Plastic Model Mojo

A Mighty Eighth Air Force book is on the table, but we’re not doing a “click and win” giveaway. We want something that makes the show better for everyone: your best Shop Talk topic ideas and your sharpest questions for the Wheel of Accidental Wisdom.Mike and Kentucky Dave start with a laid back Fourth of July catch up, from road weariness to the kind of heat that makes even a pool feel too warm. Then we get to the main point: a listener powered giveaway featuring The Mighty Eighth: A Glimpse Of The Men, Mission, And Machines Of The U.S. Eighth Air Force 1942 To 1945, a commemorative coffee table book filled with art, maps, and historical detail. It’s signed and tied to Mark Copeland from the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, which makes it a special piece for anyone into WWII aviation, military history, or building Eighth Air Force aircraft models.We also explain exactly how to enter and why we’re asking. Shop Talk is most fun when it goes beyond our own bench habits and gets into what you’re working through right now: the techniques you’re curious about, the frustrations you want solved, and the hobby debates you want aired out. Send your suggestions by email to plasticmodelmojo@gmail.com or via Facebook DM. We’re running entries through July, shutting it down just before midnight on August 1, and drawing a winner in early August, possibly around the National Convention.If you want more modeling community conversations like this, subscribe, share the show with a friend at the bench, and leave a quick review. Then send us one topic or one question to enter, what do you want us to tackle next?Military Gallery's "The Mighty Eighth: A Glimpse of the Men, Missions & Machines of the U.S. Eighth Air Force 1942-1945"Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerBases By BillYour source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

7/7/26 • 06:08

We settle into a laid-back holiday catch-up, swap a few vacation highlights, and revisit that specific kind of nostalgia that comes from remembering long-gone hobby shops and the stuff we bought there. Then we look ahead to July with two feature episodes on the calendar, including a shop talk segment, plus a Nationals run-up as IPMS Nationals gets closer. If you like plastic model building podcasts that stay practical and builder-focused, this one sets the tone for what’s coming next.We also spend time on the heart of the hobby: community. The Dojo keeps growing because modelers show up with questions, techniques, material tips, and works in progress, and the replies actually help people build better. A perfect example is the 3M tape conversation that started as a listener tip and turned into a thread with real momentum and even some unexpected crossover into Mike’s day job. If you’ve got a topic you want us to tackle, or you’re planning to come to the national convention, we want to hear from you. Subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave a quick review so more builders can find us.Give us your Feedback!Rate the Show!Support the Show!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

7/4/26 • 13:26

A tiny paint question can turn into a big lesson about how the hobby actually works. We start with the everyday reality of scale modeling: reorganizing the model room, fighting distractions, and trying to protect bench time while life keeps piling on. Then we jump into listener mail that gets surprisingly deep, including how to choose an olive drab or Marine green for a Pacific Theater Sherman in 1/144 without getting trapped chasing a single “correct” shade.From there, the conversation widens into what makes a model show truly successful. We argue that the best shows are not defined by trophy counts or vendor tables, but by the interactions they create between builders: the conversations, the techniques shared, the new friendships, and the seminars where you can ask questions in real time. Along the way we swap practical technique talk, from using small test plaques to develop skills, to mixing a workable Tamiya 4BO green, to why a gloss base coat can make or break a natural metal finish with paints like Alclad.Our main guest is Mark Copeland, Director of Educational Travel for the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. Mark updates us on major museum expansion news, rare artifacts, and the excitement of preserving historic aircraft, then walks us through upcoming WWII history tours across the UK and Europe. If you’ve ever built a B-17, B-24, or Battle of Britain subject, you’ll understand why standing on the ground where history happened can change the way you build and the meaning your finished model carries.If you enjoy thoughtful modeling talk with real takeaways, subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave us a five-star rating and review so more builders can find us.Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerBases By BillYour source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

6/27/26 • 113:28

A hobby can feel timeless right up until the moment it changes under your hands. We start with the real-world catch up: Wonderfest, the sprint toward the IPMS Nationals in Fort Wayne, and the listener mail that reminds us why this community is so strong. Along the way we share show intel, a clever “Squadron Catalog Challenge” idea, and what one contest recap teaches about entry growth, online registration, and the tricky problem of judging without shutting viewers out of the model room. Then the conversation turns into something bigger: the technology shift hitting scale modeling right now. AI and 3D printing are colliding in ways that were barely on the radar a year ago, and we wrestle with the messy middle ground of AI-generated images in hobby spaces, credit, and why clear labeling protects trust. From there we jump to the most jaw-dropping bench-adjacent find: a prototype Optivisor-style headset that snaps into focus wherever your fingertips are, instantly, at multiple working distances. If you build small, scribe fine lines, or just want your eyes to stop fighting you, this is the kind of tool that can change everything. We also get practical with paint prep and process: mixing, note taking, storing formulas, and whether you should batch-mix custom colors or mix fresh for each session. Finally, we talk model show features we want to see more of, including keeping tables accessible during judging, bringing seminars back, and the promise of exhibition-style formats that make it easier to meet the builder and learn face to face. If you care about the future of plastic model kits, scale modeling tools, and better model shows, hit play, then subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave a review.The self-focus eyewear mentioned by Kentucky Dave in this Episode...VivifocalModel Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerBases By BillYour source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

