Homepage Text - November 2011

Wednesday,   Nov 30  2011

  Barbados National Day 

  Scotland - St. Andrew's Day 

$weetDaddy is here with today's first model and what a cool looking model it is.  This is his 1/144 Revell AG MiG-1.44 “Digital MiG” which looks outstanding in it's What-if digital camo.  $weetDaddy  explains in his article the simple...yet time consuming....process of doing digital camo and even includes generic pattern templates for digital camo.  There's no doubt about it......the completed model looks exceptional.

Bernhard "Flugi" Pethe has done what I think most of us will agree is impossible.  He has built a high detailed model complete with cockpit from the 1/72 Anigrand XC-142A.  Bernhard got very busy scratchbuilding the items needed to turn this vac-u-formed kit into a stunning highly detailed masterpiece.  I am in awe of modelers like  that have the patience and skill to complete a project of this high quality and challenge.

Elmo and phantom have been keeping themselves out of trouble by building their Golden Hawk Egg Plane.  I have to admit it is pretty cool seeing the Golden Hawks colours and markings on an Egg plane.  Nicely done guys.

Here's a product article for the 1/32 EF-2000 Tifoni Italiani decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation GraphicsThis sheet features markings for the new Trumpeter and forthcoming Revell Germany kit of this very important Italian frontline fighter.  One complete set of correct stencils and enough options for four different aircraft.

The 1/32 &1/72 Braille Scale Sale! is still on but items are selling out so get 'em while they are only $5Includes most 1/72 and 1/32 sheets...only $5.  Supplies are going fast.


Here's a product article for the 1/32 AIM-9DGH Sidewinder Missiles from Zactomodels.  Each sets includes 2 complete missiles with electrical umbilicals and seeker head covers.


Here's a product article for the The Modern Super Hornet Guide: The Boeing F-18E/F & EA-18G Exposed from Reid Air Publications.  This book includes nearly 1,000 (969 to be exact) color images spread over 168 pages illustrate the definitive resource material on the US Navy's premier strike aircraft.  Like any other Modern Guide Series book, no area of the jet is left unexamined. Covers F-18E/F models, as well as the new EA-18G Growler!!.  


Here's a product article for the 1/48 J2M3 Raiden Undercarriage Covers from QuickBoost These are designed as direct replacements for the landing gear doors on the Hasegawa kit.

Tuesday,    Nov 29  2011

  Albania Liberation Day 

Hot Babe of the Week!  this week  from Twobobs is courtesy of Daniel Soulaine of a F-16N Centennial of Naval Aviation.     Bob


John Smalbrugge has done an exceptional job on his big 1/24 Airfix Mosquito FB VI.  John dressed up some of the details with aftermarket bits from Master Model, Paragon Designs and decals from Aviaeology for an RCAF Mosquito during 1944 in England.  I really like how John's Mossie turned out.

Adriano Souza joins us with this eye catching 1/48 Italeri Tornado IDS RSAF.  Adriano built this beautiful Tornado out of the box in it's classic Tan/Green/Brown camo and then finished it off in the ever attractive Royal Saudi Air Force markings using Model Alliance decals.  This is one GREAT looking  RSAF Tornado.

Paolo Yuen is here with his wonderfully detailed 1/720 Revell German Aircraft Carrier Graf Zeppelin.  Paolo added a variety of aftermarket details and then further improved his model with some scratchbuilt details before loading up the flight deck with Bf-109's an dJU-87 including some with their wings folded.  This is quite the impressive display in 1/720 scale.

Here's a product article for the 1/32 P-47 Dry Transfer Stencils from Hobby Decal.  

Alexey Sulla is here with a product article for the new 1/48 Kh-25 ML GSN-24N1 missile with APU-68 pylon from Northstarmodels.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Seahawk Pitot Tubes from QuickBoost These are designed to fit the Trumpeter kit.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 Nakajima Ki-44 Part 2 decal sheet from Lifelike Decals This latest release features four different Nakajima Ki-44's.  This is Part 2 of  a series dealing with the Nakajima Ki-44 from 1944 to 1945. The 4 aircraft include 3 in bare metal and one in a thin black/grey colour.


Monday,    Nov 28  2011

  Mauritania Independence Day 

Starfighter Decals Cyber-Monday Sale. 50% of of all 1/72, 1/48, and 1/32 decal sheets issued in 2010 and prior years when your purchase $10 or more when you use coupon code "BCM2011"  
That's sheets 72-102 thru 72-128, 4801-4803, and 3201. 
This may be your last chance to pick up the 1/72 F4B-4 sheets as fewer than 25 sets are left of the 3 different sets. Use your savings to pick up the new EZ- Rigging sets or one of the resin upgrade sets.

Sales Starts at 12:01 (00:01) AM November 28 thru 11:59PM (23:59) Saturday Dec 3rd. 

Jens Gerber has done an exceptionally fine job on his 1/48 Hobby Boss Me 262 V056.  Jens dressed up the cockpit with some Eduard photo etch seat belts but other than that it was an out of the box build.  The camo paint jobs on WW2 Luftwaffe aircraft can very very difficult to do, but Jens got the camo on his Me 262 looking perfect.

Dominique Dubusse joins us from Normandy, France with a great looking 1/48 Airfix Spitfire Mk. XII.  Dominique  scratchbuilt some seatbelts to improve the detail in the cockpit and then finished this beautiful looking Spitfire in the markings for the final Spitfire Mk.XII produced.  Dominique includes some very helpful info about the IFF antenna on his Spitfire.

