Figured it was time to update interests.....

MiniArt's new 35th scale "Kampfgruppe Hansen. Battle Of The Bulge" features four figures, etch & four sprues of weapons & equipment. See about the soldiers & the set in our preview...Read on... »

This ResKit 3D printed resin set includes three crew members: pilot, copilot, and a rear facing crew chief or flight engineer that controls the hoist. The figures come in three incredibly detailed resin blocks. The first includes the three figures seated in CH – 54 seats. The second block includes four heads for the figures. There are options for the pilots’ helmets to have visors down or up. The headsets on the helmet are printed with a gap between the figure’s face and the headset. The crew chief head is molded on the body with the visor up. The third block includes the control levers for the CH – 54.

The ResKit figures are produced in cooperation with ICM so they will fit perfectly into the ICM cockpit.

Even though it's May, I did complete these last month. It's just been a while before I could post these. They are not the best and yes, wheels and tracks are floating but that's because of the pad I was placing them on to shoot these picks. Anyway, without further ado; here's my latest round of military vehicles: First up is this IBG 1/72 scale Canadian CWT60 Ambulance. The fit was tough, so it's not the best: Next up is this Master Box 1/72 scale Austin Armored Car Mk. III. Easier build, despite some very delicate parts: Next up after this is the UM Models 1/72 scale M4 Sherman with the Dozer Blade. UM engineers their German vehicles much better than their Shermans and this one was no exception, fighting me all the way. Out of the six UM Shermans I had started, only two were ever completed. This is one: And a detail shot of the dozer blade itself: Finally the Trumpeter 1/72 scale M1135 Squad Engineer Vehicle that was an interesting build and a tough fight to get that dozer blade correct: And that is the last of these so far. Stay tuned, there's more coming to the finish line; meanwhile comments are welcome. Thanks to those who looked in.

This is May, but these were completed last month and so are being shown now. First up are my two German Z-class destroyers whose construction had not been documented in the tours. First is the Tamiya 1/700 scale Z-37: Next is the Tamiya 1/700 scale Z-39: The next ships to launch are the Nichimo 1/500 scale Japanese battle ship IJN Mutsu: Yes, I did forget to glue down the center section, that has been remedied... The final ship to be launched is the Nichimo 1/500 scale Japanese carrier IJN Shokaku: My apologies for the backdrop; I couldn't find a white background big enough for this large ship. Thank you all for looking in, comments are welcome.

The Soviet Union had both diesel (Zulu V, Golf I & Golf II) and nuclear powered (Hotel I & Hotel II) ballistic missile submarines. Originally, the Project 629 (NATO: Golf I) and Project 658 (NATO: Hotel I) submarines carried three R-13 missiles of short range (300 nautical miles) and had to be fired by the D-2 launch systems from the ocean surface. But units of both the Golf I and Hotel I class were modified and upgraded to Project 629A (Golf II) with the D-4 launch system, which allowed underwater launches of the new R-21 missile of 700 nautical mile range. The upgraded Project 658M (NATO: Hotel II) carried three R-21 missiles in its extended sail structure. The Hotel II class had two VM-A pressurized water reactors and twin propellers. The VM-A reactors were first generation and problematic, with a major casualty on the Hotel I K-19, as well as leaks. The Hotel II model is a 1/350 scale kit from Takom. I replaced a thin set of photo etch parts which were low rails on the aft deck. I modeled the submarine with one of the missile hatches open on the sail with an R-21 missile in the tube.

Six releases from Italeri this month – some awesome artwork & great choices. Check them out in art, plastic, colours, decals & info in our preview...Read on... »

Scale Model Podcast — Episode 161

Beyond The Box Art® — Episode 28

Breaking the Hiatus!

Hiya Benchmates — and a very warm welcome to something a little bit special.

This episode sees Beyond The Box Art® joining forces with the Scale Model Podcast as we help cover the gap SMP has left since Stuart took a break to look after his better half following a prolonged health issue — and what better way to do it than with a proper transatlantic natter session.

Joining Brownie for this one from the UK are Dan Brazil & Shane Cowie and from SMP we have dusted off Geoff Heyland and Terry Miesley for a general hobby conversation and how BTBA was robbed at the moosaroo cup ???? amongst many other topics.

Unfortunately we had a technical issue whilst recording, so there are a few bits of the conversation which sound a bit odd or not to the normal quality we try to put out – but it was better than losing a big chunk of the show!

⭐ Stash Inflation Report

As always, we bring you the latest kit announcements, new releases, aftermarket updates, and all the incoming damage to your wallet that’s heading straight for the stash.

⭐ Plus… The Usual BTBA & SMP Banter

Alongside the feature, expect plenty of bench chat, laughs, and that unmistakable mix of insight and nonsense that only happens when modellers get together — this time, on both sides of the Atlantic.

If you enjoy hearing passionate modellers talking honestly about the hobby — this is absolutely one you don’t want to miss.

So… clear a space on your bench, line up the sprues, grab a brew…

Episode 161 & Episode 28 starts NOW!

