Podcasts
Star Trek Builds And Ice Cream: August Model Show Spotlight
Vendors sold out months early, a Star Trek 60th anniversary category on the awards table, and a full day of plastic modeling in one of the most visitor-friendly spots in north Alabama. We sit down with Tom Clark from the Huntsville Plastic Modelers Society to get the real details on their 49th annual show at the Huntsville JC’s building on Airport Road, including what to expect if you’re traveling in right after the IPMS Nationals.
We walk through the schedule step by step: when vendor setup starts, the registration window, how long judging runs, and when awards are handed out. Tom also explains how their electronic forms work, why the club prefers online paperwork, and how they keep things simple with classic IPMS 1-2-3 judging. If you’re searching for an IPMS USA model contest, a scale model show in Huntsville, or a plastic model event in Alabama with strong vendor support, this is the planning guide you want before you pack the car.
Then we get into the fun stuff: category options across aircraft, armor, automotive, dioramas, real space, sci-fi, ships, and a dedicated Gundam and giant robot section, plus a juniors category that makes it easy for younger builders to jump in. We also talk about the on-site food trucks, nearby restaurants, and why the venue is comfortable for a full-day hang. You’ll even hear what the club is previewing as they recruit volunteers for next year’s big Nationals workload.
Subscribe for more show spotlights, share this with a friend who builds, and leave a review with your best contest tip so more modelers can find the community.
Huntsville Plastic Modelers Society Facebook
Show Info and Entre Forms
Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!
SQUADRON
Adding to the stash since 1968
Model Podcasts
Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere!
KitMasx
Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler.
Bases By Bill
Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Give us your Feedback!
Rate the Show!
Support the Show!
Patreon
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Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth
Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair
Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
Ep 128 - "Spitfires Part 1b"
Welcome to Episode 128 of The Modelgeeks Podcast!
After a small bit of banter, we share what is on our bench and what we have picked up lately. We then cover Mail Call (keep the cards & letters coming folks!). Don’t forget Listener Spotlight.
For our Patreon Giveaway, courtesy of LionHeart Hobby we have the Eduard 1/48 PBY-5A Catalina.
Our main topic is “Spitfires, Part 1b”. El Prez opened up his references and leads a modeler’s discussion of the Spitfire Mk V and VI. If you’d like to follow along with his notes you can download them here.
We would like to thank all our listeners out there for the continued support you have given the show. We hope to see you out and about as we hit the show circuit. If you happen to see us at a show come on over and say hello, we may even put you in front of the mic!
If you can't make it to the shows then you can still interact with us through social media, Facebook, Instagram, and of course email at:
Also remember to surf over to the Geeks homepage at https://modelgeekspodcast.com. Take a look at the Listener Gallery, and if you’d like to see your work there, send us your photos to contact@modelgeekspodcast.com. File size and quantity is not an issue for us, but may be an issue for your email provider. Feel free to send us a link to a sharing service if you use one, but please ensure the link expires at least 7 days after you send it. We need a few days to get them published.
Make sure you check out our group / community on Facebook:
Get on there and feel free to share your work! We want to see what’s on your bench.
We also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have them. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products.
Please visit our Sponsors and see what new items they have:
- Furball Aero-Design
- Detail & Scale
- Tamiya USA
- Bases By Bill
- Hypersonic Models
- LionHeart Hobby
- Matters of Scale
- Kotare Models
- Squadron
We are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we’ll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys! Please check them all out at https://modelpodcasts.com. It’s a consortium website created by Stuart Clark of the Scale Model Podcast.
Blogs we like:
- The Kit Box
- Sprue Pie with Frets
- Matters of Scale
- Model Airplane Maker
- Inch High Guy
- Scale Model Projects
Model Geeks Podcast
OTB 242: Croweaters & Massholes.
Episode 242
In this episode the boys talk to the guys from South Australian Plastic Modellers Association (SAPMA) about their up coming model show. [47:00]
We then hear from the Patriot Scale Modellers and their up coming PATCON show [1.10:00]
We have a flood of emails this episode sparking some good conversations [20.00]
All that plus the Patreon wheel of fortune.
Don't forget to support the sponsor 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
Episode 142: The Best Modeling Advice You’ve Been Given + Jensen the American
Grant leads all of us with the exception of TJ as we catch up, Jensen speaks "American," JB recaps his adventures down under!!!
