Homepage Text - June 2009

Tuesday,   June 30  2009 
Fernando I. Moreno Villa gets things started today with his very well done 1/72 Heller T-28D Fennec.  This is an older kit but in the hands of a skilled modeller like Fernando, it does built up into a very nice model.  Fernando chose to finish it in Congolese Air force markings and he gives the history behind this in his article.  All my best to all the modellers in Monterrey, México.

Piotr Dmitruk missed this years Easter Eggplane eggtravaganza but he is here today with what has to be one of the better Eggplane projects.  this is his F-16 C block 52 Modified Hasegawa Eggplane.  Easter Egg bombs under the wings is a very cool touch.  Markings are for a Polish F-16.

Rick Martens has gone all out detailing his little 1/72 Airfix FW190F8.  The Fw-190 has opened panels full of detail and a fully detailed engine.  Rick then finished this beauty with a fully weathered winter camo paint job.  Very nice indeed Rick.

G-Man has taken the old 1/48 Monogram General Dynamics F-16XLI and converted it to a 2 seater, scratchbuilt the Sufa" spine from sheet styrene and did a pile of extra work including custom decals to create this masterpiece.  This is old school modelling, which I think we all admire very much. 

I have a review of the new 1/72 F-16 Block 5-10 Floating Elevator from QuickBoost.


I have a product announcement for the new 1/72 F-16B MLU Belgian Air Force OCU Sqn Anniversary decal sheet from Daco Products This new 1/72 decal sheet features the special tails of the Belgian F-16 OCU (Operational Conversion Unit) were realised in 2002 and 2007


I have a review of the new 1/32 Browning M2 Aircraft .50 Caliber Barrels from Master.


Monday,   June 29  2009
Christian Muschitiello is here with a very interesting and very well done 1/48 Hasegawa Me-109F-4.  Have a close look at the paint scheme....this is a desert camo over painted with European camo after the end of the Afrika Korps.  The model was given extra detailing in the cockpit and then finished off with weathering and paint chipping.  

Tom Valaoras has put much effort into building his excellent looking 1/72 AMT/ERTL XB-70A and Hasegawa F-104N.  The AMT/ERTL XB-70A is an older kit so it offered plenty of challenge but that didn't stop Tom from getting both of these jets built to a very high level of quality.  Both these jets crashed on a demo flight.....read tom's article for the full story.

Franz Galli is quite the regular on the ARC homepage and today he is here with his 1/48 Italeri OH-58A Kiowa.  Franz did a lovely job on his OH-58A and then finished it in US Army markings.

Serge Dompierre has done a wonderful job on his 1/48 Hobbycraft F4U-1 Birdcage.  Serge finished it in the markings for VMF 124 squadron of US Marines Corps based at Guadalcanal in 1943.  

I have a review of the new 1/72 & 1/48 Wings and Waves - Part 2 Decals from Model Alliance GroupThis new decal sheet features markings for 7 different aircraft including Fairey Swordfish Mk.I, Fairey Flycatcher Fighter, Hawker Nimrod I, Supermarine Walrus I, Blackburn Skua and a Gloster Sea Gladiator.


I have a review of the new 1/48 Bf-109E A, B, C, D, E Seats without harness from SBS ModelYou get two seats in this set.


Friday,   June 26  2009

 Madagascar Independence Day 

LuckyModel is having their 6th anniversary sale all during the month of June.  As usual they have a huge variety of a goodies on sale.  You need to use the coupon code to get the savings.  Click here for all the info in their newsletter.

John Smalbrugge gets things started today with his 1/32 Hobby Craft Sea Fury.  John finished his Sea Fury in Royal Dutch Navy markings and in his article he tells the story of the end of this plane aboard a Dutch aircraft carrier. 

Arne Goethe joins us with his great looking 1/72 Revell F-22A "Raptor".  Arne added scratchbuilt detailing to the landing gear wells before finishing it off with decals from Twobobs

Gianni Chirico dropped by today with a beautiful looking 1/72 Tamiya Focke-Wulf FW-190 D9.  Gianni added a bit of extra detail then finished his Fw-190 with weathering and displayed it on a  WW2 airfield base. 

Alexander Breunig is here with a very interesting project.  This is his 1/32 first operational Tomcat launching Phoenix in-flight diorama.  Alexander has to do plenty of extra work and scratch building and kit bashing to create his diorama and I know once you see it you will be impressed.  Read his article for the full story on his diorama.

I have a review of the new 1/72 & 1/48 Wings and Waves - Part 1 Decals from Model Alliance Group This new decal sheet features markings for 7 different aircraft including Supermarine Walrus, Fairey Swordfish, Gloster Sea Gladiator, Blackburn Skua.


I have a review of the new 1/72 Spitfire Mk. IX Series - Part 1 decal sheet from BarracudacalsThis sheet includes 4 Spitfires including one with D-Day stripes and a PRU pink Spitifre and a Buzz Beurling Spitfire.