Andrew Doppel joins us from Down Under with his eye catching Jolly Rogers 1/48 Hasegawa F8-E to F8-C Conversion.  Andrew used a host of aftermarket detail items including the MUROC F8-C 1/2 conversion set, Eduard cockpit P/E and intake cover, and Cutting Edge Jolly Roger Crusader decals. Andrew did a great job on it but I particularly enjoyed seeing the flame job painted around the intake where you would expect to see a sharks mouth. 

Here is a product article for the 1/48 & 1/32 A-7D Molar Marauder decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation GraphicsThis sheet is a combo sheet (48th/32nd) of one of the most unique schemes you'll ever see on a USAF Corsair.  These markings only existed on the aircraft for one day and were removed after the commander of this unit saw this scheme sitting on his ramp at Korat RTAFB during the Vietnam Conflict.

The 1/32 &1/72 Braille Scale Sale! is still on but items are selling out so get 'em while they are only $5Includes most 1/72 and 1/32 sheets...only $5.  Supplies are going fast.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 TSR-2 Pitot Tubes from QuickBoost.  These 1/48 TSR-2 Pitot Tubes are designed for the Airfix kit.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 B-25J Landing Gear from Scale Aircraft ConversionsThese B-25J landing gear are designed for the Monogram/Revell kit.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 F6F-3 Hellcat cowling from DMold Modelworks.  This engine cowling is designed to correct accuracy issues with the Hasegawa and Eduard kits. 

Friday,   Nov 25  2011

  Suriname Independence Day 

Terry Davis starts today with his very colourful 1/48 Pilatus PC-6 Turbo Porter "Skydive Grenchen".   Terry did quite a few modifications on his PC-6 to make it match photos of the real aircraft.  Terry even got specs from Pilatus to make sure his mods were accurate.  It's astounding all the details and mods he did to this PC-6....you ROCK Terry!!!

Kevin Cader got everything looking perfect on his big 1/32 Revell F-15D/E Eagle.  Kevin chose some great looking markings with a massive Eagle on the tail, which he applied after giving his F-15 a stunning camo paint job and some very subtle weathering.   Wow....I love the way this F-15 looks.

Darren Crull has dropped by today with his P-40 Warhawk - Pencil Drawing.  Darren has captured the look of this Shark Mouth fighter very well.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 & 1/32 F-16N Old School Adversarys decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation GraphicsThis sheet features three complete jets in two different scales to round out this 48th/32nd Combo Sheet. This sheet was previously released in only 48th scale (48-038) and this is a re-release with the 32nd scale markings now included.

The 1/32 &1/72 Braille Scale Sale! is still on but items are selling out so get 'em while they are only $5Includes most 1/72 and 1/32 sheets...only $5.  Supplies are going fast.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 VFA-122/125 F/A-18B/E/F "Wicked West Coast Hornets decal sheet from  Fightertown Decals This decal sheet includes markings for 4 different 1/48 F/A-18B/E/F's with VFA-122 "Flying Eagles" and VFA-125 "Rough Raiders".  


Here's a product article for the 1/48 A-7 Corsair Antennas and Sensors from QuickBoost This latest release features a complete set of resin antennas and sensors for the A-7 Corsair Fencer from Hobby Boss.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 Sikorsky S-38 model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR Models This model kit includes markings for 5 different aircraft.


Thursday,  Nov 24  2011 

  US Thanksgiving  

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving with friends and family.....enjoy the feast.


David Walker has done an exceptionally fine job finishing his 1/48 Hasegawa Ki.100-I Otsu.  David added  some Eduard photo etch and a Vector resin engine to dress up his Ki.100 and then finished it all off with a flawlessly shaded and weathered paint job.  David also included the developmental history behind this very successful aircraft that shares the fuselage with the Ki-61.  Beautiful work David....you never fail to impress me with your latest model.

Jacek Gorecki has added plenty of extra detail to his 1/48 Academy MiG-29UB.  Aftermarket items include Aires resin cockpit, K-36 seats, wheel bays and exhausts and added to that is a large amount of scratchbuilt detailing.  Jacek then finished it off with a perfect paint job and Polish Air Force markings.  The photos look just like the real jet.  This is a fantastic looking an highly detailed MiG-29UB.

Hal Marshman Sr. is here with 2 of his Old 54 mm Figures.  Holy heck Hal...did these 40 years ago and even then he was into modifying the figures.  It's interesting to read his article about the paint he used and what these figures were made of and what manufacturer they were made by.....my goodness things sure have changed.  Very nice work on these figures Hall....I'm glad you shared them with us......it's cool to see them.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 & 1/32 F-16C Buckeye Vipers #1 decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet is a combo sheet in both 72nd and 32nd scale for the Ohio ANG.  There are enough markings to build two 72nd scale jets and one 32nd scale jet.  Enough options are available for all three jets.

The 1/32 &1/72 Braille Scale Sale! is still on but items are selling out so get 'em while they are only $5Includes most 1/72 and 1/32 sheets...only $5.  Supplies are going fast.


Zoltan Pocza is here with a product article for the new S-3B Viking VS-21 Fighting Redtails, NF700 / 160123 / Last Cruise, 2004 print from Deployment Productions.

20% off of any products for every ACTIVE, registered ARC community members!


Ben Brown is here with a product article for the 1/48 Air National Guard F-100C/D/F Part 1 decal sheet from Caracal Models This decal sheet includes markings for 10 different ANG F-100's.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 R-60 (AA-8 Aphid) air-to-air missiles from Aerobonus.  These infrared missiles were used on the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-25, MiG-29, Su-17,  Su-24 and Su-25.


