Welcome to Episode 107, Day of The Modelgeeks Podcast!  

 We are on-site at the IPMS USA Nationals in Hampton, VA! We had another great day here at The Nats! We had the opportunity to interview the guys heading up the 2026 IPMS USA Nationals out in Fort Wayne, IN in 2026. Have a listen and see what they have in store for us, and the family too! 
 
 We also met a young modeler today who is building armor models and designing his own 3D printed items to detail them with! Have a listen to 13-year-old Eli describe what the hobby means to him and how he got his start.
 

We would like to thank all you listeners out there for the continued support you have given the show.

 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 someone through your latest masterpiece!

 

Modelgeeks web page:

 Model Geeks Podcast

Facebook community:

 The ModelGeeks Model Shack

 …and of course you can email us at:

 contact@modelgeekspodcast.com

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:

Furball Aero-Design

Tamiya USA

Detail & Scale

SprueBrothers

LionHeart Hobby

Bases By Bill

Hypersonic Models

Matters Of Scale
 
If you're a wicked ModelGeek go check out the following links!

 IPMS USA Events Page

AMPS

Butch O'Hare Modeling Club

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:

The Kit Box

Sprue Pie with Frets

Model Airplane Maker

Support the show

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Model Geeks Podcast

 

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Frenchman Sylvain Hautier founded Syhart Decals (SY (Sylvain) HA (Hautier) , ART (design)) in 2006 with the aim of recreating in model form the special aircraft paint schemes that have been developed to celebrate anniversaries, participate in Tiger Meets, and for last flights.

No 1 Squadron of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was formed in 1916 at Point-Cook (Victoria) In 2010, the 1 Squadron was converted to F/A-18F Super Hornet. The squadron attained full Operational Capability with Super Hornet at the end of 2012.

For the Centenary of 1 Squadron in 2016, one of these Super-Hornets, A44-210, received a special paint scheme, the tails being painted black with yellow silhouettes of former aircraft types flown by the squadrons on the inner sides, while the outer sides are adorned with the kookaburra insignia of the squadron.

Frenchman Sylvain Hautier founded Syhart Decals (SY (Sylvain) HA (Hautier) , ART (design)) in 2006 with the aim of recreating in model form the special aircraft paint schemes that have been developed to celebrate anniversaries, participate in Tiger Meets, and for last flights. He also issues decals for regular schemes for lesser-known and unusual air forces for kits that offer limited decal options.

An example is the 1/72 Rafale C, with the kit issued by Revell offering limited choices. Sylvain’s answer has been to release a number of decal sheets for various air forces.

Welcome to Episode 107 of The Modelgeeks Podcast!  

In this episode we are on-site at the IPMS USA Nationals in Hampton, VA. Rather than drop a single episode covering the Nats we wanted to try something a little different. Over the course of the 4-day Nats we will record short segments covering the day’s events, what caught our eye in the display hall, what products are hot in the vendor hall, and most importantly who we meet and speak with about the hobby. We hope to get in a few interviews with folks in the hobby, be it fellow modelers, or new vendors on the scene promoting the brand. If you couldn’t make it to Hampton for the Nats, tune in and we’ll try to convey what each day brings…especially any news on new kits or products. So, let’s get on with what Day 1 brought!
 
 We would like to thank all you listeners out there for the continued support you have given the show.

 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 someone through your latest masterpiece!

 Modelgeeks web page:

 Model Geeks Podcast

Facebook community:

 The ModelGeeks Model Shack

 …and of course you can email us at:

 contact@modelgeekspodcast.com

 Mentioned in the Episode:

PAXCON 2025

 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:

Furball Aero-Design

Tamiya USA

Detail & Scale

SprueBrothers

LionHeart Hobby

Bases By Bill

Hypersonic Models

Matters Of Scale
 
If you're a wicked ModelGeek go check out the following links!

