Homepage Text - May 2009

Wednesday,   May 27  2009 
I'll be out of town the next 2 days as a parent volunteer at a year end camping trip for my daughter's school.  There will not be an update on Thursday or Friday as I will be away from an Internet connection.

John Doerr starts things off today with some more of his photos from the recent NorEast Con 2009.  Today John is here with his Armor Model Photos.  Thanks John!!!

Ivano Bretti has gotten back into modelling after a busy life kept him away from his workbench.  This is his excellent looking 1/32 Hasegawa Me109G with weathering on a display base complete with a Kubelwagen to add to the scene.  I really like how this 190 looks.

David Rapasi has been very successful getting things modified right on his 1/48 Hasegawa F-86F-30 Sabre.  David modified the wings to create a certain Sabre from  the Korean War era, then he finished it off in one of those baremetal finishes with USAF markings that look so good. 

Tony Feredo is my friend from The Philippines.  He has a passion for aircraft that served in The Philippines and today he is here with his 1/48 Academy P-26A Peashooter.  Tony painted the tail stripes and added scratchbuilt details from wire and stretched sprue before weathering and finishing his Peashooter in those colorful pre-war markings.  Nicely done my friend.

Michael Bagdonas built  a very special model for his Dad that served as an avionics technician in VA-15 in the 70's.  This fantastic looking 1/48 Hasegawa A-7E Corsair II has detail sets from Eduard and Aires along wiht added scratchbuilt details by Michael.  It doesn't get much better than this.

I have a review of the new 1/48 C-47 Dakota Correct Tail Rudder from QuickBoost.


I have a product announcement of the new 1/144 F-16A MLU "Diana" Summer & Winter schemes decal sheet from Daco Products.

I have a review of the new 1/72 J-35A/B/D conversion for SAAB 35 Draken from Rebell Hobby.


Tuesday,   May 26  2009

  Georgia National Day 

John Doerr starts things off today with some more of his photos from the recent NorEast Con 2009.  Today John is here with his Jet Model Photos.  Thanks John!!!

Gabriel Stern is here with another of his gems.  This is his Scratch-built 1/72 Joy JX -1935 and I have to say I like the look of this one.........it looks like something you could build in your backyard.  It really is impressive that Gabriel can create these scratchbuilt wonders so easily and so often.

John Green has been busy getting things right on his 1/72 ICM MiG-29.  John used the ICM kit which he found to be somewhat lacking, but that didn't stop him from using some resin goodies to turn out a colourful eye-catching MiG-29 to a very high standard. 

AEX dropped by the ARC Corporate offices in Tenerife on the Canary Islands with this excellent looking 1/72 Hasegawa Bristol Beaufighter Mk.VI.  AEX's Beaufighter is finished in desert camo with full weathering and a realistic looking display base.

Jorge Ramírez Vargas dropped by the ARC Corporate offices in sunny Monterrey, Mexico with his big beautiful 1/32 Revell Tornado.  Jorge chose the Italian camo scheme and added plenty of resin detail items from Paragon along with other items from Reheat and decals from Tauro along with scratchbuilt items to create this big beauty.  Jorge is correct......the Italian Tornado looks very good.

I have a review of the three 1/32 Su-27 Combo correction sets from ZactomodelsThese 3 sets Includes the Canopy set, Nosecone set and Intake detail set for the Trumpeter kit.  But all 3 sets and save on shipping.


I have a review of the new 1/72 & 1/48 RAF TSR2 Operational Squadrons taken from official RAF records Decals from Model Alliance GroupThis new decal sheet features markings for 16 different RAF TSR2 Operational Squadrons taken from official RAF records.

I have a review of the new Woven Brass Mesh from  Fineline Model Products This company offers a variety of different wire meshes.


Monday,   May 25  2009

  US Memorial Day  

  Jordan Independence Day 

Argentina - National Day (1810), "La Revolucion de Mayo" 

Anniversary of the Revolution against Spain 

Today I have a selection of aircraft models in US markings out of respect for the American Memorial Day holiday.  There will be no review articles in today's update.....out of respect for the fallen.  May they forever rest in peace.

Ken Middleton starts this special update with his Memorial Day 2009 article with many photos of the Traveling Viet Nam Wall Memorial

Alexander Breunig is here with his stunning F-14 Super Tomcat VF-2 Artwork.  Wow.....I love it!!!

