In the early 1950's the West was scrambling to develop an intercepter that could take out Russian bombers before they could nuke U.S. cities. At that time, the problem was that with the radar at hand at the time, the speed of the bombers and the climb rate of the aircraft then in service, the bombers would be over their targets before the intercepters got to their altitude. So, the search was on for an aircraft that could climb very fast to get up there to get the job done. However, none of the jet engines available had the power to do so fast enough so thought turned to using a rocket motor. But the rockets at that time did not have the staying power to last through an entire interception and not wanting to repeat the almost suicidal ME-153 concept, thoughts turned to a hybrid with the rocket motor providing the thrust to get the aircraft to altitude and then a second, jet, engine to power the aircraft through the interception and return flight. The US had several examples such as the F-91 Thunderceptor and this is the British answer to the question, the Saunders-Roe H-53. It was to be armed with the Firestreak missile carried on rails on the wing tips much like the U.S. Sidewinder often is. Despite the crash of one of the two prototypes, the aircraft proved to climb very fast and was maneuverable as well. However, more powerful jet engines and other new more capable aircraft designs were coming on line that made the concept un-necessary so the project, like those in the U.S, was cancelled. This kit dates from 1953 and was pretty primitive. It comes with two very chunky looking Firestreak missiles and since the aircraft was just a prototype I assumed they were either dummies or inert so I left them off. I just did it OOTB with extensive cleaning up including removing the trench-like panel lines one the fuselage but leaving the control surface ones. The pilot looked like the villain in the 1950's Sci Fi movie "Robot Monster" so I used one I got from the spares box. The decals were shot, so I put some together from the spares box, cobbling together the serial numbers piece by piece from rub-on lettering. In the end, it produced a very pleasing looking aircraft I believe.

This next build is the Revell 1/426 scale USS Arizona BB-39. I will be building it as she looked before the attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7th 1941. I will be using the Gold Medal Models photo etch detail set, Model Monkey 3D printed turrets to replace the kit versions, and some 3D printed O2U Kingfishers to replace the kit Curtiss Bi-planes. This will be displayed next to a Bradford Exchange USS Arizona Memorial sculpture that I received a number of years ago as a gift. I chose the Revell kit because the length of the kit is the same length as the sculpture. I started this build with the hull. I first drilled out all the portholes on the sides and opened up the anchor and mooring holes on the bow. I then removed the molded in railings. The two halves fit were not as bad as I thought it would be. The seam still required putty but was surprisingly close so not much was needed. I then removed the molded in anchor chains as these will be replaced with real chains. At this time I ordered some other items. The first was the Legends of Warfare book by David Doyle on the USS Arizona. The second items I ordered were the 1/426 USN Vought OS2U Kingfisher Seaplane Set from Distefan. These are 3D printed aircraft. I ordered these because the kit only supplies the Curtis Bi-planes which were replaced in January of 1941. I then needed to remove the molded in railings and gun shields as these are being replaced with photo etch detail parts. I also removed the molded in stairs as well. It took a few days to carefully remove them so I am currently working on the photo etch parts now. I will then work on the numerous upper decks that have the plastic railings and replacing them. You can see all the photos and details from the start in the build log at: https://davidsscalemodels.com/build-log/1-426-uss-arizona-bb-39/

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Clayton Ockery got his new 1/35th scale RSO/01 fresh from the nats - today he looks at the sprues & puts the kit together in his video review...Read on... »

I have known John Vojtech since the 1990s when he was building models with incredible detail and was starting to sell his razor saws. While I still use my original saw frequently, he has in the decades since branched out to provide a myriad of tools for the modeler as well as some model kits under the UMM-USA name (also known as Unique Master Models). One of the items he provided at the recent IPMS-USA Nationals was this stand created for 1/32 to 1/24 scale aircraft. Modelers who build on larger scales should find multiple uses for this stand.

I'm the chapter contact for the Gateway/IPMS club, that will be holding our annual Gateway to the West model contest on 19 Sept 2026. The facility that we are using is requesting the Nationals COI for the event, which I should have received on the second week of August. I have emailed the DLC to look into this, but I have received no response. thanks for your help, Marion

UMM-USA is dedicated to fine-scale modeling, encompassing model kits, accessories, and specialized tools. Owned by John Vojtech, a fine-scale modeling veteran. UMM-USA is an online store, importing and exports kits, modeling tools, and supplies, and seeks and offers solutions to technical issues. In addition, his services currently include design and production of master parts, casting of original masters, photo-etched masks, decals, and building made-to-order models for customers. You can see a sampling of John Vojtech's finished projects in the Our Gallery section of his website.

From Italeri Website

The Opel Blitz medium truck formed the backbone of the logistics and transport system of the German Army during the Second World War. Produced in significant numbers, it was characterized by its flexibility and robustness in service, enhanced by the rear axle combined with twin wheels, which ensured greater payload capacity under all operating conditions. Designed to be easy to manufacture, repair, and maintain, it was effectively employed by the Wehrmacht on all major operational fronts, from North Africa to Russia, demonstrating the soundness of its design. It was produced in numerous configurations and versions, including the effective 4x4 variant capable of ensuring good performance even on difficult terrain.

