News/Updates 

       

Leslie Nielsen

Leslie Nielsen
Leslie Nielsen
February 11, 1926 - November 28, 2010


Irvin Kershner

Irvin Kershner
Irvin Kershner
April 29, 1923 - November 27, 2010


Drive Angry Trailer

Jerry Sims

Jerry Sims
Jerry Sims
November 27, 2010


Geeking Out at NYCC (part 2/2)

Seth Green at NYCCHas it really been over a month since NYCC? The delay getting this car posted was thanks to my work finishing off its companion piece. I had actually started work on the Firebird first, with the eventual intention of building the Mustang later.

Then I found out that Robot Chicken creators Seth Green & Matt Senreich were going to be at the Con, so the Firebird was put on hold so that I could get the Mustang finished.

Time at the work bench has been somewhat short since then, and I was only recently able to get the Firebird finished and posted. But not that that's out of the way, I have posted the writeup for the new version.
Seth Green photographing Matt Senreich with the Mustang


The Incredible Turbo Teen

Before Aoshima released their 1/24 Knight Rider models, I had picked up an extra MPC Firebird to go with my KITT. But now that a much nicer KARR is available, it freed up the MPC kit to build as another TV Firebird from the '80s: Brett Matthews' alternate form from Turbo Teen.

HLJ Shipping Unaffected by Japan Post Regulation Crunch

From HobbyLink Japan:
As has been reported in the media, the Japan Postal Service is tightening regulations regarding the sending of air-shipped packages to the US and its territories in response to recent terrorist threats to the US.

However, we have been assured by the Japan Postal Service that this will have absolutely no effect at all on any postal EMS or SAL shipments from HobbyLink Japan to the US (or anywhere else), and shipping will continue as usual. All shipping methods are available, including FedEx.

So, you can continue to shop with confidence at HobbyLink Japan!


Congratulations to Team Lowes

Jimmie Johnson is the first driver in NASCAR history to win  five consecutive championships
5-time consecutive points championships


Cars 2 Trailer

Skyline Review

Like many people, I was intrigued by the trailers for Skyline when they first started appearing. Like far fewer people (judging by its box office take), I actually went to see it on opening weekend. And unlike nearly every critic who saw it, I actually enjoyed it.

Continue reading "Skyline Review"

Holiday Gift Guide for Modelers

Like it or not, Christmas is just six weeks away. If you have a modeler or collector on your list this year and have no idea what to get them, here are some ideas:

HobbyTown USA Gift Card

A lot of people don't like giving gift cards because they feel they're too impersonal. But trust me on this - a hobby-specific gift card isn't the same as a generic mall gift card. A HobbyTown gift card also allows them a free pass to go to the store and pick up a new kit, tool, part, or other item, which is a gift in itself. You can find the nearest store here

New Kits

There are a lot of excellent kits hitting the market, and there's sure to be something right up their alley. Try one of these, based on what type of kit they usually build:
  • Classic Automobile kits: 1953 Hudson Hornet
    This is one of the most anticipated car models this year, and early glimpses of Moebius' all-new tooling have looked outstanding.
  • Retro Automobile kits: Meyers Manx
    Round 2 continues with their line of classic AMT reissues with the Manx, a kit that modelers have been requesting for years.
  • NASCAR kits: COT
    Round 2 has released the first-ever model kits of the COT, available in paint schemes representing Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, and Jeff Gordon.
  • Sci-Fi kits: Battlestar Galactica
    Another highly anticipated kit from Moebius, this kit will feature movable hangars.
  • Real Space kits: Space Shuttle with Boosters
    As the Orbiters' careers finally draw to a close, this kit is a great item to remember their years of service (the kit includes decals for all six Orbiters).
  • Monster kits: Vampirella
    Another classic reissue of an original Aurora kit, part of their "Monster Scenes" series
  • Robot kits: Gundam 00 Union Flag Graham Custom
    Bandai has a well-deserved reputation for their high quality Gundam kits, and this looks like it will be no exception!

Cool High-End Collectibles

Not much of a builder, but still appreciates quality craftsmanship? Pool your money with other family members and spring for one of these collectibles that should only be purchased for a special occasion:
  • Shogun Warriors Beast King GoLion Jumbo Voltron Figure
    It's a two-foot-tall Lion Voltron - what's not to love?
  • Man with the Golden Gun Prop Gun
    OK, MwtGG wasn't the best Bond movie, but a life-sized replica of Scaramanga's gun would still be a cool item for any 007 fan.
  • Flux Capacitor
    With this being the 25th anniversary of Back to the Future, this would be a great item for fans of the movie (especially if they are planning to build their own time machine replica)
  • 1989 Batmobile Replica
    At over 2 feet long, this is the biggest commercially available replica of the famous "Keaton Car" on the market. For serious Bat-collectors.
  • Serenity
    Odds are you either recognize how awesome Firefly was, or you haven't gotten a chance to see it yet. Either way, the Serenity finally gets her due with this massive studio scale replica.

Fun and Inexpensive

Prefer something in the sub-$25 range? Try these:
  • Testors Model Building Supplies Kit
    A great introductory set for modelers who haven't built up their own tool box yet, or a perfect "travel size" version of the most critical accessories for building while traveling.
  • Revell '57 Chevy Bel Air
    Not only is this a great one for new modelers (it is hands-down the easiest kit I've worked with at Make-N-Take events), experienced modelers have hailed it as the best-proportioned '57 Chevy Bel Air HT currently on the market
  • Futurama Die-Cast Figure Set
    A nice set of the four main characters from Futurama, complete with a well done display box. At 3" tall, they also will fit in perfectly with 1/24 scale models and diecast cars!
  • Magnifying Visor
    I know several builders who swear by these visors, which provide a lightweight, hands-free method of bringing those tiny parts into focus.
  • K-Mart Gift Card
    As the last of the "big box" stores to still carry model kits, K-Mart deserves recognition for carrying the banner for us. They're also a good option for younger modelers who have to make their hobby supply runs by catching a ride - this way you can combine trips.

So there you have it: a few ideas to help get you started this year. The links I've provided also have several "related products," so be sure to look around if the modeler/collector on your list already has the specific item I suggested.

New Product Bulletin: 1967 Pontiac Firebird at National Motor Museum Mint

1967 Pontiac Firebird


  • 1:24 Scale
  • 7.75 Inches Long
  • Opening Doors & Hood
  • Detailed Interior
  • Available at www.Motormint.com



Little Black Corvette

For my first entry in the 2010 TV/Movie car Community Build Project on Scale Auto, I chose the Corvette from the 1980s TV series Stingray. The build was basic but came together pretty well.

Red Review

DC live action movies have had been a mixed bag over the last few years. Batman Begins and The Dark Knight were considered truly excellent movies, Superman Returns was decent but flawed, Watchmen was great until it went off the rails in the last half hour, and Catwoman and Jonah Hex were outright awful. Of their imprint titles, Constantine and The Losers received mixed reviews and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and The Spirit were generally panned, while V for Vendetta, A History of Violence, and Road to Perdition were well made and well received (including six academy award nominations for the latter). So Red had a chance of going either way, and fortunately it would up near the upper end of the spectrum.

Continue reading "Red Review"

NEWW Bound

I'll be hitting one more convention this year, and it's New England Webcomics Weekend starting tomorrow. I'm hoping to get a chance to talk to a couple of artists about their work for future model projects.