Homepage Text - September 2012

Sunday,   Sept 30  2012

 Botswana National Day  

 Guinea-Bissau Independence Day 


Friday,  Sept 28  2012 
ARC Armor was updated today - drop by and check them out.  Show everyone your models on these sites.

Greg Moss starts today with his very attractive 1/72 Hobby Boss Eurocopter Tigre HAP (Converted to Australian Tiger ARH).  Greg added rocket pods and Hellfire missiles as well as scratchbuilt details to make this a truly impressive looking Aussie chopper.

David Rapasi is here with something special.  This is his 1/48 Revell Lockheed PV-1 Ventura with a weapons load and just the perfect amount of weathering.  This particular Ventura served in the Caribbean in 1944/45...must have been nice being an aircrew spending WW2 in the Caribbean.

Kitt Janpayom has done an exceptional job on his 1/48 Hasegawa F-16C (Aggressors).   The markings for this sharp looking F-16 came from Twobobs and the painting and weathering job looks fantastic.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 Su-24M/MR Fencer D/E Islamic Fencers decal sheet from Authentic DecalsThis decal sheet includes 6 aircraft from air forces in Islamic countries including aircraft 5 in desert camo.

This detail set is available directly from Sprue Brothers Models


Here's a product article for the 1/72 Supermarine Type 323 model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR Models.  This model kit includes pre-painted photo etch and markings for 3 different aircraft. 

Thursday, Sept 27  2012 
ARC Armor was updated today - drop by and check them out.  Show everyone your models on these sites.

Adriano Souza has done an exceptional job on the classic 1/48 Revell F-4C Phantom II.  Adriano built his Phantom out of the box and I must say I love the job he did on this classic kit with it's raised panel lines.

Gidi Vitkon has used an Isracast conversion set to create his exceptional 1/48 Academy UH-60L Blackhawk – Yanshuf 3.  With a combination of this Isracast resin set and Sky Decals and an expert weathering job....this turned into a very realistic looking model of this Israeli chopper.

Norman Gruss has used different shades of Alclad II  to create his stunning 1/48 Tamiya MiG-15 bis "Fagot B".  The markings are for an East German bird using decals from Hi-Decal Line.  I love the look of this East German bird.

Zoltan Pocza is here with a product article for the A-7E Corsair II VA-25 Fist of the Fleet, NE400 / 158666 / 1971 print from Deployment Productions.

Here's a product article for the 1/32 MiG-29 Exhausts from ZactomodelsThese are designed for the Trumpeter MiG-29 kit.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 SAAB A32A Lansen 32061 decal sheet from Maestro Models.


Wednesday,   Sept 26  2012 
ARC Auto was updated today - - - - - -  drop by and check it out.  Show everyone your models on the ARC sites.

Busolini Massimo has put much effort and skill into his 1/48 Roden PC-6 Turbo Porter diorama.  This particular PC-6 is wearing Air America's markings for the CIA aircraft that operated in Vietnam.  Busolini added all the rivets to his model along with full weathering......it really looks fantastic.

Carmel J Attard is here with his conversion of the old Monogram kit to a 1/48 Monogram RF-8G.  Carmel used the RF-8 resin conversion set from  C & H Miniatures, metal landing gear (RM) No 48158 by Scale Aircraft Conversions and finished it all off with decals from Flightline.  His article contains some very interesting history from the final months of the F-8's operation career including the story of the final pilot ejection from an F-8.  I loved the article and model Carmel.

Corbett Legg joins us from Abu Dhabi with his exception looking 1/48 Revell Fokker Dr.I Triplane.  I was fascinated by the streaked camo on this Triplane and Corbett explains how it is done in his article.  The kit decals on this Tri-plane include some very attractive markings.  I love seeing these classic fighters from WW1......nicely done Corbett.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 P-38J/L Lightning Engine from QuickBoost.  This is designed for the for Academy kit.

Steve Filak is here with a product article for the 1/48 A-10 Dry Transfer Stencils1, Version 1 dry transfers from Hobby Decal.  This sheet is also available in 1/72 and 1/48 scale.


Here's a product article for the 1/72 Messerschmitt Me 109 Part 3 decal sheet from Lifelike Decals.  This decal sheet features four different Me 109'ss.  This is Part 3 of  a series dealing with the Me 109 in Luftwaffe markings from the summer of 1940 in France to March of 1945 in Germany. 


Tuesday,    Sept 25   2012 
Matthias Becker has done his usual totally amazing painting and weathering job on his 1/48 Eduard P-38J.  Matthias got his USAAF  P-38 looking perfect and he explains some of his techniques in his article.  I love the photos he took of his Lightning,

Ken Johnson and Mike Starling have done a great job in creating their 1/144 DML SR-71 Reno Racers.  Yes...this is an what-if project and surprisingly well done and amusing...which is what makes this diorama stands out in my mind.  I love the concept of this one.

Lyle Brown is here with his latest artwork.  This is his Polish Spitfire pencil drawing artwork.  Lyle has a huge amount of talent in various mediums and I always get a thrill when I see his latest artwork.  Check out his website for many more of his drawings of planes and cars and more.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 Buccaneer S.2B interior photo etch detail set from Eduard Model Accessories.

This detail set is available directly from Sprue Brothers Models


Here's a product article for the 1/72 Pearl Harbor Defenders decal sheet from Starfighter Decals.  This new decal sheet includes markings for 7 aircraft that defended against the attach at Pearl Harbor on Dec.7, 1941.  

