Homepage Text - April 2011

Saturday,   Apr 30  2011

  Netherlands Queen's Day 

    Saigon fell, ending the Vietnam Conflict in Southeast Asia  April 30  1975 

Let_models joins us on the anniversary  of the fall of Saigon with this very special 1/72 ESCI Air America UH-1D.  This was one of the Air America aircraft and this one even scored an air-to-air kill with an AK-47.  Many details were scratchbuilt as you'll see and enjoy when you look at the photos. 

Friday,   Apr 29  2011 
We now have a new manufacturer's forum: Caracal Models is a new decal company who will concentrate on decals for WWII-to-modern aircraft from all countries.  Drop by their Forum and say hello.

Edwin M starts your Friday update with his exceptional 1/48 Kinetic E-2C Hawkeye.  Edwin spent 7 months getting everything looking just right on his Hawkeye and I must say it looks perfect and the folding wing option was a very smart choice as it adds a dynamic presence to Edwin's Hawkeye.

Ian T.M. Holahan has done a fantastic job shading and weathering the paint job on his 1/48 Hasegawa F-4F 'ICE' Phantom.  This is actually a Luftwaffe Phantom wearing USAF markings.....Ian explains the story in his article.  Ian added scratchbult detail to further enhance his very realistic looking F-4.

Graham Mansell is on a mission to build an example of every Mk. of Canadian Spitfire.  Today Graham is here with his article "1/72 Spitfire models - The Canadians" that features two excellent looking Canadian Spitfires including one in desert camo.  I'm looking forward to seeing how this project progresses.

I have a product article for the 1/72 F/A-18F VFA-41 Fighting Four One decal sheet from Two Bobs 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.

Zotz Decals has a new preview image in their News section for a new 1/32 F-84 decal sheet.

Here is a product article for the new 1/72 Fw Ta 154 Night Exhausts from QuickBoost QuickBoostThese resin exhausts are designed for the Hasegawa kit.

Here is a product article for the new 1/72 Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer S.Mk.2/2C/2D model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR Models.   Czech Master Resin - CMR Models.   You get markings options for 12 different aircraft.

Here is a product article for the new 1/35 AH-1W Turned Exhausts Conversion set from Werner's Wings.


Thursday,   Apr 28  2011 
The news reports of the tornados in the US have been horrific.  I know there are ARC'ers in the area and I hope they and their families are all ok.

Dan Swiersz joins us with his first article on ARC and what a model it is.  This is his 1/48 Scratchbuilt Kraken which took 100 hours to build.  Dan tells the history behind that aircraft and then goes on to give very helpful insight into the scratchbuilding process.  I thoroughly enjoyed seeing your Kraken Dan and I look forward to seeing more of your models in the future.....beautiful work indeed.

Paolo De Sanctis joins us from sunny Italy with his 1/72 Hobbycraft F-82 Twin Mustang.  Paolo found this kit needed some extra effort during the build process, but it did build into a very accurate looking Korean War night fighter in the end.  It looks perfect Paolo.

Paolo Yuen has been busy building his 1/144 Revell GlobeMaster III C-17.  Paolo used a wing conversion set from Wolf Pack Design, but the real beauty of this C-17 is the carefully shaded paint job.  This Globemaster looks very realistic in it's diorama setting.

I have a product article for the 1/72 F/A-18E VFA-14 Fighting Fourteenth decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This 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.

Here is a product article for the new 1/32 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles from Zactomodels ZactomodelsYou get 2 missiles in this set and it also includes seeker heads and seeker head end cap covers.


Here is a product article for the new 1/48 Bf 110 Oil Tanks from QuickBoostThese resin oil tanks are designed for the Cyber Hobby kit.


Zoltan Pocza is here with a product article for the Boeing 777-300 (JA8941) - Japan Airlines Japan print from Deployment Productions.

20% off of any products for every ACTIVE, registered ARC community members!



Wednesday,   Apr 27  2011

  Sierra Leone Independence Day 

  South Africa Freedom Day 

  Togo Independence Day 

Moises has done a gorgeous job building and weathering his 1/48 Hasegawa Mitsubishi F-2A.  Moises built his F-2 OOB and then gave it a fully weathering job to bring it alive and finished it off with the special " 50th anniversary" markings for 6 Sq.  I love the weathering job on this F-2.

Danny Van Mossevelde is here with his detail rich 1/32 Eduard Bf-109E-4.  Danny added an Aires resin cockpit and Eduard photo etch as well as metal landing gear from Scale Aircraft Conversions and brass machinegun barrels.  He then finished off his 109 in BOB markings and displayed it on a grass airfield diorama base.  This is Danny first models on ARC and I look forward to seeing more models of his on ARC.  Welcome to ARC Danny!!!

Kees Kuyper is here with his special "what-if" Local Hawk.  This is a special NASA version with a shortened wings.  Nicely done Kees.....I enjoy seeing your latest creation. 

I have a product article for the 1/72 F-15S Khamis Mushait/Anaconda Eagles decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet gives you lots of bang for your buck!  Enough options for eight Saudi aircraft and three USAF Strike Eagles.

Here is a product article for the new 1/48 F-4 Panel numbers White stencil font Dry Transfers from Hobby Decal. Hobby Decal.