 IPMS USA Events Page

AMPS

Butch O'Hare Modeling Club

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:

The Kit Box

Sprue Pie with Frets

Model Airplane Maker

Support the show

Support the show

Model Geeks Podcast

 

Support the show

Model Geeks Podcast

I have two questions about this as I work on filing all the mold seams off the parts, which are many, seams and parts. 1. The kit would have you put this big "US ARMY" decal down the side of the missile, but I can't find any photos of the real missile with such markings. Are they correct? 2. Does anyone make a 1/110 model of the Mercury Redstone other than the old, now collector's priced, Revell one? It was launched from the same complex and might look kind a cool instead of the "C". I know you can get the Revell Redstone model as it was re-issued many times, but I believe there were some pretty significant changes made when it was used for the Mercury program, plus I'd still need the capsule.

Making its debut today at the US IPMS, Tamiya's new 35th-scale German 5 cm anti-tank gun Pak38 looks like it fits in with any of their other quality releases. We look at the info so far in our preview...Read on... »

Wheels of steel on MiniArt's latest Fordson N tractor '34-36 in 35th scale. We look at the CADs, kit features & the real tractor in our preview...Read on... »

A journey that could only be described as a country song come to life. Professional modeler Bruce McRae returns to share his unbelievable cross-country expedition to four  scale modeling competitions – a trip marked by disasters that would have sent most people packing for home.

What began as an ambitious nine-week journey across America turned catastrophic when Bruce and his wife woke to find their campsite in Louisiana rapidly flooding in the early morning darkness. With water rising to waist level, they evacuated with their two golden retrievers, only to discover their vehicle disabled and their trailer ruined. Most would have called it quits, but Bruce's models had miraculously survived dry in their elevated containers, and the competitions beckoned.

Renting a replacement vehicle at considerable expense, Bruce continued to Florida's Armorgeddon show, showcasing both armor and figure modeling. He highlights the benefits of open judging systems that provide detailed feedback to every entrant, allowing modelers to understand their strengths and weaknesses – a stark contrast to traditional competitions where non-winners leave with no insight on how to improve.

The most remarkable aspect of Bruce's tale isn't just his perseverance after a second disaster – when a van ran a red light in Albuquerque and destroyed their rental vehicle – but his unwavering passion for the hobby community. His reflections on different show formats provide valuable insights for competition entrants.

Bruce's extraordinary determination reunited him with friends at each show and allowed him to share his exceptional modeling work despite overwhelming obstacles. His story reminds us that sometimes the greatest modeling adventures happen far from the workbench, and that the true spirit of this hobby lies in the connections we forge and the challenges we overcome together.

Model Paint Solutions
Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes and David Union Power Tools

SQUADRON
Adding to the stash since 1968

Model Podcasts
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Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth
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Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.

A Maulitier with a big gun on top is an interesting build proposition. Today Andy King takes on ICM's 35th scale Sd.Kfz.3b with Flak 38 "Truppenluftschutzwagen" kit to a great standard. See how he navigates it in Pt. I, today...Read on... »

Frenchman Sylvain Hautier founded Syhart Decals (SY (Sylvain) HA (Hautier) , ART (design)) in 2006 with the aim of recreating in model form the special aircraft paint schemes that have been developed to celebrate anniversaries, participate in Tiger Meets, and for last flights.

Sheet 48-069 is titled F/A-18C Hornet J-5011 "Tigermeet 2011" Staffel 11 - Swiss Air Force, which was painted in this scheme for the 50th Anniversary of NATO Tigermeet which took place in Cambrai, France. The pack contains two decal sheets, one with all the special Tiger markings and the other with the rest of the aircraft’s national markings and stenciling, and a full-colour instruction booklet.

The U.S. Army’s Tactical and Technical Trends (Vol. I, No. 11: July 1943) quoted Red Army sources,

The Germans make extensive use of self-propelled guns as assault artillery. Their most important mission is to destroy the opposition’s antitank and heavy infantry weapons… Assault batteries, which are assigned a limited number of targets, have the mission of supporting the attacks of the infantry, and of destroying the opposition’s heavy infantry weapons and strong points disclosed during the attack. In supporting tank attacks, the self-propelled artillery assumes some of the normal tasks of heavier tanks, including the destruction of antitank guns.