Remember to check out our YouTube page and our new regular video content at the Plastic Posse Podcast YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP7O9C8b-rQx8JvxFKfG-Kw
If you would like to become a Posse Outrider, and make a recurring monthly donation of $ 1 and up, visit us at www.patreon.com/plasticpossepodcast .
Plastic Posse Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlasticPosse
Plastic Posse Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/302255047706269
Plastic Posse Podcast MERCH! : https://plastic-posse-podcast.creator-spring.com/
Plastic Posse Podcast on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP7O9C8b-rQx8JvxFKfG-Kw
Orion Paintworks (TJ): https://www.facebook.com/orionpaintworks
JB-Closet Modeler (JB): https://www.facebook.com/closetmodeler
Three Tens' Modelworks (Jensen): https://www.facebook.com/ThreeTensModelWorks
Rocky Mountain Expo: https://rockymtnhobbyexpo.com/
SPONSORS:
Tankraft: https://tankraft.com/
AK Interactive: https://ak-interactive.com/
Tamiya USA: https://www.tamiyausa.com/
Micro World Games: https://mwg-hobbies.com/
Bases By Bill: https://basesbybill.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoojwgAlnXwsJcB_SlYzeclVt9ZuIX3Fd18Ig9k5f4vyIYmihobb
Support the show
Superabundance In Plastic Modeling: Episode 166
The hobby is drowning in great choices right now, and that’s both a gift and a trap. We talk through what “superabundance” really looks like in modern scale modeling: a flood of high-quality plastic model kits, aftermarket decals, 3D printed parts, and specialized paint and weathering products that would’ve felt impossible a couple decades ago. Using examples like the suddenly crowded field of 1/72 P-40B kits, we dig into why the golden age of modeling is real, and how it can still leave you stuck staring at options instead of making progress.
We also share listener-driven updates and community news as the IPMS Nationals get closer, including travel plans, meetups, and the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to host fellow modelers while your house and hobby room are mid-remodel. On the community side, we’re pushing toward a better home for long-term reference content, so great builds and tips don’t disappear into the Facebook timeline. If you’ve been following the Dojo build content, we also talk about improving visibility and inviting more Q and A with builders.
Then we go hands-on with one of the most common problem areas in aircraft modeling: clear parts and canopies. We cover practical techniques like using a micro razor saw to avoid cracking brittle clear plastic, choosing the right adhesive (and why some “clear” glues can still be tricky), and how careful sanding and test fitting before you glue can prevent gaps you’ll hate later. We also debate the big workflow question: when to attach the canopy, and how the answer changes depending on the kit and whether it’s posed open or closed.
If you enjoy these kinds of deep-dive shop talks, subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave a quick rating or review. What’s your best tip for avoiding choice paralysis and keeping your mojo on the bench?
Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!
SQUADRON
Adding to the stash since 1968
Model Podcasts
Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere!
KitMasx
Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler
Bases By Bill
Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Give us your Feedback!
Rate the Show!
Support the Show!
Patreon
Buy Me a Beer
Paypal
Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth
Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair
Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
Mighty Eighth Book Giveaway!
A Mighty Eighth Air Force book is on the table, but we’re not doing a “click and win” giveaway. We want something that makes the show better for everyone: your best Shop Talk topic ideas and your sharpest questions for the Wheel of Accidental Wisdom.
Mike and Kentucky Dave start with a laid back Fourth of July catch up, from road weariness to the kind of heat that makes even a pool feel too warm. Then we get to the main point: a listener powered giveaway featuring The Mighty Eighth: A Glimpse Of The Men, Mission, And Machines Of The U.S. Eighth Air Force 1942 To 1945, a commemorative coffee table book filled with art, maps, and historical detail. It’s signed and tied to Mark Copeland from the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, which makes it a special piece for anyone into WWII aviation, military history, or building Eighth Air Force aircraft models.
We also explain exactly how to enter and why we’re asking. Shop Talk is most fun when it goes beyond our own bench habits and gets into what you’re working through right now: the techniques you’re curious about, the frustrations you want solved, and the hobby debates you want aired out. Send your suggestions by email to plasticmodelmojo@gmail.com or via Facebook DM. We’re running entries through July, shutting it down just before midnight on August 1, and drawing a winner in early August, possibly around the National Convention.
If you want more modeling community conversations like this, subscribe, share the show with a friend at the bench, and leave a quick review. Then send us one topic or one question to enter, what do you want us to tackle next?
Military Gallery's "The Mighty Eighth: A Glimpse of the Men, Missions & Machines of the U.S. Eighth Air Force 1942-1945"
Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!
