Homepage Text - August 2011

Wednesday,   Aug 31  2011

  Malaysia National Day 

  Trinidad and Tobago National Day 

Hot Babe of the Week!  this week  from Twobobs  is courtesy of Twobobs. I took these a couple of years back when I was out at Nellis AFB for a Weapons and Tactics (WEPTAC) conference as part of my day job. Pretty topical given the news I have below for all of you. Right Click, Enjoy!  Bob


Brian “Mr B” Param starts this special Malaysian update with his 1/72 Malaysia Airlines.  Brian's article feature 2 different airliners used by Malaysian Airlines over the years.  Markings were done with custom printed decals.  This is a perfect way to begin this Malaysian National Day.  Well done Brian.

Nazaruddin Hashim is here is a very big way on this special day with his has 1/32 scratchbuilt Bae Hawk Mk 208.  Yup....scratchbuilt.....and it took him only 1 month and the finished model is exceptionally well done and well detailed.  Simply amazing!!!

Thomas “masterqq” Ng has done a lovely job on his 1/72 Kitech DHC-4 Caribou.  This is a re-release of the Hobbycraft kit and Thomas got it done with some help from his friends.  The finished model turned out looking great and was a fine addition to a recent Group Build here on ARC.  Nicely done Thomas...Happy Merdeka Day Thomas.

Aidy Abdullah is here to mark the  Malaysian National Day with this stunning 1/72 Revell Bristol Beaufighter Mk X.  Aidy did some extra work on this older kit to improve the accuracy of some critical areas and then gave it a some panel line shading to bring this Beaufighter to life.  This is an RAF machine that served in Malaysia.  Very nicely done indeed.

Brian “Mr B” Param is here with a pair of the 1/48 AFV F-5Es and both are wearing markings for the Royal Malaysian Air Force, but in two different paint schemes.  Brian has high regards for the AFV F-5 kit and after you read his article you will understand why.  I love the way both of them look...Happy Merdeka Day Brian.

Thomas “Masterqq” Ng is back again today with his second model for this special update.  This is his 1/72 Airfix D.H Heron II which is a kit that is over 50 years old, but Thomas built it into  a great looking Heron...complete with Malaysian markings. Gotta' love these older kits when people give them the time and love to get them built.

Richard “Rocco” Foenander is here with a 1/48 ESCI F-27 Fokker Friendship in very unique markings.  This was an airliner used by the Malaysia Singapore Airlines and I must say Richard did a flawless job on it.  He explaisn in his article some of the tricks to building this kit.  Nicely done Richard,,,this is an excellent addition to today's Malaysian update.

Nazaruddin Hashim has been very busy getting all the details right on his 1/72 Academy F/A-18D Hornet diorama.  This Hornet uses the Aires wingfold set and F-4dable Malaysian Hornet decals.  Then this amazing F-18 was surrounded with a ground crew and support vehicles on a scratchbuilt diorama base........have a close look at the photos...there is plenty of action to see and enjoy.  

Brian “Mr B” Param is here with his 3rd for this big update.  This is Brian's 1/48 Heritage Aviation S.A Bulldog to which he added scratchbuilt cockpit details and then got some helps from friends when it came to the custom made markings.  Brian has included some history about the Bulldog in Malaysia and well as some of his personal history regarding the Bulldog.  It's good to see a 1/48 Bulldog on ARC.

Aidy Abdullah is here with his second article for this update.  This 1/72 Airfix Vampire Fb5 is wearing markings for an RAF machine during the Malayan Emergency in the 1950's.  Aidy gives some insight into building this Vampire kit in his article and I must say I do like how the finished model looks......the Vampire is one very cool looking jet. 

Landyshah has done a marvelous job building and finishing this 1/48 Monogram “Malayan Airways” DC-3.  The surplus DC-3's were picked up by many new airlines after WW2 and this particular DC-3 is an example of one used by the Malayan Airways.  Aftermarket decals came from Hawkeye Models Australia.  I quite enjoyed seeing this DC-3.

KH Lee is being very creative today with his colourful 1/72 Supermodel MB 339This special paint scheme is a "what-if" Malaysian ‘what-if’ airforce aerobatic team aircraft.  I must admit I really like the look of it and I think the Malaysian Air force should consider this paint scheme for an aerobatic team.  Simply beautiful looking.  

Thomas “masterqq” Ng is here with the final article for Merdeka Day 2011.  This is the 1/72 Airfix Spitfire PR XIX that Thomas built for the ARC “Recce” GB.  Thomas chose a Spitfire with a Malaysian connection as this RAF Spit flew over the jungle taking photos during the Malayan Emergency.  Well done and thanks for all your efforts in today's update Thomas...once again you and the modellers in Malaysia have created a very enjoyable update for all to enjoy. Happy Merdeka Day everyone!!!

Here's a product article for the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker "Red 07" Print from Zactomodels. Zactomodels.  This particular print shows this Flanker without missiles, but you also have the option of having this print with missiles.

Here's a product article for the 1/32 Panavia Tornado Pitot Tube & Angle Of Attack probes from Master.


Here's a product article for the 1/32 Messerschmitt Bf-109 V-14 Conversion set from Werner's Wings This conversion set includes resin parts and decals for this rare and historic BF-109.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 SAAB JAS39 Gripen boarding ladder from Maestro Models This is designed to fit the Italeri Gripen...1 and 2 seater aircraft.



Tuesday,    Aug 30  2011

  Turkish Victory Day 

  Kyrgyz Republic National Day 

This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up and all I can say is WOW!!!  Bob has some pics of the new "Digital Flanker" scheme that will be worn by USAF Aggressor aircraft.  Bob also has some of the 1/48 AIM-9 and AIM-7 Missile Markings sheets for only $10 which is a heck of a deal.  These sell out regularly, so if you need 'em....it's best to buy 'em while you can.  Also Bob has included images for the F-15CEifel Eagles sheet as well as the very colorful Royal Danish Viper sheet....I love the artwork on this one and it comes in 1/72 and 1/48!!!  Bob is rocking the modeling world this week...way to go Bob!!!

