ipmsusa2

Mark, I know about tire weights and have use'em myself. Only problem is that they're hard to cut because of their composition. The Great Planes weights can almost be bent with your bare hands. Thanks for your kind comments. Next installment will be coming soon. By the way, if you want all the installments in one place, don't forget that the C-46 E-book is now available. And the E2C will be an E-book as well.

Installment #4 of the Kinetic E2C 2000 build series has been posted in the Buids Sub-Forum. All comments welcome.

Hey all, It's been a while, but the C-46 is done and shipped. So now it's back to the Kinetic 1/48th kit of the Northrop Grumman E2C Hawkeye 2000. Some of you may find it helpful to go back and review the first three installments of this build. As with the C-46, this is a commission build for another client. O.K., y'all up to speed? Then let's see if I can get you a ways farther down the road. Besides the normal canopy, the E2C has three round windows located in the starboard fuselage. Kinetic provides individual inserts that fit perfectly. Due to the extended tab attached to each window, there's no problem with solvent fouling the clear. On the outside, these are some of the easiest windows I've seen to mask. Slap a piece of blue masking tape over each, run your fingernail around the window seam, follow that with a #11 blade and you're done. Whether you opt for extended or folded wings, that large radome guarantees that this little critter is a tail sitter and then some. Since there's enough room, l picked up a package of self-adhesive lead weights from Great Planes....try your radio control airplane shops if you can't find them elsewhere. With the cockpit installed in the starboard fuselage, I packed in close to a full ounce of lead in front of and behind the cockpit. The white arrows show you exactly where. Since each 1/4 ounce piece has VERY sticky tape on the back, you won't have to worry about the weights coming loose. But do be sure you have'em where you want'em before applying pressure because you won't be gettin' them loose. Another 3/4 ounce or so of lead was added to the port fuselage. Not only did this make sure that it wouldn't tail sit, it also tells you why those Scale Aircraft Conversion metal replacement gear are essential. If you haven't had an Oops! event while working on models, you haven't been building very long! Here I got ahead of myself and joined the tail end of the fuselage before adding the tail hook well. Fortunately the solvent hadn't cured too long, so a lot of care and a new #11 blade made splitting the aft fuselage fairly easy. Rather than split the entire fuselage, I wrapped a rubber band around the fuselage about halfway up, then shoved a spring clothespin into the gap to keep the fuselage halves separated,. With the tail hook well properly installed, the fuselage halves were rejoined and a rubber band along with another spring clothespin was used to keep everything snug until the solvent dried. Partly because of its size, the fuselage is not one that can be held together and watch the seams disappear. I had to work my way around a few inches at time, as well as employing the assistance of a number of rubber bands as I went.

Noel, you may as well call me a semi-luddite. I've been reading since I was three years old and on an adult or near adult level since I was six. There's nothing I like better than the feel of a real book in my hands while I kick back and read while turning each page. The tactile interaction creates a bonding with the subject of the book, be it non-fiction, fiction or reference, that no tablet, computer or smart phone will ever match. At the same time, it has now reached the point that it is now impossible to make a living in the area I deal with without being immersed in the digital world. If you refer to the good old days of print books and magazines, those who have grown up with digital toys virtually from birth will have one response: That's progress. They're right, of course, but they forget that not all progress is good or that there is room for both the old and the new.

Noel, all publishing is cutthroat and brutal, though it's probably more extreme in the specialist niches. As for the editor of MCM insisting that the MCM forum is a website and not a webzine, he's splitting hairs. Whether you call it a website, webzine, forum, blog or whatever, what you end up calling it depends on the specific content, format and what you decide to call it. If MCM publishes what readers consider standalone articles on a somewhat regular frequency with the forum as part of the website, then it's a webzine that doesn't charge a fee. If the preceding is true and he runs ads from manufacturers that are identified as sponsors, then he's running a sponsored webzine that is being supported by the fees the manufacturers are paying him. If he's making enough from the sponsor fees that he's paying contributors for their articles, then......... You see where this is going. The nuances as to what you call his website are virtually endless. In some respects, the internet actually works against those of us who write in the hobby/model field for a living. Why? Because most people expect anything they find on the internet to be free. As a result, there's an automatic resistance to the idea of paying to access a website or buying content. Build posts abound, ranging from very good to average and mediocre. Does this mean those build posts shouldn't exist? Not at all because all of us have something useful to say that others would find of value. If you don't choose to buy something with a price on it, so be it. That's certainly your choice. But what I am saying is that none of us should EXPECT everything to be free. Let that happen and some of the best material will never see the light of day, such as the articles you can/could produce if MCM would pay you for them.

