Scale Models And Collectibles

Scale Modeling the 1/350 Scale Star Trek Refit Enterprise Model Part 5

2010-04-06T00:21:00.001+08:00

This is part 5 of the build up of the 1/350 USS Enterprise, NCC-1701-A by facemodels.

Scale Modeling the 1/350 Scale Star Trek Refit Enterprise Model Part 4

2009-12-18T14:26:00.001+08:00

It's been a while since my last post. This is part 4 of the build up of the 1/350 USS Enterprise, NCC-1701-A by facemodels. A very nice scale model.

How to apply a flat coat to a scale model

2009-07-21T20:47:00.003+08:00

A video showing how to apply a flat coat to a scale model. Very nicely done.

Tamiya Mini 4wd Slide Show 2009

2009-07-14T19:58:00.004+08:00

Cool Tamiya Mini 4WD cars. I used to own a few of them when i was young. The Advante and Grasshopper. Likes to customize them with different colour, tyres, stabilizer, ball bearings and motors. Used up many cans of WD40 too. They run really fast when they are on the mini racing tracks. Do you own one too?

IPMS 2008

2009-07-07T20:08:00.001+08:00

Concurso IPMS Mar del Plata 2008 video by astorz2000.
Nice video on IPMS 2008.

IPMS/USA National Convention 2007

2008-04-24T19:52:00.004+08:00

This video, posted on YouTube by hyperscale, shows you the many scale models which was exhibited during the IPMS USA Nationals in 2007. The event was held at Anaheim in California.

The IPMS/USA National Convention 2008 is going to be held in Virginia Beach, VA during the 6th to 9th of August, 2008.

There are many beautiful scale models in this video. Fantastic stuffs!

Remote Controlled Scale Model Heng Long M41A3 Walker Bulldog

2008-04-16T21:12:00.004+08:00

This is interesting so i will share this video with you. It is posted by quickshot79 in YouTube. This is the remote controlled tank manufactured by Heng Long. This M41A3 Walker Bulldog is in 1/16 scale. Looks and sounds like the real thing. Have fun watching!

1:35 Scale Tamiya M41 Walker Bulldog

2008-04-08T20:39:00.006+08:00

This is one of my favourite scale model. The M41 Walker Bulldog scale model built right out of the box from the Tamiya kit.

After World War Two, the main tank strength of the U.S Army were the M-4 Sherman medium tank, the M-26 Pershing heavy tank and the M-24 General Caffi light tank. To compete with the Soviet counterpart, there is an urgent need to produce powerful new tanks. This situation and the Korean war led to the development of the M41 type light tank.

The name "Walker Bulldog" is in praise of the late General W.H. Walker who was nicknamed "Bulldog". He was killed in action during the Korean war.

The standard color scheme of the M41 is Olive Drab. Other colors used for this project includes Matt Black, Matt Brown, Gloss Red and Silver.

Decals are provided to build the tank either of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force or of the U.S Army. I chose to build this in the U.S Army version with the number 532.

I had fun building the M41 Walker Bulldog. Here is the close up photograph of the figure provided with the kit.
I painted the eyes using needles. Some weathering had been done on this scale model. It is yet another quality scale model kit from Tamiya. I look forward to building more kits from Tamiya in the future when i have more time.

Scale Modeling the 1/350 Scale Star Trek Refit Enterprise Model Part 3

2008-04-03T19:40:00.002+08:00

This is the 3rd part of the video about scale modeling the 1/350 Scale Star Trek Refit Enterprise Model. It is made by facemodels in YouTube. A very beautifully done scale model.

"Captain Archer: Enterprise was designed to be a ship of exploration."

Scale Modeling the 1/350 Scale Star Trek Refit Enterprise Model Part 2

2008-03-25T21:14:00.004+08:00

This is part 2 of the video about scale modeling the 1/350 Star Trek Refit Enterprise Model. This video is from facemodels in YouTube.

Scale Modeling the 1/350 Scale Star Trek Refit Enterprise Model Part 1

2008-03-17T22:26:00.005+08:00

Ok. I saw this on Youtube by facemodels and thought of posting this for all Science fiction and Star Trek fans. This video is about building the 1/350 Star Trek Refit Enterprise Model. This is part 1.

This scale model kit is manufactured by Polar Lights.

Thinner For Scale Modeling

2008-03-10T21:25:00.007+08:00

It has been a while since i last posted something related to paint. So today, i like to write something about thinners for thinning enamels and paint.