I have a review of the new 1/48 Fokker D.VII Part 2 decal sheet from Lifelike Decals This latest decal sheet features four different Fokker D.VII's.  This is Part 2 of  a series dealing with the Fokker D.VII. 

Thursday,   June 25  2009

  Croatia Independence Day 

  Mozambique Independence Day 

  Slovenia National Day 

New Hot Babe of the Week! is up courtesy of Twobobs. Back in 1997 while Bob was stationed at Edwards AFB, he was lucky enough to snap some of these off as well as get some scans from the AFFTC History Office. This jet was painted to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of supersonic flight


John Smalbrugge joins us with photos from the recent IPMS Fraser Valley Con-2009 Model Show.  There is quite the fine selection and variety of models in John's pics. 

Lee Burns has done a marvelous job finishing and weathering his 1/48 Hasegawa P51D Mustang.  Lee chose one of those Bare metal blue nosed paint schemes that were so legendary during WW2.  Of particular interest was the way he used dry brushing the highlight some of the panels on his bare metal Mustang.

Bernard Lapeyrie put quite a bit of effort into his 1/48 Heller Mirage IV P including re-scribing his model and adding scratchbuilt detail as well as a resin cockpit and aftermarket decals.  There is a scratchbuilt camera pod on the belly of this Mirage that you have to see.  The finished model was well worth the effort. 

Chip Berseth joins us with his excellent looking 1/48 Hasegawa F6F Hellcat.  Chip chose one of my favourite paint schemes.....the bloodied cat mouth motifs of USS Princeton’s famed VF-27.  Chip also made a carrier deck display base to display his Hellcat.

Paolo De Sanctis has taken the old 1/72 Airfix Spitfire Mk. Ia and built it as one of the BOB Spitfire that defended Britain during the summer of 1940.   

Michael Johnson is here with his review of the new 1/32 Junkers J.1 model kit from Wingnut Wings This looks like quite the kit.

Wednesday,   June 24  2009

  Order of Malta - St. John's Day 

Carmel J Attard joins us from Malta on this special day with his 1/72 Special Hobby Beaufort Mk1a.  Carmel tells the history of the Beaufort and it's connection to Malta.  He also goes into very helpful detail about what is required to create such a stunning Beaufort.  

Petit James joins us today with his 1/48 Hobbycraft Skyhawk A-4Q.  This is an Argentinean Skyhawk complete with added detailing and weathering.

Rafi Ben-Shahar has done his usual first class job on his 1/48 Tamiya Lancaster III.  Rafi built it out of the box with only scratchbuilt detailing and then finished it off with weathering and sexy nose art. 

Floyd S. Werner, Jr. is well respected in the modelling community and today he joins us with his eye popping 1/48 Kiwi Resin Avia S-199 Conversion.  Floyd tells the history of the Avia S-199 before going into detail about how be built this resin gem.  His article includes his very realistic photography. 

Tuesday,   June 23  2009
Luxembourg - National Day and
 Official Birthday of H.R.H. the Grand Duke Jean
LuckyModel is having their 6th anniversary sale all during the month of June.  As usual they have a huge variety of a goodies on sale.  You need to use the coupon code to get the savings.  Click here for all the info in their newsletter.

Ermanno Bonafin has added photo etch and aftermarket decals to dress up this eye catching 1/48 Hasegawa Bf109G-6.  A complicated camo scheme, but Ermanno makes it look so easy.

Christopher Lundberg has worked quickly and skillfully to create this 1/48 Revell F-4F Phantom II. Have a close look at this one......everything looks perfect.

Chip Berseth had done an amazing job on his 1/72 Testors Grumman E2C Hawkeye.  Chip then took his Hawkeye and posed it catching the wire on a carrier deck diorama.  A very effective job on this older model kit.

Bla’k Ja’k spent only 10 days building his big 1/32 Revell Piper PA-18 Super Cub.  This model has it's engine detail showing through the open engine cowl panel.  Very nicely done indeed.

Monday,   June 22  2009

  Russia - The Invasion of Russia 

This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up.  Bob has some cool stuff in today's newletter include 2 images of the new Buckeye kit boxart and also images of 2 of the new Buckeye decal sheets.  Finally Bob also has images of a new B-1 decals sheets that are available in 1/48 and well as 1/72.  The 25% off sale on Xtradecals continues with stock selling well.

Héctor Fabian Vidales has been busy doing a very nice job on his 1/72 Academy SNJ Texan.  This Texan is finished in his home country markings of Argentina using aftermarket decals and was finished with some careful weathering.

David Rapasi has done a wonderful job painting and weathering his 1/48 Hobbycraft YP 59 Airacomet.  David dressed it up with a Cutting Edge cockpit and then gave it a stellar paint job.