Sertac Bayar begins this special  Turkish Victory Day update with his 1/48 Italeri C-130E Hercules.  Sertac added antenna wires and cargo bay details and then finished off his Herc in Turkish Air Force markings.  This is a magnificent looking Herc.  Well done Sertac.

Ayhan Toplu is here with the first of 6 articles today that features Turkish Air Force aircraft.  The first model from Ayhan is this perfect looking 1/48 Trumpeter F-100D in a great looking bare metal finish and Turkish Air Force markings. 

Özkan Türker started with the Hobbycraft Nieuport 17 kit and converted it into a 1/32 Hobbycraft Nieuport 27C1.  This conversion involved quite a bit of work and Özkan also added the Tom’s Modelworks Nieuport detail set to the cockpit and other external details. The excellent looking rigging was done with Fine fishing line.  The markings are all hand painted for a Turkish Nieuport 27C1.  Check out the delicate looking spoked wheels and all the endless wonderful cockpit detail.

Baran Cakmak joins us with his award winning 1/48 Hasegawa TURAF NMF F-104 G.  Baran added an Aires ejection seat and Eduard Photo etch to the cockpit and exterior and then applied  a perfect bare metal finish with Alclad 2 before using aftermarket decals to get the Turkish Air Force markings to complete this beauty.  I can see why this model own an award.....it looks fantastic.

Zafer Yilmaz is here with something you don't see very often.  This is his 1/72 Hasegawa Bf109G-6 with a sharks mouth on the nose.  Zafer built his 109 in a weekend which is amazing for any model, but to get such excellent results on a  model in only one weekend leaves me deeply impressed.  Thanks for sharing your 109 with everyone on ARC Zafer.

Ayhan Toplu is here to honor the Turkish Victory Day with his 1/48 Hasegawa F-104G.  Ayhan chose the dark camo scheme for his Starfighter and of course finished it off in Turkish markings which looks perfect with this camo scheme.  It's an excellent looking F-104 model Ayhan.

Ayhan Toplu is here with his 1/72 Academy Texan.  This little trainer is sporting a bare metal finish and Turkish air Force markings.  Ayhan definitely has talent when it comes to doing a bare metal finish.  Beautiful job Ayhan.

Zafer Yilmaz is back again today with one of the most eye catching camo schemes I've seen on a 1/72 Revell Hawker Hunter.  Zafer built this gem mostly out of the box with a few critical added detail items and then finished it off with aftermarket decals for a Singaporese FGA.74 Hunter.  This is one very attractive looking Hunter.

Ayhan Toplu has done a gorgeous job on his 1/48 Spitfire Mk.IXe Revell/Hasegawa Mk.IXc.  All the details look just right and the combination of the Turkish markings and dark camo makes this one great looking Spitfire.  Another fine addition to the Turkish Victory Day update.

Ayhan Toplu is here with another 1/48 Hasegawa F-104G and this time he chose the bare metal finish for his Turkish Starfighter, but it is the multi-shaded effect on the bare metal finish that really makes this model stand out in a  very realistic way.  You did a spectacular job on your F-104 Ayhan.

Ayhan Toplu finishes up all the Turkish models today with his second Texan.  This is the 1/72 Academy Texan kit with a baremetal finish and Turkish markings.  The bare metal finish looks fantastic.  Well done Ayhan. 

Here's a product article for the 1/32 ROKAF KF-16 Dry Transfer Tail Codes from Hobby Decal This new decal sheet includes dry transfer tail codes for the 1/32 ROKAF KF-16. 


Here's a product article for the 1/48 P-38 Lightning Propellers W/Tool from QuickBoost QuickBoost This latest release features a complete pair of resin Propellers with an alignment tool for the P-38 from Hasegawa.   

Here's a product article for the 1/32 Brothers in Arms 2: Warsaw Pact MiG-23 and variants from Linden Hill Decals This new decal sheet is the second in their series dedicated to the MiG-23 and it's many variants.  'Brothers in Arms 2' covers the Warsaw pact era later service history of the MiG-23ML, MLA, MLD & P variants from 1986 through to 1999 and includes some Soviet 'Floggers' that flew missions in Afghanistan. 


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Israeli Air Force F-15I Ra'am decal sheet from IsraDecal IsraDecal This new decal sheet includes markings for your choice of any F-15I Ra'am operated by 69th Squadron "The Hammers Squadron".  The IAF currently has 25 F-15I in their inventory an this sheets gives you the option to build the Hammer Squadron F-15I with or without the large eagle artwork on the tail fins.  You also have the further option to build the F-15I operated by 'Manat', which is the IAF's Test and Evaluation Unit.


Monday,    Aug 29  2011

  Slovakia National Day 

Shawn "phantom" Weiler is here with his 140th Phantom to appear on ARC.  This is Shawn's 1/48 Hasegawa QF-4S Phantom that was built for a group build here on ARC.  Shawn has also included photos of his amazing display cases and also another of his Phantoms in an anniversary scheme.  It's great to see this one Shawn...I love the paint scheme on #140.

Greg Moss joins us with a very attractive 1/48 Esci Bell (CAC) 206B-1 Kiowa.  Greg went with Aussie markings and a great looking camo scheme and added a few scratchbuilt details to improve the detail.  His finished Kiowa is an absolute pleasure to see.

Warren Osborne is here with his big and very impressive looking 1/32 Revell Hawker Hunter.  Warren dropped his Hunter during the build process, but he came back to it and was rewarded with a truly lovely looking Hunter.  I love the look of it and Warren got it looking perfect in it's RAF markings.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 F/A-18E/F VFA-106/VX-9 Naval Centennial decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This decal sheet celebrates the Centennial of Naval Aviation with heritage markings for F/A-18E/F's from VFA-106 and VX-9.  Included in this decal sheet is a full set of markings for both aircraft.

Each of the Twobobs centennial products feature a 3" pressure sensitive sticker of the official logo of the Centennial of Naval Aviation, which is perfect for a diorama base for your model.