Here is a product article for the new 1/32 Bf 109F wheel bay set from Aires AiresThis set is designed for the Hasegawa kit and includes resin and photo etch parts.

Here is a product article for the new 1/48 IAF Towing Tractor Type A model kit from IsraCast IsraCastThis kit includes resin and photo etch parts as well as a resin figure.


Here is a product article for the new 1/32 German aircraft machine gun MG 151 (20mm) barrels from Master. Master.


Tuesday,    Apr 26  2011

  Tanzania Union Day 

Ted Taylor is here with not just one but two exceptional 1/32 Revell Arado Ar 196A-3.  Ted decided to build one of his Arados with the wings folded and the other with the wings extended.  Read his article for a full step by step  build article.  After reading Ted's glowing article, I'm thinking I'd like to build this float plane myself.  Beautifully done Ted.

Dragan Cvetic is here with another of his Yugoslavian jets.  This is his 1/72 Academy F-86F(E) Canadair cl.13 finished in very attractive Yugoslav AF and decals from Balkan Models.  It's a very well done Sabre and good to see one in Yugoslav markings.

Carmel J Attard has gone all out on his 1/72 Lockheed EP-3E Orion.  Carmel did scratchbuilt modifications and rescribed panel lines.  He also used the Falcon triple conversion set and a set of metal landing gear from Scale Aircraft Conversion to complete this truly impressive Orion.  His article includes the whole build process as well as the Orion history including the "Chinese incident"...which makes for a very interesting read.  

Philipp has been building his exceptional 1/48 Italeri A-10A.  Philipp opened up the engine covers on one side to show off his scratchbuilt engine and he also added a full weapons load and the wonderful finishing touch of RBF tags.  It's a great looking model of this classic tank killer....beautiful work Philipp.

Here is a product article for the new 1/32 individual instruments for WW2 US Navy A/C from airscale.  Instrumentation as found in the F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat, TBM Avenger, SBD Dauntless and common to most USN / USMC types. 


Here is a product article for the new 1/48 AETE CF-18B Test Hornet decal sheet from Leading Edge Models.  This updated decal sheet include painting masks to assist in the painting process.


Here is a product article for the new 1/72 P-40 Warhawk Undercarriage Covers from QuickBoost QuickBoost These resin P-40 Warhawk Undercarriage Covers are designed for the Academy kit.

Here is a product article for the new 1/72 B-52 Landing Gear from Scale Aircraft Conversions Scale Aircraft ConversionsThese metal landing gear are designed for the AMT/Italeri kit.


Monday,    Apr 25  2011

Italy - End of WW2 1945

  Australia and New Zealand - ANZAC Day  

There will be no product articles today out of respect for ANZAC Day.  

Aleksander Górski begins today's update honouring ANZAC Day with his 1/48 AMTech P-40E Kittyhawk.  Aleksander did plenty of work on his P-40 and used some aftermarket items to get it looking perfect.  I enjoyed seeing the addition of a kangaroo in his diorama.  This is the perfect start to this special update.

Phil Mead is here to remember ANZAC Day with a selection of models used in Australian service over the decades.  There are 32 different models in all which is an amazing selection all all of them are a treat to the eyes.

Mark Doherty is here to honour ANZAC Day with his 1/48 Airfix Canberra.  Mark built this No 2 squadron Vietnam era Canberra for a No 2 squadron veteran.  Mark tells the story of No 2 squadron during their time in Vietnam.  Mark has built a darn fine looking in-flight Canberra model. 

Aleksander Górski is here with 3 different Australian Spitfires including his 1/48 ICM Spitfire Mk VIII.  The other two Spitfire are the Arii and the Airfix kits and all 3 of them look fantastic.  Check out his article and enjoy the photos.

Phillip Roache has done an exceptional job on his 1/48 Hobbyboss RAAF F/A-18 Hornet.  Phillip added scratchbuilt bird slicers, Quickboost seat and a new nose gear landing light and more.  The markings are from Hawkeye decals for an RAAF Hornet participating in Afghanistan.  I love it.

Aleksander Górski  also joins us today with his 1/48 LTD CA-13 Boomerang.  Aleksander chose the markings for "Recce Robin" with 5SQN RAAF and did an excellent job giving his Boomerang some panel line chipping.

Phil Mead is also here on ANZAC Day  with his 1/48 Special Hobby Wirraway.  Phil put plenty of effort into the small details on his Wirraway and when you read his article and look at his photos you will appreciate how special his Wirraway really is.  His article is a fantastic resource for anyone planning on building this kit.

Phillip Roache has done extensive work on his 1/32 Tamiya F-14D Tomcat.  Phillip used quite a few aftermarket items from a resin cockpit to interior and exterior photo etch plus much much more and finished it off with decals from Zotz Decals.  Wow....very impressive.

Aleksander Górski finishes this ANZAC Day  update with his 1/48 Tamiya Brewster Buffalo.  Aleksander  chose the markings for a Buffalo with 453 Sqn. RAAF in Sembawang, Singapore.  Very nice indeed.


Sunday,    Apr 24   2011    

Easter Sunday

I'm pleased to say we have quite the big Egg Plane update today.  This is a new tradition here on ARC each Easter that I really enjoy.  Well done to everyone that sent in articles.