Pierre Christian Baudru has started his 1/72 Academy Fw-190A-6 seven years ago.  I'm pleased to see he got it finished and  it did turn out looking very good.  It is finished with Superscale decals complete with one of those wonderfully complicated Luftwaffe camo schemes from WW2. 

Tim Cvetic has been busy building his 1/72 Revell and Matchbox Mig 21.  He loved building one of these, but the other was less than enjoyable and he tells which is which in his article.  They are both finished in great looking bare metal finishes with "Lift here" decals.

Niall Cairns took a change from jet to build the big 1/32 Trumpeter P38L-5-LO Lightning.   This kit challenged Niall quite a bit but in the end this bare metal P-38 came out looking excellent.  Read Niall's article for the full story.

Mike "The Mikester" Offutt is here with a review of the 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 WW II Era Instrument Bezel set from FOTOCUT

Here is a product announcement for the new 1/48 F-16B MLU J-066 "Orange Jumper" Test aircraft decal sheet from Daco Products

Friday,   June 19  2009 
Brian D. O'Neill starts things off today with his 1/48 Tamiya Dewoitine D.520.  This is a fighter flown by a  famous Fr4ech Ace during WW2 and Brian provides the history of the pilot as well as what he did to build that excellent looking Dewoitine D.520.

Fabrice Godart is here from Belgium with his eye catching 1/72 Hasegawa F-16A.  Fabrice built this beauty out of the box except for the mostly out except for the IsraDecals he used to finish it with. 

Tony Feredo joins us with a Pearl Harbor Raider.  This is his 1/48 Hasegawa Aichi D3A1 (Val) done up to Tony's usual high standard.  Nicely done Tony. 

Arne Goethe has been adding just the right detail to his 1/72 Airfix BAC TSR.2.  This really is an exceptionally well done model of this classic British jet.  All detailing is scratchbuilt. 

Serge Dompierre has done a marvelous job building and finishing his 1/32 Hasegawa F6F-5 Hellcat.  Serge built this one OOB and then gave it weathering and paint chipping to complete the look.

I have a product announcement of a new 1/35 resin kit of Program 5 ATC(H) “TANGO” from Masterpiece ModelsThis is a LCM Landing craft from WW2 converted with a helipad and used during the Vietnam war.  It is a very cool kit.  


I have a review of the new 1/48 Choppers Galore decal sheet from Wolfpak DecalsThis new decal sheet includes markings for 10 different 1/48 Choppers from the Vietnam war to current time. 


I have a review of the new 1/72 RAF ISTAR decal sheet from Model Alliance GroupThis new decal sheet features markings for 14 different RAF ISTAR aircraft.


I have a review of the new 1/48 Bf-109 A, B, C, D, E Seats with harness from SBS Model You get 2 seats in each set.


Thursday,   June 18  2009 
George Pugliese starts today with his eye catching 1/48 Hobbyworld TA-4J.  This is a cheaper kit but George did a bit of kit bashing and added some very nicely done scratchbuilt details along with some aftermarket decals to turn out a flawless looking Skyhawk.

Oliver Weston is here with something I don't think I've ever seen before.  This is his 1/72 Revell Blackburn Skua done up with a  bit of added detailing but mostly built out of the box.  This is an older kit but it turned out look quite good thanks to Oliver's very capable building skills.  It's good to see this rare aircraft.

Gianni Chirico is here from sunny Sicily with his 1/72 Italeri Bell AH-1T Sea Cobra.  Gianni added some extra details to dress up his Sea Cobra before finishing it in USMC markings.

Rick Reinbott built this model long ago and he decided to revisit his 1/48 Monogram F6F-5 Hellcat and give it a total rebuilt complete with many fine scratchbuilt parts to dress up his Hellcat.  The end result is a Hellcat that would be a welcomed addition to any display case. 

I have a review of the new 1/32 EF-2000 Tifoni Italiani decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features markings for the new Trumpeter and forthcoming Revell Germany kit of this very important Italian frontline fighter.

One complete set of correct stencils and enough options for four different aircraft.


I have a review of the new 1/48 F-16C Falcon block 50/52 cockpit set from Aires.  The detailing on this cockpit is exquisite.


Steve Collins joins us with a review of the new 1/72 and 1/48 RFC & NRAS Sopwith Pups In France Decal sheet from Pheon Models.


Wednesday,   June 17  2009
Iceland Anniversary of the 
Establishment of the Republic 
Francone Diego gets things going today with his 1/72 Special Hobby Aermacchi c.200 Saetta.  The Italians used some great looking camo schemes on their aircraft and Francone did an excellent job on the painting on his attractive fighter.

Alexander Breunig is here to share some more of his artwork.  This painting is his D-15 Eagle NASA Artwork.  Simply beautiful artwork Alexander. 

Keith Hudson put a huge amount of effort into correcting and detailing his 1/72 Merlin Martin Baker MB-2.  Keith was rewarded for his effort with a model that would be a standout in any display case. 

