Hasagawa Hawker Hurricane Mk.IIC 'North Africa' 1/72 Scale Review

This is the first Hasagawa model kit I've built in a long time. I had forgotten the excellent quality of a bit higher-priced kit. The part fit and detailing are really excellent. The simulated fabric surfaces are really well done.

Adhesives and Assembly

The proper choice of adhesives and proper assembly techniques can save a lot of time having to fill and level seams. What follows are some suggestions for selecting adhesives and assembling styrene plastic model kit parts.

Part Preparation Best Practices

The first step to building any model is to remove the cast parts from the sprues and clean up any flash found on the parts. Here are some tips that will keep your parts from being mutilated during the process.

Masking Cavities

It can be difficult to mask cavities in the surface of a model like wheel wells or cockpits, but with these tips it can be done quickly, cheaply and easily.

Academy Consolidated PBY-5A 1/72 Scale 'Black Cat' Review

 I just keep rifling through the Academy 1/72 scale models. I like the price, quality and selection that is offered by this manufacturer. I have never before built a Catalina, so this was an interesting project. The kit builds into a very nice little scale model.

Panel Wash

Panel wash is a technique that uses thinned paint which is flowed into recessed surface detail to make the lines stand out. This is one of the final steps in finishing a model, and adds tremendously to the appearance.

Panel Fade

Panel fading is an airbrush weathering technique that can add significantly to the appearance of your model. Effectively, it is a painting process that simulates the fading of paint near the center of the painted metal panels that make up the skin of an aircraft or armored vehicle.

Academy North American P-51B 1/72nd Scale Mustang Review

The Mustang happens to be my favorite modeling subject. Clarence Anderson happens to be one of my favorite aces. Therefore it was a no-brainer that I would want to build this little gem from Academy with markings representing 'Bud' Anderson's second 'Old Crow'.

Working With Academy Hobby Decals

It is well known that the decals that are supplied with Academy model kits are very thick and inflexible. This tends to make them hard to apply, even with decal setting solution. While they are more difficult to use than those of other manufacturers, they can be used with good results.
 

Painting with Decals: Canopy Frames and More

A very accurate and simple way to create the frames on canopies is to use blank clear decal paper. Using clear paper allows you to show both the interior and exterior colors on the frame.

Painting Aircraft Spinners and Tires

So the tip of your spinner needs to be red? It can be difficult painting a conical object evenly, even if you try masking it. At 1/72 scale, it gets even harder. What about the tires on the landing gear? Do they always come out looking sloppy when you free-hand paint them?

Revell of Germany 1/72 Scale Arado Ar 196A-3 Review

This is the first kit that I've constructed from Revell of Germany. I's a nice kit, but the raised panel lines are a bit of a deal-breaker.

The Modeler's Secret: Pledge FloorCare Multi-Surface Finish (Formerly 'Future')

There are a lot of great modeling materials and tools that can be found at your local big-box retailer. One of the greatest of these is a product by the S.C. Johnson Company that was formerly called 'Future'. It is now sold as Pledge FloorCare Multi-Surface Finish. This is a clear acrylic liquid that has multiple uses in the modelling realm.

Academy Grumman F4F-4 1/72nd Scale Wildcat Review

I like Academy model kits. They have incised panel lines, a reasonable amount of detail and accuracy (this kit being an exception) and the price is right. What follows is a building review of their Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat kit in 1/72nd scale.

Masking and Acrylic Model Paints

Acrylic paints are great. No volatile compounds, less smell and easier cleanup. But if you have ever tried to mask over acrylic model paints, you've probably experienced the frustration of pulling the masking away and half the paint with it. Even a fingernail can remove the paint if accidentally dragged over it. Acrylic paint just cannot stick to bare styrene which has no 'tooth' to cling to. But you can use tape to mask over acrylic paint with proper preparation.