Piotr "Ostach" Ostaszewski joins us today with his first article on ARC.  Piotr used the very good 1/48 Tamiya Vought F4U-1 Bird Cage Corsair and folded one wing before giving it just the right amount of weathering.  This one is a beauty.  Welcome to ARC Piotr, I look forward to seeing more of your models on ARC in the future.

Mark L. Rossmann joins us with his Korea Thunder - F-84 Thunderjet.  Mark has included some very informative background on the F-84 in Korea and he also includes photos of his 2 flawless looking Thunderjets.  I really do like the markings on both of these. 

Douglas Conrady is here with a very special model today.  This is his 1/72 Academy YB-40 - Destroyer Escort with the addition of some aftermarket detail goodies from QuickBoost.  If you don't know the story of the YB-40.....please read his article.....it is a fascinating story.  

Carmel J Attard joins us from sunny Malta with his 1/72 Falcon and Airmodel.de RF-8G.  Carmel compares the set from Falcon Industries of New Zealand with the set from www.Airmodel.de of Germany in his article.  It's a very informative article with great photos of his Crusaders.

Mark Littrell joins us on this Memorial Day with his 1/72 Academy P-40E Warhawk.  Mark enjoyed building this P-40 kit and the finished model look pretty sharp with that big noseart.  

Sunday,   May 24  2009

  Eritrea Independence Day 


Friday,   May 22  2009

 Yemen National Day 

Here's the latest Hot Babe of the Week! photos from TwobobsThese F-16 photos were taken by Wally Van Winkle.

Osni Vieira Junior gets things started today with his 1/48 Monogram F-4 J Phantom II.  Osni gave his Phantom a full weapons load and finished it in the markings for the USN VF-74 Bedevilers.

Serge Dompierre has done a very fine job on his 1/48 Italeri IL-2 M3 Stormovik.  This is an interesting Stormovik because it has a white tail and was flown by a woman. 

William Anderson is here with his second article on ARC.  This is his sharp looking 1/32 Academy F-16 with an Avionix viper tub and seat and finished in an Aggressor paint scheme with a full weapons load. 

Georg Fuhrmann joins us with some photos of his excellent looking 1/35 MH-60 Pavehawk.  This is a big kit which shows the detail very well. 

Fausto Muto did a beautiful job building and finishing his 1/72 Italeri F-111A.  Fausto finished his F-111 in a Vietnam era SEA camo scheme and then displayed in on a realistic looking diorama base to complete the scene.

I have a review of the new  1/48 Republic F-105D ejection seat from Aires.  

I have a review of the new  1/72 Pre-war Wildcats Part 1 decal sheet from Starfighter Decals The 6 aircraft include a variety of gray paint schemes worn by the Wildcat before the Pearl Harbor attack. 


I have a product announcement for the new Woven Brass Mesh from  Fineline Model Products.


Thursday,   May 21  2009
Anniversary of the Chilean Navy and
the anniversary of the Iquique´s Naval Combat
(South Pacific War, between Chile, Peru and Bolivia)
Timothy H. Zarco starts off today's update with his sharp looking 1/32 Trumpeter SU-27B "Flanker".  Tim used a resin cockpit and a canopy from Zactomodel and finished his Flanker with panel line shading and one of those eye catching Russian camo paint schemes. 

Vasilij "Tarner" Ratej is a very skilled modeller and today I'm pleased to show you his 1/35 Tamiya M1046 Humvee TOW.  The weathering has to be seen....amazing.  I look forward to seeing more model by Vasilij on ARC. 

Albert Michailidis joins us from Greece with his first article on ARC.  This is Albert's amazing 1/32 Tamiya F-14A Tomcat with rescribed panel lines and a full weapons load.  He also added an Eduard interior set and Kinetic seats and scratchbuilt details to dress up his Tomcat before giving it just the right amount of weathering.  Welcome to ARC Albert!!! 

John Doerr is here with some Prop Model Photos from the recent NorEast Con 2009.  More of John's NorEast Con photos will be featured in coming updates.  Well done John.

Darren Snow joins us with his smart looking 1/48 Tamiya Meteor F1.  Darren added Eduard photo etch to dress up the cockpit and True details wheels before giving it  a camo scheme from August 1944.  Very nice indeed. 

I have a review of the new F/A-18C Hornet VFA-82 Marauders, AB300 / 165200 "AFLAC". CVW-1, USS Enterprise CVN-65 - 2004 print from Deployment Productions.