Here's a product article for the 1/72 B-24 Liberator Oxygen Cylinders from QuickBoost These will fit any B-24 kit.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 B-57B/E/G Landing Gear from Scale Aircraft ConversionsThese landing gear are designed for the Airfix kit.


Here's a product article for the 1/72 Grumman F9F-8 Cougar resin cockpit set from Resin Art This cockpit set is designed for the Hasegawa kit.



Sunday,    Aug 28  2011

  Polish (Military) Aviation Day 


Saturday,  Aug 27  2011

  Moldova National Day 


Friday,   Aug 26  2011 
Jason Field starts today's update with his first article on ARC.  This is Jason's flawless looking and beautifully detailed 1/48 Hasegawa A-7E Corsair II.  Jason used an Aires cockpit set and a Super scale decal sheets to get the markings for VA 146 before darkening the panel lines for added realism.  The finished model is a treat to behold....welcome to ARC Jason and I hope to see more of your work on ARC in the future.

Bill Gilman has done an exceptionally fine job on his 1/72 Revell Fairey Gannet AS.1.  Bill dressed up various key areas of his Gannet with Eduard Photo etch and then gave it  a fantastic weathering job.  This model would look fantastic if it was 1/48....but considering it is 1/72......it looks exceptional.  Beautifully done Bill.

Burcin Emren has been busy getting his 1/48 Italeri F-16C Barak looking quite realistic with full weathering, a full weapons load and poses in-flight with a pilot figure with his head looking off to the side.  I can't think of anything that could make this in-flight Barak look any better.....I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the photos....thanks Burcin. 

Here's a product article for the 1/48 F/A-18F VX-9 Naval Centennial decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This new release celebrates the Centennial of Naval Aviation with heritage markings for two F/A-18F aircraft from the Vampires of VX-9.  Full set of markings for both aircraft are included on this sheet.


Here's a product article for the 1/72 LET L-33 Sólo/TG-10D Peregrine model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR Models Czech Master Resin - CMR ModelsThis is a multi-media resin kit that includes pre-painted photo etch and markings for 5 different aircraft.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 P-47D/M/N Thunderbolt Seat with Safety Seat Belts from QuickBoost. QuickBoost.  This seat is designed to fit any P-47D/M/N kit.


Here's a product article for the 1/32 Messerschmitt Bf-109V-13 Conversion set from Werner's WingsThis set provides you with resin conversion parts and decals to accurately convert the Eduard Bf-109E-1 or E-3 to the aircraft that flew at the Dubendorf Air Races in 1937. 



Thursday,  Aug 25  2011

  Uruguay Independence Day 

John "johnnymac" McCormick has spent 5 months making an exceptionally fine looking 1/32 Hasegawa F-5N "Sundowners".  John used Twobobs decals and a resin cockpit to create one of the sweetest looking F-5's you will ever see.  John also did some of his own scratch building to complete his F-5.  I love it John.

Gianni Cassi joins us today with a very impressive 1/32 Roden Fokker Dr.I.  Gianni  used aftermarket photos etch to add further detail and then painted all the markings using aftermarket  paint masks.  The finished Tri-plane is a treat to see and I know you're going to enjoy seeing all the photos ands reading the article about the pilot of this plane.

Mike Rael is here to WOW you with his big beautifully weathered 1/32 Academy F-18C.  Mike used Fightertown Decals for the markings.  This is Mike's first model in 25 years and I have to say I is a heck of a lot better than my first model when I re-entered the hobby.  Awesome work Mike!!! 

Here's a product article for the 1/72 F/A-18A/C VFA-106/VFA-122/VFA-204/VFC-12 decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This new release celebrates the Centennial of Naval Aviation with heritage markings for both an F/A-18's from VFA-106/VFA-122/VFA-204/VFC-12.  Included in this decal sheet is a full set of markings for both aircraft.

Here's a product article for the Airbus A340-600 (A6-EHJ) - Etihad Airways / United Arab Emirates print from Deployment Productions.    20% off of any products for every ACTIVE, registered ARC community members!


Here's a product article for the 1/72 F4F Wildcat Stabilizers from QuickBoost These are designed to fit the F4F Wildcat from Hasegawa.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Northrop P-61A 'Black Widow' model kit from Great Wall HobbyThis kit includes photo etch and markings for two P-61's including one in Olive Drab with partial D-day stripes.



Wednesday,   Aug 24  2011

  Ukraine National Day 

Hot Babe of the Week!  this week  from Twobobs is courtesy of Jim Rotramel. Some Bitburg Eagles in the Mod-Eagle scheme for your viewing pleasure. Pretty topical given the new product announcement below!   Bob


Joseph R. Dias has done an exceptional job on his 1/72 Heller & Hasegawa S-3 and F-14 diorama.  Joseph has included all the vehicles and people with his 2 aircraft to complete a scene that bring his diorama to life.  The effort spent on each item is incredible and to pull them all together into one amazing diorama is fantastic to see.  I love it.

Tom Bebout is here with a classic kit that we all know.  This is his beautifully done 1/48 Monogram Mosquito MK VI done in full glory with a full weapons load.  Tom dressed up his Mosquito with some resin wheels and added cockpit detailing to improve on this already quite nice kit from the '60's.  Beautifully done Tom....I enjoy seeing these older kits get built.

Paolo Yuen is here with two Typhoons today.  Here are his 1/144 Pit-Road & Revell Typhoon EF-2000 finished with full weapons load and great looking weathering jobs.  Paolo compares the good and bad points of both kits and gives you excellent information if you are interested in building a 1/144 Typhoon.  I'm always amazed Paolo can make these 1/144 models look every bit as good as a 1/144 model.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 VF-74 F-14A/B Tomcat 'Be-Devilers' Devils Advocate decal sheet from Fightertown Decals.  This new decal sheet includes markings for 9 different 1/48 F-14A/B's with VF-74 "Be-Devilers" and even includes some Adversary Tomcats with very cool camo schemes. 

Here's a product article for the 1/48 A6M5 Zero Exhausts from QuickBoostThese are designed to fit the Hasegawa kit and each of these delicate looking exhaust pipes is hollow for added realism. 