Hal Elsberry gets things fired up with his action packed Egg Plane Dog Fight diorama.  I love the job Hal did on these.....amazing work Hal.

Darwin L Evelsizer has been busy getting the details right on his P-47 Egg Plane.  Darwin painted his P-47 Egg Plane in the markings for the famous ace Lt Col Glenn Eagleston.

Hal Elsberry  is here to treat you to his Egg Plane Collection.  This collection included everything from a WW1 Nieuport to a JAL airliner to a Tiger scheme F-16.  Get comfortable....sit back and enjoy. 

Darwin L Evelsizer has been very creative with his B-747 Egg Plane.  Darwin used airliner decals to create his Delta 747 and I've got to admit I love how it turned out.

Hal Elsberry just finished his Hasegawa P-51 Egg Plane yesterday just in time for this years Easter Egg Plane update. Hal has been creative with his P-51 Egg Plane by using a paint scheme from WW2.  Nice one Hal.....I'm glad you got it done in time.

Darwin L Evelsizer is here with two of his SR-71 Egg Planes.  One of these SR-71 Egg Planes is in the markings for the final flight of the SR-71.  Gotta' love that.

Darwin L Evelsizer finishes up this special update with his C-747 Egg Plane.  This 747 is finished in the markings for a USAF cargo plane.  Pretty cool job Darwin.

Saturday,   Apr 23  2011

  England - St. George's Day 

  Turkey National Independence and Children Day 


Friday,   Apr 22  2011 
For the most part the upgraded ARC forums are all settled in.  I've done a variety of little tweaks to improve things.  Replaced white background with an off white background.  Set up some new sub forums to hold pinned topics and a few other minor changes.  If you're having problems finding your PM box....go here .....I've loaded some screen shots to show you how to find your PM inbox.   I've also noticed that the forum domain name has now moved for most members.....it should move for everyone sometime this weekend.  Drop by the Forums and check it out.

Sten Arne B. Brunsby starts today's update with his 1/48 Tamiya F-16 AM Block 10.  Sten used the detail items from Wolfpack and  Eduard to add detail and convert his Block 5 to a Block 10 and then finished it off with decals from Vingtor for a jet that served in Afghanistan and topped all that with a full weathering job for a dirty in Afghanistan. 

Drakendk has been busy adding scratchbuilt detail to the interior of his 1/72 Airfix Skyvan, SoAF.  Drakendk chose to finish his Skyvan in the markings for the Sultan of Oman's Air Force (SoAF), so to complete the look he gave it dusty weathering to give his model the faded dusty look of an aircraft from Oman.  It is displayed on an airfield base complete with a vehicle.  Very nicely done Drakendk. 

Fernando I. Moreno Villa joins us from sunny Monterrey, México with his 1/72 Italeri Sepecat Jaguar.  This beautifully finished Jaquar has a Pavla resin seat and is finished in the markings for Fuerza Aérea Ecuatoriana using decals from Aztec Models.  Fernando gave it weapons load using items from his spares box.

Floyd Werner, Jr. is here with a product article for the new 1/72 North American P-51 Mustang, Pt. 1 decal sheet from Lifelike Decals Lifelike DecalsThis decal sheet includes markings for 4 different Mustangs.

Here is a product article for the new 1/32 IL-2 Sturmovik Exhaust from QuickBoost QuickBoost The pipes are hollow for added realism.

Here is a product article for the new 1/72 Hawker Typhoon NF Mk.IB model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR ModelsThis model kit includes markings for 3 different aircraft including a RNZAF Typhoon.



Thursday,   Apr 21  2011

Red Baron Manfred von Richtofen shot down  (1918)

United Kingdom - Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second 

I'm pleased to see the move of the ARC Discussion Forums to the newer server computer went very smoothly.  The upgraded program is much more friendly to mobile devices and seems to include most of the features of the old forums program as well as some very well thought out new features.  The look is different and that will take us all a few days to adapt to....but this is all part of life in the computer age.  Drop by the Forums and check it out.

Shawn "phantom" Weiler gets things fired up today with his 1/48 Hasegawa F-18G Growler.  Shawn used the Steel Beach F-18G Growler update set as well as their intake covers and made his own  exhaust covers as well as grabs some Prowler pods from another kit to create his Growler.  And to complete this beauty he went with markings from  Fightertown decals.  This is a very interesting project and it is neat to see it all come together.  

Nick Monopoli is here with one of my favorite Mustangs.  This is Nick's 1/24 Revell/Monogram 1966 Mustang GT 350 that he built for a Skyhawk pilot.  Nick used his skills to enhance many area of this model with spectacular results.  I really do like the look of the finish Shelby Cobra Mustang. 

Ahmed Al-Kanawati joins us today with his second article on ARC.  This is his very sharp looking 1/72 Italeri MIG-29A wearing Yugoslavian markings.  Ahmed built it OOB and he found this kit to be quite a good kit.  Looking good Ahmed. 

I have a product article for the 1/72 F-4E Kara Sahin Phantom decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This decal sheet features the Turkish Air Force F-4E Kara Sahin (Black Hawk) Phantom in 1/72 scale. 

Zoltan Pocza is here with a product article for the new Boeing 737-700 (N713SW) - Southwest Airlines / United States of America print from Deployment Productions.  This is the special "Sea World - Shamu" paint scheme.


