Homepage Text - May 2008

Saturday,   May 31  2008 

Tony Feredo joins us from the sunny warm Philippines with his 1/48 Academy F-5E Lightning.  Tony saved this partly built model from a friend and carried it through and learned about the exploits of the US photo reconnaissance squadrons that served in the Philippines during WWII.  Nice one Tony!!  


mystras joins us with his excellent looking 1/48 Hasegawa F-4E AUP.  mystras picked the very attractive Hellenic Air Force ghost camo scheme and finished it off with a sensational weathering job. 

Friday,   May 30  2008 
No update today.  I've been dealing with a few issues behind the scenes.

Thursday,   May 29  2008 
Here's the latest Hot Babe of the Week! photos from TwobobsThese weapons photos were taken by Todd Pearson. 

The Louisville Invitational Model contest is this Saturday May 31.  Click here for all the details.

Don Bryans has been getting the details right on his sharp looking 1/72 Airfix B-29 Superfortress.  Don has to modify and rework this older Airfix kit to create this photos ship.  Don also tells the history of this B-29 and it's eventually demise.   

David Roach has gone the extra mile and then some on his 1/48 Tamiya Fw.190D-9.  David has mastered the fine art of cockpit painting and even added some extra detail to dress the cockpit up.  The exterior of his Dora and given some extra detail before being pre-shaded and finished off in one of those complicated Luftwaffe paint schemes.   


Anthony Wynn joins us with his first article on ARC.  This is his 1/48 Hasegawa Kittyhawk built out of the box in the classic desert camo with a sharks mouth.  Very nicely done Anthony.....welcome to ARC!!!  

Jim Rotramel is here with his very well laid out article about building the 1/72 RoG F-22 Raptor.  Jim has focused on plenty of the tiny details that will help you build a better and more accurate F-22.  Many of the points in his article will assist you in building the F-22 in any scale.  Well done Jim!!!

For all your guys that missed buying the 1/48 AIM-120B/C and AGM-88 Missile Markings decal sheet  from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics you now have a chance to buy this sheet as Bob has reprinted it.  Buy it while you can, these weapons sheets sell out fast.  

I have a review of the new  1/72 or 1/48 or 1/32 Luftwaffe F-4F Phantom II - Part 2 decal sheet from AirDOC (Aircraft Documents).  Wow!!!  This decal sheet features 18 different Luftwaffe F-4 Phantoms in a variety of paint schemes offering plenty of variety and colours.  


Wednesday,   May 28  2008

  Armenia National Day 

  Ethiopia National Day 

  Azerbaijan National Day 

Juan Carlos Gómez joins us from Argentina with his 1/48 Revell Spitfire Mk-II.   Juan Carlos did a very nice job on his Spitfire and finished it in RAF markings with artwork.  


Leo Dashevskiy is here with his massive how-to article for his  1/144 Revell Boeing 747-400.  Leo shows you how to add lights and get the details right on his 747.  This article is packed with very helpful tips if you want to add lights to your next model.   


Serge Dompierre did quite the nice job on his 1/48 LTD IAR 80 C.  This is a conversion and the plane includes Bambi artwork on the nose.   Nice one Serge.


Gabriel Stern is here with a plane I would love to have as a private aircraft.  this is his Scratch-built 1/72 Ford 15P which is from the 1930's and has a Ford V-8 motor.  Read Gabriel's article for the full history and the story on his Gabriel built this flying wing.   


I have a review of the 1/32 Ju-87 AP shell, Gun, Muzzle Brake detail set by Voyager Model from Sprue Bros.   This is an all metal set with a highly detailed level of machine work done to it to add the detail.

Tuesday,   May 27  2008 

This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up.  Click here to read the latest from Twobobs.  Bob has the info on his next 8 sheets which includes plenty of F-16 sheets including a Tiger Meet F-16....ya' baby.....a Tiger Meet F-16!!!


H.NEJAT ARTA joins us from Turkey with his 1/72 Academy B-17B.  This B-17 is beautifully finished with stunning panel shading and a subtle weathering job.  What a beauty.    


Marcius Cesar Costa is here with something different.  This is Marcius's 1/72 Morane Saulnier MS-760 Paris finished off in Brazilian markings using aftermarket decals.  A good looking little jet.  


Jan Harms joins us from Germany.  Jan has been very busy converting  his 1/48 Hasegawa Westland Seaking Mk.41.  Jan did quite a bit of work to create his German Seaking in it's bright paint scheme.  Wow, you've got to have a close look at this one.


Paolo De Sanctis has taken a previously built 1/32 Revell Messerschmitt Bf.109 F-1 and striped it down and rebuilt it with added details and weathering including exhaust stains.  Careful work really paind off for Paolo as he now has a first class 109 in  Moelder’s markings.  


Lyle Brown is here with his De Havilland Beaver Mk.1 artwork.  Drop by Lyle's site to see more of his artwork.  Lyle chose the markings for Harbour Air which flies out of the harbour of Victoria, BC each day and there is a walkaround here on ARC of one of their planes.  