I have a review of the new 1/72 Junkers Ju 88G-6 Radar FUG240 from QuickBoost

I have a review of the new 1/48 F-4D Phantom II Decals from Hi-Decal LineThis new decal sheet features markings for 7 different Phantoms including 6 F-4E's and one RF-4C Phantom II.


Wednesday,   May 20  2009

  Cameroon National Day 

  Cuba Independence Day 

Charles Johnson gets things fired up today with his 1/48 Monogram AH1S Cobra.  Charles took this older kit and dressed it up with decals and resin from  Fire Ball Model Works to get this unique looking Cobra. 

Artur Oslizlo joins us from Poland with this excellent 1/48 Academy MiG-29 from the Gulf War Artur added Aires resin cockpit, wheel bays and exhausts and Eduard PE before finishing his MiG in Iraqi markings with a weathered finish.  

Ardi Indratmo is here from Jakarta, Indonesia with his multi-media 1/48 Czech Model T-34C Turbo Mentor.  This is not the easiest kit to build and the decals were custom made for an Indonesian Air Force plane.  The finished model turned out very well and shows all the extra effort Ardi put into this model. 

Winfried van Rooij is here to show you this very nicely done 1/48 Trumpeter F9F-2 Panther.  Winfried built this one out of the box with some paint chipping for added realism.  I do like the look of this Panther.   

Bob Bartolacci is back with another of his gems for you to enjoy.  This is his 1/48 Revell Germany Fw-190D-9 in a very cool looking camo scheme with weathering including gun smoke stains and exhaust stains.  I love seeing Bob's latest model 

Dan McWilliams has done a marvelous job building, detailing and weathering his 1/32 Academy CF-18.  Dan is an old hand at building the big Academy Hornet and you'll see his talent when you view the photos of the weathered old CDN Hornet.  Well done Dan.

I have a review of the new 1/72 SAAB Tunnan J/S 29 wheels & paint masks from Aires.


I have a product announcement of the new 1/144 F-16A "Dirty Diana" decal sheet from Daco ProductsThis new 1/144 decal sheet includes one of the F-16A "Dirty Diana" schemes worn by the Royal Netherlands Air Force for the 323 Sqn 50th Anniversary during the time period 1998 - 1999.


I have a review of the new 1/48 resin SF37 Viggen Recce Nose from Rebell HobbyThis new resin nose  permits you to make a SAAB SF37 Viggen with the Recce nose using the 1/48 Airfix/ESCI kit.  


Tuesday,   May 19  2009

 Turkish Remembrance  of Ataturk

 and Youth Day for Turkey 

This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up.  Bob has the latest news on the upcoming Twobobs Buckeye kit including CAD images.  There's also plenty of news about new decals including a reprinting of the 1/48 Kosovo Bandits F-177 sheet.....plus the new 1/32 Italian Typhoon sheet....and 4 new F-18 sheets....two in 1/72 and two in 1/48.

Gokhan Eren starts this special Turkish holiday update with this 1/144 Minicraft C-54 Skymaster.  It is finished in Turkish Air Force markings and finished with weathering.  A great looking Skymaster. 

Burak joins us on this Turkish holiday with his Turkish Air Force 1/48 Tamiya F-16C.  Burak used pre-shading and post shading to get the panel lines looking just right.  Burak has much skill with an airbrush.  His model was finished with his custom printed decals. 

Sertac Bayar is here from Turkey with his 1 /32 Revell AH-64 Apache.  This big Apache builds up into a beautiful model when in the hands of a skilled modeller like Sertac. 

Murat Madak has done an excellent job building and weathering his  1/48 Hasegawa TF-104G Starfighter.  This jet attended the Tigermeet in 1991 and it has Tiger artwork on the tail.

Aykut Bilir joins us with a beautiful looking 1/72 Revell RF-4E Phantom.  This Phantom is finished in Turkish Air Force markings giving Aykut a great looking Turkish Phantom.  

Zafer Yilmaz joins us from Turkey on this Turkish holiday with his Aussie 1/72 Hasegawa Beaufighter Mk.21.  Zafer gave his Beaufighter tailart, a weapons load and very effective weathering to create this eye catching Beaufighter. 

I have a review of the new F/A-18C Hornet VFA-86 Sidewinders, AB400 / 165200. CVW-1, USS Enterprise CVN-65 - 2006 print from Deployment Productions


I have a review of the new 1/48 MiG-29A Ejection Seat with Safety Belts from QuickBoost This latest release features a MiG-29A Ejection Seat with Safety Belts. 


