We see more detail of the colour choices, decals, masks, sprues & layouts of Tamiya's new 72nd scale "F-14D Tomcat" at the All-Japan Model Show in our preview...Read on... »

Tamiya's new 72nd scale "F-14D Tomcat" was previewed at the All-Japan Model Show this week. We have a look at the built test kit & its features in our preview...Read on... »

Meng adds to their 1/9th scale Ninja range with the newer ZX-10RR superbike, this one comes pre-coloured! We have CAD images with a feature list in our preview...Read on... »

UMM-USA has provided the reviewer core with a riveting tool for 1/32nd and 1/35th scale models.

This is a single row rivet pounce wheel with a rivet pitch (distance between rivets) of 1.10 mm. Its main target use is for larger models of 1/32nd or 1/35th scale. The handle is made from a 3-D printer and the filament is colored white and black. An olive-green dot is colored into the handle and correlates to the size on the sheet packaging for 1.10 mm rivet pitch.

I used this tool on a plastic sheet and then darkened it with a weathering wash to bring out the divot locations. I also placed a steel ruler as reference to see the pitch distance between divots.

Conclusion

This is a neat tool to have which will add more detail to your builds by adding fastener/rivet detail to the surface of your larger scaled kit(s).

Just in time for the Scale Model Challenge, The Bodi Miniatures release the seven figures they have been working on in a big set. We look at them in our preview...Read on... »

Zimi Model upgrade Kittyhawk's little bird with metal barrels, refined moulds & Photo-etch. We look at the art, features, the machines in our preview...Read on... »

Joycraft's second version of the CT-114 Tutor in 32nd scale has been announced. We look at the makeup of the kit & its new features in our preview...Read on... »

Atlantis Models has provided the IPMS/USA reviewer corps with Tom “The Mongoose” McEwen’s “AA” Fuel Dragster (front engine mount) in 1/24th scale. Per Scalemates.com, original mold for this kit is from 1971 by Monogram/Mattel. This review is for the 2024 boxing.

In the Box

The kit is enclosed in a top open box with a painted illustration. The main color is blue with white accent in the middle of the body. There is one white sprue of parts, right and left side body halves, one chrome plated sprue, and one vinyl sprue with tires. Decals are on a single sheet.

Instructions are well illustrated and have ten assembly steps along with a decal placement guide in Step 6.

This is a soft bound book of 26 pages on the Messerschmidt ME 163, Komet. Included is a sheet of decals in both 1/72 and 1/48 scale of the 163 as seen on the front cover. The cover is printed on heavy glossy stock and shows a Messerschmidt ME 163, Werk # 10061 in both top and side view. The book contains little text except for short descriptions of each of the 27 black and white photos that make up the front section of the book. The photos appear to have been taken at an unnamed museum in Europe. There isn’t an author of the book listed. However, the author of the technical drawing that makes up the final section of the book is listed as Marek Rys.

We look at Oliver Peissl ("Erla's Werke" of FB) first book showcasing his modelling talents in "1/48 Luftwaffe Modelling Workbook" featuring WWII kites. We see the contents in our preview...Read on... »

In episode 223 the boys are joined by Brian from the Built Sideways Podcast to chew the fat on everything and nothing.

We then talk to Giampaolo (a.k.a “G”) about the exciting Gaming, Hobby and Model expo “GameX” (GhMX) on in Brisbane on November 22-23.

Check out this link for more info:- https://www.ghmx.com.au/

We also have the usual mailbag and of course, the exciting Patreon wheel of fortune!

Don’t forget to support the sponsors of our show Scott from the Scale Modellers Supply

https://www.scalemodeller.com.au/

Leave us a message, comment or even ask a question, we would love to hear from you! Write to Onthebench64@gmail.com.

If you would like to support our show please go to www.patreon.com/onthebench

Llanmo model continues in the path of smaller, lightly-armoured scout cars from WWII with this, the Sd.Kfz 22 armoured vehicle in 1/35th scale. We have info on the vehicle, & the kit in our preview...Read on... »

Gecko Models' new 1/16th scale SdKfz 131 Marder II – a perfect-sized vehicle to be made up in 16th scale. We can see this one in France, Africa, France or Russia with plenty of stowage & equipment, battle-damaged & worn. We look at the vehicle & the kit in CAD to see what Gecko is offering in our preview...Read on... »

Agora Models is out of England, and they specialize in large-scale, highly detailed and illuminated/automated models of all genres. This goes from figures such as Alien and Optimus Prime to ships like the Constitution and Bismarck to vehicles such as Aston Martin DB 5 and Lotus Esprit to military vehicles such as a Leopard tank and aircraft like the Japanese Zero. All are large scale from 1/2 for some figures to 1/200 for the ships. The kits are made of everything from die cast zinc to wood to plastic. Due to their size and complexity, they are expensive, but Agora has softened that by selling them as very reasonable monthly subscriptions. And when you are done, you have a showstopper.