I have a review of the new  1/48 Wild Boars Mountain Home F-15C/D decal sheet from Afterburner Decals.  You get 5 different F-15's on this decal sheet.


I have a review of the new  1/32 F-100D Super Sabre decal sheet from CAM Decals.  This sheet features one aircraft in Texas ANG markings.

Monday,   May 26  2008

  U.S. Memorial Day  

  Georgia National Day 

No reviews today out of respect for the U.S. Memorial Day holiday and all those who have defended freedom.

Paul R. Miles has gone "the extra mile and then some" with his 1/72 Hasegawa P-51C.  Paul has added scratchbuilt and aftermarket detailing to every area of his Mustang and then finished it off with aftermarket decals and a perfect weathering job.  Wow....all in 1/72!!!    


Peter Athanasopoulos joins us from sunny Greece with his 1/48 Italeri F-16blk 52+.  Peter was determined to get his F-16 right and this involved many things including a full weapons load.  Peter then finished this beauty in Hellenic Air Force markings.


Juergen Klinglhuber has been busy adding photo etch detail to the inside of his 1/72 Academy Consolidated PBY-5.  Juergen then close the earlier colorful paint scheme for his Catalina to complete the look of this classic flying boat.

Sunday,   May 25  2008

  Jordan Independence Day 

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

  Anniversary of the Revolution against Spain 

Srdjan Radosavljevic is here to celebrate his birthday today with his 1/72 Academy Messerschmitt Me109G-6 on ARC.  Srdjan added extra detail to his 109 to the cockpit and exterior and gave it a special captured paint scheme featuring Yugoslav markings.  Weathering included quite a few techniques that were done with great skill and success.  Happy Birthday Srdjan!!!   


Vasilij 'Tarner' Ratej is here from Switzerland with his first article on ARC.  I'm pleased to show you his 1/35 MRC/Aademy AH-1W Super Cobra. which was given many scratchbuilt details and finished with a great Snake paint scheme and a first class weathering job.  Beautifully done Vasilij....Welcome to ARC!!!  

Saturday,   May 24  2008

  Eritrea Independence Day 

Bob Bartolacci fires things up today with his 1/48 Hasegawa P-40N which is adorned with colourful noseart of a parrot head.  Bob gave his P-40 a full weathering job and ended up with a P-40 to be proud of.


Rick Reinbott is here with something which I think is a bit different for him.  This is his 1/72 Matchbox Mystere IVA which Rick gave a very well done bare metal finish and Indian Air Force markings.  Rick also did some scratchbuilt detailing to improve upon the detail provided in the kit. 

Friday,   May 23  2008 

Here's the latest Hot Babe of the Week! photos from TwobobsThese F-16 photos were taken by Peter Greengrass.  Nothing beats a jet in Tiger markings.


Darren Snow dropped by the ARC Corporate office in New Zealand with his spectacular 1/48 Hasegawa Typhoon Mk 1b.  Darren used photos etch seatbelts, aftermarket decals and finished it all off with a flawless paint and weathering job.  


Josip Žagar joins us with a very well done 1/72 Heller T-33 "Spring cleaning" diorama.  Successful dioramas tells a story and Josip's diorama tells quite the story on so many levels.  Of course Josip also did an excellent job completing and finishing his T-33 diorama with impressive results.   


Bob Bartolacci has a fun time switching gears and building his 1/48 Special Hobby I-152.  I must say I admire Bob for trying something different for a change and coming out with success in the form of this little bi-plane.   


Colin Whitehouse has gone to great lengths on his 1/48 Belcher Bits Westland Dragonfly.  Once Colin completed the details and painting it was time to select markings and he went with Royal Navy markings for this sharp looking vintage chopper.   


I have a review of the 1/32 Voyager Model Ju-87G resin and photo etch detail set from Sprue Bros WOW....this is quite the set.


I have a review of the new  1/48 Air and Ground  decal sheet from Wolfpak DecalsThis sheet includes 5 different aircraft include a Special Forces MC-130's and an F-4 flown by Vietnam Ace Capt John Madden.


I have a review of the new  1/32 F-100D Super Sabre decal sheet from  CAM Decals.  This particular F-100 is the Last one in U.S. service.

Thursday,  May 22  2008

  Yemen National Day 

No update today.....I've been sorting out some issues behind the scenes.
  • The search function is now functioning on the ARC Discussion Forums.
  • I've set up a new manufacturers forum for  Flying Leathernecks Decals, so now is your chance to get in there and discuss their products.
Wednesday,   May 21  2008

 Anniversary of the Chilean Navy and the anniversary of the Iquique´s Naval Combat (South Pacific War, between Chile, Peru and Bolivia) 

Oishi starts things off today with his beautiful 1/32 Tamiya F-14A Tomcat.  Oishi rescribed the panel lines and then gave his F-14 one of his famous paint job with weathering.  Oishi has much talent.   

Davin Evans is here today with his 1/48 Heinkel He 219A-7/R4 Uhu.  Davin includes the history of the development of  this famous night fighter and what he did to create this fantastic looking Ohu.  