Wednesday,   Nov 23  2011 
Shawn "phantom" Weiler gets things started today with not one but two 1/32 Hasegawa CF-104 Starfighters. Shawn's two Starfighters both served in Germany with the Canadian Air Force and I'm pleased to say one of them is a bare metal bird and the other is wearing the attractive green camo worn by the Starfughter.

John Smalbrugge is here with the Aircraft and Ship photos from this year's  IPMS Vancouver Fall Model Show 2011.  You can see the Armor models over on ARC Armor and the Car, Motorbike and Truck models over on ARC Auto from this show.

Chris Rodak is here with something very new.  This is his 1/72 T-1A Jayhawk model that was made from a kit that was created using 3D printing.  Chris did a first class job on his private jet and finished it off in USAF markings.  Well done Chris and thanks for showing us this new technology.

Here's a product article for the 1/32 F-16C Blue Fox Bandits decal sheet from  Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features three Lizard and Flanker scheme jets from the 18th AGRS at Eielson AFB.  These markings represent the final configuration schemes of these jets.

The 1/32 &1/72 Braille Scale Sale! is still on but items are selling out so get 'em while they are only $5Includes most 1/72 and 1/32 sheets...only $5.  Supplies are going fast.


Here's a product article for the 1/32 Su-27 Wingtip Pylons from ZactomodelsZactomodels also has a variety of missiles available in 1/32 scale.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 Rafale C undercarriage doors from QuickBoost.  These are designed to fit the Hobby Boss kit.

Alexey Sulla is here with a product article for the new 1/48 Modern Russian missiles Kh-29 T with AKU-58 (pylon) from Northstarmodels


Tuesday,    Nov 22  2011

  Lebanon National Day 

Pantelis Antonoglou begins today's update on his birthday with his spectacular 1/48 Heller RF-84F Thunderflash, Hellenic Air Force.  This is an older kit, but Pantelis rescribed the panels lines, added a resin cockpit and then  opened panels and scratchbuilt piles of details  before giving it a stunning paint job.  Wow....I can't believe this is the old Heller kit....Amazing!!!

Bogdan Sferle has done an exceptional job on his 1/32 Revell EC 145 REGA.  This is an air Ambulance version of the EC 145 complete with fully detailed interior including a stretcher.  The colours and markings are for REGA, the Swiss group that comes to the aid of people who find themselves in serious difficulties in the mountains. 

Sertac Bayar is here with his beautifully modified 1/48 Revell T-37C Tweet (A-37 Conversion).  Sertac did a large number of modifications and changes to his A-37 to change it into a Turkish T-37C.  Sertac shows the many modifications in his photos and it is quite interesting to see all the changes he made to create his T-37. 

Here's a product article for the 1/32 F/A-18C Werewolves of Beaufort decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features enough markings for two complete aircraft from VMFA-122 with options for three.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 P-47 Dry Transfer Stencils from  Hobby Decal.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Kh-25MT (AS-10 Karen) air-to-ground missile from Aerobonus.  This missile was used on the MiG-21, MiG-23, MiG-27, MiG-29, Mig-31, Su-17, Su-20, Su-22, Su-24, Su-25 and Su-27 and even on attack helicopters such as the Kamov Ka-50.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Nakajima Ki-44 Part 1 decal sheet from Lifelike Decals.  This decal sheet features four different Nakajima Ki-44's including one in a black/grey paint scheme.  This is Part 1 of  a series dealing with the Nakajima Ki-44 from the summer of 1943 to the spring of 1945. 


Monday,    Nov 21  2011
Olivier Barles starts off this new week with his very attractive looking 1/32 Hasegawa Spitfire MkVb Trop.  Olivier chose the desert camo of north Africa and the markings of the Free French for his Spitfire.  When it cam to weathering Olivier used a combination of weathering techniques to get a very realistic look.  The finished model looks fantastic and I'm glad I got to see it.

Luca Miceli has built what has to be one of the nicest 1/48 Academy MiG-29A Fulcrum "The Russian Hornet" ever built.  Luca added plenty of aftermarket items as well as some scratchbuilt detail to get this MiG-29 as accurate as possible.  But the really stunning part of this model is the weathering and markings.....sit back and feast on each and every photo.....this is one VERY amazing MiG-29. 

David Rapasi is here with a great Tools 'n' Tips article complete with step by step photos explaining masking canopies with Scotch Tape. 

Here is a product article for the 1/72 F/A-18E VFA-31 Rockin' Rhinos #4 decal sheet  from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  You get markings for two complete jets from the Tomcatters of VFA-31.

The 1/32 &1/72 Braille Scale Sale! is still on but items are selling out so get 'em while they are only $5Includes most 1/72 and 1/32 sheets...only $5.  Supplies are going fast.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Fw 189 Propellers w/Tool from QuickBoost This set is designed to fit the Great Wall Hobbies kit and offers improved accuracy over the kit parts.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 F-8E/J Crusader Landing Gear from Scale Aircraft Conversions.  These landing gear are designed for the F-8E/J Crusader from Hasegawa.   

Sunday,    Nov 20  2011

 Mexican Revolution Anniversary 


Saturday,   Nov 19  2011

 Monaco National Day 

  The Day of Artillery in Republic of Belarus and in Russia  


Friday,   Nov 18  2011

 Oman National Day 

 Latvia National Day 

Darren Crull is a very talented artist and today he is here to show you his OSU-2 Kingfisher - Pencil Drawing.  Very nicely done Darren.

Burt Gustafson  is here with an excellent scale representation of the world famous US Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 aircraft.  This is Burt's 1/48 Hasegawa F-18A/C Hornet Blue Angels 2010 and every part of it looks perfect and captures the look of the real aircraft.  Wonderful work Burt.