Here's a product article for the 1/72 Turkmenistan Air Force decal sheet from Linden Hill Decals This new decal sheet is part of their Post-Soviet Air Forces series and focuses on the aircraft flown by the Turkmenistan Air Force including the Mi-8T, Mi-8MT, Mi-24P, MiG-25PD, MiG-29, MiG-29UB, Su-25 and the Su-25UB.


Here's a product article for the 1/32 F-16 Pitot Tube & Angle Of Attack probes from Master.  These are designed to fit to all F-16 models in 1/32 scale.


Tuesday,    Aug 23   2011 
Sorry there was no update yesterday....I was out of town the past 3 days attending my nephew's wedding and taking my 2 daughters clothes shopping. 

This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up.  There big new this week regarding the new Bitburg Eagles sheets in 1/48, 1/72 and even 1/32....featuring 13 jets with the 36th TFS including Compass Ghost, Mod Eagle, MSIP, non-MSIP, MiG/Sukhoi killers, Special scheme jets.  You'll see artwork in the newsletter as well the 3 Danish special scheme  F-16s sheets in 1/72 and 1/48.  Plus incase you missed it....the Twobobs 1/48 Buckeye kit has been re-released by MPM and this is causing the 1/48 Buckeye sheets to fly off the Twobobs shelves.....so buy the 1/48 Buckeye decal sheets from Twobobs while you can.

Carmel J Attard starts your week with a rare 1/72 Airfix LTV Corsair II.  There's actually two A-7's in Carmel's article and both are the custom 2 seat version.  His article has the full history behind this Corsair II as well as info about the two different routes he took to build these beauties.  And plenty of great photos to enjoy. 

Angelo M Picardo has done a stellar job on the big 1/24 Airfix Ju-87-B Stuka.  Angelo added a huge amount of scratchbult detailing as well as etched seat belts from Eduard and an instrument panel and cockpit placards from Airscale and then dressed up the markings with an eye popping snake artwork using masks from Montex.  He then gave it a full weathering job to complete this masterpiece.  WOW!!!

Frank Dargies is here with a project I fondly remember watch develop in part 1 and Part 2.  This is Franks Project U-564 Part 3 and if you don't know this project you owe it to yourself to check it out.....this project is way beyond amazing.  I'm thrilled to see you got her done Frank. 

And in case you missed it...here's Project U-564 Part 1  by Frank Dargies.

And here's  Project U-564 Part 2  by Frank Dargies.

Here's a  preview of a new Duxford Mustang Decal sheet from Zotz Decals.  This sheet features 2 American P-51's that operated out of Duxford and both were flown by Aces and feature noseart.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 A-7 Corsair Position Lights from QuickBoost QuickBoostThis latest release features a complete set of clear coloured resin position lights for the A-7 Corsair from Hobby Boss.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 F6F Hellcat Main Landing Gear from Scale Aircraft Conversions.  These are designed to fit the F6F Hellcat from Eduard.


Saturday,   Aug 20  2011

 Hungary National Day 

Friday,   Aug 19  2011

Dieppe Raid 1942

I'm very pleased to report the new archive system for the Model Galleries is up and running.  I will have to do a few minor adjustments, but the bulk of the work is done.  This project involved creating about 2,600 individual webpages and then sorting the 13,000 gallery articles among those 2,600 webpages.  I will be spending a week catching up on other things on ARC, then I plan to do a massive ground up replacement of the current review section archives breaking all the products by scale, product type (decals or detail items etc) and plane type.

Levi Garcia gets things started today with a highly detailed looking looking 1/48 Fonderie Miniatures Fouga Magister.  Levi chose the marking for the Fuerza Aerea de El Salvador "FAES"  (El Salvador air force)  from the mid '80's.  Wow....I love the look of your Fouga Magister...well done Levi.

Florin “Scorpio” Silaghi is here to remember "A fallen hero".  This 1/32 Revell Me-109G-6 Romanian Royal Aeronautics is in the markings for Alexandru "Alecu" Şerbănescu, who died on this day in 1944.  There's actually two 109's in this article and I know you'll enjoy seeing both of them as well as reading this very interesting article.  You have outdone yourself this time Florin...thanks for sharing.

Shawn "phantom" Weiler has a 2 for 1 deal today.  This article is for his 1/48 Hasegawa F-4E, Phantom #139, but if you look carefully you will notice an F-4 Eggplane in the identical markings.  Shawn built his Phantom for the shark Mouth GB here on ARC.  No doubt about it Shawn...you rock!!!

Zoltan Pocza is here today with a product article for the A-7E Corsair II VA-82 Marauders, AJ300 / 159289 / 1977 print from Deployment Productions.     20% off of any products for every ACTIVE, registered ARC community members!


Here's a product article for the 1/72 F4U Corsair Stabilizers from QuickBoost QuickBoostThese are designed to fit the Tamiya F4U Corsair kit.


Thursday,  Aug 18  2011

 Afghanistan Independence Day 

No update today.....I'm finishing up the last of the work on the new Gallery archives and plan to upload the new Gallery archiving system to ARC by Friday. 

Wednesday,   Aug 17  2011

  Gabon Independence Day 

  Indonesia Independence Day 

Peter Doll is a modeller with great talent when it comes to bare metal finishes using kitchen aluminium foil.  His 1/32 Hasegawa F-104 C Starfighter has a perfect bare metal finish which is multi-shaded and Peter explains his trick to doing that in his article.  The markings are the usual highly attractive markings Peter always manages to find for each of his models.  I always know I'll have a good day after seeing another of Peter's models......it's a great way to start nay day.

Artur Oslizlo is here in style with his flawless 1/48 Tamiya Spitfire Mk.Vb.  Artur added Quickboost exhausts and some Part photo etched parts to add further detail to his Spit.  Artur then chose the markings for the famous Polish pilot Jan Zumbach and did the national insignias in paint with using Montex masks.  Wow....it's doesn't get much nicer than this...beautiful work Artur.