Floyd Werner, Jr. is here with a product article for the new Marine Fighter Pilot DVD from Victory Films.


Here is a product article for the new 1/32 Bf 109F wheels & masks from Aires Aires You get all 3 wheels and paint masks for all 3 wheels.


Wednesday,   Apr 20  2011 
Seán Langley is here with his big beautiful 1/72 Airfix Vulcan B.Mk.2A.  This is an older kit and Seán did find the kit to be somewhat less than perfect, but with a dash of determination and a few different detail items from Two Mikes Resin Acessories, he was able to turn out a sharp looking model of the classic Vulcan bomber.  

Neil Bable has been very creative with his scratchbuilt Space Barge.  Neil used a variety of items including his son's medicine spoon to create this cool looking Sci-fi model for a club contest.  I do love seeing Sci-Fi model and this one is very creative.

Luc Janssen has done an exceptional job on his big 1/32 Tamiya F-4J Phantom.  Luc added the Aries F –4/J Cockpit Set and the Aires Exhaust Nozzles to improve the detail in these critical areas before finishing his Phantom in USMC markings.  Check out the photos of the cockpit pit.....Luc did a stunning job detailing and painting the resin and photo etch cockpit.

Floyd Werner, Jr. is here with a product article for the new 1/48 Messerschmitt Me 109 Part 5 decal sheet from Lifelike Decals Lifelike Decals This decal sheet includes markings for 4 different 109.

Here is a product article for the new 1/48 F4U-1 Corsair Pitot Tube from QuickBoost.


Here is a product article for the new 1/72 Bf 109 E3 - E9, T armament set from Master.


Tuesday,    Apr 19  2011 

Hot Babe of the Week!  this week  from Twobobs is courtesy of Stellar Shu and Andreas Zeitler. Pretty topical since we've announced our J-10 sheets over here. Cool looking jet and some nice pics!    Bob


Mark Chen has captured the look of the F-15E perfectly with his 1/48 Revell F-15E Strike Eagle.  Mark chose to build his F-15E as one that participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and to do this he used some parts from the  Academy F-15E.  As you will see in the photos, Mark has quite a bit of talent when it comes to panel line shading.  His F-15E is completed with a full weapons load and drop tanks.

Jens Gerber is here from Germany with his latest model.  This is his 1/48 Revell Bf 110 G2 /R3 complete with a beautifully painted cockpit with dry brushed instrument panels to bring out all the detail.  The exterior was done by pre-shading the panels lines before the final camo paint was applied.  I love the look of this 110......excellent job Jens.  Click on the link in his article to see in-progress pics of the cockpit.

Mark Doherty has done a stunning job applying a bare metal finish to his 1/32 Kinetic F-86F Sabre.  Mark explains the process he used for applying the Alclad II bare metal finish and after seeing his model, I can honestly say it looks fantastic.  Mark has high regards for the Kinetic F-86F Sabre and of course in Mark's skilled hands, it does build into a great looking model.

Here is a product article for the new 1/48 ROKAF KF-16 Dry Transfer Stencils from Hobby Decal.


Floyd S. Werner, Jr. joins us today with a product article for the Landing Gear Alignment Tool from CB Model Products.  CB Model Products continues to come out with some very useful tools and Floyd has high regards for this landing gear alignment tool.

Here is a product article for the new 1/32 MiG-23MF Flogger B cockpit set from AiresThis cockpit set includes resin and photo etch parts and is designed for the Trumpeter kit.


Floyd Werner, Jr. is here with a product article for the new The Vought F4U Corsair: A Comprehensive Guide from SAM Publications.


Monday,    Apr 18  2011

  Zimbabwe National Day 

  Iran Armed Forces Day  

Doolittle Raid - U.S. bomb Tokyo (1942)

P-38 mission to kill Yamamoto (1943)

This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up and Bob has included some new images of the upcoming J-10 instruction sheet plus piles of images of the upcoming F-16 Shark Attack and the F/A-18C Snakes and Dragons sheet.    All of these sheets have some great artwork and the J-10 sheet will be a huge hit I'm sure.

Mark L. Rossmann is here to remember and honor the anniversary of the "Doolittle Raid” with his 1/48 Accurate Miniatures B-25B.  Mark tells the story of the B-25 “Whirling Dervish” during this famous morale boosting raid 6 months after the devastating attack at Pearl Harbor.  Mark did a lovely job on his B-25, but it is his article that I know you will thoroughly enjoy.   

Dragan Cvetic is here with another of his Yugoslav beauties.  This is his 1/72 Zvezda MiG-21 BIS JRV I PVO with a resin seat and scratchbuilt gunsight and a full weapons load as you'd expect to see on an interceptor.  I enjoy seeing Dragan's models on ARC. 

Jason Lee has done a first class job on his 1/35 Academy UH-1C Heavy Hog.  Jason did some added detailing to his Huey before giving it a dusty weathering job to match the look of the Hueys operated by US forces in Vietnam.  To complete this wonderful model, Jason displayed it in a diorama with a figure and a jeep on PSP plating. 

Here is a product article for the new 1/72 AETE CF-18B Test Hornet decal sheet from Leading Edge Models Leading Edge ModelsThis decal sheet includes painting masks and is designed for the Academy & Hasegawa F-18 B/D kits.