Serge Dompierre has done an exceptionally nice job finishing and weathering his 1/48 Tamiya Dewoitine D-520.  Serge finished his Dewoitine D-520 in the markings for a French Air force fighter from May of 1940 during the Battle of France.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 VFA-97/VFA-147 F/A-18C Hornet "Warhawks/Blue Diamonds" decal sheet from Fightertown Decals.  This decal sheet includes markings for 2 different 1/48 F/A-18C's with VFA-97 Warhawks and VFA-147 Blue Diamonds.  


Here's a product article for the 1/48 P-39 Aircobra Seat with Safety Belts from QuickBoost.  This resin seat with safety belts is suitable for any 1/48 P-39 Aircobra. 

Here's a product article for the 1/72 Hansa-Brandenburg W 12/V model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR Models.  You get markings for 2 different aircraft.


Thursday,  Nov 17  2011 
Raúl Corral starts your Thursday update with his 1/72 Hasegawa F-16C.  Raúl added some Eduard photo etch to the cockpit and then gave his Viper a full weapons load and finished it all off with Eagle Strike decals  featuring great looking tailart for 175 Fighter squadron.  Raúl got the weathering looking perfect on his USAF F-16.. 

Carmel J Attard is here with another of his vacformed masterpieces.  this is his 1/72 Airmodel Heinkel He-60 with many added scratchbuilt details and finished as a He-60 with the Bulgarian Navy during the early part of the war.  Carmel lives in Malta and he has included plenty of photos of his He-60 flying off the shores of Malta. 

David Rapasi built this amazing 1/72 Vought A 7-E Corsair II in the '70's using 3 different kits.  This was a time when there were no aftermarket detail items and as you read Dave's article you'll appr3ecaite what an exceptional modeler he is.  He was way ahead of the times in his model building skill...and he still is.

I have a product article for the 1/72 T-2C VT Buckeyes #1 decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This decal sheet set comes with markings for five different aircraft with enough stencils for two complete jets.

The 1/32 &1/72 Braille Scale Sale! is still on but items are selling out so get 'em while they are only $5Includes most 1/72 and 1/32 sheets...only $5.  Supplies are going fast.


Zoltan Pocza is here with a product article for the F/A-18C Hornet VFA-86 Sidewinders, AB400 / 165200 / 2006 print from Deployment Productions

20% off of any products for every ACTIVE, registered ARC community members!


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Air National Guard F-100C/D/F decal sheet from Caracal Models.  This decal sheet features 10 different F-100's.


Here's a product article for the 1/32 Panavia Tornado speed brakes from AiresThese Tornado speed brakes are designed to fit the Revell kit.

Wednesday,   Nov 16  2011 
Mark L. Rossmann starts today's update with his lovely looking 1/48 Eduard P-39Q-10.  Mark used some AeroMaster  decals to get the markings for the famous American Ace Lt. “Bud” Anderson” and if you read his article he will tell you about Bud's planes and the time Mark met this famous triple Ace.  It's a great looking Airacobra Mark.

Paolo Yuen has been busy building his 1/48 Kinetic/Revell EA-6B Prowler.  Paolo wanted the wings on his Prowler to be in the down and deployed position, so he borrowed wing parts from the Revell kit and rescribed the donor parts panel lines to get the desired look.  He then gave his Prowler an expert weathering job and finished it off with Two Bobs Decals.  Have a good close look....this is quite the Prowler model.

Pablo Angel Herrera had a good time building his very attractive looking 1/48 Pegasus Hobbies Bf-109E.  Pablo decided to finish his yellow nosed 109 in the markings for Adolf Galland during the Battle of Britain and I must say I love how well the camo looks on his 109 and also the very carefully done weathering....it looks perfect. 

I have a product article for the 1/72 & 1/32 F-16ADF L'Ultima Diana decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  You get 2 scales (1/72 and 1/32) on one decal sheet.  The Italians do great paint schemes and L'Ultima Diana is the latest example. With the disestablishment of this squadron, Diana was painted on this particular jet to commemorate this occasion.

The 1/32 &1/72 Braille Scale Sale! is still on but items are selling out so get 'em while they are only $5Includes most 1/72 and 1/32 sheets...only $5.  Supplies are going fast.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 GSh-23 Twin Barrel Gun for late version MiG-21 from QuickBoost These are designed to fit the Eduard kit.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Modern Russian missiles Kh-29 L with AKU-58 (pylon) from Northstarmodels.


Mario Krajinovic is here with a product article for the 1/35 UH-60 Blackhawks – Workhorse of the Army decal and stencil sheet from Werner's Wings

Tuesday,    Nov 15  2011

 Brazil Republic Day 

Hot Babe of the Week!  this week  from Twobobs is courtesy of Wally Van Winkle. This aircraft along with some others are featured on our forthcoming F-5F Adversary sheet.      Bob


Frédéric Cottin is here with some very special you don't see very often.  This is his 1/48 Hasegawa AF-1 Skyhawk wearing Brazilian markings.  This is one of Brazil's carrier based Skyhawks.  Frédéric dressed it up with an Aires ejection seat and gave it  a great looking weathering job complete with Brazilian markings.  I love seeing the Brazilian flag on an A-4....very cool looking.

Jens Gerber is here with something you don't see very often.  This is his 1/48 Hobby Boss F8F Bearcat Blue Angels with exhaust weathering for added realism.  Nicely done Jens.......it's cool to see this plane in yellow.

