cutting for the superstructure and CIWS. Sorry that it's not that great, I am new to serious modeling, and I model from my barracks room, meaning I have to set up and tear down every day/time I want to model. I also hand paint since I don't really have the space/ability to use an air brush. I actually do not have much room in my barracks for the models, so this one I made and donated to the Chief's Mess aboard the USS Nitze. Please let me know what you think! Open to helpful criticism as well. Edit: Trumpeter, not Academy. My mistake.

Making models in the barracks - Virginia

Forums - Wed, 02/04/2026 - 11:06
Hello everyone! My name is TJ, and I am an Aerographer's Mate in the US Navy, meaning I am a "weather guesser". I have been modeling on and off since I was a kid, but haven't taken it seriously until recently. I have a bachelor's in history and mostly study Cold War History, Strategic Air Command, and military history in general. I am trying to see if I can take a collateral as my command's historian, and I have volunteered at multiple museums including the USS Edson. I mostly model US Navy aircraft and ships but may try to work towards doing tanks and such. I do my modeling in my barracks room, so I actually have to set up every time and then pack it all up at the end of the night so my room is inspection ready daily. Anyone have any tips on organization/temporary storage that can make this easier? As I said, I just recently got back into modeling and I have been slowly expanding my collection and tools, and learning along the way. I'm going to attach my latest projects, including an 1/72 MH-53E and a 1:350 Arleigh Burke, dressed up as the USS Nitze. These were my first times using photo etch and painting, believe it or not. I also kit bashed the CIWS onto the USS Nitze from another kit, having to do some cutting for the superstructure and CIWS. Sorry they aren't great. I am currently working on a 1/48 MH-53E, then I will likely work on my 1/72 Eduard Limited Edition E-2C Hawkeye, as I see them fly every day here. Happy to be here and I'm excited to meet some awesome folks!

Ardennes Miniature's new 35th-scale figures & heads for February...

The Modelling News - Wed, 02/04/2026 - 05:54
German StuG crew in winter – four singles, two sets of two & a set of six heads in 35th scale are all-new from Ardennes Miniature in Feb. We take a look at each of them in our preview...Read on... »
Categories: News

Episode 132: Grant, JB and Scott Discuss their 3 Most Wanted Kit Subjects, Upcoming Shows

Plastic Posse Podcast - Wed, 02/04/2026 - 00:00

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Just three of us this time out as we discuss our 3 most desired kit subjects. We also discuss a double helping of models we love on the Plastic Posse facebook page, talk about our benches, and also recent acquisitions. We also go over several 2026 early season model shows.

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There were 13,738 P-40 Warhawks built during World War II, making it the most produced American fighter aircraft of the war. Among the multitude of 1/48 scale P-40s are the new Eduard kits of the P-40E/N. As aircraft modelers well know, aircraft models...

Landing Page Reviews - Wed, 02/04/2026 - 00:00

There were 13,738 P-40 Warhawks built during World War II, making it the most produced American fighter aircraft of the war. Among the multitude of 1/48 scale P-40s are the new Eduard kits of the P-40E/N. As aircraft modelers well know, aircraft models displayed on their landing gear are susceptible to damage from the weight of the model, especially on styrene landing gear.

Scale Aircraft Conversion has had the solution since 1990. Their white metal landing gear is designed to bear the weight of the model and complement the detailed non-load bearing plastic parts. Their extensive range covers white metal landing gear from 1/144 to 1/18 scale aircraft.

Another in ICM’s range of paint sets, which is intended for use with any kit of a WWII RAF training aircraft; the box illustrates a Hampden and Tiger Moth. The set contains the following six 12ml paint pots; I have listed their likely intended uses...

Landing Page Reviews - Tue, 02/03/2026 - 00:00

Another in ICM’s range of paint sets, which is intended for use with any kit of a WWII RAF training aircraft; the box illustrates a Hampden and Tiger Moth. The set contains the following six 12ml paint pots; I have listed their likely intended uses:

  • 1003 Deep Yellow – Yellow (aka ‘Trainer Yellow’ – the RAF had only one Yellow during WWII)
  • 1023 Aluminium – Aluminium Dope
  • 1050 Saddle Brown – Dark Earth
  • 1053 Leather Brown – alternative Dark Earth
  • 1069 Extra Dark Green – Dark Green
  • 1072 US Dark Green – alternative Dark Green

The back of the box has a drawing showing where to use each color on a Hampden and two Tiger Moths, one in overall Aluminum Dope, the other in early Temperate Day Scheme with Yellow undersides and ‘trainer bands.’

On December 17, 1935, the first of a ground-breaking aircraft that ushered in a new era of passenger flight: the immortal DC-3, which needs no introduction and is still a common sight 90 years on; the illustrious DC-3, about which so much has been...

Landing Page Reviews - Tue, 02/03/2026 - 00:00

On December 17, 1935, the first of a ground-breaking aircraft that ushered in a new era of passenger flight: the immortal DC-3, which needs no introduction and is still a common sight 90 years on; the illustrious DC-3, about which so much has been written for 90 years; the glorious DC-3, which holds a special place in the hearts of aviation enthusiasts across the globe.

Every 10 years, someone releases a book titled “Douglas DC-3: [X] Glorious Years." First, it was Arthur Pearcy with his 40 Glorious Years, 50 Glorious Years and 60 Glorious Years. This year, it’s Fonthill Media’s turn with their new book Douglas DC-3: 90 Glorious Years. This is a reprint of their previous book Douglas DC-3: 80 Glorious Years, printed 10 years ago.