I've added Hippo to the ARC links pages under the Manufacturers sectionThey produce a variety of resin items including airfield accessories and resin kits mainly focusing on WW1.  They also make Zepplin kits.

I have a review of the new 1/48 WW1 Wicker Seats from Hippo ModelsYou get 4 seats in all.......2 with seatbelts and 2 without seatbelts. 


Monday,   May 18  2009

  US Armed Forces Appreciation Day  

  Victoria Day  

Panagiotis Zarkadis has been very busy scratchbuilding an aircraft carrier deck to display his 1/48 Hasegawa F/A-18F.  Take a long look at the photos......the work involved to create this diorama is hard to appreciate.  Few of us would attempt this project and even fewer of us could hope for such good results.   

Gabriel Stern is here to brighten your day with another of his avaition wonders.  This is his scratch-built 1/72 Horton Wingless Prototype-1950.......yup....an airplane with no wings.....you've got to appreciate the lifting body designs. 

Pablo Angel Herrera joins us from Guatemala with his well weathered 1/72 Revell F-4F Phantom II.  Pablo added a bit of scratchbuilt detailing, but mostly built his Luftwaffe Phantom out of the box with very nice results. 

Julian Schüngel is here with a exceptionally well done 1/32 Revell EC-135 T2i.  Julian grabbed parts from other kits......did plenty of scratchbuilding and finished this beauty off with homemade decals to make this German chopper.  I really like how this project came together.   

CHAN, Chun-wai joins us today with his good looking 1/48 Hobby World IDF A-4E Skyhawk.  This Skyhawk has a full weapons load and is finished off in an attractive Israeli camo scheme. 

I've added Signifer to the ARC links pages under the Manufacturers sectionThey produce a variety of resin items including airfield accessories and detail items for aircraft.

I have a review of the 1/48 Electrical Generator Cart from Signifer.  This is the ideal accessory for your aircraft diorama.

Peter Kormos is here with a review of the Flexible ruler from PK Tinyland This is quite the neat little tool and perfect for scribing.

I have a review of the 1/72 & 1/48 English Electric Lightning Part 3 Decals from Model Alliance GroupThis new decal sheet features markings for 11 different Worldwide Lightning schemes to compliment On Target Profile 13.


Sunday,   May 17  2009

  Norway Constitution Day 


Saturday,    May 16  2009

Dambusters Raid - RAF bombing of Ruhr Valley Dams


Friday,   May 15  2009 

New Hot Babe of the Week is up courtesy of Joe Mike Pyle. One of the first sheets Twobobs ever did back in 2000 was the Taxi Cab Viper that was designed by Joe Mike Pyle of the 57th Wing.


Ilan Askapa recently attended the Hunmodeller 2009 model show.  There are some amazing models and dioramas at this show.........check it out. 

Bernard LAPEYRIE has done an exceptionally nice job building, detailing his  and finishing his 1/48 Trumpeter Hawker SeaHawk.  Bernard used photo etch from Eduard to dress up his SeaHawk.

Pablo Magdalena did a beautiful job building, detailing and finishing his 1/48 Revell T-6 Texan.  Pablo completed his Texan in the markings for Escuela de Aviacion naval Argentina using decals from Aerocalcas

Jean-Charles GODDET is here with a  very special 1/72 Hasegawa Sukhoi Su-27S Flanker.  Jean-Charles added a good selection of aftermarket detail items to dress up his Flanker before finishing it in very unique markings from Linden Hill Decals.

Carmel J Attard has been busy building his sharp looking 1/72 Rareplanes Republic P-43 Lancer.  This is a vac-u-formed kit and Carmel's article goes into step by step detail about building this model......which would be a big help if you are building a vac-u-formed kit. 

Osni Vieira Junior did a great job on his 1/144 Revell A-319.  Osni finished his A-319 in the livery of TAM Linhas Aéreas, which is the national airline and flag carrier of Brazil using FCM decals.

I have a review of the new  1/48 MiG-3 Exhaust from QuickBoostThis latest release features a complete set of resin exhausts for the 1/32 MiG-3 from Trumpeter. 


I have a product announcement of the new  0.30mm OD Stainless Steel Tube from  Fineline Model Products.


I have a review of the new  1/72 Sea Birds & Green Hornets decal sheet from Wolfpak DecalsThis new decal sheet includes markings for 11 different 1/72 aircraft including prop planes, jets and choppers. 