Shawn "phantom" Weiler is here with a very convincing 1/48 Revell Intruder A-6E with full USN spec weathering and a full weapons load.  Beautifully done Shawn.....I love the in-flight display and weathering job you did.....it really brings your Intruder to life.   

Here's a product article for the 1/32 MiG-29 Exhausts from Zactomodels.  These are designed to fit the Trumpeter 1/32 MiG-29.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 F-4 J VX-4 Vandy 1 "Black Bunny" Dry Transfer + Water-Slide Decals from Hobby Decal.  This set is also comes in 1/32 and 1/72.


Here's a product article for the 1/32 Universal Navy Wheel Chock with Nylon Rope – late production from Wheelliant.


Here's a product article for the 1/72 JASDF F-2A 8WG 6SQ 50th Anniversary decal sheet from Platz Hobby.  This new 1/72 decal sheet for the F-2A includes special Tsuiki Air Base 8WG 6SQ 50th Anniversary markings for one F-2A.  


Monday,    Nov 14  2011
This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up.  Bob has his reflections of Veterans Day as well as the latest news on the Bitburg and CoNA T-6 sheets as well as the F-5F sheet and the F-4 Phantom stencils decal sheet.  The 1/32 &1/72 Braille Scale Sale! is still on but items are selling out so get 'em while they are only $5Includes most 1/72 and 1/32 sheets...only $5.  Supplies are going fast.

Benner has been busy super detailing his amazing 1/48 Italeri IDS Tornado.  This is a Saudi Tornado and Benner includes the exciting account of the first combat sortie of this plane and it's crew in the opening moments of the Gulf War air war.  Benner loaded his Tornado with Eduard photoetch, Paragon exhausts, fin correction, bulged wheels, pylons and missile rails, slats and flaps, and the Neomega cockpit set plus some added scratchbuilt mods around the refueling probe.  Wow I love the look of this Tornado with it's JP233 munitions dispensers and desert camo and Saudi markings.

Carmel J Attard is here with an excellent info rich article about his two 1/72 Scratch built Beaching trolleys (German type).  If you're building a German float plane then this article is a gold mine and if you need a beaching Trolley for another aircraft type, then this article will give you massive insight and inspiration.  It always looks so easy when Carmel scratchbuilds something.  Thank you my friend.

Shannon Steel is here with her first article on ARC and what a fantastic looking model it is.  This is his 1/48 Tamiya P-51D Mustang, Creamers Dream in all it's glory with sexy noseart and just the perfect amount of weathering.  Shannon did a flawless job on her P-51 and I quite enjoyed seeing it.  Welcome to ARC Shannon,  your models are always welcome on the ARC homepage. 

Here's a product article for the 1/72 Spitfire Antenna from QuickBoost.  This set includes 3 resin antenna for any 1/72 Spitfire.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 Mirage III Landing Gear from Scale Aircraft Conversions.  These are designed to fit the for Eduard kit.


Here's a product article for the 1/72 The Rook - Global Su-25s Part 1 decal sheet from Linden Hill Decals.  This new decal sheet is the first in their series dedicated to the Su-25 in global service.  'The Rook - Global Su-25s Part 1' covers some the operators of the Su-25 around the planet. 

This decal sheet features 10 different Su-25 from 7 different countries including Angola, Belarus, Bulgaria (x2), Georgia (x2), Russia - 'Dog Squadron' (x2), Slovakia and Turkmenistan.  You get an amazingly colourful variety of camo schemes.

This Global Su-25 decal sheet is also available in 1/32, 1/48 and 1/72 scales.


Sunday,    Nov 13   2011 
Remembrance Sunday
Lest we Forget.

Friday,   Nov 11  2011

  Poland Independence Day  

Remembrance Day / Veterans Day 

There will be no product articles today out of respect for Remembrance Day.
 Lest we forget.

Derek Derks has done an amazing job detailing his 1/72 Grumman S2A Tracker Royal Netherlands Navy.  Derek added Eduard Bomb Bay/Exterior and Cockpit sets as well as plenty of scratchbuilt detailing to create this amazing model of this sub hunter.  Derek's article gives plenty of insight into the tracker and building this model of it..

Adam Gudynowski has done an outstanding job detailing, finishing and weathering his 1/72 Hasegawa Su-27 Flanker B.  Adam added extra details from Eduard photo-etched set, including a painted cockpit interior. His Flanker was then finished ina  multi-shaded blue camo with just the perfect amount of weathering.....what a stunning model of this very sleek looking jet.  I love it Adam.

Kees Kuyper is here with his very creative 1/72 ZELstart F-16 transport.  Kees is a very creative what-if modeller and this F-16 with Transport is a joy to see.  Thanks for sharing Kees....I love the endless variety of amazing models you create.

Thursday,  Nov 10  2011

  USMC Birthday (1775) 

 Indonesia's "Remembrance" day 

Hornet_72 is here to honor the USMC Birthday with his fabulous  looking 1/48 Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II Plus.  Hornet_72 dressed up his Harrier with Eduard photo etch before finishing it with a truly realistic looking paint job with carefully applied weathering.  What a great way to honor the USMC on this special day.

Ian T.M. Holahan has been busy doing plenty of extra work on his Israeli 1/32 Hasegawa A-4H Skyhawk.  Ian scribed all the panel lines on his A-4 before using a Cutting Edge resin update sets to convert the model from an E-model to an H-model.  This extensive conversion entails installing a new resin humpback, new intakes, the distinctive extended tail-pipe and the 30 mm cannon pods underneath the fuselage.  Ian pulled it off like a pro and then gave his IDF Skyhawk a full weathering job an done of those wonderfully colorful IDF camo paint jobs.