Martin R Wilson is here with a product article for the new 1/48 F-16 (Early) Wheels from EduardEduardThese wheels are designed for the Tamiya kit.

Here is a product article for the new 1/72 AC-47 Minigun Gun Barrels from QuickBoost.  Each separate barrel is hollow at the end for added realism.     


Here is a product article for the new 1/48 P-38 Landing Gear from Scale Aircraft Conversions.


Sunday,    Apr 17  2011 

  Syria Independence Day 

Majd Abbar gets this very impressive large Syria Independence Day update started with his 1/72 Master Craft Sukhoi 7 – 1973 Ramadan War.  Majd built this attractive Su-7 OOB except for the resin ejection seat to dress up the cockpit.  

Majd Abbar is here with a 1/72 MPC Kamov-25 A wearing desert camo and Syrian markings.  The Ka-25 saw service in the Anti-Submarine warfare role.  This one look quite nice.. 

Majd Abbar is here with not one but two beautifully done Su-22s.  These are his 1/72 Italeri Sukhoi 22 M4 and Sukhoi 22 UM in the markings of aircraft that saw action in the 1982 conflict over Lebanon.

Majd Abbar joins with a pair of Syrian Spitfires.  These are his 1/72 Hawk/Testors Spitfire MK.22 in 2 different paint schemes and finished with home made decals. I enjoyed seeing both of them.

Majd Abbar has done a wonderful job on his 1/72 Kondor MiG-25 and MiG-25 PU.  Both of these models fit fairly well and it is good to see a single seater as well as the two seater MiG-25.  Both are wearing Syrian markings.

Majd Abbar built his excellent looking 1/72 Zvezda MiG-27 mostly OOB with the addition of a resin ejection seats to improve the cockpit detail.  And of course it is finished in Syrian Air Force markings.

Majd Abbar joins us today with an airliner 1/144 L-1011 Tristar.  Majd got everything looking great and then chose the livery for the Saudi Arabian Airlines.  These are very attractive and exotic looking markings.

Majd Abbar is here with quite the article.  This is his 1/72 MPC Mig-23 MS in the markings of a Syrian jet that was in a dogfight with some Israeli Phantoms.  Majd tells the story of this engagement in his article.

Majd Abbar finishes off this special Syrian update with his sharp looking 1/72 Mig-15 UTI.  And of course Majd finished this MiG-15UTI in Syrain Air Force markings.

Saturday,   Apr 16  2011 

  Denmark Queen's Birthday 

Friday,   Apr 15  2011 
Busolini Massimo gets things started in excellent style today with his very weathered looking 1/48 Tamiya Goodyear FG-1D Corsair.  This Goodyear Corsair is wearing the Fuerza Aerea Salvadorena markings but it is the added detailing and weathering job that makes this model truly exceptional.  Read the article for full info on how the weathering was done......grab a cup of coffee or tea, then sit back and enjoy all 51 photos.

Frederic Cottin is here with his exceptional fine looking 1/48 Grand Phoenix F3H-2N Demon.  This is a limit run kit was given some added scratchbuilt parts to dress up the nose landing gear and missile pylons.  To finish it off Frederic  gave his Demon one of those colorful hi-viz paint jobs that was common during this time period.  This is one beautifully done Demon.

David Rapasi joins us today with his late war 1/32 Hasegawa FW 190 A-8s.  David did his 190 as a freshly paint fighter with a very cool looking camo with stripes.  The bright red markings and striped camo make this Fw-190 look very attractive indeed.

I have a product article for the 1/72 F/A-18C Werewolves of Beaufort decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features enough markings for three complete aircraft from VMFA-122.  VMFA-122 has just recently changed their monicker from the Crusaders to the Werewolves and they have some new tail art to kick it all off!

Martin Wilson (Loki) is here with a product article for the new 1/32, 1/48, 1/72 F-16A/B Falcon Stencils decal sheet from Syhart Decals. Syhart Decals.


Here is a product article for the new 1/32 MiG-23 Flogger Spill Doors from QuickBoost. QuickBoost.

Here is a product article for the new 1/72 De Havilland Vampire NF.10 model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR Models Czech Master Resin - CMR ModelsYou get a choice of markings for 3 different RAF aircraft.


Thursday,   Apr 14  2011 
Marijana Bilbija joins us today with a great looking 1/72 Revell MIG-21 F-13.  This MiG is mostly out of the box with some careful scratchbuilding and finished with decals from Balkan Models.  This is one very sharp looking MiG-21.

Kurt Wengler used 2 kits to create this rare 1/72 Fujimi Bell 214A.  Kurt combined the Fujimi 1/72 UH-1N and an Italeri 1/72 AH-1W Super Cobra to create this high powered Iranian chopper.  Kurt explains the process in his article and although it only has 2 blades for the main rotor......the blades are very wide, which you will see in his photos.  It's very cool to see this one Kurt.......nice job with the research and kit bashing, especially considering the fact you built this before the Internet was available. 

Paul Mortimer is here to make you grin with his 1/72 Hobby Boss EuroEasyJetFighter.  This model is based on a spoof article that told that EasyJet had bought the RAF....a link for the article in contained in Paul's article.  A funny article and a well done "what-if" model to go with it....good one Paul.