Thursday,   May 14  2009

  Paraguay Independence Day 

Rafi Ben-Shahar gets things started with something new today.  This is his 1/48 Kinetic F-16I IDF "Sufa" and Rafi did it up in his usual high style. 

Paolo De Sanctis is here with his very nicely done 1/72 Airfix Me. Bf. 109G-6 that he built as part of a trip down memory lane.   Paolo improved the Airfix kit by adding a resin prop and wheel and then displaying in as an in-flight model.

Darren Snow joins us with his Korean War era 1/48 Hasegawa F-86F-30 Sabre.  Darren used Alclad 2 polished aluminium to finished his Sabre in a  multi-shade finish complete with nose art.   It doesn't get much better than this.

Georg Fuhrmann is here with something we don't see much.  This is his 1/32 Revell EC 145 finished off as a Vanderbilt Life Flight´s EC 145.  Georg scratchbuilt the interior.....which is no small job.  Well done Georg. 

Serge Dompierre  joins us today with his USMC Harrier finished using the 1/48 Monogram AV-8B.  This is an older kit, but Serge turned it into a great looking Harrier. 

I have a review of the new  F/A-18C Hornet VFA-86 Sidewinders, AB415 / 163459. CVW-1, USS Enterprise CVN-65 - 2004 print from Deployment Productions.


I have a review of the new  1/48 F6F Hellcat Seats (without Harness) from UltracastThese finely detailed seats are a direct replacement for the rather basic kit seats.


I have a review of the new  1/48 P-36A Pt.2 16th and 35th Pursuit Group decal sheet from Starfighter Decals.  This new decal sheet includes markings for 3 different 1/72 P-36A's and is designed to fit the Monogram/Revell kit.  


Wednesday,   May 13  2009 
Shawn "Phantom" Weiler gets things fired up today with his 1/48 Hobbycrap (craft) Tutor.  Shawn is not a huge fan of this kit, but he did manage to massage it into a fine looking in-flight tutor in the airshow colours of the Canadian Snowbirds.

KNES Armin has been busy ktibashing and modifying 2 model kits to build his 1/48 Trumpeter Nanchang Q-5.  Armin also built a bomb bay for his Nanchang Q-5 and added a ground crew, pilot and ladder to complete the diorama.    

Aleksey has done an excellent job on this 1/48 Zvezda La-5FN.  Aleksey finished it in the markings of a very famous pilot from the Great Patriotic War and then finished it off with a careful weathering job.   

Javier Johnson is one of those friendly modellers from Ecuador.  He joins us today with his excellent looking 1/48 Hobbycraft AT-33 which he finished off in Ecuadorian Air Force markings using a variety of decals including some home made decals.  His jet features a sharks mouth.. 

Lorenzo Cassinadri has been busy adding small scratchbuilt details to quite a few areas on his 1/48 Tamiya F4U-1D Corsair.  Lorenzo gave his Corsair weathering to complete the realism of this classic American fighter with impressive results.

I have a review of the new 1/32 Fancy F-8C Crusaders decal sheet from Zotz Decals.  This new decal sheet  includes markings for two different 1/32 different USN F-8C Crusaders.....including a MiG Killer.


I have a review of the new  1/48 EA-6B Prowler ICAP-2 (Early) cockpit set from Aires This latest release features a complete resin cockpit for the EA-6B Prowler ICAP-2 (Early) from Kopro, Monogram.  


I have a review of the new  1/48 Air duct with front fan for SAAB 37 Viggen from Rebell HobbyThis resin Air duct with front fan for the SAAB SF37 Viggen is designed for the 1/48 Esci/Airfix Viggen.

Tuesday,   May 12  2009 
Nick Monopoli starts today with his Vietnam War era 1/48 Hasegawa A-4C.  Nick built this in remembrance of a pilot that was KIA in 1969.  Nick pays respect to this pilot with a  beautifully done Skyhawk.

Dan McWilliams joins us today with this finely done 1/48 Hasegawa CF-18 Demo (2003).  Dan used the decals from Leading Edge Models to finished his Demo Bird. 

Amanda and David Jones have done an exceptionally nice job on their 1/72 Revell Sea King HAR.3A.  They dressed up this Sea King with aftermarket photo etch and some scratchbuilt items to get everything just right.  I sure do like how it turned out.

Artur Oslizlo is here to make you smile with his very special has 1/48 Italeri Tornado GR4.  Artur added NeOmega resin cockpit, Paragon front fin correction, flaps and slats and exhaust nozzles plus PE parts from Eduard F3.  Wow.....I love the finished model. 