Tamiya’s new 1/35th scale Fukuiraptor kit depicts a Cretaceous-era dinosaur that was found near Fukui Japan. It seems that this kit is intended to be an easy model for young or inexperienced builders. There are only a dozen parts, and at a price of $9.25 can be had for pocket money. With this kit, Tamiya introduces what they call “Clic Loc” design. The parts of this kit press-fit together so that no glue is required.

Included in the kit box are two trees of plastic parts and a small brochure. One tree of parts contains all the parts for the dinosaur. The second tree has the base and a silhouette of two people to serve as a scale reference. The brochure is printed in Japanese, English, German, and French. One side of the brochure has information about the history and ecology of Fukuiraptor, the other side has instructions for constructing the model.

Greetings, all. I was in attendance at the general meeting on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026. One of the topics raised by the President, John Noack, is the lack of participation in members voting. Not reaching a specific number for a quorum makes it difficult to get changes passed and moving the organization forward. One idea of his was to lower the threshold of required votes to "pass" a ballot measure. I think this is not the best way to achieve the goal. Lowering the number required places the organization at peril to a small, but motivated group, to hijack the aims and purpose of IPMS/USA. One way to get a higher level of participation is to allow the President of each chartered club to gather the proxy of each of their members. This would keep the opportunity for less than noble efforts to a minimum. Randall Cox, 8068

Border Model really are streamlining the process with their latest 35th-scale Leopard 2 A7V. Pre-painted parts on this are really something else - we look at the features in our preview...Read on... »

The best part of a national convention is not just the stacks of kits and the contest tables, it’s the moment you walk in and realize you are surrounded by your people. We’re back from the 2026 IPMS National Convention and talking through the full comedown: the unpacking, the reorganizing, and the small but important truth that some “solutions” in the model room (looking at you, retail paint racks) just do not work at home.

Then we get into the conversations we recorded on the floor. We sit down with Jay Chadwell of Mojo Model Works to talk 3D design and 3D printing for the stuff nobody else makes, from real space hardware to pop culture subjects that instantly hit the nostalgia button. We also talk with Randy Chisholm about his USS Texas turret project, a scratchbuilding rabbit hole where scarce references, mechanical realism, and clean construction matter as much as paint and weathering.

We also catch up with Keith Zimmerman about building a striking 1/48 B-24 Liberator for a show exclusive release, including what it takes to handle huge decals and tight timelines. And we’re thrilled to talk with Arma Hobby about how modern injection-molded plastic kits get designed, why 1/72 scale is having a moment, and how a company stays grounded in what modelers actually want to build. Finally we close with our show host and sponsor, Brandon Lowe of Squadron

Top it all off with a “what broke our wallets” recap from the vendor room, and you’ve got a convention debrief that feels like sitting at the bench with friends. If you enjoy this, subscribe, share it with a modeling buddy, and leave a review so more scale modelers can find the show.

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The IDF M1045A1 Orev HUMVEE TOW Missle Carrier is next from AFV club in their 35th scale. We look at the feature list & photos of the completed kit from AFV's model makers in our preview...Read on... »

This kit is of a 1/24 scale jeep with what appears to be a 1/4 ton trailer. A friend wants to know if this is a rare kit. I have no idea. Can someone help?

In addition to producing some wonderful model kits of a plethora of subjects, ICM has also added a line of acrylic paints, some of which have been reviewed here in the past. This set contains basic colors, which are good for adding details to nearly any subject, and can be mixed as needed to create any color you can imagine. Modelers who are familiar with water-based acrylic paints will have no issues with using this set.

One of the newer suppliers for the IPMS-USA Review Corps is DXM Decals, the DXM stands for Double Excellent Models. While as the name implies, the company specializes in decals, they also produce detail parts and paint masks for airbrushing aircraft. The company produces their products for 1/72, 1/48, and 1/32 scale aircraft. The decals are printed by Cartograf, who is known for their quality work. Any modeler that has applied water-slide decals will have no issues with using this set.

Dynamo Models has a BIG new set of eleven (11!) figures of German soldiers taking a break. We look at the set & individual figures in our preview...Read on... »

HI ! Here another project I have done in the past , it,s an scratch one of course..If tyou like to view more pics, Just follow this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/KjaGc9nGf5YydvaC7 Enjoy ! Jmarc

HI ! Here another project I have doe in the past using the TAMIYA kit, if you like to view more pics, Just follow this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/myfdKrxsiPNoRocp8 Enjoy ! Jmarc

Hi ! Here another project I have done in the past , it,s scratchbuilt of course.. If you like to view more pics, Just follow thsis GOOGLE link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/cB9cSpJXqRVBsxAT7 Enjoy ! Jmarc