I have a product article for the 1/72 F-105D Wrap Around Thuds decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features three complete sets of markings for the famous wrap-around schemes from Hill AFB.  My Karma, Stardust and Desert Fox are all represented on this sheet.

Zoltan Pocza is here with a product article for the new Boeing 747-400 (HS-TGA) - Thai Airways / Thailand print from  Deployment ProductionsDeployment ProductionsThis is part of their new series of airliner prints.

20% off of any products for every ACTIVE, registered ARC community members!


Here is a product article for the new 1/32 KM-1 ejection seat from Aires AiresThis seat includes resin and photo etch parts.

Floyd Werner, Jr. is here with a product article for the new Scale Aircraft Wheel Sander from CB Model Products.  This is a very cool tool.


Wednesday,   Apr 13  2011 
I've added Syhart Decals to the ARC links pages. They are a decal company from France that has a large selection of decal sheets featuring colourful markings from France and a variety of European Air Forces.

Diego M. Pavese has done an absolutely amazing job on his 1/48 Gavia Albatros D.1.  Diego has created a model that has all the wonderful delicate detail and look of the real aircraft....including the look of real wood grain.  Wow!!!

Shawn "phantom" Weiler has been busy building for the "On Canadian wings" group build and this great looking 1/48 Academy CT-133 Silver Star is his latest entry.  Shawn dressed it up with a KMC cockpit detail set which includes positionable tail planes and speed brakes and then finished it off in the great looking gold paint scheme.  I love the gold scheme Shawn.

David Rapasi is here with his brightly colored 1/72 Hasegawa S2F-1 Tracker.  David built this one back in 1976, which just goes to show that he's been building exceptional models long before the main stream of our hobby began to turn out higher quality models.  Very impressive Dave. 

I have a product article for the 1/72 F-16C Buckeye Vipers #1 decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet is a combo sheet in both 72nd and 32nd scale for the Ohio ANG.  There are enough markings to build two 72nd scale jets and one 32nd scale jet.  

I have a first look at the 1/32 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles from Zactomodels ZactomodelsThis set includes 2 missiles and a lens for the seeker and a cap to cover the seeker.

Floyd Werner, Jr. is here with a product article for the new 1/35th scale SS Tiger Tank Commander 1944-45 figure from UltracastThis resin figures offers you a huge variety of poses and includes 2 different heads.


Here is a product article for the new 1/48 F-5E Tiger II Pitot Tube from QuickBoost. QuickBoost.  The ends are hollow for added realism.

Here is a product article for the new 1/72 F-16 Pitot tube & Angle Of Attack probes from MasterThese are beautifully crafted



Tuesday,    Apr 12  2011 

  Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. First Human In Space (1961) 

Hot Babe of the Week!  this week  from Twobobs is courtesy of Ken Middleton. Stepping into the "wayback" machine on this one. These were pics that Ken provided to us back when we did our Florida ANG Eagle sheet.      Bob


Sertac Bayar has done a wonderful job on his 1/72 Revell HH-65A Dauphin 2.  Sertac chose to finish his eye catching HH-65A Dauphin 2 in US Coast Guard markings.  Gotta love that.

Artur Oslizlo has done a gorgeous job detailing and finishing his 1/48 Hobbyboss FJ-4B Fury.  Artur added the Aires resin cockpit before giving his Fury a full shading and weathering job before using Eagle Strike decals to complete this beauty.

Travis Chalmers is here with a very special 1/48 Tamiya Douglas A-1J Skyraider.  This particular Skyraider has no markings as it was used for special CIA missions during the Vietnam war.  Travis added extra detailing to the gear bays and landing gear as well as cockpit and engine compartment.  Once this gem was finished, Travis gave to his friend who is a Veteran.

Here is a product article for the new 1/48 F-86F Dry Transfer Stencils from Hobby Decal. Hobby Decal.


Floyd Werner, Jr. is here with a product article for the new Model Aircraft’ – A New Direction from SAM Publications SAM PublicationsSAM PublicationsFloyd gives us a good look inside this issue of Model Aircraft.

Here is a product article for the new 1/48 Phantom FG.1/FGR.2 auxiliary air intake from Aires AiresJust the item you need for your next Phantom.


Monday,    Apr 11  2011
This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is up.  Holy heck...this weeks newsletter is loaded with preview images.  Two new 1/48 J-10 sheets, plus CoNA Platinum sets in 1/48 and 1/72.....and F-16 Shark Attack sheet...and F/A-18C Snakes and Dragons sheet......there's so much great and colourful artwork on all these sheets.  Check it out and enjoy the images.

John Smalbrugge has done an impressive job on his colourful 1/48 Hasegawa F-18B.  For markings John chose the CF-188B used by CAF's AETE (Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment) based at Cold Lake, AL.  The decals were from Leading edge Models.  Good looking Hornet John.

Konley Kelley is here with a big article about the "FIFI" B-29 Superfortress.  Konley has included photos of his 1:72 Airfix B-29 that was completed with custom made decals.  Plus Konley has some artwork and images 3D model of "FIFI" as well as photos of the real plane from the Alliance Airshow and the Cavanaugh Flight Museum.  This would be an amazing aircraft to see one day and a darn good reason to travel to Texas.