SQUADRON
Adding to the stash since 1968
Model Podcasts
Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere!
KitMasx
Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler
Bases By Bill
Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Give us your Feedback!
Rate the Show!
Support the Show!
Patreon
Buy Me a Beer
Paypal
Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth
Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair
Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
Trying to Beat the Heat: July Twelve Minute Modelsphere
We settle into a laid-back holiday catch-up, swap a few vacation highlights, and revisit that specific kind of nostalgia that comes from remembering long-gone hobby shops and the stuff we bought there. Then we look ahead to July with two feature episodes on the calendar, including a shop talk segment, plus a Nationals run-up as IPMS Nationals gets closer. If you like plastic model building podcasts that stay practical and builder-focused, this one sets the tone for what’s coming next.
We also spend time on the heart of the hobby: community. The Dojo keeps growing because modelers show up with questions, techniques, material tips, and works in progress, and the replies actually help people build better. A perfect example is the 3M tape conversation that started as a listener tip and turned into a thread with real momentum and even some unexpected crossover into Mike’s day job. If you’ve got a topic you want us to tackle, or you’re planning to come to the national convention, we want to hear from you. Subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave a quick review so more builders can find us.
Give us your Feedback!
Rate the Show!
Support the Show!
Patreon
Buy Me a Beer
Paypal
Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth
Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair
Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
OTB 241: Aftermarket??
In this episode the boys are joined by John Figueroa and David Mason to talk about the upcoming IPMS Nationals at Fort Wayne Indianna August 5-8, 2026. [29.00]
A discussion is then had about aftermarket parts. Dave admits to not being able to just build OOB.....Ian and Julian try to talk him back from the cliff. [53.00]
All that plus the Patreon wheel of fortune and the mailbag!
Don't forget to support the sponsor 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
MGPC Ep. 127 "Wish Lists", What We Want from Kit Manufacturers!
Welcome to Episode 127 of The Modelgeeks Podcast!
In this episode, by suggestion from listener Brian Klimek, The Geeks are talking “Wish Lists”. Manufacturers put them out all the time, we’ve all likely added our wants to one at some point and often kit makers have responded. Have any of your own “wish list” inputs ever been put to sprue?
We dive further into the Mail Bag with one particular email from a young modeler out of Canada who keeps plenty busy with life and manages to get in some bench time when he can, as well as hearing from long time listeners and friends.
From the Modelgeeks Podcast web page we take a look at the Listener Gallery and the fine work that has caught our eye....and of course we fire up the Gonk-U-Lator to see who amongst our Patreon supporters is the big winner! Support the show, and get your name into the Gonk-U-Lator to win cool prizes!!!
With summer in full swing, we hope everyone is enjoying time with family and friends, staying safe…and getting those final details in place for you Nats entries!
Mentioned in the Episode:
T V (Tuomas' You Tube Channel)
Share your work with us and the rest of the scale modeling community through our web page, or through our Facebook community page. We love seeing other people’s work. Who knows who you may inspire through your latest masterpiece!
Modelgeeks web page:
Facebook community:
…and of course you can email us at:
We also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have their support. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products.
Sponsors:
If you're a wicked ModelGeek go check out the following links!
The Interesting Modeling Company
We are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we’ll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys! Please check them all out at Scale Model Podcasts.
Blogs:
Model Airplane Maker
Support the show, and get your name into the Gonk-U-Lator to win cool prizes!!!
Model Geeks Podcast
Episode 141: Your Personal Leaning Tower of Pisa + What is AI’s Place in the Hobby?
All 5 of us are back! Jensen leads us as we catch up, and we discuss two thought provoking topics: Does AI have a place in the Hobby? What is that place and why is there so much AI Slop out there?
Also, what is your Leaning Tower of Pisa? A model that you know is flawed but you finished it anyway and lived with it as less than perfect?
Remember to check out our YouTube page and our new regular video content at the Plastic Posse Podcast YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP7O9C8b-rQx8JvxFKfG-Kw
If you would like to become a Posse Outrider, and make a recurring monthly donation of $ 1 and up, visit us at www.patreon.com/plasticpossepodcast .