Scott Glenn has been busy adding plenty of extra detail to his fabulous 1/48 Italeri CV-22B(conversion).  I really do like how this one turned out.

I have a review of the new 1/32 EF-2000 Perfect Storm Tiffies decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation GraphicsThis sheet features markings for the new Trumpeter and forthcoming Revell Germany kit of this very important RAF fighter.


I have a product announcement of the new 1/72 F-16A MLU "Diana" Summer & Winter schemes decal sheet from Daco Products.  This new 1/72 decal sheet includes 3 different F-16A MLU "Diana" Summer & Winter schemes worn by the Royal Netherlands Air Force for the 323 Sqn 60th Anniversary during the time period 2008 - 2009.


I have a review of the new 1/72 Fw 190A/F Undercarriage Covers from QuickBoostYou get two main landing gear doors loaded with detail on both sides.


Tuesday,   June 16  2009 
Werner's Wings has a new site with mostly helicopter detail items as well as decals.

Krystian Ciechowicz starts your Tuesday update with a 1/48 ACC / Italeri Tarpoon Mk I - FAA.  This Tarpoon (Avenger) is finished in RAF markings complete with a stunning weathering job.

Peter Athanasopoulos is here from Greece with another beauty.  This is his 1/48 Revell F-102 Delta Dagger in HAF (Greek) markings in a Vietnam era jungle  camo paint scheme. Peter did an excellent job on this model.

Gianni Chirico joins us from sunny Sicily with his 1/72 ICM Yakovlev Yak-9.   Gianni built his Yak out of the box with only one tiny scratchbuilt addition.  Gianni finished it off with careful weathering and some of this classic Soviet markings from WW2.

Juan Jose Moreno has done an exceptionally nice job building, detailing his  and finishing his 1/32 Hasegawa F-104 G.  This is an older build with the detailing is all scratcbuild with great skill on this Spanish Starfighter.

Eugeny Knupfer has been very busy reworking the 1/72 Special Hobby TsKB-3 (I-15 Prototype).  This is not the best kit of this aircraft, but at the time it was built there wasn't any good choices for model kits.  Eugeny put much effort in this TsKB-3 and turned it into an excellent looking model if this 1930's bi-plane. 

I have a review of the new 1/48 F/A-18F VFA-41 Fighting Four-One decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics This sheet features the new 2009 markings for the Black Aces of VFA-41.  There are enough markings on this sheet for two complete aircraft, one CAG jet and the CO jet.


I have a review of the new 1/48 EA-6B Prowler ICAP-2(late) cockpit set from AiresThis set is designed for the Revell/Monogram kit.

Mike "The Mikester" Offutt is here with a review of the 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 Bf 109 Pedals and Seat Belt Hardware set from FOTOCUT.  

Floyd S. Werner, Jr.  is here with a review of the USAAF Newsreels 1944-1945 film from Victory Films.

Monday,   June 15  2009
This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up. Bob has box art for two of the upcoming Buckeye kits including one with limit edition IPMS Convention decals.  Plus there is some images of the decal artwork for the upcoming 1/48 Turkish F-4E Kara Sahin Phantom.  If you haven't see this it is well worth checking out.  Plus more Buckeye decals!!!

Arthur Karas is here with his first article on ARC.  This is his 1/48 Airfix Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer S.Mk.50 that is flawlessly finished in South African markings.  I love it!!!  Welcome to ARC Arthur and I look forward to seeing more of your work on ARC in the future!!!

Krystian Ciechowicz joins us today with this 1/48 Mirage Hobby PZL 23B KARAŚ.  The paint job is beautifully shaded and finished off in Polish markings from Sept 1939 at the beginning of WW2.

Busolini Massimo is here with a fantastic F-104.  This is his 1/48 Hasegawa F-104S Starfighter with Verlinden and CMK detail items.  Busolini gave his Starfighter an amazing paint job and finished it off with those great looking Italian markings.  You are a expert modeller Busolini.

Andrew Attwood is here with a classic WW2 fighter.  This is his 1/48 Revell P-47N complete with noseart and a great looking weathered paint job.  Nicely done indeed Andrew.

Timothy H. Zarco is a member if IPMS Manila in the Philippines and today he is here with his 132 Tamiya F-15C Eagle.  This Eagle is built mostly out if the box with the exception of the resin seat from Quickboost and custom made decals depicting a Bitburg jet.  I really like how the camo scheme looks on this one.

I have a product announcement for the new EA-6B Prowler VAQ-134 Garudas, NH540 / 163890. CVWP, Electronic Attack Wing, US Pacific Fleet - 2009 print from Deployment Productions.


I have a review of the new 1/72 Fw Ta 152H  Correct Cowling from QuickBoostThis is designed for the Aoshima kit.

I have a review of the new 1/48 BOY 401 Chaff & flare dispenser from Rebell HobbyThese are designed for the Airfix/Esci Viggen.