Seven releases from Italeri with lots to choose from in different scales & genres this month. Check them out in art, plastic, colours, decals & info in our preview...Read on... »

In the Box and Molding Quality

Atlantis Models has re-released the classic Aurora 1:8 scale Blue Knight of Milan figure kit, which originally appeared in 1958. As the current owner of the Aurora trademark, Atlantis included the original box art and period instructions. The kit comprises approximately 35 parts molded in a metallic blue styrene, spread across several sprues, along with the traditional small red feather plume. The molding quality is generally good. Minor flash was present, primarily along the parting lines, but was easily removed during part preparation. Ejector pin marks were either absent or located in areas that would be hidden after assembly.

From the ICM website,

Soviet-made aircraft from Ukraine’s military aviation fleet have undergone special modifications to integrate Western weapons systems. Specifically, some Ukrainian MiG-29 fighters were modernized to use JDAM-ER precision-guided glide bombs. Special pylons mounted under the aircraft wings allow each plane to carry two bombs. The JDAM-ER bombs’ range — which can reach 70 kilometers under favorable conditions — depends on the carrier aircraft’s altitude and speed. These bombs strike important targets like bridges or military command posts that lie beyond the reach of standard air-based weapons and ground systems.

A TIE Fighter parked on the moon with footprints leading into mystery. A glossy blue Bearcat bound for a local collection. A workshop cleanup that turns frustration into flow. This one blends story, craft, and community into a practical guide for getting more joy—and more finishes—out of your modeling time.

Mike, Kentucky Dave, and guest Jeff Groves of The Inch High Guy blog kick off with a lively Louisville MMCL recap: books rehomed, raffle wins scored, and real talk about what makes a vendor table actually work. Then we dive into a Fine Molds TIE Fighter Advanced that escapes the stash and lands in a moody micro-diorama—access panels opened, spares-box “widgetology” on full display, and a thoughtful debate about screen-accurate versus studio-accurate color. That sci‑fi detour pairs with classic comfort builds: Hasegawa Panthers and Cougars that favor flow over parts count, contrasted with today’s ultra-detailed IBG, Arma, and Eduard toolings. The takeaway is balance—choose projects that match your bandwidth, and don’t be afraid to chase a story when accuracy turns fuzzy.

The heart of the episode is practical: a week-long workshop overhaul that pays off daily. We talk sorting paints you actually use, labeling decal binders, consolidating spares into findable bins, and adopting tiny habits—put one thing away when you sit down and one when you stand up—that keep the bench from shrinking to a postcard. From there, we explore display strategy: a clean “universal base” that unifies your collection, blurred terrain for convincing motion, etched blurred rotors that work only when the scene supports them, and a wall-of-models shelving build using repurposed acrylic. We also spotlight upgrades and new kits—an AMP Northrop M2‑F3 lifting body perfect for polished metal tones, a Loire 130 redo for better clarity, and jaw-dropping 3D‑printed Zero engines—and look at how shifting import rules may accelerate local printing and hybrid kits.

If you build for the story, optimize your space for speed, and pick a base that frames the work, your models start to sing. Join us for smart tips, a few laughs, and a fresh push to finish what’s on your bench. If this episode sparks an idea, follow the show, share it with a modeling friend, and drop a rating or review—it helps more makers find their mojo.

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We catch up before our trip to Europe this weekend, and all 5 of us give updates as to where we are at.

JB gives us a RockCon report, and we discuss three topics - Basics of Bases led by JB, Curveballs we have encountered on projects, and we also discuss Judges behavior in picking up models - we as a community need to expect more and put these issues in the past once and for all. 

Join us for some thought provoking discussion about scale models! 

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MiniArt's new 1/48th scale P-47M is with us in box art & CAD form. We look at the renders of their first "M" model release, the box art & the marking choices in real life in our preview...Read on... »