Noel, publishing is a cutthroat business and this doesn't apply to just magazines. All you have to do is look at the history of major publishers. The competition is brutal and the sheer number of writers and wannabe writers far outstrips the number of potential readers who are willing to pay money to buy your latest article that is "better than anything anyone has ever written". As a result, most of us who try to make a living writing about models...or even a little extra income... write for niche markets which automatically creates a limited income for a magazine's publisher from which they can pay you for your work. In fact, if you check out a book called Writer's Market, you'd be amazed...or shocked...at the number of magazines in various genres who think it's both fair and ethical to offer writers three copies of the magazine as your total pay. For example, at the present time, Airfix World Magazine has the huge circulation of 13,149 copies per month. HOWEVER, they are part of Key Publishing that produces a very wide range of magazines that makes the Airfix numbers quite acceptable and reasonable. You also have to keep in mind that Airfix World is in England, so you can't make a fair comparison with a U.S. publication. Robin, you're correct with your observation about the wider distribution of car, truck and star wars kits. At the same time, notice that the higher dollar, higher skill, dedicated modeler kits in those categories are generally missing. Another factor is the lower cost that they manage to negotiate with kit manufacturers/distributors. For example, if you bother to print out a coupon, you can generally get any model kit from Hobby Lobby for 40% off and Michael's will also honor Hobby Lobby coupons, though they don't advertise the fact. Now what's going to happen with the kit mix at Hobby Lobby with the demise of Revell/Monogram is going to be interesting. Another factor affecting the wider availability of car/truck kits at stores like Hobby Lobby and Walmart is the even wider availability of toy cars that are available is some form for virtually every age group starting at birth. That has a lot to with why so many people describe what we modelbuilders do as "playing with toys".

Well, I can't resist adding my two or three cents to this thread. I've made my living...for the most part...writing about models, as well as building models, both kit buildups and scratchbuilt, on commission. I am first and foremost an aircraft nut, preferably WW-II. HOWEVER, I have built darn near every subject from aircraft thru armor, cars, trucks, big rigs, railroad structures, locomotives, figures and architectural. I've also produced concept proof models of subjects that you'd probably rarely think about, such as mailboxes, eyeglass lens gauge and...hang on for this one...an eyelash dye clip. The one common theme that runs thru all of these subjects is that TECHNIQUE IS TECHNIQUE. I have used whatever technique gets the job done, regardless of what subject I might have been building when I developed that technique. The bottom line is that you use whatever technique works and if you don't have one you develop it, never mind what the subject of the moment is. Gee, I feel better now!

Noel, Keep in mind that NASCAR/Stock Car Racing is very big in the U.S., particularly the Southern U.S. It is not uncommon to see an attendance of 200,000 or more at some of the larger tracks, such as Texas Motor Speedway here in Fort Worth, Texas. And let's not forget the Indianapolis 500 in Indianapolis, Indiana, though that event has nothing to do with stock cars. That kind of following helps support print publications that focus on automotive models. Still, print publications of all kinds are bucking a stiff headwind as a result of the digital revolution. Some are surviving and even thriving, such as FSM, while many others are hanging on by their teeth if they continue to exist at all.