Saturday,    June 13  2009 
United Kingdom - Official Celebration of the 
Birthday of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II (1926)

Friday,   June 12  2009

  Philippines Independence Day 

  Russia National Day 

Here's the latest Hot Babe of the Week! photos from TwobobsThese Tornado photos were taken by Andreas Zeitler. 

Vinny "Cousin Vinny" Ibarra is here from the Philippines with his 1/72 Hobby Boss F-86L.  Vinny had a quick and enjoyable time building his Sabre OOB and finishing it in Philippine Air Force markings using Haribon Decals.  Nice one Vinny!!!


Tony Feredo is here to mark the Philippines Independence Day with his 1/48 Tamiya A6M3 Zero Model 32 (Hamp).  This isn't just any Hamp......this is one of the aircraft used during the ill-fated Yamamoto escort mission.  Tony gave it his usual high quality of modelling complete with weathering and paint chipping.


Raphael L. Marbella, MD also joins us on the Philippines Independence Day with his 1/144 Dragon F/A-18E Super Hornet.  This is one of those tiny 1/144 Hornets and Raphael built it during a weekend.  These 1/144 kits are a blast to build. 

Ken Middleton has done an exceptional job on his 1/72 Revell HH-3F Pelican.  This is a USCG chopper and Ken had to convert his model into the USCG configuration.  Once he got this gem finished, he created one of his great looking bases to display it on.  Very nicely done Ken.

I have a review of the new 1/48 F/A-18E VFA-14 Fighting Fourteenth decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation GraphicsThis sheet features markings for the 2009 CAG jet and line jet from the Tophatters of VFA-14.  This scheme commemorates the 90th Anniversary of the Tophatters who are the Navy's oldest fighter squadron.


I have a review of the new 1/72 BAC EE Lightning F Mk. 2/6 cockpit set from Aires 


Floyd S. Werner, Jr. is here with a review of the Bf-109 im Einsatz - Teil 1 Luftwaffe im Focus - Special No 3 book. 

Osni Vieira Junior is  with a product announcement for the new 1/144 MD-11 resin model kit. 

Leading Edge Models has a NEW NATO FLYING TRAINING CENTRE HAWK decal sheet coming out on June 15.  This sheet will be available in 1/72 and also 1/48 scale.  Perfect if you want to add a Canadian Hawk to your collection.

Thursday,   June 11  2009 
Dylan Horton is here with something I've never seen before.  This is his 1/72 Heller Messerschmitt Me 108B that was the personal aircraft of Willy Messerschmitt.  Nicely done Dylan. 

Robert Bridgman has been busy building not just one but two 1/48 Airfix TSR.2.  Robert has a passion and determination that couldn't be stopped and he was rewarded with two very different and excellent looking TSR.2's.  

Alexander Breunig is a talented artist and today he is here with his F-14 Tomcat VF-103 Jolly Roger Artwork. 

Fabrice Godart joins us from Belgium with an oldie but a goodie.  This is his great looking 1/72 Airfix De Havilland Mosquito J.30 finished in Swedish markings.  Fabrice enjoyed building his Mosquito and I fondly remembering building this kit during my childhood, so his article brings back good memories.

The 1/48 F-117A Kosovo Bandits Updated with Plant 42 Markings decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics has been re-released after much demand.  Get them while you can.


I have a review of the new resin 1/48 WW1 British refueling set from Hippo ModelsThis would be quite the cool little diorama accessory.

I have a review of the new 1/48 SAAB 37 Viggen ejection seat from Maestro Models Conversions from Rebell HobbyThis resin ejection seat is designed to replace the seat in the Airfix/Esci 1/48 SAAB 37 Viggen ejection seat.  You get one seat per package.


Here is a product announcement of the new Heinkel He 162 "Volksjäger" book from History Facts Publishing by Peter Mueller.  If you have a passion for Luftwaffe aircraft or the He162, then this book is worth considering.


Wednesday,   June 10  2009

 Portugal National Day 

 Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia  Army Day 

Gabriel Stern gets today's update off to a fine and funny start with his 1/72 Scratch-built Correa 1911.  This particular aircraft design has a connection to Argentina and seems like a reasonable aircraft......except for the fact it has no wings.  Gabriel 's article also had a Borg connection.

Harv joins us on ARC for the first time with his Vipers X2.  Harv did a great job on them and then added LED lights inside the afterburners.  Welcome to ARC Harv, I look forward to seeing more of your models on ARC in the future.  

Serge Dompierre has done a great job building and finishing his 1/48 Hobbycraft Messerschmitt BF-109D.  This is a  pre-war 109 from 1939. 

Louis Chang has added much scratchbuilt detailing to his 1/32 Academy F/A-18C.  I pleased to see Louis has included many in-progress photos so you can see how he added all this great detail.

I have a review of the new 1/72 F/A-18F VFA-41 Fighting Four-One decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features new 2009 markings for the Black Aces of VFA-41.  There are enough markings on this sheet for two complete aircraft, one CAG jet and the CO jet.