Iván Aceituno C. has done an exceptionally nice job on his 1/48 Academy MIG-21Bis-SAU NVA.  Iván added scratchbuilt details in the cockpit and wheel wells as well as SAU antennas and opened up panels for even more detail.  Then he gave it an excellent paint job and East German markings using Hi-Decal Line decals.  

Martin R Wilson is here with a product article for the 1/48 F-16 Aces II seat from Eduard Brassin.  This resin and photo etch seat is designed for the Kinetic F-16 kit.

Here is a product article for the new 1/72 Ju 188A Night Exhaust from QuickBoost.


Here is a product article for the new 1/32 F-80C Landing Gear from Scale Aircraft Conversions



Saturday,   Apr 9  2011 

  Portugal "Dia do Combatente" (The Fighter's Day) 

  Day of remembrance (La Lys Battle 1918)

Rod Bettencourt is here with a very special 1/48 Monogram F-102.  Rod rescribed all the panel lines and added Eduard photoetch and finished it off with  Area 53 decals.  Check out the photos of his F-102.....it looks like a real jet on the flightline.  I love it.

Friday,   Apr 8  2011 
Andrew Marriott joins us from Guam with his first article on ARC.  This is his sun weathered 1/48 Tamiya F4U-1 Corsair.  Andrew shares if multi-shading techniques in his article as well as the whole weathering process he used to create this stunning Corsair.  Welcome to ARC Andrew, I look forward to seeing more of your models on ARC in the future.

Dragan Cvetic has done an exceptionally nice job on his 1/72 Revell MiG-21 F13 JRV I PVO.  Dragan used the Quickboost resin nose and finished his MiG with a multi-shade bare metal finish and a beautifully done weathering job before finishing it in Yugoslav markings.  This one sharp looking MiG-21.  

Victor De Jesus has put quite a bit of effort into his attractive 1/32 Revell Messerscmitt Bf-110.  This is a big kit and Victor dressed up the cockpit with some instrument panel decals from Airscale and then finished it off with a great looking camo scheme.  Very impressive.

I have a product article for the 1/72 F-16C/D Blue Fox Bandits decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet includes markings for four Lizard, Flanker and Arctic scheme jets from the 18th AGRS at Eielson AFB. 

Here is a product article for the new 1/32 Bf 109F Tropical Filter from QuickBoost

Here is a product article for the new 1/72 Westland Wapiti Mk.IIA model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR Models Czech Master Resin - CMR ModelsThe markings in this kit are for the Royal Australian Air Force.

Jared Hooper is here with a product article for the 1/72 JASDF F-15J/DJ Aggressors decal sheet from DXM Decals This decal sheet captures some of the colourful camo schemes worn by the Japanese F-15s.


Thursday,   Apr 7  2011 
Burcin Emren get things started today with a beautifully done 1 /48 Hobbyboss A-7D.  Burcin did his A-7 with a full weapons load and a sharks mouth paint scheme and display it as an in-flight model for added effect.  This is a great looking A-7.

Mike Pattison has excelled at the painting and weathering on his 1/32 Trumpeter Me 109 E3.  Mike is becoming a big fan of Trumpeter kits and I definitely love the job he did on his Emil....well done Mike.

Zenden Ng has done an outstanding job finishing and weathering his 1/72 Trumpeter FC-1 / JF-17.  This JF-17has a full weapons load and is finished in Pakistani AF markings.  The cockpit and PE exhaust look excellent.....very nice indeed.

I have a product article for the 1/72 & 1/32 F-16C 79th FS 2005 TMOTA decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features markings for the 2005 Tiger Meet of the Americas jet from the 79th FS of Shaw AFB.  One full set of 72nd scale and 32nd scale markings are included.  All the little details are in here to include ladder markings, external tank and baggage pod markings and gun muzzle markings.  A very complete set.

Here is a product article for the new 1/32 MiG-23ML Flogger G cockpit set from Aires. Aires.

Zoltan Pocza is here with a  product article for the Boeing VC-25A, 89th Airlift Wing, 29000 print from Deployment Productions.

20% off of any products for every ACTIVE, registered ARC community members!


Max Tollens Jr.  is here with a  product article for the  1/32 A-4E Skyhawk model kit from Trumpeter Trumpeter



Wednesday,   Apr 6  2011 
Artur Oslizlo has done an exceptionally nice job on his 1/48 Eduard profipack Nieuport Ni-11.  This is Artur's first Bi-plane models and he seems to have natural talent for building bi-planes.  This one looks perfect in every way and the rigging job is beautifully done.

Charles Poon joins us today with his first article on ARC.  This 1/72 Airfix Dassult Mirage F1c is built out of the box with a tiny bit of scratchbuilt detailing and a beautifully shaded camo paint scheme and South African markings.  I really enjoys seeing this Mirage F1c and I hope to see more model from Charles in the future.  Welcome to ARC Charles!!!

Kees Kuyper is here with the official ARC Air P-47 Reno Air Racer.  This is the 1/72 Academy P-47 in a  custom paint job and ARC Air markings for a Reno air Racer.  This is very cool....I love it. 

Here is a product article for the 1/72 F-4C First of the Weasels decal sheet from Two Bobs Aviation GraphicsYou get enough markings for two complete jets with options for five.  Very historically relevant markings for one of the first F-4 Weasel squadrons from the Vietnam Conflict. Many of the jets include nose inscriptions.