Theodore Tan joins us from the warm and sunny Philippines with his 1/48 Eduard Albatros D.V.  Theodore built his Albatros out of the box and finished it off in an excellent looking paint scheme.  This model has very good cockpit and engine detail.   

I have a review of the new Sea Control Wing Atlantic Fleet Disestablishment, January 30, 2009 print from Deployment ProductionsThis one is a beauty.


I have a review of the new 1/48 Spitfire Mk. 22/24  Cowling and Exhaust from QuickBoost This latest release features a resin engine cowling and exhausts for the Spitfire Mk. 22/24 from Airfix.


I have a review of the new 1/72 & 1/48 EE/BAC Lightning, Part 2 from Model Alliance Group.  This new decal sheet features markings for 10 different aircraft including 9 with the RAF and one with the Royal Saudi Air Force in a variety of paint schemes from operational camo to test aircraft to an airshow aircraft.


I have a product announcement for the new 1/48 F-16B MLU Belgian Air Force OCU Sqn Anniversary decal sheet from Daco Products.  This new 1/48 decal sheet features the special tails of the Belgian F-16 OCU (Operational Conversion Unit) were realised in 2002 and 2007 by Johan Wolfs, known as designer of many other special tails within the Belgian Air Force.

Monday,   May 11  2009 
This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up.  Bob has the instruction sheets loaded for all the new sheets including Typhoons & Super Bugs with some very colourful artwork...plus a list of new Buckeye goodies....decals and resin for the new Twobobs Buckeye model kit.

I'm not feeling well, so I headed of to bed early, but unfortunately I couldn't get the rest of the update done.

Saturday,    May 9  2009

Liberation Day for the Channel Islands  May 9 1945

  Russia - End of Great Patriotic War 

 European Union
Europe Day 

  Malta gets Spitfires 64 Spitfires are ferried to Malta by USS Wasp  


Friday,   May 8  2009

V.E. Day - Victory in Europe 1945

Burcin Emren joins us today with his 1/48 Revell F-18F.   Burcin gave his Super Hornet and amazing paint job before finishing it with Fighter town DecalsI definitely like the paint job and the touched up look it has......just like the real USN jets.

Dairo Sánchez has dropped by today with his "What-if" 1/72 Revell ACH-64 Martillo.  This is a heavy transport helicopter with gunship capability in Colombian Air Force markings.  I LIKE it!!!

Pablo Magdalena has stopped by from Argentina with his 1/48 Sierra Model IA 63 PAMPA.  Pablo has high regards for this multi media kit.  His IA 63 Pampa is finished in Argentinean markings and came out looking excellent.

Juan Manuel Villegas Castro has been busy detailing and weathering his 1/48 Hasegawa Messerschmitt Bf109G-10 'NJG11'.  Juan added aftermarket goodies from Eduard and Aries as well as scratchbuilt details to dress up his 109 before giving it a very nicely done weathering job.  

Paolo Yuen has done an exceptional job on his 1/48 Kintech F-16 DJ.  This eye catching F-16 2 seater is weathered and finished in Taiwanese Air Force markings and loaded with a full weapons load and aftermarket decals.  I do like how it looks. 

Max Tollens Jr. is here with a first look at the the new 1/48 Hasegawa TA-4J Skyhawk. 


I have a review of the new  1/72 Junkers Ju 88G-6/G1 Gun Barrels from QuickBoost


I have a review of the new  1/72 PGM Pioneers decal sheet from Wolfpak Decals.  This new decal sheet includes markings for 7 different 1/48 aircraft including F-4D, A-6A, A-4E, C-130A, A-7E. 


Thursday,   May 7  2009 
Ben Pardini joins us from Hawaii with his first article on ARC.  This is Ben's 1/72 Testors F4U-1D Corsair built in his own way......which is the only way to build a model....for enjoyment.  I hope to see more of Ben's models on ARC in the future.  Welcome to ARC Ben!!!. 

Giuseppe Santaromita is here with a great looking 1/72 Italeri Mirage 2000 P.  Giuseppe used Aztec to get the Peruvian Air Force markings to dress up this excellent looking Mirage.  I do like the look of this Mirage 2000 P.  

Seán Langley is here with an older kit wearing old decals.  This is his 1/72 Hasegawa Lockheed P-3F Orion.  Seán turned out a sharp looking example of the P-3F Orion.....it is a pleasure to behold.   