For enamel paint, you will need thinners like the one shown in my photograph above. It is always good to use the same brand of thinners together with the paint. For example, you should use Humbrol thinners for Humbrol paints. There may be other compatible thinners, but you may run the risk of unpredicted situation if you use the wrong type.

To avoid any problems, always use the same brand of thinners and paints together. This will ensure that the paints will thin and mix well. Always remember that inferior thinners may impair your scale modeling result. So, get a good and compatible brand.

Thinners are also excellent for cleaning brushes and removing dirt and oil from painted parts. Use it sparingly though, pour a small amount of thinner into another container and use it for cleaning purposes. I normally reuse and dispose off it when it gets really dirty.

Thinners are flammable and strong-smelling. Do not forget to work in a well-ventilated and cool area when you are using thinners during the building of your scale model. No fire sources should be near your work area. Work safely.

That's about all for now. Happy scale modeling.

Scale Model Reference Book: P-51 Mustang In Action

2008-03-04T20:19:00.005+08:00

The P-51 Mustang is one of my favorite historical aircraft. I got this book because it contains many photographs and information about this amazing aircraft. Right now, i have two P-51 Mustang scale models of the A-36 Apache designation. One built and the other still unbuilt. I will show the built A-36 Apache Mustang in my future post.

This book is by Larry Davis and illustrated by Don Greer. It is published by Squadron/Signal Publications, Inc. The ISBN is 0-89747-114-8. The front cover features Col. John Landers, Commander of the 78th FG, at 30,000 ft. over Germany. "Big Beautiful Doll". There are a total of about 57 pages. Many photographs are not easy to be seen elsewhere except in this book.

List of contributors includes the following:

Air Force Museum

Col. Nick Apple, USAF

Albert Arnold, 348th FG

Gene Boswell

Anthony Chardella, 359th FG

John Dienst

Bob Esposito

Jeff Ethell

Gary Fry

Don Garrett

Dave McLaren

Dave Menard

North American Aviation

Merle Olmsted, 357th FG

Dwayne Tabatt

Warren Thompson

Col. Dick Turner, 354th FG

US Air Force

Richard E. Ward

Ron Witt

As you can see, the list is massive. This book is one of the must-have for aviation history fans. If you are building this scale model, this book will also be of a great help to you. You will be able to read about the many different variations of the Mustang in this book.

Here is the back cover depicting the P-51B, The Verna and the F-82G, Midnight Sinner.

Do you own any Mustang or aircraft scale models too?

Scale Modeling The Tamiya King Tiger Video Part 2

2008-02-27T22:28:00.002+08:00

This is part 2 of the video about scale modeling the Tamiya King Tiger.

Basically, the Japanese master modeler shares his weathering and dry brushing techniques to make his scale models look more realistic. He also shows you how he simulated the rust on the steel parts and mud on the King Tiger's Tracks.

The completed Tiger tank looks like the real thing. This video contains very useful information for all scale modelers trying to make their scale models look "old and worn out". Take a look and enjoy this amazing video.

Scale Modeling The Tamiya King Tiger Video Part 1

2008-02-23T21:25:00.005+08:00

I like to share this great video about scale modeling.

It is about how this Japanese guy built his Tamiya King Tiger. He is one of the best scale modeler i had seen so far.

It is really interesting to see how he apply the self-made Zimmerit on his Tamiya King Tiger. By the way, Zimmerit is a coating produced during World War Two by the Germans to combat anti-tank mines.

The scale modeler does it so well that it looks like the real thing. He must had a lot of fun building this piece of history.

This is part 1 of the video. Do enjoy watching his skills in scale modeling.

1:32 Scale Revell Supermarine Spitfire Mk. 1

2008-02-16T08:45:00.006+08:00

This is my very first aircraft scale model which i had built during the 1990s. It is the 1:32 scale model Supermarine Spitfire Mk. 1 from Revell. The kit number is 4555. It is made in USA.

It is one of my favorite aircraft from the world war two era. I painted this totally using paint brushes with minimal weathering. This kit is a precise replica of the aircraft. It elegantly portrayed the aircraft that gained immortality in the skies over Great Britain.

The kit has some fanciful features as follows:

The panels for the Rolls-Royce engine compartment is removable, so you will be able to see the details of the engine.

The kit also features hinged rudders, ailerons and elevators.

The canopy can also be opened to reveal a detailed cockpit.

The wheels are retractable

The decals provided are for an actual Spifire aircraft that was flown by the British ace Flt. Lt. A.L. Deere.