6/13/26 • 109:46

You can feel when a Nationals is being built with real intention and Fort Wayne is making that case early. We sit down with John Figueroa, chair of the 2026 IPMS USA National Convention, and treasurer Dave Mason to get the behind-the-scenes look at what’s coming to the Grand Wayne Convention Center in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana, August 5 through 8. The big headline: they’re not doing this with one club grinding for four days. They’ve assembled 11 clubs across Region 4 to share the workload, share the payoff, and still have time to enjoy the convention like everyone else.We dig into the attendee essentials: a vendor room on the scale you expect from IPMS Nationals (about 426 vendor tables with only a few left), plus a seminar schedule that runs from beginner to advanced. Expect practical topics like scale model photography and lighting, CAD, Silhouette and Cricut paint masks, and weathering for dioramas, along with subject-focused sessions and special interest group guidance. If you come to Nationals to learn new techniques, this lineup is designed to keep you moving from room to room.Then we get into the “why” behind their choices. John explains a deliberate push to welcome more genres, so automotive, ships, sci-fi, and Gundam builders feel just as at home as aircraft and armor modelers. That shows up in theme awards, custom decal sheets, and a raffle they treat as one of the three core pillars of the show, with plans that even let you check results online. We also talk logistics that matter: online pre-registration is open, it’s $55, pre-registration closes June 30, and on-site registration jumps to $65. Finally, Fort Wayne adds a unique capstone: an awards ceremony in the restored Embassy Theatre connected by skywalk. Subscribe, share this with a modeling buddy, and leave a review so more builders can find the road to Fort Wayne.2026 IPMS National Convention - Fort Wayne, IN2026 IPMS National Convention Facebook PageModel Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerBases By BillYour source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

6/4/26 • 36:56

We get real about the behind-the-scenes side of running a scale modeling podcast. May hit us with health issues, a car that refused to make the trip, and the kind of production chaos that throws schedules off. We lay out what June should look like, what we’ve already recorded, and how we’re planning to get feature episodes and shorts back on track as we head toward bigger events like the IPMS Nationals.The heart of the conversation is Wonderfest. Even if sci-fi isn’t your main lane, Wonderfest delivers world-class builds, a vendor room you won’t see at a typical IPMS-style show, and an atmosphere that feels like a model show blended with a convention. We share what stood out, the people we ran into, and how a single weekend can push you to try something totally new at the bench. We also talk about the dojo community momentum, from daily posts to smart technique questions about pigments and weathering powders, and why seeing others build outside their genre makes all of us braver.Subscribe, share this with a modeling friend, and leave a review if the show helps you get back to the bench. What’s the one task or tool that most improved your builds?Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerBases By BillYour source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

6/2/26 • 15:43

A hobby can be the best kind of escape until your workspace fights you, your calendar fills up, and the internet decides a vague press blurb means the sky is falling. We start with what’s been happening at our own benches, including Dave’s push to overhaul a hobby room that has somehow become “anti-modeling,” plus a listener-recommended project tracking app that could genuinely help builders log progress, notes, and next steps.Then we dig into hobby news with real consequences, including the Dragon Models drama, the sudden appearance of “Drami,” and the clearer picture that emerges once Zimi enters the story. We talk about why it pays to wait for facts, how quickly online speculation spirals, and why Dragon still matters to the modern plastic model kit landscape even after years of fewer truly new releases. Along the way we share a great AMPS find and why better 3D printed tracks and scanning-driven accuracy are changing what’s possible in aftermarket parts.The second half zooms out to the stuff that keeps this hobby sustainable: why we build models in the first place, how to handle work-life balance without breeding resentment at home, and why contests are evolving into broader “shows” with exhibitions, seminars, and more welcoming formats. We wrap with Shizuoka kit announcements, a quick benchtop reality check, and a warning about AI slop creeping into 3D printed figures and details.If you’ve ever wondered what’s worth caring about in modeling and what you can safely ignore, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave a review so more builders can find us.Brushrage App - As discussed by Kentucky DaveCRS Tankwerks - As mentioned by MikeSmokey Mountain ModelCon - Hosted by the Knoxville Scale Model Assoc.Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerBases By BillYour source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

5/21/26 • 107:27

Something big is happening in scale modeling, and you can feel it in the way builders talk about 3D printing, new subjects, and the shows that are turning into true hobby meetups. We sit down with Brandon Lowe from Squadron to get a grounded look at what it takes to turn a cool idea into a real 3D printed model kit you can buy, build, paint, and display with pride. We talk through two attention-grabbing releases: the 1/48 M2 Cletrac tractor built for airfield scenes, and the 1/35 M5 high-speed tractor that gives armor builders a fresh support vehicle that isn’t another “usual suspect.” Brandon shares how Squadron uses early feedback to improve everything from production choices to what future releases should look like, and why IPMS Nationals is the moment where the wider community gets to judge the results. If you care about 3D printed aftermarket accessories, naval ordnance details, or how digital design can finally fill long-ignored gaps, you’ll get plenty to chew on here. Then we pivot to what might be the biggest news for model show travelers: Eagle Quest is coming back in Chattanooga as a joint event with the Chattanooga Scale Modelers’ ModelCon, and the demand is already intense with vendor tables selling out far in advance. We cover why Chattanooga is such a strong location, how the gold, silver, bronze judging system will be used, and why expanded contest categories like real space vehicles, trains, wargaming, and Gunpla could pull in builders who don’t always feel at home at traditional shows. ModelCon/EagleQuestSubscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with a modeling friend who needs a new project idea, and leave a review to help more builders find the show. What category or subject would you love to see get more attention next?Give us your Feedback!Rate the Show!Support the Show!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

5/14/26 • 37:51

We zoom out to the bigger modeling hobby community. We recap our trip to the AMPS International Convention in South Bend, Indiana, from standout vendors to the simple joy of photographing great models without hovering too close with a phone. We also look ahead to Wonderfest at the end of May, including the added buzz around the 60th anniversary of Star Trek and what that could mean for sci-fi modeling, vendors, and themed builds on the tables.We close with what keeps the momentum going between shows: the Dojo. With thousands of members and growing daily, the best part is watching shop talk turn into practical, tested advice, like super glue discussions and new acrylic metallic paint tips for a convincing bare metal finish. Listen through, then subscribe, share the episode with a modeling friend, and leave a review so more builders can find the show.Don't forget MOJO15 gets you 15% off your order with KitMasx!Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerBases By BillYour source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