Pjotr "Pete" van der Ploeg is here with one of the more brightly coloured F-15's.  This is his 1/72 Hasegawa F-15B painted up in the colours of an Edwards Test Bird.  Nicely done Pjotr.   

Mike Regan did a beautiful job building and finishing his 1/32 Pacific Coast Models Reggiane Re.2005.  This is a multi-media kit and Mike quite enjoyed building it. 

Hal Marshman Sr is here with a first look at the the new Deutsche Soldaten Book. 


I have a review of the new 1/32 Bf 109E wheels from AiresThese resin wheels are designed for the Eduard kit.


I have a review of the new 1/48 CAF C-130 Tactical Camo Scheme decal sheet from Leading Edge Models.  You get serial numbers to build any CAF C-130...including the KC-130's and the instructions include all the info you need to build one of the two Hercs in Tactical Camo Scheme.


Wednesday,   May 6  2009 
Denis Podgorniy joins us today with his latest artwork.  This is his Su-27 Artwork showing a demo bird in all it's Glory. 

Alessandro Biagetti joins us from sunny Florence, Italy with his 1/32 Revell BF-110C- 4 / B.  Alessandro took this very old 1960's kit and updated it with cockpit detailing before completing it in Battle of Britain colours,  It's good to see modellers using their skills to build these older kits with added detail.

Osni Vieira Junior joins us with his 1/144 Minicraft 707-320.  Osni finished his 707 in the colours of Trans Brasil.  This is a cargo plane with some weathering.

Konley Kelley is here with his modelling artwork of the Catalina that spotted the Bismark.  This is Konley's 1/72 PBY-5 Catalina and although it is a Royal Navy Catalina....there is an American connection to this story.  Read his article for the full story. 

Patrick Vossenberg has been busy building and detailing his 1/48 Airfix BAe Hawk Mk.127.  Patrick added a resin cockpit and photo etch along with some scratchbuilt details to dress up his trainer before finishing it in Aussie markings. 

Zotz Decals has their latest decal sheet up on their site.  This is their 1/32 Fancy F-8C Crusaders decal sheet.  I'll do a full review once a review sample arrives. 


I have a product announcement for the new S-3B Viking VS-41 Shamrocks, NJ741 / 160136 - 2006 print from  Deployment Productions.


I have a review of the new 1/48 F-101 Voodoo Air Scoops from QuickBoostThese resin air scopes are hollow on the end for added realism.


Tuesday,   May 5  2009

  Mexico - Cinco De Mayo  

This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up.  Check out the latest news from Twobobs.

I've added Scale Modelers World to the ARC links pages.  This is a site in New Zealand run by Nathan Satherley. 

Mark Chen has put quite a bit of effort into his 1/48 Tamiya F-16C Block 52 RSAF.  Mark used bits and pieces of different kits to get his F-16 accurate for his RSAF Viper  Then it was given a full weapons load and finished off with weathering. 

Serge Dompierre joins us today with his 1/48 Tamiya Zero.  This weathered Zero is finished in the markings of a Japanese Ace with over 200 aerial victories to his credit.  Nicely done Serge.

Bob Bartolacci is here with a kit I've never seen before.  This is his 1/35 Bronco Fieseler FI-103 A-1 V-1 with an very well done paint job and displayed on a trolley.  Bob tells the whole story of the V-1.  I recall my Nana in London telling me about the time she ran down the high street as a V-1 rumbled overhead only to crash further along in the distance.  She figured for sure it was chasing her. 

Gabriel Stern is here to make you grin with his latest masterpiece.  This is his 1/72 Scratch-built Dormoy Bathtub.....imagine an ultra light aircraft with a bathtub for a cockpit and you get the idea.  I'm always amazed that Gabriel can manage to find these odd designs from aviation history. 

Manuel Negri has done a lovely job building and painting his 1/48 Academy MIG-21 MF.  This desert camo MiG-21 is a wearing Iraqi Air Force markings and has some subtle panel line shading.

Richard H Stracey is here with some Ka25 walkaround photos.

I have a review of the new 1/72 & 1/48 US Coast Guard Choppers - Part 1 Decals from Model Alliance GroupThis new decal sheet features markings for 24 different US Coast Guard choppers including the MH-68A Stingray, HH-65A Dolphin, HH-65B Dolphin, HH-65C Dolphin and the MH-65C Dolphin.


