I make no claims to being an airbrushing expert. I own three brushes (an Iwata, an HP, and an inexpensive “no-name” unit) and while on some days, the airbrushing gods smile down upon me, there are other times that despite my best efforts, I’d be better off using a toothbrush and poster paints. I had heard a lot about this brand and jumped at the chance to do the review.

My first impressions were highly favorable - a very nicely packaged product. Two things that jumped out at me were the exploded parts diagram on the bottom of the box (see below) and a nice bag of spare bushings and O-ring seals. I was a bit surprised to see how many discrete O-rings are used I the construction of the airbrush but time will tell if this means better performance, easier, or more complicated maintenance.

For my next project, I chose the 1/48 Tamiya kit of the Douglas F4D-1 Skyray, colloquially known as the 'Ford'. Like many, I was surprised (and elated!) when in 1998 Tamiya released a kit of this relatively obscure late-fifties Navy aircraft. But I've always loved the look of this jet, with its' sleek, futuristic lines. The Skyray, and its' contemporary, The Vought F7U Cutlass, were perhaps the most radical aircraft designs to enter full production. It's a shame that engine problems (with the Cutlass) and control/stability issues (with the Skyray) prevented these innovative designs from realizing their full potential. For a jet with a short service career, there are a number of excellent references. The ones I used were: Warpaint Series No. 117, Douglas F4D/F-6 Skyray & F5D Skylancer, By Tony Butler; Killer Rays - Story of the Douglas F4D Skyray and F5D Skylancer, by Mark Frankel; Naval Fighters Number 13 - Douglas F4D Skyray, by Steve Ginter; US Naval Air Superiority - Development of Shipborne Jet Fighters 1943-1962, by Tommy Thomason. I also purchased Modelers Airguide 20, Douglas F4D Skyray, by Any Evans, and I must say, for the price, it was a huge disappointment. It's beautifully printed, on high-quality paper, but with just 38 pages, and with only one or two photos on most pages, there isn't much bang for your buck. And none of the photos have captions. You'd think a publication geared specifically toward modelers would have photos or drawings of the cockpit and other details, and at least have captions for the photos, but nope. This was my first purchase of an Airmark/Modelers' Airguide publication, so I don't know if this is typical of their products. But for $30, I felt cheated after buying it. Construction began with the cockpit. I used the Cutting Edge resin F4D cockpit set, which is an improvement over the kit parts, especially the cockpit coaming and instrument panel. I assembled and painted both the kit cockpit and the resin set, just in case I had issues fitting the resin cockpit in the fuselage. Both cockpits were airbrushed Model Master Dark Gull Grey, with side consoles painted Tamiya Semi-Gloos Black, and details picked out with dry-brushing and colored pencils. The instrument panels were detailed with individual instrument decals by Airscale. To be clear, once painted, the kit cockpit, which comes with the original Douglas ejection seat, looks fine. But it's very simplified compared to the real thing, and is missing a lot of details, mainly in the instrument panel coaming. The kit coaming is featureless, with just a hole in the top for the gunsight reflector glass. The actual coaming is open on top, through which you can see the back of the instrument panel, and the top of the gunsight mechanism and reflector. The Cutting Edge set replicates this very nicely. Late in their service careers, many F4D's had the Douglas-designed ejection seat replaced by a Martin Baker Mk V seat. The jet I was building had this upgrade, so I substituted the factory seat with a proper Martin Baker Mk V seat I had in my spares box. It was airbrushed Tamiya Acrylic NATO Black, with cushions various shades of green and drab, and seatbelts painted light grey. The ejection seat pull handles were from a pre-painted set by Eduard. Before closing up the nose halves, I glued a lead fishing weight in the tip of the nose to keep the kit on its gear. The kit engine exhaust is simplified, and lacks an afterburner nozzle. I added a photo-etched flame holder from an Eduard detail set, and used a spare exhaust nozzle from a Revell F-18 Super Hornet to fashion an afterburner nozzle.The rear fuselage and exhaust shroud and nozzle were sprayed Tamiya Titanium Sliver. I then over-sprayed the nozzle and exhaust interior with Tamiya Metallic Grey. There is no intake ducting, so I just painted everything inside white and moved on. The landing gear was assembled as per instructions, and detailed with brake and hydraulic lines made of wire. They were sprayed Tamiya Acrylic White, and gloss-coated with Future. A wash of Tamiya black Panel