While the German Army was largely a horse-drawn army, the Germans focused, and relied on, armored vehicles for speed, mobility and shock.

The excitement is building as we prepare for the IPMS Nationals in Hampton, Virginia! This much-anticipated event represents what we lovingly call "the best four days of the year" in the modeling world. After months without attending a contest (Mike hasn't been to one since Heritage Con in March), we're absolutely thrilled to reconnect with fellow modelers, showcase our work, and soak in the incredible talent on display.

We'll be set up at a vendor table throughout the convention where we hope to meet many of our listeners face-to-face. There's something magical about connecting with the modeling community in person after so many digital interactions. Whether you've been following us for years or just discovered the podcast, please stop by to say hello and share what you've been working on. If you've posted your builds in the Dojo and they'll be at the Nationals, we'd love to see them in person!

Speaking of the Dojo, our Facebook modeling community continues to thrive with over 5,300 members sharing incredible work and engaging in thoughtful discussions. Recent conversations about old-school web forums and storage solutions have taken on lives of their own, demonstrating the vibrant exchange of ideas that makes our community special. We're also excited to bring you Episode 145 featuring the talented Bruce MacRae sharing his recent modeling adventure, followed by Episode 146 where we'll recap our Nationals experience. Join us for what promises to be an unforgettable convention experience and connect with the passionate modeling community that makes this hobby so rewarding!

SQUADRON
Adding to the stash since 1968

Model Paint Solutions
Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes and David Union Power Tools

Model Podcasts
Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere!

PMM Merchandise Store
Support the show with PMM Merchandise!

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.

Welcome to Episode 106 of The Modelgeeks Podcast!
 
 In this episode, the Modelgeeks are joined by a special guest host; Geoff Martin of Furball Aero-Design! They go around the pattern say what is the latest and greatest in their model worlds. The Geeks have a good laugh courtesy of Frilldo and Frilldo gives the listeners an update on the Privateer saga. 

For the main topic, Frilldo asks the other Geeks, “When is enough aftermarket Enough”? the topic was submitted by long time listener Laurens Steffers.  The Geeks take a lap in the pattern and discuss how much is too much when it comes to aftermarket. We would like to thank all the listeners for the continued support you have given the show. We hope to see you out and about as we hit some of the shows or if you decide to come visit ours in October. If you can't make it to the shows then you can still interact with us through social media, Facebook, Instagram, and email:  contact@modelgeekspodcast.com

 

Be sure to check out our website: www.modelgeekspodcast.com.
 
 

Hasagawa parts picker upper as mentioned in the show: https://spruebrothers.com/hat71547-hasegawa-tool-micro-parts-picker-tt47/

 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.

Sponsors:

 

Detail and Scale
Furball Aero-Design
Tamiya USA
SprueBrothers

Bases by Bill

LionHeart Hobby

Hypersonic Models

Matters of Scale
 
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

Support the show

Model Geeks Podcast

For this build I am going back to 1/48 World War II aircraft. I will be building Tamiya’s 1/48 RAF Mustang III. For this build I will also be using Kagero Decals to replicate the aircraft flown by the Polish Pilot F/L Mieczystaw Gorzula of the 309 squadron based at RAF Andrews Field. This was the aircraft that F/L Gorzula shot down a Me-262 jet fighter on April 9th 1945. Starting off with the cockpit tub I detailed it with some photo etch pieces on the side panel, the rudder pedals, and seat belts. I also used photo etch for the knobs and levers on the instrument panel. I opted to paint the gauges as the kit decal for them did not line up very well with the gauge bezels. On the underside of the cockpit tub was also the mount for the radiator. This and the intake were painted with Vallejo Metal paint in duraluminum. I then worked on the fuselage halves. There are two vented panels on the nose. I decided to drill these out for a more realistic look. The interior was painted and detailed. The cockpit tub and intake were installed. I then assembled the fuselage halves. There are some areas that required a little putty but the halves fit very well together. I am working on the wings and landing gear bays now. You can see all the photos and details from the start in the build log at: https://davidsscalemodels.com/build-log/1-48-tamiya-raf-mustang-iii/

This decal is no longer in stock at any vendor, and I have not been able to locate this decal sheet at any show I have attended. Your help would be greatly appreciated. It is CD 72062: USAF C-130H "Guard Herks", and truthfully, I would be happy with having only the Savannah, Georgia ANG portion of the decal sheet. Please email me: jefboutin at yahoo.com THANKS!!!!