5/5/26 • 12:00

Two model shows, two very different philosophies, one shared goal: make the scale modeling hobby feel bigger than your workbench. We’re in the thick of show season, and we’re shining a light on events that are actively evolving what a great model show can be for builders, vendors, and first-timers who just want to learn and meet people. First up is SilverCon in Sacramento, California, hosted by IPMS SilverWings. We get the full run-down on the essentials modelers actually need, including doors-open and judging times, the “Heavy Metal” theme for best natural metal finish, and how their first-year online registration works. We also talk through the vendor hall, raffle timing, parking and nearby food, and why you should plan ahead: payment is cash only and there’s no ATM on site. SilverCon is also pushing for broader participation by welcoming genres that don’t always show up at IPMS contests, plus new options like resin-only, 3D printed, all-metal, and vacform categories. Then we head to Utah for Rocky Mountain Expo near Salt Lake City, a model exposition built on open system judging. Instead of stacking models into categories, builders display their work together under their own name so conversation becomes the point, not an afterthought. We dig into their inclusion-first approach, their upgraded venue, vendor growth, food options, and a seminar lineup that ranges from technique demos to research skills. We also get into their judging values: no touching models, no default flaw hunts, and useful feedback, capped off with a fast awards ceremony that respects everyone’s time. If you’re into model contests, IPMS events, open system judging, scale modeling seminars, or just want a better model show experience, you’ll walk away with ideas and a couple of destinations to put on your calendar. Subscribe, share this with a modeling friend, and leave us a review with the kind of show format you want more of.SilverCon - IPMS SacramentoRocky Mountain ExpoThe Model Show Spotlight is brought to you by:  The World of ArmorModel Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerBases By BillYour source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

4/29/26 • 46:09

Your bench time is precious, so when something starts sabotaging it, like CA glue fumes wrecking your sinuses or a half-finished kit stalling for months, we want fixes that actually work. After two big shows in three weeks, we finally do some much-needed housekeeping and burn down a mountain of listener mail with the kind of practical advice you can put to work immediately.We dig deep into cyanoacrylate sensitivity and respiratory irritation, including why RC builders have been dealing with it for years, and what modelers can do right now: odorless CA options, simple airflow changes that keep fumes out of your face, using smaller amounts of adhesive, and when it’s time to step up to a real VOC-rated respirator. We also compare alternatives for photo-etch and light-duty parts, from thick PVA-style hobby glues to specialized water-cleanup adhesives that can still give you solid grab and a strong bond.Then we shift into build documentation and project tracking, because remembering your last paint mix, the exact spot you used a color, or the next step you planned shouldn’t require detective work. We talk notebooks, Rocketbook scanning workflows, apps that track time and paints, and why even simple notes can save a project, or help you repair one after an accident. From there, we share recorded segments from HeritageCon and AMPS, including a lively tracks discussion, favorite show finds, and the best part of any contest: meeting the modeler behind the work.We also chat with Aaron Skinner about his move to Round2 and what it’s like developing kits from the production side, including research, tooling realities, and why some projects take so long to reach your workbench. If you enjoy model shows, armor modeling, aircraft builds, hobby tools, and the wider scale modeling community, there’s a lot here to chew on. Subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave us a rating so more builders can find the conversation.Brushrage App - As mentioned during the episode!Super'Phatic Glue - The adhesive from Deluxe Materials mentionedModel Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerBases By BillYour source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

4/26/26 • 106:09

He beat a brutal stretch of chemo, got the all-clear, then asked the question every craftsperson quietly fears: do the hands and the mind still work the same way? Our friend Ed Bareth is back, and he’s turning that question into plastic, paint, and proof with a 1/32 Trumpeter Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless built for awards-level judging.We dig into what “national quality” really demands in large scale model aircraft building, where every shortcut shows and every improvement has to be clean. Ed walks us through his smart aftermarket picks and why they matter: Kelik 3D instrument panels for the cockpit, Eduard photo-etch dive brakes that live or die by build sequence, resin wheels, and One Man Army paint masks that look incredible but punish sloppy placement. He also shares how he’s documenting the project in clear chapters so you can follow the full process from cockpit painting and washes to canopy masking and final finish.Then comes the part that spirals in the best and worst way: LED lighting inside an enclosed model airplane. What starts as “let’s illuminate the cockpit” becomes a real engineering problem with battery placement, a hidden on off switch, and even a detour into Bluetooth and phone control before he brings it back to something dependable. We also talk about using ChatGPT for paint mixes, fading recipes, and weathering guidance for a 1944 USS Enterprise three-color scheme, plus why you still have to verify references when AI confidently hands you answers.If you want practical scale modeling tips, honest talk about returning to the bench, and a front-row seat to an ambitious 1/32 build, press play. Subscribe, share this with a modeling buddy, and leave us a review with your answer: what’s the next project you’re ready to level up?Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerBases By BillYour source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