I spent some time painting the camoflage patterns using paintbrushes with Testors Modelmaster Enamel. The main color used are:

FS 34096 Olive Green

FS 33105 Light Brown

FS 34554 Light Green

Here is the top view of the scale model:

The Spitfire, one of the symbolic heroes of the Battle of Britain together with the Hawker Hurricane. I had fun building this magnificent aircraft and knowing a bit about its history.

1:58 Scale Tomy Key Chain Tomica

2008-02-09T12:44:00.003+08:00

This is the second piece of the Tomy Key Chain Tomica in my possession. This is in 1:58 Scale and the die-cast model is a Mitsubishi Lancer sports car Evolution IV. This is quite an old model as the real Evolution IV was launched in 1996. As per my previous posting about the 1:62 Scale Tomy Keychain Tomica, the quality of this scale model is also top-notch. It is a very nice series yet again from Tomy Takara.

Now regarding the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the latest Evolution X had already went on sale in Japan on the 1st of October 2007. It is yet another fine car made by a world class manufacturer. Take a look at the latest series here in this gallery.

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1:62 Scale Tomy Key Chain Tomica

2008-02-04T23:08:00.000+08:00

This is one of the Key Chain Tomica by the Japanese Company, Takara Tomy. It is a 1:62 scale die-cast police car model with key chain.

I think it is pretty hard to find it nowadays. It is unopen and still new in the box. If you have any car collection like this, please let me know. This police car is painted in Black with the interior in Red. It is not a detailed scale model but the quality is top-notch.

Takara Tomy is a company with a very long history. They have been creating high-quality toys for so long and selling them around the world. In my opinion, they are one of the very best toy company in the world. You can check out more information about Tomy here.

The Singapore Airshow 2008

2008-02-03T01:02:00.000+08:00

Well, this isn't exactly a scale model. It is in 1:1 scale. It's a real aircraft. I would love to but i certainly cannot display this in my cupboard, unless i have a great field behind my house. I took this photograph during my trip to the Asia Aerospace 2006 in Singapore. It is one of the many static aircrafts on display during the exhibition.

You might like to know that The Singapore Airshow 2008 is going to be held in Singapore soon from the 19 to 24 February 2008. It is considered to be the largest aerospace and defence event to be held in asia.

One of the top three airshows in the world, the airshow will serve as both business and social links for the military and civil aviation community.

The event highlights during the airshow are:

Aerobatic Flying Displays
Singapore Airshow Aviation Leadership Summit
Global Air Power Conference
International Defence Procurement Conference
C4I Asia Conference
Global Space & Technology Convention
Airport Pavilion
Integrated Land Defence Pavilion

The venue is at:

The New Changi Exhibition Centre 9 Aviation Park Road Singapore 498760

You can check out more information from the Singapore Airshow 2008 site.

Come by this airshow if you are interested. Do not miss this airshow if you like to see aerobatic flying actions. Cheers.

1:87 Scale Model Abt Audi TT-R

2008-01-30T22:47:00.001+08:00

This is my 1:87 Scale Model featuring the Abt Audi TT-R. The scale model is from the brand called High Speed. In my opinion it is of a very high quality and the details are good enough for such a tiny scale.

I got this from the Isetan shopping mall in Singapore. What i like about this scale model is that i do not need to paint it and it still looks so beautiful. The car is made of die-cast metal and it comes with a display stand and case. This is one of the few scale model car collection which i have.

The Abt Audi TT-R is one of the most beautiful sport cars i have ever seen.
I saw this from NetCarShow.com and thought of sharing the fantastic photographs of this car with you. It is of another color. Do enjoy. Now, what is your favourite sport car?

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Scale Modeling As A Hobby

2008-01-27T20:31:00.000+08:00

What is a scale model? A scale model is a replica of an item which can be smaller or larger than the actual size of the represented item.

Now, hobbyists built scale models for various reasons. Some built them because their work require them to do so. For example, moviemakers made scale models to represent buildings or characters which cannot be built in the full size. I always marvelled at how some movies are filmed. In the Star Wars movies, many beautiful and detailed models are made. Many of the scale models look so real that it makes me wonder how much effort they put into it. I truly believe the modelmakers really enjoyed what they do to be able to produce such wonderful pieces of art.

Some hobbyists built scale models purely because they enjoy doing it. They enjoy the building process. They enjoy painting the scale model. They learn about the history of the scale model they are building. They enjoy every tiny little piece of moment when they build the scale model.
They love to share what they are doing with their friends and fellow modelers.