Charlies Moncion has been very busy getting the look and detail right on his 1/35 Dragon Models UH-1D.  I really enjoyed seeing the added detail on this Huey and I was impressed how well it turned out. 

Stephen Hall is here with his first model on ARC and also his first model in 30 years.  I must say I'm very pleased to see him on ARC with his 1/72 Revell Spitfire MK V B and I look forward to seeing more of his work on ARC.  Welcome to ARC Stephen!!!.  

F-104 G ZELL walkaround photos by Harald Schulze

Tuesday,   May 20  2008

 Cameroon National Day 

 Cuba Independence Day 

Jacey Guo starts this update with his first article on ARC.  This is a sharp looking 1/48 Italeri F-5E Topgun that Jacey finished his F-5 in adversary markings with great success.  Welcome to ARC Jacey!!!

Raúl Corral is here to wow you with his 1/32 Revell Fw-190 D-9.  This beauty was built with no aftermarket resin or photo etch with outstanding results.  Raúl  did finish it off with weathering and chipped paints and aftermarket decals.   

Serge Dompierre joins us today with his 1/48 Revell Grumman A6E Intruder from the time of the Vietnam War when the planes were adorned in more colourful paint schemes.  Serge built this wonderful Intruder OOB with very good results.   

I have a p review of the new 1/72 & 1/32 F-16C/D Block 50 Peace Puma Vipers decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This is a combo sheet that has markings for both 72nd and 32nd scale of these wicked Block 52 jets from the Chilean Air Force.  

I have a review of the new  1/48 F-15 Mod Eagle data and stencil decal sheet from Afterburner Decals.  You get 2 complete sets of data and stencils for the F-15 Mod Eagle including both black and gray lettering and 3 different color AR door markings. 

I have a review of the new  1/32 F-100D Super Sabre decal sheet from CAM Decals.  This decal sheet includes markings for one 1/32 F-100D Super Sabre with the 112th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Ohio ANG in Bicentennial markings.  

Alpha Jet walkaround photos by Bill Inglee

Monday,   May 19  2008

 Turkish Remembrance  of Ataturk and Youth Day for Turkey 

My friend Tolga ULGUR starts this special Turkish update with his 1/48 Hasegawa P-40 Kittyhawk Mk1.  Tolga used some aftermarket goodies as well as his high level of skill to turn this kit into a stunning model of this WW2 Turkish fighter.  

METIN TURKOGLU is here with what I think is the most creative model I've ever seen.  This is his AY YILDIZ  done up as the Turkish flag.  I must say this is the perfect model for this special Turkish Holiday.  

Burak TOKGOZOGLU has done a wonderful job painting, finishing and weathering his 1/48 Academy F-5B.  There is no doubt this is a great looking camo scheme on his Turkish F-5B. 

M.TARIK SOYLU has done a marvelous job building and finishing his  1/72 Tamiya F-84 G.  M.TARIK created and printed his own custom decals for this good looking F-84G.  This one is a beauty.     

Gokhan EREN has put much effort into his Two Turkish F-16s.  These 2 fine looking F-16's are displayed with figures and a full diorama that includes a hanger with tarmac section and figures.  This is quite the scene well worth looking at. 

Volkan Uzeler totally enjoyed building the new 1/48 Tamiya F-16CJ Block 50.  Volkan did a perfect paint job in the markings for the 52nd FW and added a full weapons load to his F-16.  Very nicely done Volkan.   

Zafer YILMAZ did a fantastic job on his 1/48 Hasegawa N1K1 Shiden.  Zafer tells the history behind this aircraft as well as his techniques to get his weathering looking so good.

Murat Madak has done a marvelous job building and weathering his 1/48 Hasegawa F-104G.  This is an ex-Luftwaffe Starfighter finished off in Turkish Air Force markings. 

B-1B Lancer walkaround photos by Bill Inglee

Sunday,   May 18  2008

  US Armed Forces Appreciation Day  

No Update today....I've been out of town.

Saturday,   May 17  2008

 Norway Constitution Day 

I've added a link to Vingtor Decals to the ARC links page. Vingtor Decals is a range of decals for scale models of Norwegian military aircraft.


Jens H. Brandal starts this special update honouring Norway with his 1/144 Boeing 767-205.  Jens went to great effort to shorten the fuselage and modify the engines and other areas of his airliner to get it looking more like the real aircraft.  Jens also tells the history behind the naming of these aircraft which reaches into the long and proud history of Norway. 


John Peters has been busy building and detailing his Aircraft of the RNoAF.  John built his 1/32 F-104 and 1/32 F-16 with some scratchbuilding and grabbing parts from other kits to get his jet right.  He then finished both of them off with aftermarket decals including the Tiger F-16 scheme from Zotz decals.  


Jens H. Brandal has done an impressive job getting the look right with his 1/72 Canadair CF-104 Starfighter.  Jens added the correct weapons load and finished off the paint job very carefully to show the patched paint job of this Norwegian 014 late in it's service life.    