I have a review of the new 1/72 Hawker Hurricane Mk. I/II wheel bay set from AiresThis resin set is a vast improvement over the kit parts.


I have a product announcement for the new 1/72 F-16B MLU J-066 "Orange Jumper" Test aircraft decal sheet from Daco ProductsThis new 1/72 decal sheet features the F-16B MLU J-066 "Orange Jumper" scheme worn by the Royal Netherlands Air Force Test aircraft.


Monday,   May 4  2009 
Sam Chia is here with something you don't see very often.  This is his 1/48 Hasegawa P-40E in RAF markings for the "Desert Air force".  Sam finished his P-40 with full weathering and paint chipping with very realistic results.

Esteban Wong R. has been busy getting thing right on his 1/144 Airfix 727-200.  The model is modified from a 727-200 into a 727-100 and then finished in custom decals for Air Panama airlines.  This airliner came out looking very good.

Oliver Peissl has been very busy super detailing his 1/48 Tamiya Fieseler Fi 156 Storch.  Oliver added Eduard photo etch to the interior and exterior and Skis plus  a MG 15 from Aires and exhausts from Quickboost.  Oliver used much skill to weather and finish this beauty in winter camo.  I love Luftwaffe plane in winter camo.

Richard Calladine has done a fine job building his 1/48 Revell Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4.  This Typhoon is painted in the colours used during the Gulf War and finished with a full weapons load.  Now you know what a desert Typhoon looks like.  Richard also added nose art using decals from TwoBobs.

Franz Galli is here to keep the helo modellers happy.  This is his 1/48 Academy MD-500 built out of the box and finished in a black paint scheme.  Nice one Franz.

Bob Read is here with a review of the 1/32 Super Bug Models X-15 cockpit set

I have a review of the new 1/48 resin 35 Draken dropped flaps and elevons from Rebell Hobby.


Richard H Stracey is here with some MiG-21 walkaround photos

Sunday,   May 3  2009

  Poland Constitution Day 

Artur Oslizlo joins us from Poland on the Polish Constitution Day with his excellent 1/48 Hasegawa Mitsubishi J2M3 Raiden "Jack".  Artur used an Eduard PE set and hand painted all the marking before peeling the paint and giving it a full weathering.  Wow this came out looking excellent.

Leandro Ñeco Castaño is here with a floatplane 1/72 Trumpeter Antonov AN-2V Colt.  Leandro weathered his Colt and finished it in Polish markings to honour the Polish Constitution Day.  

Friday,   May 1  2009

May Day - Labor Day

Anniversary of first engagement of Argentine Airforce in Malvinas / Falklands War (1982)

Here's the latest Hot Babe of the Week! photos from Twobobs.  These KC-135E/R photos from the Steel City were taken by Richard Smith. 

Marc Gray is here with his big 1/24 Airfix Spitfire MK 1A.  Marc chose to finish his Spit in the markings for one of the most famous Kiwi Aces...Alan Deere.  Marc took full advantage of all the wonderful detail on this kit and then finished it off with a first class paint job and some gentle weathering and paint chipping.  I sure do like how it turned out.

TandHK is here with something you don't see often.  This is his 1/48 Hasegawa J.M.S.D.F. U-36A finished off in the bright paint scheme and some extras under the wings to complete this beauty. 

James Court is here with 3 of his 1/48 Hobbycraft Otters.  James has much talent with building Otters and I was impressed to learn he scratchbuilt the interiors.  Two of these Otters are on floats and one is on skis.....all 3 look excellent. 

Dan McWilliams has done a marvelous job on his 1/48 Hasegawa F/A-18F.  Dan took advantage of wingfolds and then finished his Super Hornet in some very colourful CAG markings. 

Douglas K. L. Chan is here with his very detailed 1/35 Academy/MRC AH-1W Super Cobra NTS with a full weapons load.  Douglas added Eduard Photo etch to complete this beauty. 

I have a review of the new 1/32 F-100 Refueling probe - type A from  QuickBoostThis is a 2 piece set loaded with fine detail.


I have a review of the new 1/32 RAF P-40s 112 Sqn. Part 1 decal sheet from BarracudacalsYou get a choice of 3 different RAF P-40's with shark mouths.


I have a review of the new 1/72 CAF C-130 Tactical Camo Scheme decal sheet from  Leading Edge ModelsYou get serial numbers to build any CAF C-130...including the KC-130's and the instructions include all the info you need to build one of the two Hercs in Tactical Camo Scheme.