4/22/26 • 23:12

Staring at a perfectly organized workbench and still not touching plastic is a special kind of frustration. A listener writes to us after a 30 year break from scale modeling, and the problem is not motivation, it is overload: canopy masks, weathering trends, endless paint lines, 3D printing, and YouTube builds that look like museum pieces. We get it, and we map out how to start again without letting modern “best practices” crush the fun.We dig into what has actually changed for the better in plastic model building, including why newer-tool model kits from the last 10 to 12 years can make your first comeback builds smoother and more rewarding. We talk practical choices like building out of the box first, using canopy masks to remove a major aircraft pain point, and picking an airbrush and paint system that fits your space and your health. We also hit real-world problems like CA glue fumes and sensitivities, plus how better ventilation and smarter workflow can help.Then we tackle the mindset traps: clean models can still win, heavy weathering is not a rule, and comparing your early builds to top YouTubers is a fast path to burnout. We share simple accountability ideas like time tracking, writing down paint mixes, and keeping a project notebook in the box so nothing disappears onto the shelf of doom.If you enjoyed this, subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave a top rating and review so more builders can find Plastic Model Mojo.Here is Kentucky Dave's link mention for some great aircraft related items:Scale Planes by Kevin DittmannHere are some links to projects utilizing image-2-STL AL processes to generate scale figures.At LargeScalePlanes:Me262A-2a/U2 - Works in Progress - Large Scale Planes1/32 P.1101 at Oberammergau - Works in Progress - Large Scale Planes1/32 Ju-87D Stuka - Works in Progress - Large Scale PlanesAt LargeScaleModeller1/32 ME-262A-2a/U2 - LSM 1/35 and Larger Work In Progress - Large Scale Modeller1/32 P.1101 at Oberammergau / Build review - LSM 1/35 and Larger Work In Progress - Large Scale Modeller1/32 Ju-87D Stuka - LSM 1/35 and Larger Work In Progress - Large Scale ModellerModel Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerBases By BillYour source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

4/10/26 • 104:29

We’re back from HeritageCon feeling the best kind of tired, the kind you earn after a weekend packed with great people, hobby shop stops, and a contest floor full of inspiration. We share highlights from the trip, what stood out about the quality and sheer volume of models, and why getting to an event in person can put real mojo back in your modeling.April is upon us, and we’re looking ahead to the AMPS International Convention in South Bend, Indiana, plus teasing upcoming content: an on-site Wheel Of Accidental Wisdom shop talk recording, a listener question on restarting the hobby from scratch, and practical tips we’re gathering on attending overseas model shows and what it takes to travel well as a scale modeler. We also check in on the Dojo’s growth and why sharing contest flyers helps the whole community.Subscribe so you don’t miss the next drops, and if you enjoy the show, share it with a modeling friend and leave a review. What contest or hobby event are you planning to attend next?Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerBases By BillYour source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

4/1/26 • 10:41

A simple lunch-break experiment turns into a genuine “wait, what just happened?” moment: we take AI prompting seriously, generate photorealistic figure concepts for a WWII Eastern Front diorama, and push that workflow toward a printable 3D result. The speed is exciting, the pitfalls are real, and the implications for scale modeling feel closer than most people think. We talk through what worked, what broke during iteration, and why details like hands and equipment accuracy still matter if you care about believable miniatures and historical modeling. Before we get nerdy, we’re also in full HeritageCon mode. We share practical travel prep, the registration warning you do not want to learn the hard way, and the kind of listener meetups that make model shows the best part of the year. Listener mail and DMs bring in great topics too: Mission Models paint solutions, custom decal experiences, 1/72 SA-2 and Patriot missile system kit leads, new tools for the hobby room, and a reminder that great customer support still sets the best companies apart. From there, we widen the lens to inspiration and momentum. We compare the pull of books, period photos, model show tables, and conversations with other builders, then pivot into our benchtop updates, including scratch-built hardware fixes, 3D print “can’t live with it” corrections, and a quick faves-and-yawns scan of new releases and accessories. If you’re into plastic model kits, dioramas, 3D printing, AI-generated miniatures, and the future of the hobby, hit play and join the conversation. Subscribe, share the episode with a modeling friend, and leave us a review so more builders can find the show.Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerBases By BillYour source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

3/25/26 • 90:24

April is stacked with model shows, but not all scale model contests feel the same once you walk into the room. We line up three very different events and get into the details that actually matter when you’re deciding where to spend a Saturday: when doors open, when registration closes, what judging looks like, how strong the vendor room is, and what you can do while the judges are working.First stop is the Roscoe Turner Invitational outside Indianapolis in Lebanon, Indiana. It’s a big traditional IPMS-style one-two-three show with the familiar spread of categories, a serious vendor hall, great onsite food, and special awards that fit the region. There you can enjoy a figure painting seminar hosted by Bret Avants.  We also talk about a smart operational idea that judges love: using shared plastic bases so staff can move models without touching your build.Then we jump time zones to CoMMiesFest in Golden, Colorado, where the vibe is relaxed but the planning is sharp. They rebuilt their judging workflow into a browser-based system that runs on your phone, added fun theme and specialty awards, and packed the day with seminars, demos, seating, and a food truck to keep people engaged instead of disappearing during judging. If you care about sci-fi modeling, Gunpla, minis, and a show that’s trying to welcome adjacent hobby communities, you’ll want to hear how they’re approaching it.We wrap in Northern California with the Wine Country Model Expo in Petaluma, which leans into open judging and an exhibition-style layout that groups each modeler’s work together so conversations happen naturally. Add seminars, raffles, a charity silent auction, and a post-show social gathering, and you’ve got a blueprint for where “model show culture” might be headed.If you enjoy Model Show Spotlight, subscribe, share this with a modeling buddy, and leave us a review so more builders can find it.Brought to you by... The World of ArmorModel Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerBases By BillYour source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