Nils Mathisrud took on a challenge when he built his 1/72 Lockheed C-60A Lodestar.  Nils was determined to get his Lodestar accurate in every way to the real aircraft that flew during WW2.  I really like the look of the finished model.    


Jens H. Brandal definately knows his stuff when it comes to Braathens S.A.F.E airliners.  This is his 1/144 Boeing 737-505 and Jens explains the history behind this aircraft as well as all the tiny details for the model and painting to get thing perfect.   


Ragnar Eckhoff joins us with his 1/48 Aeroclub de Havilland Vampire F.III Norwegian amrkigns and I must say I'm glad Ragnar got this one done because it looks GREAT in those Norwegian markings.


Jens H. Brandal is here with an impressive looking 1/72 General Dynamics F-16B.  Jens tells the history behind this aircraft including the delivery flight by a Spitfire ace.  He then ell about the newer 1/72 Revell F-16 kit and what was required to build his F-16.  


Nils Mathisrud is here to show you his "what-if" 1/72 JAS 39E Gripen in Norwegian markings.  Nils discusses the possible choices of a replacement for the Norwegian F-16's and then shows what is involved to make a Norwegian Gripen.  I like it!!!


Jens H. Brandal finishes off this special update with his 1/72 Northrop RF-5A(G).  If you're building a Royal Norwegian Air Force RF-5A then this is the article to read. 

Friday,   May 16  2008

Dambusters Raid - RAF bombing of Ruhr Valley Dams

Steffen "Little Airwolf" Tittmann starts today with a diorama of one of the more famous photos of a shot down 1/48 Messerschmitt Me-109 E-4.  The story of this pilot being shot down on 5 September 1940, during the Battle of Britain and his eventually escapes is quite the story.  Steffen's diorama captures the scene perfectly.

Shawn "Phantom" Weiler is back with another of his beauties.  This is Shawn's 1/32 Tamiya F-16CJ built in his usual fine style and finished with Twobobs decals.  

Sean Martin has done a stellar job on his 1/48 Hobbycraft RCN Seafire XV.  And to get it correct as a RCN bird Sean went to Belcher Bits for the correct aftermarket products.  I must confess I like the way it looks with it's folded wings.   

Lyle Brown at www.lyleart2000.com is here with his Su-22 Artwork.   

I have a p review of the new 1/72 and 1/32 F-16C/D Polish Jastrzabs decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation GraphicsThis sheet is a Combo sheet that has markings for both 72nd and 32nd scale of these wicked Block 52 jets from Poland.  

I have a review of the new  1/48 F9F-2 Panthers decal sheet from Victory Productions.  This new decal sheet includes markings for 11 different 1/48 F9F-2 Panthers with the USN and USMC from 1950 to 1957.  

I have a review of the new  1/48 resin Supermarine Spitfire Early Metal Seat with Sutton Harness from Ultracast.  Wow...check out the detail!!!   

DHC-2 Beaver walkaround photos by Chris Parsons

Thursday,   May 15  2008 
  • RDUCON 2008 is happening Saturday, May 17 2008 in Raleigh NCClick here for further info 
  • Andrew Eaton joins us with one of the coolest Ausuie schemes to grace a SeaKing.  This is Andrew's 1/72 Fujimi Westland Seaking Mk 50A which Andrew added extra scratchbuilt detail to juice up his Seaking.   
  • Kelly Green is here with his first article on ARC.  This is Kelly's  1/48 Tamiya F4U-1D finished in the markings for a famous Ace with quite a few victories to his credit.  Nicely done bent wing bird Kelly and welcome to ARC!!!
  • Bob Zorie is here with 65 photos from the recent Modelfest 2008 Titusville, Florida.   This looks like quite the show.  Use the slide show feature to view all the photos easier.  
  • Dalibor Repic joins us from Serbia with his great looking 1/72 Revell P-47D Thunderbolt .  in Yugoslavian markings and a very attractive green and grey camo scheme.  I really enjoyed seeing this one. 
  • Ray Hemenway has something a bit different today.  This is his 1/125 cut-away Revell U-47.  No doubt about Ray put quite a bit of effort into his U-Boat. 
  • I have a p review of the new 1/48 F-16C/D Block 50 Peace Puma Vipers decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  F-16C Block 52 jets from the Chilean Air Force.  There are enough markings on this sheet to build two complete jets.  One C and one D model.  Every Chilean Viper is represented on this sheet.
  • I have a review of the new  SB Decals  1/48 US Navy Seakings High-Vis Part 1 decal sheet.  This sheet features 5 different High-Vis SeaKings including one SeaKing that has Apollo recovery mission markings for 5 different Apollo missions including Apollo 13.
  • I have a review of the new  1/48 F-16 Test Vipers decal sheet from  Afterburner DecalsThis new decal sheet includes markings for 8 different 1/48 F-16 Test Vipers from the Air Warfare Center and the 85th Test & Evaluation Squadron and the 422nd Test & Evaluation Squadron including 7 single seaters and 1 two seater.  
  • Today's walkaround photos include....
Andrew Eaton joins us with one of the coolest Ausuie schemes to grace a SeaKing.  This is Andrew's 1/72 Fujimi Westland Seaking Mk 50A which Andrew added extra scratchbuilt detail to juice up his Seaking.   