Line Accent Color was applied, which really popped out the nice detail on the struts and wheel hubs. Like its' cousin, the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, the Skyray was designed with leading edge slats, which deployed automatically based on dynamic air pressure. On all Skyhawks, the area under these slats was painted Insignia Red. But on the Skyray, photos indicate this wasn't usually the case. Very few squadrons had red under the slats. The few photos I could find of Fords in the markings I wanted to use seemed to indicate that the area under the slats was painted Gull Grey, instead of Red, so that how I painted mine. The drop tanks were painted white, with Tamiya Semi-Gloss Black noses. This color is a good match with the black on the Cutting Edge decals I used. The kit also provides a NavPac, a pod containing VHF navigation and low-frequency marker-beacon gear. It was painted white, with a radome tan nose section. This pod was carried only when squadrons were land-based, and were usually not used when deployed aboard a carrier. Once the nose section was glued to the upper and lower fuselage halves, the topside was sprayed with some of the last of my dwindling supply of Model Master Acryl Flat Gull Grey, and the underside was left in Tamiya white Fine Surface Primer. The underside primer was polished with a cloth to give it a nice glossy sheen. There were a few seams that needed filling and sanding on the leading edges of the wings. The nose radome and fin tip was sprayed Tamiya Semi Gloss Black, and the anti-glare panel was masked off and sprayed Tamiya NATO Black. Skyrays had the leading edges of their wings and pylons finished in Corroguard, a metallic grey-ish protective coating, so these areas were masked off and sprayed Tamiya Titanium Silver. The vertical fin, however lacked this coating. Once painting was complete, the landing gear, tanks, pylons, Sidewinders and NavPac were attached. The distinctive yellow and black 'barber-pole' markings on the drop tank refueling probe were made by first spraying the probe Tamiya Semi-Gloss Black, then wrapping a thin strip of masking tape around the probe, followed by spraying it Tamiya Flat Yellow. The kit provides three markings schemes: two Marine Fords, from VMF (AW) 114 and 115, and a Navy jet with the very elaborate markings of VF(AW)-3, the Blue Nemesis. Instead, I went the aftermarket route and chose a jet in the eye-catching scheme of VF-162, The Hunters, Bureau Number 134757. My references had several photos of this jet during various periods of its attachment to VF-162. The decals came from several sources: most of the markings, including the black with yellow stars decals on the elevons and rudder, came from Cutting Edge Decals sheet #48089, F4D Skyray Pt 1. The national insignias, intake warnings, and stencils came from SuperScale sheet #48336. I used very few of the stencils, because all the photos in my references showed little to no stenciling. Since I included the NavPac on my model, I had to alter the decals slightly to reflect when the squadron was land-based at Cecil Field, Florida in 1960, before it deployed aboard USS Intrepid for three cruises. To do this, I had to change the nose number from 1xx-series to 2xx series, and change the air wing code letters from AF to AH. An AeroMaster letters and numbers sheet provided the necessary markings to make the changes. Like all my model aircraft, I like to display them with an open canopy, to show off the detail. The kit is designed to be built with a closed canopy, but fortunately, it's an easy job to pose it open. The Cutting Edge cockpit set comes with the hydraulic cylinder used to open and close the canopy, so the only real difficulty is in placing it properly. If the Cutting edge instructions are correct, this cylinder is slightly right of centerline, but I could find no photos to conform this. I also added the vertical metal bars seen inside each side panel of the canopy, and a compass at the upper right edge of the canopy. This was made of scrap plastic, with a decal instrument placed on the front. Two rearview mirrors were also added to each side of the canopy bow. The boarding ladder came from one of the 1/48 Hasegawa A-4 Skyhawk kits I have in my stash. It was modified to look more like those used on the Skyray by shortening it, adding wheels and other details to match pictures in my references. It was painted Tamiya Red, and dry-brushed with Tamiya Flat Aluminum paint, then weathered with Tamiya dark grey Panel Line Accent color. The ladder was then attached to the model with white glue. Tamiya's 1/48 F4D-1 Skyray is an outstanding kit despite its'age, with precise fit and sensible engineering. The only real drawback is a lack of intake ducting. With care, it builds easily into a beautiful replica of this radical, delta-winged Navy interceptor.