3/22/26 • 63:45

An AI prompt that becomes a real scale figure you can hold in your hand sounds like science fiction, but the gap just got a lot smaller. We sit down with returning guest Jake McKee to walk through the exact, messy, real-world workflow he is using right now to create custom 3D printed figures for a diorama, starting with an AI-generated photoreal image and ending with a printable STL. We dig into what works, what breaks, and why “yes, no, and maybe” is the most honest answer when you ask whether AI can “sculpt” for the hobby.Jake explains how tools like ChatGPT for image creation and Meshi.ai or Tripo for image-to-3D conversion fit together, why simple standing poses succeed faster than compact seated drivers, and how artifacts show up when the software has to guess hidden geometry. We also talk about the practical reality of paying for subscriptions or tokens, the difference between fast results and better meshes, and when learning Blender becomes the fastest path to cleaning and reposing a figure instead of endlessly re-rolling prompts.After the interview, we shift back to the bench with updates on current builds, HeritageCon anticipation, and an experiment that a lot of car builders and decal junkies will appreciate: a one-off custom decal order for a Moosaroo Cup Miata. We share what the print quality looks like, how the decal film behaves, and what we would do differently next time.See Jake's workflow and links to his favorite AI tools here!If you are curious about AI in scale modeling, 3D printing for dioramas, custom figures, or faster ways to generate masks and patterns, this one will spark ideas. Subscribe, share the episode with a modeling friend, and leave us a five-star rating and a review so more builders can find the show.Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerBases By BillYour source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks.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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

3/16/26 • 132:38

Ready to watch text turn into tiny people you can actually paint? We kick off March with big plans, bigger shows, and a hands-on look at a workflow that converts AI prompts into resin-ready 3D figures for your next diorama. It started with a listener asking how to crowd a Union Pacific Big Boy display, and it grew into a full pipeline: prompt, generate, refine, export, print, and paint. Beyond the bench, we mention HeritageCon plans and flag open registration for the US nationals. Our lineup continues with a shop talk episode focused on motivation—what keeps us building when time is short—and show spotlights for April, including Roscoe Turner in Indianapolis and the Wine Country Model Expo in California. The Dojo on Facebook just cleared 5,700 members, and daily posts now deliver show reports, 3D previews, and jaw-dropping builds that make you want to prime something tonight.If you love scale modeling, resin printing, or just the thrill of learning a new trick, press play and join us. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s eyeing a new printer, and leave a review telling us what figure you want to generate next.Email us at  plasticmodelmojo@gmail.comModel Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerDisclaimer: 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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

3/3/26 • 11:35

When the days are short and the bench time is shorter, what keeps us building? We open the studio door on a fast, funny, and honest ride through the parts of scale modeling that actually matter: a workspace that invites you to sit down, a ritual that signals “now we create,” and a community that shows up when motivation dips. The mailbag sets the tone—digital galleries that make old builds new again, a legendary decal mishap that proves perfection isn’t required, and a smart question about the power of influencers. Do YouTube pros push products or possibilities? We separate inspiration from imitation and share how to borrow techniques without losing your voice.Then we tackle fear targets with real tactics. A 1/32 resin Viggen in splinter camo? Treat the paint job as its own project, build clean first, and practice masks on a cheap mule. Wingnut Wings rigging anxiety? De‑risk the process with repeatable steps and scrap‑wing drills. Along the way, we rediscover why the hobby sticks: it’s Shangri‑La for busy minds, a hands‑on history lab, and the start of friendships that carry far beyond the bench. Listener stories echo our own—escapism, creativity, and shelves that chart the evolution from Wildcat to Bearcat.On the bench, we move a Hellcat through oils, satin, and chips, and push the Roosevelt build with neat bare‑metal‑foil masking tricks for razor‑clean trim. In the stash‑temptation corner, we nerd out over new releases: Tamiya’s M24 Chaffee, BT upgrades and turrets, a 1/48 Vulcan with the wingspan of a stingray, and a 1/35 Me 323 that begs for a rolling cargo diorama. We wrap with the simple rule we live by: if you’re not enjoying it, change what you’re doing. Want more of this energy in your feed? Hit follow, rate us five stars, and share the show with a modeling friend who needs a spark.Pelicon'26 - a show to attend in the Tampa, FL area Emmas Planes - a listener recommened websiteModel Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerDisclaimer: 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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

2/27/26 • 86:41

The Model Show Spotlight is brought to you by The World of Armor!A flying Lancaster overhead, rows of models below, and a sold‑out vendor hall buzzing with deals—HeritageCon 2026 is set to deliver a full‑throttle modeling day inside the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. We sit down with the new coordination team to share what’s changing, what’s staying great, and how to lock in your spot before entries sell out.We break down the essentials: March 29, doors at 9 a.m., with registration moving to the museum’s system to streamline both admission and model entries. Pre‑registration opens March 1 at 9 a.m., and there’s no registration at the door, so timing matters. Expect a packed floor with over 140 vendor tables, from local shops to aftermarket specialists offering barrels, tracks, decals, tools, and the kind of book deals that vanish fast. Between the C‑47, B‑25, and the museum’s showpiece Lancaster, you’ll have instant reference material for weathering, modulation, and panel tone decisions you can take straight to the bench.Programming keeps the momentum high. Judging starts at noon while the seminar track runs with Harvey Lowe on aircraft modulation and weathering, plus our live “Wheel of Accidental Wisdom”—a fast, practical, game‑style session where crowd questions turn into build tips and giveaways. The contest follows a familiar IPMS structure: armor by era and side, aircraft across pre‑war to Cold War, a growing Gundam and sci‑fi presence, plus robust auto and ship categories. Specialty awards add local flavor, including best Canadian subject, best fighter flown by a Canadian pilot, best Ukrainian subject, veteran recognition, people’s choice, and judges’ best of show.We also share travel and weather tips for late March in Ontario, the on‑site cafe plan, and how the community energy carries from the vendor aisles to the evening hangouts. If you’re aiming to compete, pre‑register, pack smart, and double‑check your category. If you’re there to learn, sit in on the talks, snap reference photos under the Lancaster, and make a wishlist before you hit the vendor hall.Ready to roll? Subscribe for more show spotlights, share this preview with your build group, and leave a quick review so other modelers can find us. Then set a reminder: March 1 at 9 a.m.—get registered and we’ll see you under the wings on March 29.Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