I have a review of the new 1/48 Hawker Typhoon wheel bay set from AiresThis wheel bay set includes 2 main wheel bays with plenty of tiny bits to detail up the wheel bays.  You also get landing gear doors full of rich rivet detail on both sides of the doors.

I have a review of the new 1/48 Mitsubishi A6M Zero seats from SBS ModelThese seats are very thin and include molded in resin seat belts. 

Here is a product announcement of the new 1/72 F-16A "Dirty Diana" schemes decal sheet from Daco Products.  This new 1/48 decal sheet  includes 3 different F-16A "Dirty Diana" schemes worn by the Royal Netherlands Air Force for the 323 Sqn 50th Anniversary during the time period 1998 - 1999.

Tuesday,   June 9  2009 
David Rapasi starts your Tuesday update with a spectacular looking 1/32 Hasegawa FW 190 A8/R8.  David has managed to capture the very complicated camo very well.....these are not easy aircraft to paint.  I really like the look of this one.

Krystian Ciechowicz is here with something special.  This is the 1/48 Eduard Westland Lysander Mk III expertly built OOB and finished off in the markings for a RAF machine with 309 Polish Squadron.  The quality of this build is excellent. 

Dimitris Savides is a very determined and talented modeller.  This is his 1/48 Vacuformed Maintrack T-2E Buckeye with many scratchbuilt details and finished in Hellenic Airforce colours with full weathering.  Wow.......this looks like it was quite the project to complete.

Marcelo González had a very enjoyable time building his 1/48 Hasegawa A4M Skyhawk.  Marcelo used a conversion set to make the correct Skyhawk then finished it off using Condor Decals

I have a review of the new 1/72 F/A-18E VFA-14 Fighting Fourteenth decal sheet from Twobobs Aviation GraphicsThis sheet features markings for the 2009 CAG jet and line jet from the Tophatters of VFA-14.  This scheme commemorates the 90th Anniversary of the Tophatters who are the Navy's oldest fighter squadron.

I have a review of the new 1/72 Hurricane Antennas from QuickBoost.


Mike "The Mikester" Offutt is here with a  review of the 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 Bf 109 Pedals and Seat Belt Hardware set from FOTOCUT

I have a review of the new 1/72 Fairey Delta 1 resin model kit from Pro ResinThis resin model kit is the Fairey Delta 1 test aircraft.  This jet dates to the early 1950's and is a test aircraft using data from the Luftwaffe from WW2.  


Monday,   June 8  2009
This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up.  Bob has plenty of images and news including an image of the decal sheet for the IPMS Limited Release T-2C Buckeye kit. Only 500 of these will ever be sold and this specific boxing is still available for pre-order on our website.  There is also a 25% off sale on remaining Xtradecal sheets at Twobobs.

Julio Martins joins us with photos from the recent IPMS-RIO 2009 model show.  This show was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the theme was Japanese aircraft and the quality of the model is a treat to see. 

Ong Hou Bu is here for the first time with 2 beautiful models.  They include a 1/48 Kinectic F-16C and a Tamiya F-16.  Both are in Israeli markings with full weapons load and weathering to complete the look.  Welcome to ARC Ong Hou Bu and I look forward to seeing more of your models on ARC in the future.  I am very pleased to have you join us on the ARC homepage.

Pierre Christian Baudru is here with his latest model.  This is his very good looking 1/72 Trumpeter P-40B RAF Tomahawk in desert camo  complete with shading and weathering.  Pierre has some warning about the canopy if you build this kit with the canopy in the open position. 

TandHK is here today to increase the ever growing selection of Egg plane models on ARC.  These are the Egg F-14A & F/A-18C in an aircraft carrier diorama.  No doubt about these Egg Planes make me grin and I do like how these ones turned out. 

Here's a product announcement for the new F-14A Tomcat VF-211 Checkmates, AB101 / 161603. CVW-1, USS Enterprise CVN-65 - 2004, Final Tomcat Cruise print from Deployment Productions.


I have a review of the new 1/32 Bf 110C/D Exhaust from QuickBoostThese resin exhausts are hollow at the ends.


Here's a product announcement for the new 1/72 De Havilland Venom FB.4 model kit from Czech Master Resin

Sunday,   June 7  2009

  US Carrier Yorktown sunk (1942) 

Saturday,    June 6  2009

  Sweden National Day 

  D-Day - Allied Landings in France in 1944   

Tim "T-bone" Schneider  is here to mark D-Day with his 1/48 Tamiya P-47 Razorback.  Tim added small scratchbuilt details to his P-47 to improve upon the kit details.  He then finished it in markings for a post D-Day Jug.  He created a diorama to properly display this beauty. 

Rafi Ben-Shahar joins us on the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings with his 1/48 Tamiya P-47D Thunderbolt.  This is an 8th Air Force P-47 wearing D-Day stripes on the underside.  Check out the baremetal finish and the weathering job Rafi did.......it's very effective. 