Dave, when it comes to Italeri having a distribution agreement with Tamiya, Italeri had an earlier distribution agreement with Testors. At that point in time, I had had a long term relationship with Testors and Testors was not owned by Rustoleoum. For reasons I never learned, some kind of disagreement resulted in Testors severing their relationship with Italeri (or vice versa). Since that event, it's been all downhill for Testors, as least as far as we modelbuilders are concerned. BTW, another effect of the increased cost of model kits is the decreased commission builds that I obtain, in turn reducing my income and switching my focus to how-to ebooks and CD-ROM photo galleries. I agree that we've done it to ourselves and suggest if we don't find a way to reverse the trend that we will be the cause of our own demise. While that sounds negative, there is a practical limit to how much any of us can afford to pay for a single kit without having to keep our bank's loan officer on speed dial.

Consider this: It makes more sense to produce a decent quality model...such as the Monogram B-26 Marauder, Ju-52, C-47 & F-105...that can be sold for a decent price and may well bring new modelers into the hobby, instead of a state-of-the-art (and then some) that sells for $75 to $300 that no one except advanced or expert modelers will go near. After all, if we want to build something to an advanced level, the aftermarket gives us everything we need. At the rate we're going with kit prices, we're cutting our own throats.

Gil, as far as the packing and shipping is concerned...I took the box in a box approach. An 18" x 22" x 9" box held the model...contained in a cradle of 4" urethane foam with 4" urethane foam holddown pieces over the outer wings. That box was then contained in a 22" x 28" x 13" outer box with styrofoam peanuts in the surrounding space for padding. The entire package weighed 10 pounds and shipped via USPS for $38.70. So did it get there intact and did the client like it? I don't know. I received and email stating that the model arrived. That's it. No idea whether or not it arrived intact or damaged, nor do I know if the client liked it. That's the way it goes when you do commission builds.

I understand your fears. Regardless of how it turns out, there are two things certain. IF Revell survives and even thrives, prices will go up, probably substantially, and most of the really good Revell and/or Monogram kits will become difficult to impossible to find except at collector prices. For example the 1/48 Ju-42 and C-47. And how about the 1/48 F-105 which, despite its age is still the best 48th F-105 around and is (was) still to found at a reasonable price at Hobby Lobby.

Here is the latest info about the sale of Revell. First, an entire ten page thread, starting with the bankruptcy announcement and ending a couple of hours ago, can be found on the Britmodeler.com website. Go here to read the entire thread. Page 10 will have the latest info. Secondly, there is a post on Militarymodelling.com that features an official announcement direct from Revell. You can read that here. It also identifies the venture capital company by it's real name, which is Quantum Capital Partners, headquartered in Munich, Germany. Hope some of this helps.

Last night I stumbled across a thread in a British website that has...so far...devoted nine pages to the ongoing saga of the Hobbico bankruptcy. The buyers of Revell...both US and Germany, are a Venture Capital Investment Group headquartered in Munich, Germany. As far as is known at this time, the Revell Germany management will remain in place with the goal of Revell Germany eventually be returned to profitability. Those of you who know anything about venture capital groups understand that this can be either good or bad, with the odds favoring the bad side. In any event, there is no way to know at this time...though that could change at a moment's notice...what will happen to all the Revell U.S. and Monogram molds. They could be scrapped, sold to various toy manufacturers, allowed to simply rust in place or whatever. At the moment, if you don't have enough Revell kits in your stash or are missing certain ones that you planned on eventually buying, buy them now if you can find them still on the shelves. Otherwise it's going to be ebay or other secondary marketplaces at an elevated price.

The collateral damage will go a lot farther than most of us suspect. I had several how-to ebooks planned that would have focused on the higher quality Monogram kits (along with aftermarket components to make them even better). Now I'm left wondering if it's worth the time and effort required to produce them. At the same time I have to wonder if it's worth the time and effort to produce ebooks on current, expensive, kits and which ones. If nothing else, the Hobbico bankruptcy and the various factors that led to it is evidence of the current business trend: Mergers and/or acquisitions are based on nothing more than the bottom line and how many units of a particular product is sold in a specific time frame. Testors is a classic example of what I mean. Many of the colors were dropped for that very reason. Consider that I'm pulling numbers out of a hat since I don't know the real ones, but it's being done for illustrative purposes. If a company...who knows nothing about a hobby business beyond dollars and cents...estimates that a specific bottle of paint should sell125 bottles in a month an it only sells 112 bottles in the same time period, it won't be many months before that color is dropped for "lack of marketplace interest". Makes you wonder who the next model company will be to go belly up, doesn't it?