James J. Olschlager Jr. has done a marvelous job building and finishing his 1/48 Revell F-18E.  As this is a Navy bird, James chose to give it the dirty look as you would see on a USN Super Hornet that had been at sea for a number of months.  I loved seeing it James.....very nicely done. 

Here's a product article for the 1/48 FA-18C VFA-204/VX-31 Naval Centennial decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics This new release celebrates the Centennial of Naval Aviation with heritage markings for two F/A-18C aircraft from the River Rattlers of VFA-204 and the Dust Devils of VX-31.  There is also a bonus set of markings of an A-4C from VX-31.  Full set of markings for all three aircraft are included on this sheet.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Su-24M Fencer D Air Scoop from QuickBoostThis Air Scoop is designed for the Su-24M Fencer D from Trumpeter. 


Jared Hooper is here with a product article for the 1/72 JASDF F-2A/B Tac Meet and Anniversary Decals from DXM Decals DXM Decals DXM Decals The Decal sheet offers options for 9 different aircraft, 8 F-2As, and a single F-2B.  Gotta' love those Japanese jets with all that great tailart.

Brian Whitworth is here with a product article for the 1/48 Resin Martin Baker MK. 4DSA Ejection Seats from True Details.



Tuesday,    Aug 16  2011 

Hot Babe of the Week!  this week  from Twobobs Hot Babe of the Week is courtesy of Ken Middleton. Haven't had an Eagle up on the Hot Babe lately so here you go. 104th FW for ya! Thanks Ken.    Bob


Paolo Yuen joins us today with his truly impressive and wonderfully detailed 1/144 Dragon EA-6B Prowler.  Paolo got the carrier deck looking weathered and perfect looking and the Prowler and fire truck share the same wonderful weathering job...hard to believe this is 1/144.same.  Beautiful job Paolo. 

Tolga Ulgur is here with another of his fantastic models.  This is his 1/32 Hasegawa P-40 Kittyhawk Mk1 "London Pride" in the RAF desert camo from Libya in 1942.  Tolga dressed up the cockpit detail with an Eduard PE instrument panel and seat belts and then used shark mouth markings from BarracudaCals.  Then this Kittyhawk was finished off with a flawless shading and weathering job.  Wow I love the look of desert camo on a shark mouth P-40.

Lawrence Aphoy has done an exceptionally fine job on his 1/48 Italeri JAS 39 Gripen.  Lawrence  chose Czech Air Force markings to finish his Gripen and also scratch built FOD covers & RBF tags and a change of armaments from the spares box.  The end result is a Gripen that would be the focal point of any display case...nicely done Lawrence.

Here's a product article for the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker "Blue 08" Print from ZactomodelsThis particular print shows this Flanker with missiles, but you also have the option of having this print without missiles.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Ju 87 Gun Barrels from QuickBoost. QuickBoost.  This latest release features a complete set of resin gun barrels for the Ju 87 from Italeri.   

Here's a product article for the 1/32 F-14 Alfa Probe & Angle Of Attack probe Caliber Barrels from Master. Master.  These are designed to fit all models of the F-14 in 1:32 scale.

Alexey Sulla is here with a product article for the 1/48 Fw.189 A photoetched flaps from Northstarmodels. Northstarmodels. Northstarmodels.  This photoetch set is designed to correct the Fw-189 A model kit from Great Wall Hobby.


Monday,    Aug 15  2011

  India Independence Day 

  Congo National Day 

  Republic of Korea National Day 

This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up.  Bob is back from the US Nats and he got big news including images of the upcoming Danish F-16 sheets...plenty of colourful artwork on that one and it comes in 1/48 and 1/72.  MPM has Re-released the Twobobs T-2C Buckeye kit and Twobobs has plenty of the T-2 Buckeye decals available.  Wow I love those new Danish Vipers!!! 

Mike Whye starts today with his report from the US IPMS Nationals 2011.  From all accounts this was a most enjoyable Nats and the crew that put all the effort into making it possible deserve much credit and thanks for a great event.  Well done everyone.

Murli Rajan  is here to honor India's Independence Day with his bare metal 1/48 Academy Spitfire MK. XIV.  Murli chose to finish his Spitfire in Indian Air Force markings completed with some very carefully applied weathering.  Beautifully done Murli...“Jai Hind”.

Murli Rajan has his What-if model of his 1/48 HobbyBoss Dassault Rafale sporting Indian Air Force markings.  Murli built this one out of the box and finished it off with a very nicely done weathering job.  I'd like to wish everyone in India a Happy Independence day.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 BAC TSR.2 Dry Transfer Stencils from Hobby Decal. 

Here's a product article for the 1/72 Mi-24 Hind Guns from QuickBoost This latest release features a pair of resin guns for the Mi-24 Hind from Zvezda.  


Here's a product article for the 1/72 Azerbaijan Air Force decal sheet from Linden Hill Decals. Linden Hill Decals.  This new decal sheet is part of their Post-Soviet Air Forces series and focuses on the aircraft flown by the Azerbaijan Air Force including the Mi-8T, Mi-24G, Mi-24P, Mi-24V, MiG-25P, MiG-25PDS, MiG-25U, Su-24MR, MiG-29, MiG-29UB, L-39, Su-17M3, Su-25 and the Su-25UB.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 Lancaster Landing Gear from Scale Aircraft Conversions.



Sunday,  Aug 14  2011

 Pakistan Independence Day 


Friday,   Aug 12  2011 
Mark Davies dropped by today with a very unique looking aircraft from the 1930's.  This is his 1/72 CMR Ikarus IK-2 is a resin multi-media kit produced by CMR - Czech Master Resin and I must say I definitely like the looks of Mark's finished model.  Mark explains the build process in his article.. 

PS has done some excellent recycling by turning his old model into a desktop model of the 1/72 Esci A-4F Super Fox VFC-12 Fighting Omars.  The display base is complete with an authentic patch from NAS Oceana and the model was dressed up using parts from other kits as well as some scratchbuilding.  I'm impressed with how well this Skyhawk turned out....nicely done PS.