Serge Dompierre joins us from Canada with his excellent looking RCAF 1/48 Hobbycraft Hurricane MK-II.  This particular Hurricane operated in Egypt during late 1942 with the famous 417 "City of Windsor" Squadron and it is always a special treat to see Serge's latest model on ARC.

I have a product article for the 1/72 F/A-18B Casper and His Bandit Ghosts decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features enough markings for five complete aircraft from the Rough Raiders of VFA-125. Whites, Greens, Blues, Browns and Grays are all on this monster packed sheet!! 

The Twobobs 1/32 &1/72 Braille Scale Sale! is still on but items are selling out so get 'em while they are only $5.  

Includes most 1/72 and 1/32 sheets...only $5.


Zoltan Pocza is here with a product article for the Final Gypsy Roll, VF-32 Swordsmen, 1974-2005 print from  Deployment Productions.    20% off of any products for every ACTIVE, registered ARC community members!


Here's a product article for the 1/32 VF-101 "Grim Reapers" F-14A/B/D decal sheet from Fightertown Decals.  This decal sheet includes markings for 9 different 1/32 F-14's with VF-101 "Grim Reapers". 

Here's a product article for the 1/32 Navy Wheel Chock NWC-4/5 – late production from Wheelliant.  Wheel chocks are the prefect addition to any diorama and these wheel chocks are just one type of many types available from Wheelliant 


Wednesday,   Nov 9  2011

  Cambodia Independence Day 

 First flight of AV-8B Harrier Nov 9 1978

Burt Gustafson is here to mark the First flight of AV-8B Harrier on Nov 9 1978 with his 1/48 Hasegawa AV-8B Harrier II Plus.  Burt's Harrier is finished in the VMA-231 “Ace of Spades” USMC markings complete with a full weapons load and drop tanks.  Burt gives some excellent insight into the fit issues with this kit as well as some background history on the Harrier.  Very nicely done Burt.....I love it.


Alex Cimenti has been busy getting everything right on his 1/72 Academy B-17 G Flying Fortress "Carolina Moon".  Alex some very nicely done extra to the interior and finished his B-17 as a bare metal bomber complete with sexy noseart.  It's a beautifully done B-17 that Alex built for a very lucky friend.

Shawn phantom Weiler joins us today with his expertly weathered 1/48 Revell A-6E Intruder.  Shawn improved the detail on his A-6 with Paragon folding wings and covered resin intake. The markings are some very nice Fightertown decals for a Gulf War Intruder.  Shawn got the weathering looking perfect.

I have a product article for the 1/32 F/A-18C VFA-82 AFLAC Hornet decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet includes the markings for one F/A-18C with the FA-82 Marauders. 

The Twobobs 1/32 &1/72 Braille Scale Sale! is still on but items are selling out so get 'em while they are only $5.  

Includes most 1/72 and 1/32 sheets...only $5.


Here's a product article for the 1/32 resin F-100 Super Sabre Intake Correction kit from Zactomodels. Zactomodels.  This new resin seamless intake corrects the shape of the front profile and includes the inner radar bulge missing from the original kit.  Also included in this set is an optional FOD cover.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 F-16 Fighting Falcon Pitot Tube from QuickBoost.

Alexey Sulla is here with a product article for the new 1/48 main wheels, tail wheel bay, tail landing gear and tail wheel set for Fw.189 A from Northstarmodels.


Tuesday,    Nov 8  2011

  Greece Hellenic Air Force Day

Hot Babe of the Week!  this week  from Twobobs is courtesy of  David Horn. A little motivation for you with the release of our T-6A/B Texan II sheet coming soon! Thanks David!    Bob


Moises Ballester has done an exceptional fine job on his 1/32 Tamiya F-16C.  Moises used the Arctic Aggressor decal sheet from Twobobs and finished it off with an amazing weathering job using Flory Models weathering wash.  The finished model is loaded with detail that is highlighted wonderfully with skilled painting and beautifully done weathering.

David Rapasi is here wiuth another of his PTO masterpieces.  This is his flawlessly painted/weathered 1/48 Accurate Miniatures TBF-1 Avenger.  One thing I found quite fascinating was that this TBF-1 has painted "guns" on the leading edge of the wings in an effort to convince the enemy that the Avenger was armed with six machine guns.  Thanks for sharing Dave.....it is always a treat to see your models on ARC.

Jens Gerber joins us from Germany with his latest gem.  This is his 1/48 Dragon Ho229 A3/U5 finished off as a what-if Ho229 with some special rockets under the wings.  Jens dressed up the interior with a resin seat from Quickboost and finished it all off with a fantastic looking camo paint job.  I'm a big admirer of what-if models and when you see this Ho229, you will understand why I like what-if models so much. 

Here's a product article for the 1/72 F-4 J VX-4 Vandy 1 "Black Bunny" dry transfer + water-slide decals from Hobby Decal This set is also available in 1/48 and 1/32.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Universal Navy Wheel Chock with Nylon Rope – late production from Wheelliant.  Wheel chocks are the prefect addition to any diorama and these wheel chocks are just one type of many types available from Wheelliant 


Here's a product article for the 1/32 F-86F Sabre Pitot Tube from QuickBoost.  These are designed for the Kinetic/Hasegawa kit.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 LET L-23 Super Blanik/TG-10B Merlin model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR Models.  This model kit has markings for 7 different aircraft


Monday,    Nov 7  2011
This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up.  Bob has images of the upcoming T-6B Texan II sheets which includes images of the instruction sheets and decal sheets.  The Bob has images of the upcoming T-6B Texan II sheets which includes images of the instruction sheets and decal sheets.  The Bob has images of the upcoming T-6B Texan II sheets which includes images of the instruction sheets and decal sheets.  The Bob has images of the upcoming T-6B Texan II sheets which includes images of the instruction sheets and decal sheets.  The Bob has images of the upcoming T-6B Texan II sheets which includes images of the instruction sheets and decal sheets.  The 1/32 &1/72 Braille Scale Sale! is still on but items are selling out so get 'em while they are only $5Includes most 1/72 and 1/32 sheets...only $5.