Mark, I really appreciate your gracious comments, but you're way too kind. Granted, I managed to produce a pretty good model that should satisfy my client, but it wouldn't stand a chance at an IPMS/USA Nationals contest. Still, thanks for your thoughts.

Just checked the internet for the latest on Hobbico. Horizon did buy all the RC assets, which is not really being met with a lot of joy. A substantial number of the Hobbico employees will be out in the cold, those who do catch on with Horizon will have lower paying jobs and mostly in the warehouse. Worse, those who have retired will find themselves with no retirement income. And one more thing: Horizon was the ONLY bidder in the 'auction', which does not bode well for Revell. Also, the Revell US and Revell Germany auction had been suspended but is now occurring today. Cross your fingers because, given the recent developments in the Hobbico bankruptcy, there's no telling what will happen with Revell/Monogram and Revell Germany. Worse, since Horizon was the only bidder for the RC part of the business, you have to wonder what happens if there are no bidders for Revell. Or if some third rate holding company picks them up for a song with no intention of keeping them going as a producer of quality model kits.

Hey Gil, very nice job of a difficult kit. Since you do such an excellent job on kits that most others won't tackle, the Williams Bros C-46A wouldn't be next on your list, would it?

Hi all, Just a quick note to let you know that the entire C-46A build series is now available as an e-book in your choice of formats. You can find it here. I know this post may not be appropriate here, so I won't be offended if one of the moderators deletes it. Simply wanted to make a quick mention for those who had been following the build. The next few days I'll see about submitting a copy for review along with a flyer in the what's new section.

Thanks, Gil, for your kind comments. Yeah, you're right. Looking at the finished model, no one would suspect the skills it took or the problems that had to be overcome.

Installment 18 (and the end of the series) of my 1/72 Williams Bros C-46 build is now available in the Builds Sub-Forum. Comments welcome as always.

Back for the 18th and last time...at least where the C-46 is concerned. Hope you enjoy the final details and the beauty shots. C-46 Commandos displayed a dizzying variety of antenna configurations. Essentially, the only way you can be entirely accurate is to have photos of the specific C-46 that you're replicating. Since this model is a representative C-46A, I settled...with my client's agreement...on a single radio wire running from the vertical tail to the fuselage skin over the radio compartment. A #79 (.016") drill bit in a pin vise was used to drill a hole. Then a tiny bit of CA was applied to the end of a length of .0135" monofilament, inserted into the hole and allowed to dry. While I used the line that John provided, any monofilament, EZ Line or invisible thread will also work. It all depends on personal preferences or...in some cases...what's available. When you drill a hole in the vertical, it will be necessary to angle the bit slightly so that it comes out the side of the skin. Then you can run the end of the monofilament thru the hole, pull it taught...carefully...and hang a weight on the loose end to keep the line straight. Depending on circumstances, a clothespin or two will do the job, but if you need more weight, try a metal spring clip from your nearest office supply. When the line is tight, add a small dab of CA using a toothpick or similar and allow to dry. When the CA dries, all that's left to do is nip the surplus monofilament flush with the skin and carefully touchup when necessary with matching paint. And that, folks, puts FINISH to the Williams Bros 1/72 C-46A. Below are a selection of final photos. All that remains is to pack it and ship it.

Model Car Science, a magazine I also wrote for, goes back into the '70s and was gone way before the two that Kalmbach absorbed/bought.

Agreed. Keep in mind that Kalmbach bought two car modeling magazines...Scale Auto Magazine and one other that I can't remember..., killed one and kept the other. Incidentally, the one they killed was arguably the better magazine, but that's another story. MCM will probably die on its own and doesn't need Kalmbach to help the process.

Duh...boot scuffing dirt...gee, thanks, Mark! Glad you enjoyed the build. Now to see what my client thinks when he gets the model. Beauty shots coming in the next and last installment and the e-book will be available shortly thereafter.