David Rapasi has a very help and informative article entitled Shades of O.D. & Neutral Gray.  Thanks very much Dave!!!

Here's a product article for the 1/48 F/A-18C VFA-122/VFC-12 Naval Centennial decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This new release celebrates the Centennial of Naval Aviation with heritage markings for two F/A-18C aircraft from the Fighting Eagles of VFA-122 and the Fighting Omars of VFC-12. A full set of markings for both aircraft are included on this sheet.

Zoltan Pocza is here with a product article for the Airbus A330-343X (B-LAD) - Cathay Pacific (CPA) - "100th Aircraft" / Hong Kong print from Deployment Productions.    20% off of any products for every ACTIVE, registered ARC community members!

Here's a product article for the 1/72 Sea Hurricane Mk. IIc Exhausts from QuickBoost. QuickBoost.  This latest release features a complete set of resin exhausts for the Sea Hurricane Mk. IIc from Airfix.  

Here's a product article for the 1/72 Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer S.Mk.2B model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR Models.  You get markings for 7 different Buccaneers in a variety of paint schemes. 



Thursday,  Aug 11  2011

 Chad Independence Day 

Kin Wong gets your update start in a very good way with his 1/72 Academy F-22.  Kin built his Raptor one out of the box with open weapons bays and a perfect looking paint job.  Read his article for some very helpful guidance for building the 1/72 Academy F-22.  Beautiful job on the Raptor Kin.

Phillip Steele is here with quite the complicated and intricate looking 1/72 Airfix Hannover CL.111a.  Phillip did the most complicated four color lozenge pattern and then finished it all off with a beautifully done rigging job.  This is one amazing looking Bi-plane.....I have always deeply admired Phillip's models.

Binding Leo has done an exceptional fine job on the 1/48 Revell F-86D Dog Sabre.  This fine looking model includes a beautifully done bare metal finish and the special markings for "OL ROVER".  I love the way this Sabre Dog looks.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 EA-6B/EA-18G VAQ-129 Naval Centennial decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This new release celebrates the Centennial of Naval Aviation with heritage markings for both an EA-6B and EA-18G from the Vikings of VAQ-129.  Included in this decal sheet is a full set of markings for both aircraft are on this sheet and there two sets of rudder markings for the Prowler that fit both the Monogram and Kinetic kit.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 individual instruments for USAAF Aircraft from airscale airscaleThis new release gives you a vast selection of individual instruments for USAAF Aircraft. 


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Bf 109E Exhausts from QuickBoost QuickBoostThis latest release features a complete set of resin exhausts for the Bf 109E Emil from Airfix. 

Floyd S. Werner, Jr. is here with a product article for the 1/72 Spitfire Mk.XVIe Part 2 decal sheet from Lifelike Decals. Lifelike Decals.  The decals are designed for the Heller Mk. XVI and provides markings for four aircraft. 


Wednesday,   Aug 10  2011

  Ecuador Independence Day 

Artur Oslizlo gets things started today with his flawlessly weathered 1/48 Hasegawa A-4M Skyhawk.  Artur chose colourful USMC markings to finish his exceptional Skyhawk.......fantastic job on the detailing and weathering Artur.

Alvis 3.1 has gone above and beyond his usual sillyness with his just completed model.  His 1/35 Sgt. Hulka Defence System from "Stripes Two: That's the Facts Jack!" was inspired by the movie Stripes, but I think it is best you read his very funny and creative article for the full story......and yes that is a toe on that APC. 

Pablo Angel Herrera joins us with an update of the recent IPMS-Guatemala French Aviation show.  This is a regular themed event held by the fine folks at IPMS-Guatemala and I must say I quite enjoyed hearing about their event and look forward to hearing about their future events.  Way to go Pablo....well done everyone.  Felicitaciones amigos!!!  

Here's a product article for the 1/48 F/A-18C F/A-18E VFA-106 Naval Centennial decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This new release celebrates the Centennial of Naval Aviation with heritage markings for both an F/A-18C and F/A-18E from the Gladiators of VFA-106.  Included in this decal sheet is a full set of markings for both aircraft.


Here's a product article for the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker "Blue 38" Print from Zactomodels. Zactomodels.  This particular print shows this Flanker with missiles, but you also have the option of having this print without missiles.


Here's a product article for the 1/32 Bf 109F Stabilizers from QuickBoost. QuickBoost.

Here's a product article for the 1/32 Refueling Probe - NATO standard from Master.


Tuesday,    Aug 9  2011

 Singapore National Day 

 Nagasaki Atomic Bombing Aug 9 1945  11:02AM 
Peacekeeping Day in Canada 

In memory of 9 peacekeepers killed on Aug 9 1974

Leslie Choy is here to honor Singapore's 46th National Day with his 1/32 Kangnam RSAF F-5S.  Leslie spent 9 months off and on working of this gem and once you read the long list of scratchbuilt modifications, then you will truly understand the effort he put into his F-5.  And of course, I'm pleased to see it sporting Singaporean markings.  Read his article if you want some great inspiration about how to upgrade this kit.  Stunning work as always Leslie.

Stephen A. Carr is someone I consider to be an expert on the B-17.....so when he makes  aB-17 model......it is time to sit up and take notice.  Stephen used no aftermarket items for his B-17G Fortress, 1/72 Scale Hangar Queen and instead used massive amounts of his scratchbuilding skills to pull off this amazing project.  He has kindly included plenty of text and in-progress photos showing all the work he did on this fantastic B-17.  You are in for a truly special treat.  Enjoy!!! 

Carlos Arvizu joins us from sunny Mexico with photos and a full report from the recent 1st Annual IPMS/ARME Model Contest and Show.  The modelers in Monterrey Mexico are truly an exceptional bunch of people and the success of this show demonstrates their passion for the hobby.  I quite enjoyed seeing the photos from their show and I look forward to seeing photos from their show next year.  Well done everyone!!!  Gracias por las fotos a mis amigos.