Peter Wilkinson is also here with his D-Day model.  This is his 1/48 Tamiya P-51D that he modified and detailed with goodies from Aires, 
Quickboost and Ultracast before giving it a beautifully shaded paint job and Aeromaster decals for the Yellow Nose Mustangs of the 361st F.G.

Friday,   June 5  2009

  Denmark Constitutional Day 

  Seychelles Liberation Day 

Björn Bäcklund is here to mark the Denmark Constitutional Day with his F-16 Egg plane.  F-16 Egg plane.  F-16 Egg plane.  I have to admit this is the first time I've seen an Egg plane in Danish markings.  Nice one Björn.  

Phillip Steele is taking a break from bi-planes, so he decided to tackle the 1/72 Italeri OH58-D.  Phillip is one of those models that can build pretty well anything and it will turn out looking great.  His Kiowa is built mostly out of the box with a few scratchbuilt details.  I like it.

Renato "NIGHTRIDER" Torin Jr. is here with his great looking 1/48 Monogram F-5E Tiger II which is finished off in the markings for a F-5 that defended the Brazilian skies.

Paolo De Sanctis has taken an old 1/72 Airfix Sunderland and rebuilt it into this beauty.  Paolo did much work to get the old kit fixed but in the end he was rewarded with a very satisfying Sunderland for his display case. 

Kyle B. Delisle joins us for the first time on ARC with his great looking 1/48 Hobbycraft P-40 B/C.  This is one of the famous Flying tigers P-40 and Kyle built it while deployed with US forces in Afghanistan.  I love the Flying Tigers P-40 and I look forward to seeing more of Kyle's models on ARC in the future.

I have a review of the new 1/48 J35F Draken detail set from AiresThis set  addresses many areas of this kit.

I have a product announcement for the new 1/72 De Havilland Venom FB.1 model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR Models.

Mike "The Mikester" Offutt is here with a review of the 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 Bf 109 Detail set from FOTOCUT

Thursday,   June 4  2009

  Battle of Midway (1942) 

LuckyModel is having their 6th anniversary sale all during the month of June.  As usual they have a huge variety of a goodies on sale.  You need to use the coupon code to get the savings.  Click here for all the info in their newsletter.

Tony Feredo gets things fired up today with his 1/48 Tamiya Fw-190D.  If you know my friend Tony you know that ETO aircraft are not what he usually builds.  This particular 190 is one of the airfield defenders that served in the later stages of WW2.  Nicely done Tony. 

KNES Armin joins us from Austria to show you his latest project which looks like it was quite a bit of work.  This is his 1/48 Trumpeter Suchoi T-58 WD which is a Russian prototype aircraft using vertical takeoff engines.  Check it out this is one very cool model and I'm sure it took plenty of effort to build. 

Fernando I. Moreno Villa has been very busy getting the details correct on his 1/72 Hasegawa OV-1D Mohawk.  Fernando wanted to build a Mohawk used by the Argentine Army and this required effort to make his model accurate.  The finished model shows he was very successful.  Read his article for the full story. 

Rafi Ben-Shahar joins us today with his 1/48 Eduard Messerschmitt Bf-110E.  Rafi added some scratchbuilt details then finished his 110 to his usual high standards.  Always a treat to see your latest model Rafi.

I have a review of the new 1/48 Jamming pod U95 for SAAB JA37 Viggen & JAS39 from Rebell Hobby.


I have a product announcement for the new 1/48 F-16A MLU Belgian Air Force 349 Sqn Anniversary decal sheet from Daco Products.

Floyd S. Werner, Jr. a product announcement for the new The Fourteenth Air Force- World War II from Victory Films


Wednesday,   June 3  2009 
This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up.  Bob has news on some upcoming sheets including Satellite Killer F-15's and a wild Turkish F-4E Kara Sahin Phantom with artwork going all down the sides of the jet.  Plus a Navy Buckeye sheet for the new Twobobs Buckeye kit.

Flávio "Fravin" Fernandes starts thing today with his photos from the recent IPMS-RIO 2009 model show.  I am impressed by the quality and variety of models that were on display at this show.  Thanks for sharing the photos Flávio.

Alexander Breunig is a very talented artist and I am pleased and honoured to show you his SR-71 Blackbird Artwork. 

AEX is my friend from Tenerife on the Canary Islands and today AEX joins us with this special 1/72 Special Hobby Mustang Mk.I.  AEX added aftermarket sets by CMK for the cockpit, guns and wheels and then finished it off in the markings for an aerial photography plane over Dieppe in 1942. 

Fabrice Godart is here on ARC for the first time.  Today Fabrice joins us with his very colourful 1/72 Airfix Gloster Meteor F.9.  This particular Meteor is finished in Belgian Air Force markings which is always a treat to see. Welcome to ARC Fabrice.  I look forward to seeing more of your models on ARC in the coming weeks.