Kelly Green is here with his first article on ARC.  This is Kelly's  1/48 Tamiya F4U-1D finished in the markings for a famous Ace with quite a few victories to his credit.  Nicely done bent wing bird Kelly and welcome to ARC!!!

Bob Zorie is here with 65 photos from the recent Modelfest 2008 Titusville, Florida.   This looks like quite the show.  Use the slide show feature to view all the photos easier.  

Dalibor Repic joins us from Serbia with his great looking 1/72 Revell P-47D Thunderbolt .  in Yugoslavian markings and a very attractive green and grey camo scheme.  I really enjoyed seeing this one. 

Ray Hemenway has something a bit different today.  This is his 1/125 cut-away Revell U-47.  No doubt about Ray put quite a bit of effort into his U-Boat. 

I have a p review of the new 1/48 F-16C/D Block 50 Peace Puma Vipers decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  F-16C Block 52 jets from the Chilean Air Force.  There are enough markings on this sheet to build two complete jets.  One C and one D model.  Every Chilean Viper is represented on this sheet.

I have a review of the new  SB Decals  1/48 US Navy Seakings High-Vis Part 1 decal sheet.  This sheet features 5 different High-Vis SeaKings including one SeaKing that has Apollo recovery mission markings for 5 different Apollo missions including Apollo 13.

I have a review of the new  1/48 F-16 Test Vipers decal sheet from  Afterburner DecalsThis new decal sheet includes markings for 8 different 1/48 F-16 Test Vipers from the Air Warfare Center and the 85th Test & Evaluation Squadron and the 422nd Test & Evaluation Squadron including 7 single seaters and 1 two seater.  

l-29 Dolphin walkaround photos by Tony Meso

Wednesday,   May 14  2008

  Paraguay Independence Day 

Josh Kaiser  has done a large amount of scratchbuilding on his 1/48 Revell B-17F.  Josh focused on the interior detail the most and even added whole compartments to get his B-17 looking right.  He then went the extra step and added fine detail to improve upon this older and well respected kit.  Josh then finished his B-17 with Zotz decals.  

Trevor Murphy spent a year creating his cut-away F-104G Starfighter.  You've got to have a close look at this one.....Trevor has outdone himself.....it's quite the site to behold.  
Rafi Ben-Shahar is here with one of my favourite late war designs.  This is his 1/48 Dragon Horten Ho-229A-1 done up in Rafi's usual fine style with an impeccable camo job.   

Charles Johnson has been busy getting things right on his 1/35 MRC UH1C Gunship & 1/32 Revell UH1D.  These are the Vietnam War 174th AHC Vietnam choppers that Charles built to be given away at a reunion of these Vietnam War vet.  Enjoy the photos.....the sharks mouths do look great.    

I have a p review of the new 1/48 F-15E 389th T-Bolts Rule decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features F-15E's from the 389th FS. 

I have a review of the new  1/48 & 1/32 Arctic Aggressors decal sheet from Afterburner Decals.  You get markings for 9 different aggressor aircraft in 3 different schemes and markings for two 1/32 aircraft in 2 different aggressor schemes.  

I have a review of the new  1/48 Mudmovers  decal sheet from Wolfpak Decals.  This sheet gives you an F-4D, F-16, T-28D and two A-10's including one for the first USAF female combat pilot.   

I have a review of the new  1/72 or 1/48 or 1/32 A-7D Corsair ANG decal sheet from AirDOC (Aircraft Documents).  This sheet features 13 different A-7D's in 3 different camo schemes all in ANG markings.   

Hawker Hurricane walkaround by Philip Wright

Tuesday,   May 13  2008 
  • The Western Canadian Regional Model Contest is this weekend May 17 in Calgary, Alberta.  Click here for more details.
  • Brian Waldorf fires up today's update with his 1/48 Revell F/A 18C.  Brain was focusing on his weathering techniques with this Hornet and I must say I believe he's got things figured out very well.   
  • PJ from Brazil is here with a  special 1/48 Tamiya P-47D.   Brazilian pilots fought with the Allies in Europe during WW2 and their story isn't told as often as it should be.  This P-47 is the aircraft on one Brizilian pilot.  PJ tells the story behind this aircraft as well as what he did to make it look so well.
  • Terry Chan has tackled the 1/72 Amodel Sukhoi T-4 Sotka with fantastic success.  Terry tells the history of this rare aircraft as well as the effort involved in building this limited production kit with dubious fit quality.  I've gotta' admit Terry did quite the job on the multi-shade bare metal finish.  
  • I have a preview of the new  1/48 F-15C Gunfightin' Boars decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features a complete set of markings for two jets with enough options for ten total jets!   
  • I have a review of the new  1/48 EA-6B "Jammin' Jihad" Prowlers decal sheet from Afterburner Decals.  This sheet includes 5 different Prowlers including 2 with wild camo schemes.  
  • I have a review of the new  1/48 resin Supermarine Spitfire Early Metal Seat without Harness from Ultracast.  This seat replaces the kit seat to permit you to model  a Spitfire produced prior to March 1940.
  • I have a review of the new  1/32 F-100D Super Sabre decal sheet from CAM Decals.  This sheet features a F-100D Super Sabre with the 122nd Tactical Fighter Squadron with the Louisiana ANG. 
  • Today's walkaround photos include....