Plastic Posse Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlasticPosse
Plastic Posse Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/302255047706269
Plastic Posse Podcast MERCH! : https://plastic-posse-podcast.creator-spring.com/
Plastic Posse Podcast on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP7O9C8b-rQx8JvxFKfG-Kw
Orion Paintworks (TJ): https://www.facebook.com/orionpaintworks
JB-Closet Modeler (JB): https://www.facebook.com/closetmodeler
Three Tens' Modelworks (Jensen): https://www.facebook.com/ThreeTensModelWorks
Rocky Mountain Expo: https://rockymtnhobbyexpo.com/
SPONSORS:
Tankraft: https://tankraft.com/
AK Interactive: https://ak-interactive.com/
Tamiya USA: https://www.tamiyausa.com/
Micro World Games: https://mwg-hobbies.com/
Bases By Bill: https://basesbybill.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoojwgAlnXwsJcB_SlYzeclVt9ZuIX3Fd18Ig9k5f4vyIYmihobb
Support the show
What If Your Next Build Started At The Museum, Or On A Tour: Episode 165
A tiny paint question can turn into a big lesson about how the hobby actually works. We start with the everyday reality of scale modeling: reorganizing the model room, fighting distractions, and trying to protect bench time while life keeps piling on. Then we jump into listener mail that gets surprisingly deep, including how to choose an olive drab or Marine green for a Pacific Theater Sherman in 1/144 without getting trapped chasing a single “correct” shade.
From there, the conversation widens into what makes a model show truly successful. We argue that the best shows are not defined by trophy counts or vendor tables, but by the interactions they create between builders: the conversations, the techniques shared, the new friendships, and the seminars where you can ask questions in real time. Along the way we swap practical technique talk, from using small test plaques to develop skills, to mixing a workable Tamiya 4BO green, to why a gloss base coat can make or break a natural metal finish with paints like Alclad.
Our main guest is Mark Copeland, Director of Educational Travel for the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. Mark updates us on major museum expansion news, rare artifacts, and the excitement of preserving historic aircraft, then walks us through upcoming WWII history tours across the UK and Europe. If you’ve ever built a B-17, B-24, or Battle of Britain subject, you’ll understand why standing on the ground where history happened can change the way you build and the meaning your finished model carries.
If you enjoy thoughtful modeling talk with real takeaways, subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave us a five-star rating and review so more builders can find us.
Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!
SQUADRON
Adding to the stash since 1968
Model Podcasts
Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere!
KitMasx
Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler
Bases By Bill
Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Give us your Feedback!
Rate the Show!
Support the Show!
Patreon
Buy Me a Beer
Paypal
Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth
Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair
Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
Built Sideways Podcast Season 6 Ep.6: The Catch-up episode!
On this episode the boy catch up on whats been happening in their lives on and off the bench, more off-the-cuff conversations here, with added spice!
Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/aXFPjZDmCE
-
Check out our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/builtsidewayspodcast
-
This Episode is proudly sponsored by usagundamstore!
-
Hosts:
- Julio: @Clippinubs
- Brian: @Bro_Builder
- Pabz: @Chris_Pabz
- Kyle: @Clueless_Gunpla_Builder
- Z: @The_Old_Ronin
- Paul: @GunplaPaul
MGPC EP. 126 "Are you a Builder or a Collector?"
What’s Crack-a-Lack’n Modelgeeks! Welcome to Episode 126 of The Modelgeeks Podcast! In this episode, the Modelgeeks give the usual run down on what's going on in their respective model worlds. Nemo shares with the listeners that he will be featured on an upcoming MH-53E release from Furball-Aero design! He also talks about the Red Pill 1/32 F-4B that finally landed in Southern Maryland. May be the only one in Maryland!
The Geeks run through the listener email and give a little insight to the LCS program (hint: it is funny!) The listeners share that the Spitfire episode by El Presidentè was a “cracker” of an episode! (see what we did there) lol. We received a ton of pics focused on your finished builds and uploaded them to the Modelgeeks website. Keep ‘em coming! Nemo also gives a tip on how to successfully apply 1Man Army masks and how to produce excellent results.
The topic for the Episode is “Are you a Builder or Collector?" The geeks ask the question and give their thoughts on what they think and what it means to be either one. The geeks give some pretty good explanations on which side of the coin you fall on and to keep it fun, no fence riding and you have to pick one or the other.
The Pro Geek for the Episode and the winner of the Hypersonic Models NF-104A conversion is: Jay Howard! The Beginner Geek for the episode, and the recipient of a Detail and Scale title of your choice is: Jared Jamieson!
Congratulations to our lucky winners and if you want to have a chance at the drawing, check out Pateron and sign up at either the Pro Geek or the Beginner Geek level to be eligible!