Here is a product article for the new 1/48 AIM-9M Missile Dry Transfer Stencils from Hobby Decal Hobby Decal


Here is a product article for the new 1/48 Spitfire Mk. V Stabilizer from QuickBoost

Here is a product article for the new 1/32 German aircraft cannon 3,7cm Flak 18 gun barrels from Master Master


Tuesday,    Apr 5  2011 

Hot Babe of the Week!  this week  from Twobobs is courtesy of Wally Van Winkle. A-10 Warthog is my all time favorite aircraft. Thanks a bunch Wally!     Bob


Burt Gustafson is here in fine style today with his sharp looking 1/48 Academy SU-27 Flanker-B.  Burt gives a very good insight into building the Academy Flanker in his article and I must say the finished model is first class.  I always enjoy seeing Burt's latest model and I love the look of his Su-27. 

Antonio “Coyote Jr.” Quiros Ibieta joins us from Chile with his first article on ARC.  This is his highly detailed 1/48 Eduard (Profipack) Focke Wulf Fw-190 D9 finished with an excellent paint job and perfect weathering.  It's a beautiful Fw-190 Antonio, welcome to ARC.....I look forward to seeing more of your models on ARC in the future.   

Michael "Chewie" Choo is a regular member on the ARC forums and I'm pleased to feature his first article on the ARC homepage.  This is his 1/72 Italeri F-22A Raptor "Deep Penetrator" in a camo scheme I really enjoy seeing.  Michael tells the whole story of his "What-if" Raptor in his article.  Welcome to the ARC homepage Michael, I look forward to seeing more of your models on the ARC homepage.  It's a beautifully done F-22. 

Here is a product article for the new 1/32 MiG-23 Pylons from Zactomodels ZactomodelsThis latest resin set includes 6 highly detailed corrected 1/32 MiG-23 Pylons with detailed launching mechanisms  on the undersides of all of the pylons plus 4 trees of optional hardware.

Here is a product article for the new 1/48 Ar 196A wheels & paint masks from Aires.   Aires.  


Simone Fiorito is here with a product article for the H.A.F. F-4 Phantom II DVD from Airutopia.com.  The 75 minutes DVD is focused on the very interesting Phantoms in service with HAF and seeks the usual Airutopia quality with a very technical narration by Lt. Col. USAF (ret) Bob "K-BOB" Kay.



Monday,    Apr 4  2011 

 Senegal Independence Day 

This weeks Twobobs Newsletter is loaded with images of the upcoming Centennial of Naval Aviation sheets....but the big news this week is the J-10 decal sheet "Enter the Dragon".  ARC's own "Waco" was busy helping Bob with reference for this sheet featuring some very colorful J-10's with the Chinese Demo Team in single and 2 seater versions.  Check it out.....this sheets rocks!!!

Sertac Bayar is here with today's first model.  This is his 1/72 Revell P-47D Thunderbolt with the colourful noseart and markings for "Balls Out".  Sertac gave his P-47 weathering for added realism.  It's a darn fine looking P-47.

Gavin Parnaby used quite a few aftermarket detail items and decals from 3 different decal sheets to create this 1/72 Airfix Canberra B.(I).6.  As you read Gavin's article, you will understand all the work and effort and skill that went into building, detailing and finishing his Canberra.  Very nicely done Gavin

Christopher Yee is here with his exquisite 1/72 Aerobase Wright Flyer 1903.  This is  photo etch kit with an unbelievable level of detail.  Christopher was careful during the build process and his efforts were rewarded with a most amazing model on the Wright Flyer.  Read Christopher's article for the full story. 

Nick Moore is here with a product article for the 1/48 MD-3 Navy Tractor (long) & A/S32A-32 tractor Combo from Skunk Models Workshop and available from LuckyModel.com


Here is a product article for the new 1/72 Fw 190A-4 Top Antenna from QuickBoost


Here is a product article for the new 1/48 A-20 Havoc/Boston Landing Gear from Scale Aircraft Conversions Scale Aircraft Conversions



Saturday,   Apr 2  2011 

  Falklands/Malvinas War Anniversary 

Friday,   Apr 1  2011 

  Canada - CAF Birthday 

  United Kingdom  - RAF Birthday 

Kitbasher starts today in fine style with his 1/72 Revell (ex-Matchbox) Noorduyn Norseman AL.1.  Kitbasher tells the history of these little known RAF aircraft and the various theatres they operated in during their operational life.  Kitbasher has done an exceptionally fine job finishing his attractive RAF Noorduyn Norseman AL.1.

Andy Alexius Lee joins us with a most amazing What-if story about his 1/48 Hasegawa Harrier GR7.  Andy finished his Harrier in Aussie retro markings and he provides a full story about the Harrier and the Aussie jump jet carrier his Harrier served on.

Thitaphol Meelarp joins us from Thailand with a very special model.  This is the 1/144 Revell Airbus A319 Thai Koo Fha, which is the Thailand version of Airforce 1.  These special markings were purchased from Siam Scale decals.  I enjoyed seeing this special Thai Koo Fha RTAF airliner. 

Here is a product article for the new 1/32 MiG-23 Flogger Control Stick from QuickBoost.


Here is a product article for the new OH-58D Kiowa Warrior poster from Werner's Wings. Werner's Wings.