Here's a product article for the F-16 Falcon Eggs decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics. Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This decal sheet includes 16 different aircraft including some with post 9-11 artwork and even a Tiger Meet scheme and a white and orange Test Viper.  The hard part will be deciding which ones to build.  And for you accuracy types.....you also get 2 full set of stencils.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 F-16 Dry Transfer Stencils from Hobby Decal. Hobby Decal.  This new decal sheet includes dry transfer stencils for the 1/48 F-16. 

Here's a product article for the 1/48 IAB-500 Imitation Aerial bomb with BD3-23N Pylon from Aerobonus. Aerobonus.  This latest release IAB-500 Imitation Aerial bomb with a BD3-23N Pylon.  The IAB-500 Imitation Aerial bomb can be used on the MiG-21, Su-7, Su-22 and the Su-24.


Here's a product article for the 1/35 UH-60 Medevac Interior set from Werner's Wings. Werner's Wings.  This latest release gives you the ability to convert the MRC UH-60L kit into a UH-60 Medevac chopper complete with stretchers and litters and the center wall to hang the litters for the wounded and more to get everything exactly as you would find it on the real chopper. 



Monday,    Aug 8  2011
Rafael Zúñiga joins us today with his outstanding looking 1/48 Hobbyboss MiG-17F "Caribbean MiG".  Rafael  chose the eye catching markings for a Cuban MiG-17 with some paint chipping and weathering  with pastels and darkened panel lines to add realism.  Rafael also added some bare metal items to his MiG and ended up with a very convincing model of this classic little jet fighter.

Shawn "phantom" Weiler is here with something I really enjoyed seeing.  This is his most attractive looking 1/48 Kinetic E-2 Hawkeye.  Shawn built this beauty out of the box and as it is his second he decided to build it with wings extended as a contrast to his folded wing Hawkeye.  Very nicely done Shawn and thanks for the photos of your display cases as well as the tips on how much nose weight to add to the Hawkeye.

Kees Kuijper joins us to give you a smile today.  This is his what-if 1/72 Revell Alushark Reno Racer which is a combination of the P-51 and Me-262.  Kees  has a very creative imagination and his latest model gave me a big grin when I saw it.  Well done Kees. 

Here's a product article for the 1/48 F/A-18C Snakes and Dragons decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics This is the F/A-18C Snakes and Dragons decal sheet that features two very colorful CAG jets from the VFA-86 Sidewinders and the VFA-192 Golden Dragons. There are two complete sets of markings so you can build both aircraft.


Here's a product article for the 1/72 B-17G Flying Fortress Engines from QuickBoost.  This latest release features a complete set of 4 resin engines for the B-17G Flying Fortress from Revell.   


Here's a product article for the 1/48 F-16 (Heavy) Landing Gear from Scale Aircraft Conversions. Scale Aircraft Conversions.  This latest release features a set of landing gear for the F-16 (Heavy) from Tamiya.  This set is used for all Block variants that use the 'heavy' style gear ... check your references.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 Turkmenistan Air Force decal sheet from Linden Hill Decals. Linden Hill Decals.  This new decal sheet is part of their Post-Soviet Air Forces series and focuses on the aircraft flown by the Turkmenistan Air Force including the Mi-8T, Mi-8MT, Mi-24P, MiG-25PD, MiG-29, MiG-29UB, Su-25 and the Su-25UB.



Sunday,    Aug 7  2011

  Cote d'lvoire National Day 


Saturday,   Aug 6  2011

  Bolivia Independence Day 

  Jamaica National Day 

  Hiroshima Atomic Bombing Aug 6 1945  8:15AM 


Friday,   Aug 5  2011

 Russia - End of Kursk operation (1943) 

 Croatian Victory Day or Dan Domovinske zahvalnosti 

 (similar to a Thanksgiving Day) 

Greg Goheen has done an exceptional job on his very unique bare metal 1/48 Tamiya/Alclad II Do 335A-12.  Greg finished his Do 335 in a multi-shade bare metal finish as it would have appeared at the factory.  Read his article for some very helpful insight into doing a bare metal finish and getting stunning results.  WOW....I love the way this Do 335 looks....stunning job Greg.

Artur Oslizlo is here with another of his truly gorgeous  looking models.  This is his 1/48 Academy Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star done up with a beautifully faded camo scheme and Greek markings.  This Hellenic T-33 really is a treat to see.   Well done Artur.

Burt Gustafson has done a great job building and finishing his 1/48 Skunk Models Workshop MQ-9 Reaper.  This is a very well done little kit from Skunk Models Workshop of this famous drone and Burt got it looking jsut right....complete with it's weapons load.  Beautiful work Burt.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 F-16C Florida Makos Shark Attack decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features CO and 3 line jet schemes from the 482nd Fighter Wing and 93rd Fighter Squadron, Florida Makos at Homestead AFB.  All Block 30 jets and the schemes are representative of current and previously deployed aircraft.  The CO jet has big Makos Shark artwork on the tail and 482FW markings on the drop tank and the line jets also have Mako Shark artwork on the tail.


Here's a  preview of a new 1/32 Harrier Decal sheet from Zotz Decals.  These decals are designed for the Trumpeter Harrier kits.  This preview page features Harrier from Italy, Spain and the USA.

Zoltan Pocza is here with a product article for the A-6E Intruder VA-35 Black Panthers, AJ502 / 151582. CVW-8, USS Nimitz CVN-68 - 1977 print from Deployment Productions Deployment Productions20% off of any products for every ACTIVE, registered ARC community members!


Here's a product article for the 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IX cockpit set from AiresThis latest release features a complete resin cockpit for the Spitfire Mk.IX from Tamiya.  The 1/32 Tamiya Spitfire Mk IX kit is a very popular kit, but this set will give you the ability to improve certain areas of the cockpit even further. 


1/72 Supermarine Spitfire F/HF Mk.VII model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR ModelsThis multi-media resin kit has markings for 10 aircraft.



Thursday,  Aug 4  2011

  Burkina Faso National Day 

No update today.....I've been spending time with my kids. 