You can interact with us through social media, Facebook, Instagram, and email: contact@modelgeekspodcast.com
Be sure to check out our website: www.modelgeekspodcast.com.
Make sure you check out our community on Facebook, The ModelGeeks Model Shack
We also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have their support. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products.
Sponsors:
Detail and Scale
Furball Aero-Design
Tamiya USA
Bases by Bill
LionHeart Hobby
Hypersonic Models
Matters of Scale
Kotare Models
Squadron
Also, if you're interested in the model shows, click the link below!
IPMS USA Events Page
We are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we’ll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys! Please check them all out at Scale Model Podcasts.
Blogs:
The Kit Box
Sprue Pie with Frets
Model Airplane Maker
We can’t thank our listeners and sponsors enough, thank you guys! Be sure to keep the emails and gallery pics coming! Now get to the bench and build something! Take care everyone, out from the Geeks, Later!
Model Geeks Podcast
OTB 240: Rocky Mountain Expo
In this episode the boys sit down with Scott Gentry and Barry Biediger to talk about the highly successful Rocky Mountain Expo, a new twist on how we gather and display our models in an expo.
I for one really got a lot out of this chat and I hope that you will be as inspired as I was.
Don't forget to support the sponsor 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
Special Report: World Miniature Hobby Show Malaysia 2026
G'day benchers, Over the weekend of June 13 & 14 I attended the World Miniature Hobby Show in Penang Malaysia.
Managed to talk to a few people and hope you enjoy the report.
Episode 140: Mark Bradley Stops By + Workbenches & Output + Hobby Happenings
Jensen is once again missing, as is TJ. JB, Grant and Scott are joined by Mark Bradley to talk about Workbenches and their impact on the quantity and quality of your work. We also talk about obstacles related to messy or crowded work areas. Scott gives an update on the Star Wars group build, and JB leads us in a new segment of events around the hobby and hobby adjacent space.
Remember to check out our YouTube page and our new regular video content at the Plastic Posse Podcast YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP7O9C8b-rQx8JvxFKfG-Kw
If you would like to become a Posse Outrider, and make a recurring monthly donation of $ 1 and up, visit us at www.patreon.com/plasticpossepodcast .
Plastic Posse Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlasticPosse
Plastic Posse Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/302255047706269
Plastic Posse Podcast MERCH! : https://plastic-posse-podcast.creator-spring.com/
Plastic Posse Podcast on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP7O9C8b-rQx8JvxFKfG-Kw
Orion Paintworks (TJ): https://www.facebook.com/orionpaintworks
JB-Closet Modeler (JB): https://www.facebook.com/closetmodeler
Three Tens' Modelworks (Jensen): https://www.facebook.com/ThreeTensModelWorks
Rocky Mountain Expo: https://rockymtnhobbyexpo.com/
SPONSORS:
Tankraft: https://tankraft.com/
AK Interactive: https://ak-interactive.com/
Tamiya USA: https://www.tamiyausa.com/
Micro World Games: https://mwg-hobbies.com/
Bases By Bill: https://basesbybill.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoojwgAlnXwsJcB_SlYzeclVt9ZuIX3Fd18Ig9k5f4vyIYmihobb
Support the show
New Tech And Better Shows For Modelers: Episode 164
A hobby can feel timeless right up until the moment it changes under your hands. We start with the real-world catch up: Wonderfest, the sprint toward the IPMS Nationals in Fort Wayne, and the listener mail that reminds us why this community is so strong. Along the way we share show intel, a clever “Squadron Catalog Challenge” idea, and what one contest recap teaches about entry growth, online registration, and the tricky problem of judging without shutting viewers out of the model room.
Then the conversation turns into something bigger: the technology shift hitting scale modeling right now. AI and 3D printing are colliding in ways that were barely on the radar a year ago, and we wrestle with the messy middle ground of AI-generated images in hobby spaces, credit, and why clear labeling protects trust. From there we jump to the most jaw-dropping bench-adjacent find: a prototype Optivisor-style headset that snaps into focus wherever your fingertips are, instantly, at multiple working distances. If you build small, scribe fine lines, or just want your eyes to stop fighting you, this is the kind of tool that can change everything.
We also get practical with paint prep and process: mixing, note taking, storing formulas, and whether you should batch-mix custom colors or mix fresh for each session. Finally, we talk model show features we want to see more of, including keeping tables accessible during judging, bringing seminars back, and the promise of exhibition-style formats that make it easier to meet the builder and learn face to face. If you care about the future of plastic model kits, scale modeling tools, and better model shows, hit play, then subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave a review.