The next Gecko Models release is this 1/35th scale "British GS Truck 30CWT 4X2 Bedford OXD (metal cargo body)". See more about the kit in our preview...Read on... »

The Gaahleri GT-918 is a nice, compact air compressor that operates quietly, yet has enough power for two airbrushes. Two airbrush connections are provided with separate pressure meters for each connection. Pressure adjustments are easy with a push/pull knob that locks in the set pressure. Gaahleri lists the noise level for the compressor at 47 DBA maximum, which compares to a quiet home space and is not objectionable at all when running.

The 1/5 hp compressor operates between 43 and 57 psi. It automatically turns on at 43 psi and turns off when the pressure in the tank reaches 57 psi. An integral one-liter tank provides constant pressure without pulsations, but it will cycle on and off frequently. The compressor is so quiet that the on-off cycling is not objectionable. A 23 Liters Per Minute air flow is produced by the compressor.

The last in the line of Raupenschlepper OST RSO/01s is MiniArt's latest release in the series. We have art, features & CAD sprue layout plus the machines captured in this boxing, all in our preview...Read on... »

Happy Easter all, I'm celebrating by dispersing these completed vehicles to their respective armies. First is the two Ambulances going to my US Army: The Ford Model T Ambulance from WWI by RPM in 1/72 scale: The next one is the ACE 1/72 scale WC-18 Ambulance: Followed by the IBG 1/72 scale Japanese 917t truck: And last, although it's not quite an armored or soft-skinned vehicle; it is a vehicle going to my British Army. This is the HO/OO scale Airfix Saddleback Tank Shunting Engine: That's all that is completed for now. Thank you all for looking in, comments are always welcome.

Happy Easter to all. I'm celebrating by launching these two ships into my collection in their respective Navies. First up is the US Coast Guard Icebreaker Eastwind, a Revell box-scale kit from the 1970's: Followed by the Fujimi kit of the 1/700 scale modern Japanese LST 4151: That's it so far, I expect a few more ships making their way down the slips soon. Stay tuned and thanks for looking in, comments are welcome.

Alpine Miniatures' two new figures are from the 29th Infantry Division. These two soldiers both come with two head choices & are sold as singles or pairs. We look at the division's soldiers & both figures in detail in our preview...Read on... »

A PLAN SSN & a PLA ZTZ-99B are coming from HobbyBoss in April. We look at the colours, decals & built-up kit in our preview...Read on... »

In 2022, I met Lewis "Pat" Patteson at the Spirit of '45 event in San Jose - at the time, a spry 102-year old. He kidded us that we didn't have the best plane of World War II on the table, the Lockheed Vega PV-1 Ventura. I asked how he came about that opinion, and he said he flew them. I'd met a guy who flew PV-1s from Attu in the Aleutians to the Kuriles in Japan, and Pat said, "I did that, too!" That evening I went home and hit my PV-1 references and found multiple references to Pat. He flew two dozen 1400-mile trips to Shimushu and Paramushiro in the Kuriles, including flying the crucial photo mission to survey Paramushiro's air bases. Pat and I got to be friendly and he shared his stories, gave me a mess of photos, and even gave me two VPB-135 patched (have to get a Navy G-1 to sew one on!).

This is the Kitty Hawk 1/48 F-35C. I will be using Red Fox 3D decals, Reskit resin exhaust, Furball decals for the VFA-86 scheme, and I also added the Eduard 3D Brassin ejection seat. I started off with the cockpit as usual. I cleaned up the panels to prepare for the Red Fox 3D decals. These look great and fit perfectly on the instrument and side panels. The decal set has the option of the instrument panel display “on” or a blank screen for the “off” mode. I looked at the kit ejection seat and it is not very well detailed. I researched this kit and found some folks noted the kit ejection seat is too tall and if you wanted the canopy closed it will not close because of the seat. I opted to use the Eduard 3D brassin ejection seat. The seat is very detailed and the instructions also offer other details that can be added. Care is required to trim the parts off of the carriers as they are very delicate. There are eleven different parts as well as a sheet of photo etch and decals for all the warning placards. I am currently finishing up the cockpit assembly and details then moving on to the nose gear bay and then the weapons bays. You can see all the photos and details from the start in the build log at: https://davidsscalemodels.com/build-log/1-48-f-35c-vfa-86-sidewinders/