Brownie, Dan, Shane, Terry & Geoff

Models. Modellers. Meaning.

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Four kits & a new paint set from ICM in May. We update you with the contents, CADS, history & artwork in our preview...Read on... »

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All 5 of us are here for a fun, straightforward episode on Models, Model Shows, and Model Philosophy! We are joined by our buddy Zach Grizzle as we catch up on our benches, Get a 2026 AMPS NATS recap, a discussion led by TJ on "Table Presence" and also Jensen leading us in a discussion about "Modeling Comfort Blankets..."

We also discuss highlights of the AMPS NATS as well as opportunities for clarity/improvement, and why if you plan to go to SMC this fall you should already be planning for it! 

Just a reminder - the Rocky Mountain Expo for 2026 is May 22/23 in Salt Lake City! 

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I am familiar with Scale Aircraft Conversions but have never used any of their products. Having a Fine Molds Ki-43 III, I was keen to compare these metal landing gear parts to the kit parts provided by Fine Molds. The SAC landing gear provides additional strength being metal, and the ability to slightly bend the gear if needed.

Upon close inspection, the landing gear provided by Fine Molds is my preference over the metal landing gear offered by Scale Aircraft Conversions. In my sample, the metal landing gear has mold part lines, heavy pitting, and a shape that is more oval than round. One of my struts had a curve coming out of the packaging, but this was easily bent back to shape.

Scale Aircraft Conversions has been creating parts for modelers since 1990 and has long supported the IPMS-USA Review Corps with their items for review. The white metal parts are meant to replicate the original kit parts, but with the additional strength of being metal instead of plastic. There is also an advantage in that the metal gear can be slightly bent, if necessary, once installed to allow for improved positioning.

Which of you drongos wouldn't want an Australian honey? What about MiniArt Models' Australian Mk. I Stuart in 35th – see it in our preview...Read on... »

We zoom out to the bigger modeling hobby community. We recap our trip to the AMPS International Convention in South Bend, Indiana, from standout vendors to the simple joy of photographing great models without hovering too close with a phone. We also look ahead to Wonderfest at the end of May, including the added buzz around the 60th anniversary of Star Trek and what that could mean for sci-fi modeling, vendors, and themed builds on the tables.

We close with what keeps the momentum going between shows: the Dojo. With thousands of members and growing daily, the best part is watching shop talk turn into practical, tested advice, like super glue discussions and new acrylic metallic paint tips for a convincing bare metal finish. Listen through, then subscribe, share the episode with a modeling friend, and leave a review so more builders can find the show.

Don't forget MOJO15 gets you 15% off your order with KitMasx!

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Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

Border Model's new 35th scale is almost with us; we see photos & features of the PRE-COLOURED kit – yes! in our preview...Read on... »

The IPMS-USA recently began receiving items for review from Gaahleri. The company is relatively new and first introduced airbrushes and has since expanded into the production of their own line of paints. Kaleido ColorWorks is their premium sub-brand of water-based paints, which are developed with RapidAir Technology. In addition to all the individual colors, Gaahleri also has sets of paint available for consumers.

The IPMS-USA recently began receiving items for review from Gaahleri. The company is relatively new and first introduced airbrushes and has since expanded into the production of their own line of paints. In addition to their individual and sets of paints, they have also released their own Cleaner, which can be used on both paint brushes and airbrushes. This cleaner is advertised as being non-toxic, odorless, non-flammable, and safe for the environment by Gaahleri.

History

The Kokusai Ta-Go (Ki-128) was a dedicated Kamikaze attack plane designed to use non-strategic war materials in its construction. Developed by Captain Yoshiyuki Mizuyama at the Japanese Army Aerotechnical Research Institute in Tokyo, his idea was to produce a simple aircraft that could be produced in small workshops. He initially had some issues in getting his design approved and produced by the Tachikawa company at first. After having some production setbacks, he went to the Nippon Kokusai Company, which eventually gave him the backing to move forward with his project.

When I received this set, I thought the parts were too small to be 1/32 scale. Turns out the Tunnan has a round fuselage with all the gear contained within it. This allows for very short landing gear legs. SAC appears to have duplicated the kit parts in their usual soft white metal. My research indicates the landing gear in the base kit is tricky to install, so don’t expect the fit you might get from other brands these days. I also read comments about the need for stronger main gear legs since the completed model has a bit of heft to it.

Neverland Hobby has provided this beautiful new tool release of the German armored version of the classic G Wagen, in this 1/35 scale.

• Ten Tan Sprues
• One Clear Sprue
• One Photo Etch set
• One Mask set
• One Decal sheet
• Six rubber tires
• Six rubber bushes
• One Metal foil decal sheet
• Set of four 3D printed resin parts
• One Instruction guide

The detail quality is excellent in every way with this kit; crisp and detailed molding, as I have seen on other Neverland Hobby kits.

The Assembly is quick and easy.

You must select which version you are going to build before you start, I chose version -B based on a vehicle on Kabul service in 2009.