The self-focus eyewear mentioned by Kentucky Dave in this Episode...
Vivifocal
Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!
SQUADRON
Adding to the stash since 1968
Model Podcasts
Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere!
KitMasx
Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler
Bases By Bill
Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
Give us your Feedback!
Rate the Show!
Support the Show!
Patreon
Buy Me a Beer
Paypal
Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth
Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair
Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
MGPC Ep.125 "The Modeling Lens: how has your perspective of the hobby changed?"
Greetings my fellow ModelGeeks, and welcome to the MGPC Episode 125! Nemo hosts this episode, with a full house. We chat about the latest and greatest in everyone's model world and get caught up with what's happening in the hobby.
The mail bag was full again with over 10 emails, which is awesome! We really appreciate the emails and love hearing from you all. Also, thanks again for the listener gallery submissions. Please keep the emails and gallery pics coming and we can't wait to see your work, discuss them on the podcast, and present them on our website.
For the main topic, we talk about how our "Modeling Lens" has evolved and changed. As youngsters building models, we all built as much as we could and didn't pay attention to accuracy, properly thinned paint, PSI, or weathering, etc.. we just built, and loved every minute of it. Compare that with how we view modeling almost 40 years later, and there are some significant changes in how we view the hobby. It's a great topic and we hope you all give it a listen.
Please feel free to interact with us through social media, Facebook, Instagram, and email: contact@modelgeekspodcast.com
Be sure to check out our website: www.modelgeekspodcast.com.
Make sure you check out our new group / community on Facebook, The ModelGeeks Model Shack
We also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have their support. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products.
- Detail and Scale
- Furball Aero-Design
- Tamiya USA
- Bases by Bill
- LionHeart Hobby
- Hypersonic Models
- Matters of Scale
- Kotare Models
- Squadron
Also, if you're interested in the model shows, click the link below!
IPMS USA Events Page
We are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we’ll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys! Please check them all out at Scale Model Podcasts.
Blogs:
The Kit Box
Sprue Pie with Frets
Model Airplane Maker
Well, that's it for this episode. Thanks again for all your support and we hope to see you all this year. Just remember, be excellent to each other, and get out there and build something! Take care everyone, out from the Geeks!
Model Geeks Podcast
Model Geeks Podcast
OTB 239: Looking towards November
The boys have a chat with Peter from ACTSMS looking towards ScaleACT in November.
Dave is going to be starting the Tamiya P-38 so different schemes are discussed.
Inside The 2026 IPMS USA National Convention Plan: Model Show Spotlight
You can feel when a Nationals is being built with real intention and Fort Wayne is making that case early. We sit down with John Figueroa, chair of the 2026 IPMS USA National Convention, and treasurer Dave Mason to get the behind-the-scenes look at what’s coming to the Grand Wayne Convention Center in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana, August 5 through 8. The big headline: they’re not doing this with one club grinding for four days. They’ve assembled 11 clubs across Region 4 to share the workload, share the payoff, and still have time to enjoy the convention like everyone else.
We dig into the attendee essentials: a vendor room on the scale you expect from IPMS Nationals (about 426 vendor tables with only a few left), plus a seminar schedule that runs from beginner to advanced. Expect practical topics like scale model photography and lighting, CAD, Silhouette and Cricut paint masks, and weathering for dioramas, along with subject-focused sessions and special interest group guidance. If you come to Nationals to learn new techniques, this lineup is designed to keep you moving from room to room.
Then we get into the “why” behind their choices. John explains a deliberate push to welcome more genres, so automotive, ships, sci-fi, and Gundam builders feel just as at home as aircraft and armor modelers. That shows up in theme awards, custom decal sheets, and a raffle they treat as one of the three core pillars of the show, with plans that even let you check results online. We also talk logistics that matter: online pre-registration is open, it’s $55, pre-registration closes June 30, and on-site registration jumps to $65. Finally, Fort Wayne adds a unique capstone: an awards ceremony in the restored Embassy Theatre connected by skywalk.
Subscribe, share this with a modeling buddy, and leave a review so more builders can find the road to Fort Wayne.
2026 IPMS National Convention - Fort Wayne, IN
2026 IPMS National Convention Facebook Page
Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!
SQUADRON
Adding to the stash since 1968
Model Podcasts
Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere!
KitMasx
Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler
Bases By Bill
Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.
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Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.