2/19/26 • 19:47

Ever stalled on a “dream build” because you’re afraid to mess it up? We went straight at those fear targets—perfectionism, PE jitters, bare‑metal dread, and the myth that pros are “just fast”—and came back with practical fixes that make the bench fun again. Kicked off by a wave of listener mail, we connect the dots between honest expectations and real skill barriers, then show how to shrink both: build your favorite subject twice (one OOB as recon, one for the opus), keep something always in paint to protect your airbrush touch, and use smart crutches—canopy masks, 3D prints, and layered decals—so your craft effort lands where it matters.Community kept shaping the journey. From clubs that outlive geography to vendor‑table conversations that compress months of trial and error, we heard how connection turns paralysis into progress. One modeler finally tackled a family B‑17 after years of hesitation and discovered the power of “a hundred little builds,” learning new techniques while honoring a story that mattered. Another shifted from failed journals to a public build log that doubles as a searchable memory. Along the way we swapped tips for taming CA, tested custom decals (plus an opacity workaround), and compared wet vs. dry color shifts on new AK Real Colors. Yes, we even found a French marine catapult and may have paid for it twice—worth it.Bench reports? The Hellcat is decaled and heading into gloss, the long‑parked T‑33 is back on the rails, and Moosaroo is heating up with a vignette twist and custom markings from a boutique printer. If you’ve been avoiding your favorite subject, this is your permission slip to jump: make a plan that fits your time, turn one big build into guided sprints, and let technology erase the chores that steal your mojo. Hit play, then tell us: what’s the one fear you’re finally tackling this month? If this resonated, subscribe, share with a modeling friend, and leave a quick review so more builders find the show.Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

2/15/26 • 110:45

Snow may slow travel, but the calendar is heating up. We swap plans and call out standout events across the map, including BlizzCon in Columbus, AMPS Atlanta, 4M Mayhem in Michigan, Rochester’s Hope It Don’t Snow, and the Old Dominion Open in Richmond. For planning and entries, IPMSUSA.org remains the essential resource, with listings that stretch well into spring. That rhythm—research, build, show, repeat—keeps the hobby humming even when the weather says stay home.Community is the thread. The Plastic Model Dojo has surged past 5,600 members, and the feed is full of show flyers, build logs, and finished models that show serious skill. We highlight a new Gemini book, and we touch on current work heading to Kennedy for Artemis, a reminder that the same care we bring to scale builds echoes in real-world engineering. It’s all connected: precision, patience, and the joy of making.We also set up two upcoming topics that need your voice: what stops us from starting, and what do we truly get from this hobby—calm, community, challenge, or something else entirely? Share your story and help shape the conversation around motivation and meaning at the bench.Subscribe for more modeling insights and show news, share this with a friend who needs cleaner canopies, and leave a review to help others find the pod. Got thoughts or tips to add? Send us a note and join the Dojo—your build might spark someone’s next breakthrough.Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

2/3/26 • 10:19

What happens when the hobby you love starts feeling like a chore? We go straight at that question with Jim Bates, exploring how burnout creeps in, why favorite subjects can become fear targets, and what it takes to rediscover honest joy at the bench. Jim shares how a demanding year pushed modeling to the margins, why armor felt freer than aircraft, and the simple mindset shift that turned “perfect or quit” into “finish and learn.” Along the way, we unpack airbrush avoidance, photoetch dread, and the tiny victories that rebuild momentum—like stripping a botched primer, repainting, and choosing progress over paralysis.We also get practical. You’ll hear how keeping short journal notes, and accepting weekend-only bench time can remove friction and make modeling sustainable again. We talk about the limits of step-by-step boilerplate articles, why video excels at teaching technique, and how personal writing can spark creativity in ways a camera can’t. Jim’s revived blog, A Scale Canadian, is his sandbox for that approach: short, thoughtful posts that value honesty over hype.There’s fresh inspiration too. We walk through Model Mania at the Museum of Flight—a display-only, public-forward event with seminars, demos from Rick Lawler, and zero contest pressure—plus a quick tour of new kit announcements that caught our eye, from Airfix’s Canberra and JU 52 to MiniArt’s Opel Maultier. To close, we share bench updates: Shermans and Cromwells, a Hellcat edging toward weathering, a T-33 off the shelf of doom, and a KV-85 waiting on brass.If you’ve been stuck, second-guessing, or saving “the good kit” for a better version of yourself that never seems to arrive, this conversation is your nudge. Build for you. Finish something small. Protect your joy. Then tell us what you’re tackling next. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs the push, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

1/28/26 • 92:24

A snowbound Kentucky chat meets sunny Jacksonville plans as we sit down with Bob Tate from IPMS First Coast to explore how JaxCon reshaped the classic model show into a warm, community-first experience. Think Friday evening setup and a pizza social to slow the pace, then a crisp Saturday run with registration at 9, judging at noon, and a focused awards wrap by 5. It’s efficient, friendly, and designed so builders, vendors, and visitors all get time to breathe and actually talk models.We dive into the heart of their approach: an open gold, silver, bronze system that evaluates each model on its own merits. No podium pressure, just recognition for quality work. Bob explains how initial resistance gave way to buy-in once people saw honest standards and consistent results, and why they still zone tables by genre for judging flow and easier browsing. The result? Strong turnout with 150+ entrants, 600+ models, and a calmer show floor where learning beats rivalry.JaxCon’s extras add real value. A sold-out vendor hall arrives early on Friday, three food trucks keep lines short, and the raffle is both exciting and strategic. One-dollar random draws every half hour keep the buzz going, while five and ten-dollar targeted tickets let you aim for high-value kits. That structure raises enough to offer free public admission, which brings new eyes to the hobby without raising participant fees. This year’s theme, 80 years of the Blue Angels—rooted in Jacksonville’s history—anchors special awards alongside memorial trophies that honor club members and their passions.If you’re planning to attend regional shows or thinking about how to evolve your own, JaxCon offers a practical blueprint: reward excellence, encourage connection, and make the logistics work for people first. Enjoy the insights, steal a few ideas, and share your favorite show innovations with us. If this spotlight helped, follow, rate, and leave a quick review so more builders can find the show.In addition to JaxCon,  a couple of other shows we would like to promote are:4M Mayhem hosted my the Mid-Michigan Model Makers on February 7thandAMPS-Atlanta 2026 on February 20-21Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