Brian Waldorf fires up today's update with his 1/48 Revell F/A 18C.  Brain was focusing on his weathering techniques with this Hornet and I must say I believe he's got things figured out very well.   

PJ from Brazil is here with a  special 1/48 Tamiya P-47D.   Brazilian pilots fought with the Allies in Europe during WW2 and their story isn't told as often as it should be.  This P-47 is the aircraft on one Brizilian pilot.  PJ tells the story behind this aircraft as well as what he did to make it look so well.

Terry Chan has tackled the 1/72 Amodel Sukhoi T-4 Sotka with fantastic success.  Terry tells the history of this rare aircraft as well as the effort involved in building this limited production kit with dubious fit quality.  I've gotta' admit Terry did quite the job on the multi-shade bare metal finish.  

I have a preview of the new  1/48 F-15C Gunfightin' Boars decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features a complete set of markings for two jets with enough options for ten total jets!   

I have a review of the new  1/48 EA-6B "Jammin' Jihad" Prowlers decal sheet from Afterburner Decals.  This sheet includes 5 different Prowlers including 2 with wild camo schemes.  

I have a review of the new  1/48 resin Supermarine Spitfire Early Metal Seat without Harness from Ultracast.  This seat replaces the kit seat to permit you to model  a Spitfire produced prior to March 1940.

I have a review of the new  1/32 F-100D Super Sabre decal sheet from CAM Decals.  This sheet features a F-100D Super Sabre with the 122nd Tactical Fighter Squadron with the Louisiana ANG. 

F2H-3 Banshee Wingfold walkaround photos by Barrie MacLeod

Monday,   May 12  2008 
  • OMACON 08 the Regional Contest  MAY 16 & 17 2008 in Council Bluffs, Iowa  Click here for all the details.
  • Serge Dompierre begins today with his nicely done 1/48 ICM MIG-3.  Serge built this little gem OOB in the markings of a MiG-3 that fought in defense of Moscow in Oct 1941.    
  • Michael Ezat has done a stunning job on his 1/32 Trumpeter Me-262A-1a.  The painting and weathering has to be seen to be believed.....it looks fantastic.......as well as the extra detailing.  
  • Chris St Clair has taken on the challenge and done an excellent job on his  1/72 Heritage Aviation Pilatus U-28A.  This resin kit did require some extra effort by Chris to get things to fit, but Chris kept with it and ended up with a  fine looking model of this rare USAF plane.
  • Scott Vomacka is here with his Scratch built 1/48 U.S. Navy Tow bars.  Check this article out.....I think Scott is on to something here......this sort of item would really add to a model on display.   Well done Scott.
  • Today's walkaround photos include....

Serge Dompierre begins today with his nicely done 1/48 ICM MIG-3.  Serge built this little gem OOB in the markings of a MiG-3 that fought in defense of Moscow in Oct 1941.    

Michael Ezat has done a stunning job on his 1/32 Trumpeter Me-262A-1a.  The painting and weathering has to be seen to be believed.....it looks fantastic.......as well as the extra detailing.  

Chris St Clair has taken on the challenge and done an excellent job on his  1/72 Heritage Aviation Pilatus U-28A.  This resin kit did require some extra effort by Chris to get things to fit, but Chris kept with it and ended up with a  fine looking model of this rare USAF plane.

Scott Vomacka is here with his Scratch built 1/48 U.S. Navy Tow bars.  Check this article out.....I think Scott is on to something here......this sort of item would really add to a model on display.   Well done Scott.

Wedgetail AWACS walkaround photos by Bill Inglee

Sunday,   May 11  2008 

Pierre Christian Baudru has done an exceptionally nice job building, detailing his  and finishing his 1/72 Revell Tornado IDS Marineflieger.  Pierre used an  Aires detail set for the cockpit and finished off his Tornado with a flawless weathering job.   


Josh Kaiser has gone to great lengths to detail and weathering his 1/48 Tamiya F4U-1C Conversion.  Josh put a huge amount of effort into his Corsair conversion and he tells the whole story with photos in his article.  Enjoy.   

Saturday,   May 10  2008 

10% off for ARC'ers for the next 18 Days!!!  -  See Below!!!