Chris Lepore is here with his first article on ARC.  After a 10 year break Chris is back to building and today he's here with his excellent looking very 1/72 Academy F4U-1A Corsair.  Chris gave his Corsair full weathering which came out looking first class.  Welcome to the ARC homepage Chris, I look forward to seeing more of your work on ARC in the future.

I have a review of the new 1/72 WW1 German refueling cart from Hippo Models.

Yufei Mao is here with a review of the new 1/72 TZ-22 heavy airfield refueler kit from Armory


I have a review of the new 1/72 Bristol T.188 resin model kit from Pro Resin.

Tuesday,   June 2  2009

  Italy National Day 

Osni Vieira Junior starts things off today with his very nicely done 1/48 Monogram F-4 J Phantom II.  For markings Osni chose the Show Time 100 piloted by USN Vietnam Ace Lt. Randy 'Duke' Cunningham and weapons officer Lt. Willie 'Irish' Driscoll with VF-96 off the USS Constellation during the Vietnam War.

Graham Mansell is here to make you grin with his 1/72 Academy 'Follow Me' Jeep.  I got a good chuckle when I saw what was in the back of this jeep.  Graham added some extra details that you might expect to find in a jeep like this. 

Manuel Negri has done a great job building and finishing his 1/72 Trumpeter F-105G.  Manuel added a full weapons load and SEA camo and sharks mouth markings to finish his F-105. 

Bernhard Schenk is here with something unique.  This is his 1/48 Eduard Polikarpov I-16 Type 10 finished off in the Spanish Nationalists air force marking with some added weathering to complete the look. 

Pierre Christian Baudru is here with an eye catching 1/72 Fujimi MiG-21BIS.  Pierre chose the great looking camo scheme of a Bulgarian AF MiG-21BIS.  I do like the look of this camo scheme.

I have a review of the new 1/32 MiG-29A Ejection Seat with Safety Belts from QuickBoost.  This seat has a very high level of detail.

I have a review of the new 1/48 Pre-War Wildcats Part 2 decal sheet from Starfighter Decals.  This new decal sheet includes markings for 4 different aircraft and is designed to fit the Hasegawa F4F-4 Wildcat kit with Quickboost F4F-3 Wings and Cowl set. 


I have a review of the new 1/72 He-111 VS-11 Propeller set from SBS ModelThis latest release features 2 resin propellers for the He-111 Hasegawa/Revell kit.  These are the VS-11 wooden propellers.


Monday,   June 1  2009

  Mexico Navy Day  

  Western Samoa Independence Celebration Day

I'm back.  The school camping trip went well.  I was in charge of a rustic cabin with nine 11 year old boys, so I got very little rest.  Activities included hiking, canoeing, archery and more.  The kids had a blast and I was happy to get home to a hot shower and my own bed.

The latest Twobobs Newsletter is up....this was actually from late last week.  There are 7 new decal sheets that are now available including 2 Typhoon sheets (Italy & UK), re-release of the Kosovo F-117 sheet, and 4 F/A-18 sheets. is up....this was actually from late last week.  There are 7 new decal sheets that are now available including 2 Typhoon sheets (Italy & UK), re-release of the Kosovo F-117 sheet, and 4 F/A-18 sheets. is up....this was actually from late last week.  There are 7 new decal sheets that are now available including 2 Typhoon sheets (Italy & UK), re-release of the Kosovo F-117 sheet, and 4 F/A-18 sheets. 

John Doerr starts things off today with some more of his photos from the recent NorEast Con 2009.  Today John is here with his Figure, Space, Automotive and Ship Model Photos.  Thanks John!!! 

Tim "T-bone" Schneider tried to build his 1/48 Accurate Miniatures Yak-1 out of the box.  But as we all know that is tricky to do and he ended up doing extra work and detailing to finish his Yak-1 exactly as he wanted.  It turned out looking very good with weathering and chipped paint using a very effective technique he explains in his article. 

Renato "NIGHTRIDER" Torin Jr. joins us today with his Brazilian beauty.  This is his 1/48 Revell Cessna Citation I finished off in Brazilian markings and tape for seatbelts.  I love seeing Brazilian aircraft 

Warren Osborne has been very busy rescribing the panel lines on his 1/72 Revell P3C Orion.  Warren then darkened all the panel lines and worked hard to get everything looking just right.....with much success. 

Burt Gustafson had a most enjoyable time building his 1/48 Tamiya P-47D Thunderbolt "Razorback".  Burt did his Jug up with WW2 noseart and panel line shading to produce an excellent looking model of this classic fighter. 

I have a review of the new F-14A Tomcat VF-41 Black Aces, AJ101 / 162689. CVW-8, USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN-71 - 1991 from Deployment Productions.


I have a review of the new 1/72 Morane Saulnier M.S.406 wheel & masks from Aires.

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