1/25/26 • 24:09

A storm with a name is bearing down on the Ohio Valley and mid-south, and that changed everything. We hit record to get a clear, direct update out fast: Winter Blitz moves to Saturday, February 28, 2026. Same venue, same plan, just smarter timing so no one risks a long drive on icy roads. Consider it a bonus window to finish your build, refine that finish, or finally try the stencil set that’s been staring at you from the bench.We walk through how the decision came together and why venue relationships matter. A flexible museum partner meant the organizers could pivot without losing momentum, vendors, or goodwill. Along the way, we open our Model Show Spotlight calendar and invite clubs with February, March, or April dates to pitch their events. Tell us your categories, your surprises, and the small details that make your show easy to love. When information is clear and personal, more modelers show up, and the scene grows stronger.Community recognition fuels the hobby, so we update our lighthearted “agent” roster to thank the folks who keep this thing moving—from the Indy connector who solved the famous patty run, to the straight-shooting blogger who pressure-tests our ideas, to the Winter Blitz leader who keeps raising the bar. We also tease an ambitious 1/32 SBD Dauntless build headed to the dojo, loaded with aftermarket and stencil work that will spark questions and copycat courage. If the storm keeps you home, cue the kettle, sharpen a blade, and make progress while the snow stacks up. Then spread the word so no one makes a wasted trip: Winter Blitz is February 28, 2026. If you enjoy these updates and the community love, tap follow, share this with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review—what are you building before the new date?Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

1/22/26 • 15:58

A slow start, a full heart, and a clear plan. We kick off 2026 by resetting our modeling habits, sharpening the skills that matter most, and putting dates on the calendar to turn ideas into finished work. HeritageCon is pulling us forward, but it’s the day-to-day that will make the difference: tighter bench time, better canopies, and bases that finish strong instead of phoning it in.One photo sent us down a rabbit hole—captured Soviet armor at Kummersdorf with mysterious inventory rectangles. We trace similar markings across other vehicles and share why the rectangle’s color might be yellow, then ask armor specialists for hard provenance rather than AI guesses. That curiosity fuels the whole episode. The dojo keeps paying dividends, from canopy wax tips and stencil-cutter know-how to encouragement from modelers solving the same problems. We celebrate KitMask extending mojo30 for 30% off through HeritageCon and spotlight how small breaks in cost and friction can nudge more projects across the line.We lay out our goals for the year. Aircraft need spotless canopies—polished clear parts, confident masking, and frames that sit sharp and true. Speed is focus: fewer distractions, more finishes without losing joy. Armor projects get a base upgrade with cleaner edges, smarter terrain transitions, and groundwork that complements the model instead of competing with it. On the adjacent front, we commit to mastering a Cameo stencil cutter for crisp markings and layered paint effects, and we push to launch phase two of our website so the community can learn and share even more.On the bench, the Hellcat weathers the tiny-stencil storm, the Moosaroo rally build earns custom decals and a clever mixed-material interior, and the KV-85 stacks sub-assemblies toward primer. Our 2026 wish list is ambitious but grounded: MiniArt T-34/76 variants, a modern JSU-152, an early D3A1 Val, a 1/72 Privateer, and a 14-meter Daihatsu for Pacific dioramas. If you’ve got insight on Kummersdorf markings or a kit rumor we should track, jump in. Subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave a quick review—then tell us your top skill goal for 2026.SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

1/16/26 • 80:06

A fresh year deserves a fresh bench. We kick off 2026 by trading the “dark time” for bright, practical momentum: a clearer plan for January, two focused releases on the calendar, and an open invite to help shape what comes next. We look back at five years of recording and realize the best thing we built isn’t an episode catalog—it’s a thriving community that keeps growing and teaching each other every week.First up, we outline episode 155, where we get specific about what progress looks like this year: realistic build goals, smarter habits at the bench, and small changes that add up to more finished kits. Then we preview episode 156, a Shop Talk with our friend Jim Bates, who brings hard-earned insight on modeling and life. Expect candid updates, practical tips, and a few topics we’ll hammer out before the mics go live so the conversation stays tight and useful.We also open the door for clubs and show runners. If your group has an event coming in February, throw your hat in for our Show Spotlight. The earlier you reach out, the better we can tell your story and help more modelers find your tables, vendors, and categories. On the community front, the Plastic Model Dojo just crossed 5,600 members and keeps climbing. Join for WIPs, product tips, new releases, and the kind of encouragement that gets you to the finish line. If your post gets stuck in spam, ping us—we’ll get it unlocked. And keep the listener mail coming; questions and hot takes help us steer future segments toward what you care about.Ready to trade resolutions for results? Hit play, join the Dojo, pitch your club’s show, and tell us what kit you’re starting. If you enjoy the pod, follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick review so more builders can find us.Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!KitMasxCustom Canopy Masks for the Scale ModelerDisclaimer: 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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