This is what a hobby is about. It should make you happy during your free time. It should make you excited. You know you will have something to look forward to after a hard day of work. No matter what your hobby is. It will grow together with you and keep you happy in your free time.

I was tagged by Hye to take the How Happy Are You? quiz. I got 76% Happy. How happy are you? Take this quiz to find out. Cheers.

You Are 76% Happy

You are a very happy person. Generally, you feel content and that all is right with the world.
Occasionally, you have a down day - but you have the ability to pick yourself right back up.

How Happy Are You?

Amazing Scale Model Railroad

2008-01-24T22:11:00.000+08:00

I am not into scale model railroad and trains. But this video is simply amazing.

According to hines1957, it depicts the "Scenic Model Railroad" at Smoky Mountain Trains located in Bryson, NC.

The work is really impressive and it looks so real. The scale model trains also sound like real trains. This railroad diorama is just like a mini fantasy world complete with people, children, playground, trees, hills and waterfall. It is really fun to watch the various trains pass you by.

Simply a great piece of work from the creator! What do you think?

Bench Vise For Scale Modeling

2008-01-22T22:06:00.000+08:00

Here is my bench vise from PanaVise. It is made in USA. I use this piece of marvellous tool to hold my scale model parts in place during painting, filing or for other work.

It is recommended to choose a bench vise with plastic or wooden jaws and not metal jaws. This is because you will be working with soft plastic part. Bench vises with metal jaws might damage the plastic parts during clamping if you are not careful. The jaws of my bench vise is covered with smooth plastic as you can see in the photograph.

The clamped piece of part is from my 1:35 scale model, Verlinden Productions Afrika Korps Party WWII. This kit is made in Belgium. It is a very good quality kit by Verlinden!

Now, with the part being clamped, both your hands and fingers will be free to work rather then holding onto the part with one hand and working on it with the other. You will surely find it easier to paint all those tiny portions like the eyes and faces. You can also use the bench vise to hold two cemented parts together until they dried.

You should be able to find many uses for your bench vise once you own one! What do you think?

2008 IPMS-USA National Convention

2008-01-20T02:23:00.000+08:00

The 2008 IPMS-USA National Convention is to be held in Virginia Beach, VA on the 6th to 9th of August 2008. For those wondering what is IPMS? It stands for International Plastic Modelers' Society. You can visit their main website here at http://www.ipmsusa.org/

Here are some highlights of the event:

It is very encouraging to hear that young modelers will get the chance to make a model kit and take it home at no charge during this event. I feel that this will help to attract more people into the scale modeling hobby.

Another main highlight is the casual dining event to be held at Jerry Yagen's fabulous Fighter Factory facility in Virginia Beach. It was stated that he has an impressive collection of airworthy World War Two aircrafts. I would love to see those if i can!

Also, the DragonEXPO 2008 will be held concurrent with the 2008 IPMS-USA National Convention. Dragon provides many quality scale models kits. I have some scale models kits from Dragon too. Their website is at http://www.dragon-models.com/

Lastly, there will be static display of scale models from the IPMS scale modeling contest. There are so many categories from aircraft to military vehicles to figures to ships. I am going to check out the photos after the event. How wonderful it will be if Singapore can also held this type of convention next time. For now, i will need to buy an air ticket and fly over to USA, Virginia Beach if i want to go to this fantastic event.

1:35 Scale Model World War Two Russian T-34/76 Tank

2008-01-18T20:47:00.000+08:00

This is the T-34/76 Russian medium tank which i had built out of the Tamiya Kit. It was spray painted with Testor Model Master Custom Enamel System FS34079 Dark Green. I then highlighted the grooves and vents with Black washes. Light dry brushing is performed using a lighter shades of Green.

The armour tank's tracks is the wrap around type of design made of rubbery material. During the building process, i had spent much effort trying to fix the tracks as it always came off after i had glued them together. In the end, i used staples and cement to hold the two ends of the rubber tracks together. After the cement dried, i removed the staples. This works well, i can say.

I painted the tracks with Metallic color only. I still have not weathered the tracks yet. In my opinion, the tracks should be weathered with different shades of brown to simulate rust and mud. This will make the built tank look more realistic.

I built this kit straight out of the box without any modification. It took me many months to built this since it is one of my very early scale model kits.

Always remember. You should not rush things during the building process. Just enjoy the fun of building your own dream kit! You will then be satisfied with your effort!