Wednesday,   Aug 3  2011 
David Rapasi is here with another of his stunning Corsairs.  This is his 1/48 Tamiya F4U-1 Corsair in the markings for "Bubbles", a Marine Corps bird flown by VMF 213 and VMF 124 in the Solomon Island Campaign.  I positively LOVE the weathering job Dave did on this one.....amazing job indeed.

Christopher Yee has outdone himself in fine style with his 1/48 Academy F-15SG "what if" Tiger Meet.  Christopher  built this in-flight showbird for an F-15SG pilot and I can't think of a more impressive and dramatic Tiger scheme than this one.  Christopher tells the full build story in his article which is very interesting to read and the photos are an absolute treat to behold.  Enjoy.

Philipp has put a huge amount of scratchbuilt detailing into his 1/48 Academy MH-53 Sea Dragon.  As will al involved project this MH-53 build wasn't without it's challenging moments, but Philipp stuck with it and turned out an excellent looking model of the MH-53.  I certainly liked how it turned out in the end......nicely done Philipp.

Here's a product article for the F-16 Aggressive Eggs decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics. Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This decal sheet includes 17 different aircraft in 14 different camo schemes which include everything from the Arctic Bandits camo to desert camo, so I'm pretty confident there is something here for everyone.

Here's a  preview of a new 1/32 Harrier Decal sheet from Zotz Decals.  These decals are designed for the Trumpeter Harrier kits.  This preview page features Harrier from Italy, Spain and the USA.

Here's a product article for the Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker "Blue 56" Print from  ZactomodelsThis particular print shows this Flanker with missiles, but you also have the option of having this print without missiles.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Ki-61/Ki-100 Stabilizer resin set from QuickBoost These are designed to fit the Ki-61/Ki-100 from Hasegawa.


Floyd S. Werner, Jr. is here with a product article for the 1/72 Spitfire Mk.XVIe Part 1 decal sheet from Lifelike Decals This sheet features 4 different Spitfires including 3 British and one from Belgium. 


Tuesday,    Aug 2  2011

  Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia  National Day 

Hot Babe of the Week!  this week  from Twobobs is courtesy of Daniel Soulaine. Daniel provided us with a ton of walkaround pics of this particular F-5N a few months back. Enjoy guys and thanks Daniel!    Bob


Jens Gerber joins us from the very pretty town of Ahrweiler / Germany with his amazing looking 1/48 Tamiya Me 262 diorama.  Jens posed his Me 262 Schwalbe as it would have appeared between missions in the later stages of the war with all the tiny details that bring a diorama to life.  This is a beautifully done diorama and well worth having a close look at. 

Anton Alerte, MD has done a gorgeous job detailing, painting and weathering his 1/48 Hobbycraft F8f Bearcat.  Anton used an engine from Quickboost to add further detail in the engine area and then finished off his French Bearcat with Tamiya weathering powders and markings for an aircraft serving in Indo-China.  Very nicely done Anton.

Kelly Cottle has been busy building this flawless looking 1/48 Trumpeter F-100D.  Kelly  added the Aires resin cockpit and used markings from a Microscale decal sheet to complete this beautifully weathered F-100.  This is one sharp looking model of this classic jet.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 F-16 Dry Transfer Stencils from Hobby Decal Hobby DecalThe dry transfers are suitable for any F-16 model kit and will be closer to the real painted stencils on the 1/1 aircraft than decals with their clear carrier film.  If you want maximum realism....then dry transfers are the way to go.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Focke- Wulf Fw 189A-1 Nacht Jäger model kit from Great Wall Hobby.  This model kit include photo etch parts and canopy masks and markings for a Russian Front night fighter in a mottled scheme with yellow highlights.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 Azerbaijan Air Force decal sheet from Linden Hill Decals.   This new decal sheet from Linden Hill Decals is part of their Post-Soviet Air Forces series and focuses on the aircraft flown by the Azerbaijan Air Force including the L-39, MiG-25, MiG-29, Su-17, Su-24 and the Su-25.  This decal sheet features 11 different aircraft flown by the Azerbaijan Air Force.  You get a wonderful variety of camo schemes.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 Panavia Tornado Pitot Tube & Angle Of Attack probes from Master.  These will fit to all models of the Tornado in 1/72 scale.



Monday,    Aug 1  2011

  Benin Independence Day 

  Switzerland - Foundation of the Swiss Confederation 

This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up with plenty of news about the US Nats in Omaha.  Bobs has some great raffles for you folks attending the Nats as well as news about the new 1/48 Danish F-16 with their Lion artwork.  10% off all Twobobs and Twomikes purchases at the Nats.  Read the newsletter for all the details.

Terry Davis is here today with a very special 1/48 Italeri UH-1N Twin Huey "Gentle 15".  This particular Huey was a supply aircraft for Terry when he was  in Antarctica while I was stationed there in 1989-90.  Terry did quite a bit of scratchbuilding to get the details all correct on his Antarctica Huey.  Very "cool" chopper Terry...cool in more ways than one.

Cüneyt ÖZEN joins us with his great looking 1/72 Revell Su-27 B.  Cüneyt finished his Flanker with a very attractive 3 tone blue camo scheme and weathering and a weapons load.  This is one very good looking Su-27.

Sertac Bayar joins us with his wonderful looking 1/48 PM SIAT 223 Flamingo.  Sertac added scratchbuilt details to the interior and opened up the canopy and then finished it in a red and white paint scheme with Turkish markings. 

Here's a  preview of a new 1/32 Harrier Decal sheet from Zotz Decals.  These decals are designed for the Trumpeter Harrier kits.  This preview page features 4 different British Harrier including one with sexy noseart and another with a Sharks Mouth under the nose.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 Scale Individual Allied Cockpit Placards & Dataplates from airscale.  This new release gives you a vast selection of scale individual Allied cockpit placards & dataplates. 


Here's a product article for the 1/72 Bf 110C/E Exhausts from  QuickBoostThese are designed for the Airfix kit.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 F-16 (Light) Landing Gear from Scale Aircraft Conversions.  These are designed for the for Tamiya kit.