1/5/26 • 10:57

A good year in modeling doesn’t happen by accident. It grows out of small bench wins, a few brave skill pushes, and the friends who show up at the right time. We wrap 2025 with a clear-eyed look at what worked, what changed, and how to carry that energy into 2026—plus a rich conversation with Australia’s own Paul Gloster on moving his entire modeling life across states without losing momentum.We start with holiday check-ins, realistic bench talk, and the simple joy of a new tool that actually solves a problem. From there, we dig into the skills that moved the needle this year: sharper re-engraving, cleaner canopies, tighter scratchbuilding, and just enough 3D printing to expand what’s possible. Then we head into travel and community. Four days at the IPMS National Convention changes your modeling in ways a two-day show can’t—deeper seminars, patient conversations, and the kind of learning that sticks. It’s where “model friends” become friends, and where you can see a kit built before it lands in your shop.Paul’s segment is a masterclass in keeping mojo alive during a move. He shows how to triage a stash, protect finished builds with foam and tubs, and assemble a small, reachable “twelve-kit shortlist” that keeps you building while the new bench comes together. He catalogs tools by role, keeps a “desert-island” core set handy, and ensures references are within reach so progress doesn’t stall. If you’re searching for how to move built models, how to store unbuilt kits long-term, or how to set up a temporary modeling bench, you’ll leave with a proven plan.We also riff on the kit news that made 2025 pop: Fine Molds’ Zeros and F-104s, Tamiya’s 1/72 F-14, Rye Field’s JS-2, and Arma’s incoming 1/72 Me 262. More than eye candy, these releases give modelers fresh canvases—better engineering, great markings, and subjects that reward both clean builds and heavy weathering.If you’re plotting your own 2026, here’s our take: set one or two honest goals, pick a some that stretch you, and build the bench you want to return to. The rest follows. Enjoy the episode, share it with a modeling friend, and help someone new find their groove.If you had a favorite kit reveal or a skill breakthrough in 2025, tell us about it. And if this resonated, please follow, rate, and leave a short review—it helps more modelers find the show.Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

12/31/25 • 104:34

Texas decided January should belong to scale modelers, and we’re not arguing. We map out two can’t‑miss events—Model Fiesta in New Braunfels and Winter Blitz in College Station—so you can plan builds, book time, and show up ready. From streamlined online registration to judging formats that respect your effort and schedule, this is a practical guide wrapped in pure hobby energy.We start with Model Fiesta on January 3, hosted by the Alamo Chapter, where clear rules, posted scoring sheets, and an open gold‑silver‑bronze system set a fair stage. Display‑only builders get real love too, with sponsor‑selected special awards that include a Cold War theme, People’s Choice, aerospace, vehicles, sci‑fi, and more. The vendor hall is nearly full—about 140 tables—so expect plenty of aftermarket, kits, and tools, plus a handy location with food nearby. The website makes everything simple: download forms, pay online, and walk in ready.ModelFiesta Then we head to Winter Blitz on January 24 at the Museum of the American GI, a venue where restored Shermans and half‑tracks share space with your entries. It’s armor‑centric, fast, and focused: doors at nine, judging by noon, medals on the table, and a short ceremony spotlighting 16 Best Of categories and the sponsors who make it happen. This year’s theme celebrates military support vehicles, and the Tank of the Year target is the 38T in any variant—bring your Hetzer or Marder and go for it. New categories—Brown water Navy, Landing Craft, Helicopters, a P‑47 challenge, and MaschinenKrieger—open the door for more builders without diluting the armor vibe. There’s a Friday soft open for early drop‑off and a group dinner at Tad’s Louisiana Cooking to turn logistics into community.We also talk Hall of Fame honors for past Best of Show winners, vendors, and a weather policy that keeps the show on unless ice shuts the roads. If you’ve been looking for a reason to finish that support truck, dust off a 38T, or finally paint a P‑47, January in Texas is your cue. WinterBlitz 2026Subscribe, share this with your build group, and leave a review with the model you’re bringing—who’s ready to roll?SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

12/23/25 • 36:00

A surprising theme ran through the last part of our year: when modelers stop chasing perfect and start building what they truly love, everything clicks. Your letters proved it. We heard from builders paring down stashes, organizing tools, and finally tackling “someday” subjects with less guilt and more momentum. That energy shaped our own workbenches too—methodical planning, smarter jigs, and reliable materials turned tricky steps into repeatable wins. Think KV-85 intake screens built with a custom jig, CA used with intention, Mr. Surfacer and thinner cleaning up seams before weathering could ruin them, and decals that go down right the first time.We also talk practical stash strategy. New kits will always tempt us, so here’s what works: trade up when the upgrade arrives, and keep a short list of builds you can actually start. We’ve locked in a tight plan for 2026: an early jet like the Meteor F.1, a buddy build of the HE 162, a quirky Panzerwerfer 42 on the Maultier, and a focused approach to finishing what’s already close. Along the way we share community hacks you’ll use tomorrow—holographic craft vinyl for prismatic optics, ultra-thin PLA paper alternatives, and the magic of a simple paint inventory app that removes friction at decision time.We wrestle with do-overs too. When is it worth rebuilding a past project, and when should the lesson travel to a new subject? The answer depends on joy. If a vignette still speaks to you, rebuild it with better kits and skills. If not, apply the learning forward and keep moving. That mindset powered our favorite listener stories this year, from club exhibition formats to seeing a dusty stash kit reborn by a friend. It’s the community at its best—sharing tips, swapping kits, and cheering each other to the finish line.If you’re in a dark time, start small. Fifteen minutes on oil weathering, a single jigged subassembly, a quick decal session with a brand you trust. Momentum beats perfection every time. Subscribe, share with a modeling friend, and leave a review to help others find the show. Then tell us: what’s the first kit you’re starting in 2026?Tamiya PLA Paper - Super thin styrene sheet materialSQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice!Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!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!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.  

12/15/25 • 86:39