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

AK Interactive's Ralleye Trabant 601 S & Citroën HY public service van in 35th scale are already on presale. We look at the CADs, decals & original vehicles in our preview...Read on... »

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All 5 of us recap our benches and various hobby shows and update what we are up to. Scott updates us on the recent 48 in 48 Global Build in support of Models For Heroes (we set a new fundraising record!) 

TJ leads us in a discussion point posted by Ken Childress about feeling Peer Pressure when modeling. 

Finally, JB then leads us into an intro to our brand new PPP Website - www.plastic-posse.com!!! We have recently launched the site and we hope that is a worth community hub for the Posse community. Besides all things Posse, make sure to check out all the tools and useful pages for your modeling! 

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Scale Aircraft Conversions has been around since 1990 supplying resin and white metal parts to model builders, and their product listing continues to expand. I have reviewed a few of the landing gear sets from SAC over the years, and once again, they have provided an excellent white metal option for kit-supplied landing gear. This set is intended for the 1/48 scale A-12 Avenger II released by Model Collect and I happen to have kit UA48001-RM47054 (Navy version) in my stash. The purpose of this replacement set is to provide stronger landing gear that is adjustable, if necessary, to obtain the proper angles. Even with no previous experience of using white metal parts, this set will provide an upgrade that most modelers will have no issue installing.

We’re back from HeritageCon feeling the best kind of tired, the kind you earn after a weekend packed with great people, hobby shop stops, and a contest floor full of inspiration. We share highlights from the trip, what stood out about the quality and sheer volume of models, and why getting to an event in person can put real mojo back in your modeling.

April is upon us, and we’re looking ahead to the AMPS International Convention in South Bend, Indiana, plus teasing upcoming content: an on-site Wheel Of Accidental Wisdom shop talk recording, a listener question on restarting the hobby from scratch, and practical tips we’re gathering on attending overseas model shows and what it takes to travel well as a scale modeler. We also check in on the Dojo’s growth and why sharing contest flyers helps the whole community.

Subscribe so you don’t miss the next drops, and if you enjoy the show, share it with a modeling friend and leave a review. What contest or hobby event are you planning to attend next?

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Many denigrate Matchbox kits as overly simple and toylike. For the aircraft ones they add in overly done panel lines. However, there must have been a different sort of designer that worked on their biplane kits 'cause they are pretty nice. Well engineered, they go together easily and as the Brits say they "look the part". Maybe not the most detailed, but pleasing to the eye. Plus they did kits of subjects other companies wouldn't touch such as the Stranraer and Heyford and this one, the Siskin. It's OOTB and the rigging is stretched sprue.

Trumpeter has picked two great subjects for their April releases. We have colours, decals & built-up kits & CADs showing features of them both in our preview...Read on... »

Guideline Publications is the UK's leading publisher of modeling and hobby-related magazines. With a world-class portfolio of titles and an international Social Media presence, Guideline Publications has a dedicated readership that is constantly expanding into new areas. This English language book, Warpaint 151 Hawker Siddeley HS748 & Andover, is authored by Adrian Balch with scale drawings by Sam Pearson. The latest Guideline’s Warpaint series, 151, was published in 2025. A digital edition will soon be available. News on Guidelines’ publications can be found on Facebook.

The first paragraph in the Introduction sums up the book well,

Barry Faulkner was an artist from New Hampshire whose best-known paintings are two prominent murals in Washington, DC, in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom in the National Archives. Few people have any idea that Faulkner was also a co-founder of the American Camouflage Corps, an alliance of artists and architects in World War I who served as camouflage experts (referred to then as camoufleurs) with the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in France. Years later he remembered that, during the war, French soldiers said that camouflage was the only French word that American soldiers could pronounce correctly.