PMM Twelve Minute Modelsphere: February 20206

Plastic Model Mojo - Mon, 02/02/2026 - 22:00

Snow may slow travel, but the calendar is heating up. We swap plans and call out standout events across the map, including BlizzCon in Columbus, AMPS Atlanta, 4M Mayhem in Michigan, Rochester’s Hope It Don’t Snow, and the Old Dominion Open in Richmond. For planning and entries, IPMSUSA.org remains the essential resource, with listings that stretch well into spring. That rhythm—research, build, show, repeat—keeps the hobby humming even when the weather says stay home.

Community is the thread. The Plastic Model Dojo has surged past 5,600 members, and the feed is full of show flyers, build logs, and finished models that show serious skill. We highlight a new Gemini book, and we touch on current work heading to Kennedy for Artemis, a reminder that the same care we bring to scale builds echoes in real-world engineering. It’s all connected: precision, patience, and the joy of making.

We also set up two upcoming topics that need your voice: what stops us from starting, and what do we truly get from this hobby—calm, community, challenge, or something else entirely? Share your story and help shape the conversation around motivation and meaning at the bench.

Subscribe for more modeling insights and show news, share this with a friend who needs cleaner canopies, and leave a review to help others find the pod. Got thoughts or tips to add? Send us a note and join the Dojo—your build might spark someone’s next breakthrough.

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Categories: Podcast

The Duke's Small Scale Vehicles on Parade

Forums - Mon, 02/02/2026 - 19:22
Today I finally got all my armor and vehicles all packed and put away until another time comes for me to bring them back out again. Now that this display event is over, here are the photos of the event showing everything I displayed in this Guinness-Book-level achievement. All these models represent 54 different model companies, some of which are long out of production. They include the complete line of all ESCI models, Matchbox models, Airfix models, Riich models, as well as up to 95% of all Trumpeter/Hobby Boss models, Modelcollect models, Takom models, and Dragon models; among others. Despite my best efforts, I did not get the best quality photos that I wanted; mostly because of lack of proper equipment and a lack of photographic skills to photograph something so huge. During this time, 27 people came in to see this in person and I was thrilled to be able to see this whole collection out on display again and talk with fellow enthusiasts about these models. Without further ado, here is what 1000 small scale vehicles and artillery look like: In the background of this pic, you can see the wooden box my friend built me to hold Dora, and the clear tub that holds all my other German and Russian railroad subjects: I might have some additional photographs to post later; one friend had brought in a professional photographer to shoot pics of this collection as well. Until then, enjoy the parade. Thanks to all who check this out, comments are always welcome.

Preview: Takom's 35th Doomturtle de-cloaks

The Modelling News - Mon, 02/02/2026 - 06:48
The elusive T28/T95 superheavy tank is now the subject of Takom's next release. We look at the announcement & the real "Doomturtle" in our preview...Read on... »
Categories: News

Reference from the ICM website,

Landing Page Reviews - Mon, 02/02/2026 - 00:00

Reference from the ICM website,

MMP was founded in 1996 by Roger Wallsgrove, to publish "Mushroom Model Magazine". This quarterly modeling magazine was developed from "Mushroom Monthly", a club newsletter which ran from 1985 to 1995, achieving a world-wide reputation for quality...

Landing Page Reviews - Mon, 02/02/2026 - 00:00

MMP was founded in 1996 by Roger Wallsgrove, to publish "Mushroom Model Magazine". This quarterly modeling magazine was developed from "Mushroom Monthly", a club newsletter which ran from 1985 to 1995, achieving a world-wide reputation for quality articles, fearless and honest reviews, and a great sense of humor. From 1997, the magazine was produced in collaboration with Robert Peczkowski and Artur Juszczak (Stratus), which meant a big leap in print quality and design. MMP expanded into book publication in 1999 with Stratus, and since then they have built up a list of hard cover and soft cover titles on aircraft and aviation, naval, military vehicles, and military history. Stratus/MMP Books are distributed in North America by Casemate Publications.

Upon opening the cover, there is a reinforced white inner box that does a good job of protecting the kit’s seven gray plastic sprues, and decal sheet (I recently heard on the Beyond the Box Art podcast that ICM’s boxes are designed to withstand the...

Landing Page Reviews - Mon, 02/02/2026 - 00:00

Upon opening the cover, there is a reinforced white inner box that does a good job of protecting the kit’s seven gray plastic sprues, and decal sheet (I recently heard on the Beyond the Box Art podcast that ICM’s boxes are designed to withstand the rigors of delivery services, and this box definitely meets that standard). The instructions span 12 pages and cover 38 steps. The downloadable instructions are also available separately online at the ICM website. Take care with small pieces (grab handles, etc) as the plastic is fragile and can break when removed from the sprue gates.

Monogram B-52D

Forums - Sun, 02/01/2026 - 16:17
Building one of my Fathers old kits, and came across a minor issue. Kit came with an extra wing but minus half of the very stab. Any thoughts? My plan is to try and cut the extra wing down and if that fails use cardboard.

Preview: 48th-scale Wurger & updated Challenger II from Hobbyboss in February...

The Modelling News - Sun, 02/01/2026 - 04:55
Both in 48th – a Wurger & an updated Challenger II from Hobbyboss are coming in February. We look at the colours, decals & built-up kit in our preview...Read on... »
Categories: News