Yu Lin is here from Lionroar model kits with some official information regarding the clear nose on the 1/48 P-61A "Black Widow" model kit that was reviewed recently on ARC Air.

David C S Teo has gotten everything looking perfect on his big beautiful 1/32 Matchbox De Havilland Tiger Moth (MAAF).  David built this Tiger Moth for a veteran from the early days of the Malayan Auxiliary Air Force and I'm sure his friend was pretty impressed when he saw the model being presented to him.  Nicely done Tiger Moth David and a great gesture to a veteran.

Rod Bettencourt is here with an awesome looking 1/48 Hasegawa F-18A that he built for the pilot that flew this jet during Desert Storm.  Rod added a Verlinden seat and used the Eduard photo etch set and then scratchbuilt intake covers.  The whole model was flawlessly paint and given just the perfect amount of weathering and then posed at the local airport for some very realistic looking photos. I love it!!!

Paolo De Sanctis joins us from Italy with his outstanding looking 1/72 Airfix AD-6 Skyraider.  Paolo gave his Skyraider the classic exhaust stains and then finished it with Superscale decals for a Skyraider from 1961.  Very nicely done Paolo.

Here's a product article for the 1/144 Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden-Kai model kit from Platz Hobby.  You get 2 complete kits in each box.  The decals include 4 different Kawanishi N1K Shiden-Kai from early 1945. 

Here's a product article for the 1/72 B-24 Liberator Propellers with an alignment tool from QuickBoost.  These are designed for the Academy kit.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 F-102 Delta Dagger Landing Gear from Scale Aircraft ConversionsThese are designed for the Revell/Monogram kit.

Here's a product article for the 1/32 Brothers in Arms 3: Warsaw Pact Third Generation MiG-21s decal sheet from Linden Hill Decals.  

This decal sheet features 12 different MiG-23 from 5 different countries including the Soviet Union, East Germany, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.  You get a wonderful variety of paint schemes from bare metal to very colourful camo.  These decals are designed to fit Eduard's MF kit. 

A number of the 21s featured on the sheet have very interesting back-stories. The East German MiG-21M featured (532) was one of a dozen NVA M variants secretly air-freighted to Syria in October 1973 as 'military assistance' during the Yom Kippur War. USSR 'Red 01' was the commander's aircraft of the 159th 'Novorossiiskiy' GvIAP, based at Kluczewo, Poland, which took part in 'Operation Danube' (occupation of Czechoslovakia) in August 1968.


Saturday,   Nov 5  2011

 Guy Fawkes Day 


Friday,   Nov 4  2011 
Fabio Bongiorno starts off your Friday update with this very striking in-flight 1/72 Italeri F-104S-ASA.  Fabio chose to go with an in-flight display and used Skymodel decals to make his Italian Starfighter with some pre-shading and very subtle weathering.  This is one very fine looking Italian F-104.

Olivier Barles has gone all out on his spectacular 1/32 Revell Messerschmitt Me-110 G4.  Olivier rescribed his 110, made a vac-u-formed canopy and added a huge assortment of details and improvements to improve the accuracy on his night fighter.  His article tells the whole tale in very helpful detail and I must admit I was floored when I read all the work he did on this stunning beauty.  Beautifully done Olivier.

Murat Yağan is here with something very special today.  This is his flawless looking 1/32 Revell ASK-21 Glider finished off beautifully in Swiss markings.  This great looking glider model did have some fit issues that  Murat explains in his article.  I really enjoyed seeing the finished model.

I have a product article for the 1/72 & 1/32 F/A-18A/B VFC-12 Shades of Gray Omars decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet is follow up to their very popular VFC-12 release is this sheet in both 72nd and 32nd scale. 

The Twobobs 1/32 &1/72 Braille Scale Sale! is still on but items are selling out so get 'em while they are only $5.  

Includes most 1/72 and 1/32 sheets...only $5.


Here's a product article for the 1/32 F-14D Tomcat VFA-213 "Black Lions" Last Cruise/Work-Up's decal sheet from Fightertown Decals.  This decal sheet includes markings for 5 different 1/32 F-14D's with VFA-213 "Black Lions".  This decal sheet includes a CAG jet, 1 Retro scheme and the Last Combat trap and 2 lo-viz line jets.


Here's a product article for the 1/32 Me 262A Seat with Seatbelts from QuickBoost.


Here's a product article for the 1/72 Boulton-Paul P.111 & P.111a (double kit) model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR ModelsThis model kit includes markings for 4 different aircraft.


Thursday,  Nov 3  2011

  Panama Independence Day 

Graham Symmonds has been extra busy building his 1/144 Stargazer Models 2001 Discovery.  Graham added a full lighting system with light sheet, LED's and fibre optics.  This model is loaded with interior detail that shows up very well when the lights are turned on.  Plus it has a multi-shaded paint job.  Absolutely stunning work Graham...I love the photos of the model in the dark with the lights turned on.