The boys are joined by Dana Mathes and Rob Booth  to talk about the philosophy behind Modelfiesta’26  judging criteria.  Modelfiesta is the longest running annual modelling event in IPMS region 6 and the contest has grown in quality and size with an average of 120 vendor tables and 600 models on display. On again this coming January 4th, check out the details HERE

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

 

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

 

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

Six 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... »

From the publisher’s website:

The Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) first appeared in Ukraine’s Donbas region during the initial Russian intervention in the spring of 2014. Its fighters—lacking national insignia, Russian flags, or unit designations and always concealing their faces in public—presented an unorthodox and ambiguous presence. However, their use of Russian-made arms, equipment, and uniforms left little doubt about Moscow’s involvement, reinforcing Wagner’s role as a deniable yet effective force in place of poorly trained local militias. Over the following years, Wagner served Moscow’s strategic interests by maintaining both ambiguity and control over various local proxies.

Mike Guardia is an internationally recognized author and military historian. A veteran of the United States Army, he served six years on active duty as an Armor Officer. He is the author of the widely acclaimed HAL MOORE: A SOLDIER ONCE...AND ALWAYS, the first-ever biography chronicling the life of LTG Harold G. Moore, whose battlefield leadership was popularized by the film WE WERE SOLDIERS, starring Mel Gibson. He has twice been nominated for the Army Historical Foundation's Distinguished Book Award and was named Author of the Year in 2021 by the Military Writers Society of America. As a speaker, he hosts the lecture series HAL MOORE: LESSONS IN LEADERSHIP, which is available for presentation at schools, businesses, and civic organizations worldwide.

I figured it was time to get started on my "pledge model" for my local modeling club. Earlier in the year, I had chosen Lasso the Moon. This is a scene from It's a Wonderful Life, starring Donna Reed and Jimmy Stewart. I enjoy it, and watch it a few times each Christmas season. Since it's been around since 1946, I'm sure everyone has seen it at some time. The model is a well made 3D printed kit by Nostalgic Resin, and depicts the walk home after George and Mary fell into the school's swimming pool (BTW the pool's real and still exists at Beverly Hills High School). This is the first real scene where they start their romance. The first problem I had was whether to do it in color or B&W. Due to the size I thought it was too large for it to be all in B&W, and soon after found a nice colorized image of what I needed - the clothes. The only problem I had with it was the sidewalk was warped, and no amount of heating kept it flat. So I quickly tossed it aside and got out a piece of sheet styrene. I also had a decent sized wooden base and tested fitted all the basing materials. Besides the sidewalk, it come with a section of hedge, a picket fence, and a pillar. Getting started, the pillar was painted gray, the fence white, and the hedge a green. It looked a little too plain so the hedge got flocked, I painted the picket fence and added some miniature rose bushes to fill the void, and the pillar was fine so it just got a coat of paint with a little dark wash. seems I never took a WIP of the base so we'll see it at the end. Now I know what's to be done with the figures it was just a matter of filling in the colors. Getting to the faces, Stewart's likeness was good, Donna's barely came close, but not being able to sculpt a likeness, I'll just add paint to this as well. My next decision was Mary's robe. I know it's white, but that's an awful lot of white and I didn't want to make her look like a ghost with a sheet. So being George's clothes were warm earthy colors, I tried making the shadows in the robe a similar earthy colors. No good... That just made her look like she rolled around in some dirt. So the robe was repainted and this time I took the palest blue to fill in the shadows. This looked better. and I was done. Thanks for looking. Sadly my roses were mostly hidden