For the next 30 days, customers who order from The Small Shop banner link on the ARC homepage (or click here) can enter the promotion code ARC10 for 10% off your purchase (10% off product amount only does not include shipping).
Unfortunately, customers in the UK and EU are not eligible.  They have an agreement with Cammett Ltd. not to ship to those countries.
  • Malaysian modellers will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the F-4 display with a gathering of F-4 models today  May 10 2008.  This gathering is the culmination of a 3 month plus group build.  This event will be held at City Square Center, 3rd Floor Promotional Area (outside Hobby HQ), 182 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA

Francisco A. has done a very fine job with his 1/72 Italeri UH-1F Huey.  Francisco built his Huey OOB and finished it off with a carefully applied weathering job and displayed it on a very realistic diorama base.  


Tim "Hornet Man" Miller joins us with his first article on ARC.  This is Tim's 1/48 Hasegawa F/A-18B in Aussie markings with sexy noseart.  Tim built it mostly OOB with some aftermarket decals to get the special markings he was after.  I'm very pleased to see Tim's Hornet on ARC and I look forward to seeing more of his work on ARC in the future.  Welcome to ARC Tim!!!   

Friday,   May 9  2008

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 

Rico "Forge" Maula joins us with Part 8 of his series on Edy Ong's 1/48 ROCAF Collection.  I've certainly enjoyed seeing Edy Ong's models and today's article includes his 1/48 PB4Y-2 Privateer. 

TandHK has done extensive work on this 1/72 Fujimi E-2C HawkeyeTandHK scratchbuilt the cockpit and the wingfolds.  What a beauty!!!    

Andrew Eaton has done a fantastic job building his 1/72 PJ Productions Gloster Meteor F8.  This is a resin kit with great looking markings and Andrew did it up right....complete with a great looking display base.   

Petit James joins us from France with his 1/48 Esci Mirage III EA.  James finished his Mirage # as a plane that served with the Argentinean Air force during the Falklands War. 

I have a p review of the new 1/48 F-16C/D Polish Jastzrabs decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features 2 Polish F-16s.

 


I have a review of the new  1/48 Feisty Felines Part 2 decal sheet from SB Decals.  This sheet features 3 different F-14's including one with Leprechaun and Pot of Gold artwork and another in hi-viz markings.

I have a review of the new  1/48 CAF CF-18 441 Sqn D-Day 50th Anniversay decal sheet from Leading Edge Models.  This sheet features both CF-18's that wore this D-Day 50th Anniversary scheme and is available in 1/48, 1/72 and 1/32.

B-17G walkaround photos by Jaime Carreon

Thursday,   May 8  2008

  Israel Independence Day 

V.E. Day - Victory in Europe 1945

Yoav Efrati begins today's special Israeli update with his IAF F-16 special feature.  Yoav includes seven on his flawless F-16's in his article....a feast for the eyes.  

Rafi Ben-Shahar is here on the Israeli 60th Independence Day with his 1/48 Accurate Miniatures Grumman F3F-1.  Rafi has high regards for this little kit and his great looking finished model shows he enjoyed the build.     

Ra'anan Weiss of IsraDecal is here on this special day with his selection of models of aircraft flown by the IAF Orange Tail Squadron models.  All these models will be on permanent display in the Squadron Display case.  Well done Ra'anan   

Chuang Xue Qian has done an outstanding job on his 1/48 Italeri F-15A 'Baz' Xue Qian did some scratchbuilding to improve the detail on his Italeri F-15 and also added RBF tags to add that final look of realism to his impressive F-15. 

I have a product announcement of the new The June 1967 Six-Day War book from IsraDecal.  This book has 208 pages and over 300 photos looking into all aspects of The Israeli pre-emptive strike of June 5, 1967.  

I have a review of the new  1/72 Israeli Air Force Kfirs decal sheet from IsraDecal.  This sheet gives you markings for 18 different 1/72 Israeli Air Force Kfirs.  

I have a review of the new  1/72 Middle East Meteors decal sheet from IsraDecal.  This sheet gives you markings for 18 different 1/72 Meteors from 3 different Air Forces.

I have a review of the new  1/144 Middle East C-130 Hercules decal sheet from IsraDecal.  This sheet gives you markings for 16 different 1/144 Hercules from 7 different Middle East Air Forces.

 F-16's of Israel walkaround photos by  Yoav Efrati

Wednesday,   May 7  2008 
No update today.....I'm feeling tired from digging in my backyard doing the landscaping and need to get some rest.

Tuesday,   May 6  2008 
Here's the latest Hot Babe of the Week! photos from TwobobsThis week you have a selection of F-18 photos. 

Tolga ULGUR is here to get things started in fine style with his 1/32 Hasegawa Messerschmitt Bf-109 G4.  Tolga added a variety of aftermarket items and decals and pulled it all together with his usual high level of skill.  Nicely done Tolga. 

Pete Brown has gone to town on his 1/48 Revell-Monogram EA-6B Prowler.  Pete's Prowler is loaded with aftermarket detail items as well as his own expert scratchbuilding to create a true masterpiece.  Grab a cup of coffee or cup of tea and enjoy this one during your break. 

Héctor Fabian Vidales (Pinino13) has enjoyed building his 1/72 Academy Texan SNJ.  Héctor  finished it in Argentine markings which look very attractive on this little trainer.  Well done Héctor.   