Aristide Woodley is here with his first article on ARC and what a wonderful 1/48 Italeri SAAF Mirage 3 R2Z he has created.  Aristide did plenty of work to the Italeri kit to create his stunning South African bird which included scratchbuilding and aftermarket items, but what a fantastic looking finished model in its African savannah camo scheme.  Aristide tells the whole story in his article and I was amazed at the work he put into this gem.  Welcome to ARC Aristide....I look forward to seeing more of your models on ARC in the future.

Tom Bebout has hit  a home run with his 1/48 Monogram P-47D.  Kit cost $3....decals came from a  variety of spares boxes and Tom enjoyed the building process and his P-47 turned out looking excellent during 1 weekend.......sounds like the best way to enjoy this hobby of ours.  Well done Tom!!!

I have a product article for the 1/72 F/A-18B Casper and His Bandit Ghosts decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features enough markings for five complete aircraft from the Rough Raiders of VFA-125. Whites, Greens, Blues, Browns and Grays are all on this monster packed sheet!!   

The Twobobs 1/32 &1/72 Braille Scale Sale! is still on but items are selling out so get 'em while they are only $5.  Includes most 1/72 and 1/32 sheets...only $5.


Zoltan Pocza is here with a product article for the VF-31 to VFA-31 Tomcatters Transition, 2006-2007 / F-14D Tomcat - F/A-18E Super Hornet print from Deployment Productions20% off of any products for every ACTIVE, registered ARC community members!


Here's a product article for the 1/32 A6M5 Zero wheel bays from Aires These are designed for the Tamiya kit.


Wednesday,   Nov 2  2011 
Luc Janssen has been busy getting everything perfect on his 1/32 Tamiya F-4D Phantom.  Luc added a resin Combat Series cockpit set F-4 D and AMS Resin FOD covers and endless scratchbuilt details but it is the way he pulled this whole project together into wonderful perfection.  It doesn't get much better than this for the Phantom lovers out there.

Axel Grundmann is here with one of the coolest looking 1/48 Roden Pilatus Porter PC-6 I've seen.  This one is wearing the markings and wild camo of the Australian Army....all I can say is this PC-6 sure does stand out from the crowd and look excellent in the process.  Beautiful work Axel.

Serge Dompierre did a beautiful job building and finishing his 1/48 Hobbycraft Vampire FB-5.  The RAF markings for this Vampire are for a bird stationed in Germany and include a sharks mouth.  It's a great looking Vampire Serge. 

I have a product article for the 1/72 F-22A Roll the Dice Raptor decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics. This decal sheet features 3 different F-22 Raptors from Elmendorf AFB way up north in Alaska including ARC's favourite Raptor pilot .  The planes included on this sheet are airframes # 05090, #05093, #05096 in Sept 2007 at Elmendorf AFB with the 90th FS. 

The Twobobs 1/32 &1/72 Braille Scale Sale! is still on but items are selling out so get 'em while they are only $5.  Includes most 1/72 and 1/32 sheets...only $5.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Me 163A Seat with Safety Belts from QuickBoost.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 RQ-4N Global Hawk model kit from Platz Hobby.  The decals include 5 RQ-4N Global Hawks including 3 US Navy, one Japanese and one with US Naval Oceanographic Office with Project Birdseye.  Four of these aircraft have tail art and the 5th aircraft is the white US Naval Oceanographic Office with a big American flag on the tail and noseart of a white Arctic Fox on ice skates and wearing a red super hero cape.     

Alexey Sulla is here with a product article for the 1/48 main wheels set for Fw.189 A from Northstarmodels.


Tuesday,    Nov 1  2011

  Algeria - The Revolution Day of 1st November 

Soren Wolff is here with his big and VERY impressive 1/32 Trumpeter Avenger.  Soren used a variety of painting techniques including pre-shading and lighter shading after painting followed by an oil wash and dry brushing.  Soren also used Montex masks and added engine ignition wiring.  What an amazing sight to behold.....this one big and very impressive Avenger.

MS#14 has been very busy adding lighting to his 1/48 Testors SR-71A (illuminated).  MS#14 added a  resin cockpit set from True Details and then added cockpit lighting as well as landing gear landing lights plus other scratchbuilt details.  The photos of this model in the dark all lit up are simply awesome to see.

Carmel J Attard is here with his first class looking  1/72 Airmodel Vickers Valetta.  Actually there's 3 Vickers Valetta in his article and as Carmel lives in Malta, these models have a connection to Malta.  Today's article deals with the Vac-u-formed 1/72 Airmodel Vickers Valetta and all the kit bashing and scratchbuilding that is involved to create one of these stunning models.  I salute Carmel for his dedication to building models that most of us would find quite intimidating to say the least.  What a amazing collection of Vickers Valettas.

 Here's a product article for the 1/72 F-4 Long nose Pitot tube set from Hobby Decal.    These are designed for any 1/72 F-4 kit.


Here's a product article for the 1/32 Universal Navy Wheel Chock with Nylon Rope – early production from Wheelliant.  Wheel chocks are the prefect addition to any diorama and these wheel chocks are just one type of many types available from Wheelliant.  


Here's a product article for the 1/32 The Rook - Global Su-25s Part 1 decal sheet from Linden Hill Decals.  This decal sheet features 10 different Su-25 from 7 different countries including Angola, Belarus, Bulgaria (x2), Georgia (x2), Russia - 'Dog Squadron' (x2), Slovakia and Turkmenistan.  You get an amazingly colourful variety of camo schemes.


Here's a product article for the Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka" Teil 2 book from AirDOC (Aircraft Documents).   This 65 page soft cover book is part 2 in the series on the Ju 87 and explores the Ju 87 in pictures from the D-1 to the D-8.