David Smigielski has persisted and risen to the occasion as you'll see  when you check out his 1/48 Esci MiG-23UB Flogger-C.  David used aftermarket items and scratchbuilt detailing to turn this older kit into a very finely detailed MiG-23.     

FG-1 Corsair walkaround photos by Sean Martin

May 5  2008

  Mexico - Cinco De Mayo  

This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up.  Click here to read the latest from Twobobs.

Javier Córdoba joins us from Mexico on this special Mexican holiday with his beautifully done 1/32 Hasegawa P-47M.  This P-47 is done using the new P-47 decal sheet from Zotz Decals.  I love the camo scheme and sexy noseart on this one. 

Boris Bilyk has been very busy adding detail all over his 1/48 Hasegawa F-4E Phantom II.  Once Boris had finished adding all that details, he then turned top Twobobs for the perfect decals to finish off his Phantom and display it on a great looking display base.  

Oishi has done an outstanding job on his big 1/32 Tamiya Zero.  Oishi is a well known highly skilled modeller here on ARC and this Zero is up to his usual high standards.  

Sam Ching is here with his Scratchbuilt 1/700 MiG19S.  This has got to be the smallest MiG-19 I've seen.  It looks like it would have been quite the fun little project to create.    

I have a p review of the new 1/72 F-16C Arctic Bandits decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet includes 4 different jets.  Get 'em while you can.

I have a review of the new  1/48 F/A-18 A, B, C, D, E, F "Pax River Bug Testers" decal sheet from Afterburner Decals.  This sheet includes 6 different F-18s used as Test aircraft. 

I have a review of the new  1/48 resin Supermarine Spitfire Mk I  Weybridge 2-Blade Propeller from Ultracast.  This resin propeller is designed for the for Tamiya Spitfire Mk I kits.

Mirage M-50 Pantera walkaround photos by Kep Ar

Sunday,   May 4  2008 

Serge Dompierre starts today with perfect looking 1/48 Hasegawa P-47 D Thunderbolt.  Serge's P-47 looks great and has sexy noseart.  Nice one Serge.


Rai joins us from Singapore with something completely different today.  This is the 1/48 FineMolds Nakajima J9Y Kikka, which is Japan's first jet fighter.  I got quite  a kick out of seeing this rare prototype done up and Rai did it up very well. 

Saturday,   May 3  2008

  Poland Constitution Day 

David Cespedes is here with his marvelous looking 1/48 Focke Wulf 190 A-3.  David did some extra detailing before he painted his 190 in winter camo which is one of my favourite paint schemes and finished it all off with realistic looking weathering to complete the package.    


Andrew Taylor has done a stellar job on his lo-vis 1/72 Revell F-14D.  Andrew added  a resin cockpit and exhausts and finished it off with weathering and markings for VF-2 Bounty Hunters to get a great looking Tomcat for his display case.   

Friday,   May 2  2008 
Rico "Forge" Maula starts today with Part 7 of his series featuring the models of Edy Ong's 1/48 ROCAF Collection.  Today Rico shows us a large variety of F-5's as well as a T-38......some with resin detail items and rescribed panel lines and a enjoyable selection of paint schemes.

Tuan Tonthat is here with his 1/72 Mach2 C-123K.  This kit was a challenge but that didn't prevent it from be finished in fine style.  It's wearing the markings of the South Vietnamese Air force.

Steve Ringlein has been busy getting things correct on his big 1/32 Trumpeter F-105D.   Steve finished his Thud in the Pussy Galore II markings which are always eye openers at shows.  

I have a p review of the new 1/48 F-16C Arctic Bandits decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This is the F-16 sheet you've all been waiting for.

I have a review of the new  1/32 P-47D & M Thunderbolts ETO decal sheet from Zotz Decals.  This sheet features 2 P-47 

Sikorsky "Sea King" air tanker walkaround photos by Cal Cochran

Thursday,   May 1  2008

May Day Labor Day

  Anniversary of first engagement of Argentine Airforce in Falklands  /  Malvinas War  

Here's the latest Hot Babe of the Week! photos from TwobobsThese AC-130 photos include interior shots of the weapons systems. 

Rico "Forge" Maula is here with Part 6 of his series featuring Edy Ong's 1/48 ROCAF CollectionToday's article includes a variety of F-104 Starfighters.  Excellent!!

Bernard Lapeyrie has done a marvelous job building and detailing his 1/48 Trumpeter Westland Wyvern.  Bernard added 3 photos etch sets to detail up his Wyvern with great success.  

Ioannis.N.Galarinos has been very busy adding scratchbuilt detail to his detail rich 1/32 Tamiya F-14A Tomcat.  Ioannis finished it off with RBF tags and a hi-Viz paitn scheme and subtle weathering. 

Jaime "JGV" Vinha joins us with another of his beauties.  This is his 1/72 Academy F-4U1 Corsair done up in the Jolly Rogers markings.  Jaime got everything looking just right on his Corsair from the painting to the weathering.   

AirNorth DC-3 walkaround photos by Cal Cochran