The 7 aircraft include an expanded variety of aircraft that helped defend Pearl Harbor during and after the attack including two P-40B's, SBD-3, F4F-3A Wildcat, PBY-5ands two P-36A's.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 F-105 Thunderchief - Pitot Tube from Master.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 SAAB 32 Lansen Airbrakes from Maestro Models.  This set is designed for the Tarangus kit.


Monday,   Sept 24  2012 
The server was offline making the Monday update impossible to upload.

Sunday,   Sept 23  2012

 Saudi Arabia National Day 


Saturday,   Sept 22  2012

 Mali Independence Day 

Friday,  Sept 21  2012

 Malta Independence Day 

ARC Armor was updated today - drop by and check them out.  Show everyone your models on these sites.

Carmel J Attard is here from Malta with not one but two 1/72 Airfix Bristol Freighter Mk31.  Carmel has included an RCAF and RNZAF machine in very different camo schemes.  His article tells not only the history of the Bristol Freighter, but also what was involved in making these stunning models.

Matthias Becker is a regular on ARC and I always enjoy seeing his latest model.  Today he is here with his eye popping 1/48 Eduard MiG-29 in Luftwaffe markings.  Matthias did a wonderful job adding plenty of extra detail to his MiG from a variety of  aftermarket companies.  But it is his skill as a modeller and photographer that makes this model so exceptional.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-81 Sunliners decal sheet from Authentic Decals.  This decal sheet includes markings for 5 different 1/48 F-18E's Super Hornet VFA-81 Sunliners.  You get markings for 1 hi vis jet and 4 lo vis line jets.

This detail set is available directly from Sprue Brothers Models


Thursday, Sept 20  2012 
Lyle Brown joins us today with his " Pacific Punch" Artwork.  This is a pencil drawings.

Steve Negley has done a magnificent job on his mostly OOB 1/48 Hasegawa McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II.  Steve chose a jet from 1972 so he could finish it in the colorful markings of a CAG jet fully loaded for a MiG Cap mission.  I loved reading about his model and I thoroughly enjoy all the photos.  

Victor De Jesus has done a stunning job on his baremetal 1/32 Revell P-47 Razorback Thunderbolt.  Victor chose the “Kansas Tornado II” P-47 with it's big amusing noseart and I must say I an quite impressed how well everything looks on Victor's Razorback 

Here's a product article for the A-7E Corsair II VA-25 Fist of the Fleet, NE400 / 157483 / 1970 print from Deployment Productions.

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


Here's a product article for the 1/72 Consolidated TBY-2 Seawolf model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR Models This model kit has markings for 2 different aircraft.


Wednesday,   Sept 19  2012

  Chile - Anniversary of the Chilean Army

 Saint Christopher (Kitts) and Nevis Independence Day 

Paul Coppin has done a fantastic job on his 1/48 Hasegawa BF109E-4N.  This is the Adolf Galland 109 from a few months after the BOB and I love the way Paul did the mottling on the side.....this is always the most difficult part of a WW2 Luftwaffe aircraft.  Beautifully done Paul.

Brian Vincent Ogden is here with his first model on ARC and I must say I am thrilled to see photos of his 1/72 Hobby Boss F-5E Tiger II Aggressor.  Brian chose a very attractive aggressor scheme and the camo turned out looking first class.  Beautiful job Brian...welcome to ARC and I look forward to seeing more of your models on ARC in the future. 

Greg Moss has been busy building his Aussie 1/48 MRC & Italeri Blackhawk.  Greg combined 2 kits plus scratchbuilt parts to create this truly impressive looking Blackhawk.  He finished it all off with a very cool choice of markings...as you will read in his article.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 F-16A/C Ejection Seat from QuickBoost.

This resin Ejection Seat is available directly from Sprue Brothers Models.


Here's a product article for the 1/32 MiG-29A Correction kit for Revell kit from Zactomodels.

Tuesday,    Sept 18  2012

  Chile Independence Day 

  USAF Birthday 

Orlando Arancibia R. is here to honor the Chile Independence Day  with his 1/48 Academy MD-530F.  Orlando made many scratchbuilt parts and used custom decals to make his very attractive Chilean Army chopper with it's desert camo and full weapons load.. 

Shawn "phantom" Weiler is here with a classic Canadian jet.  This is his 1/48 CT-133 Silver Star wearing Leading Edge decals.  Shawn's model was missing the top half of one of the wings, but that didn't stop Shawn from scratchbuilding that missing wing part and turning out a great looking trainer.  These trainer were often seen doing low flybys over my city to get people out for the local airshow.    

David Rapasi is here with another of his weathering masterpieces.  This is his 1/48 Tamiya F4U-1 Corsair that scored a victory over a Zero in 1944.  Dave got everything looking perfect on his Corsair, including the cockpit.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 A6M Zero Dry Transfer Stencils from Hobby Decal.


Here's a product article for the 1/72 SAAB 37 Viggen wheel bays from Maestro Models This set is designed for the Heller kit.


Monday,    Sept 17  2012

  Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year)  

Happy New Year to all those that are celebrating.

Phi Ho "Old Tiger" has taken the old 1/40 Revell A-1 Skyraider and turned it into a masterpiece for his friend.  Phi did some extra work and finished it in the markings of a VNAF Skyraider...complete with folded wings and exhaust stains.  This one is a beauty. 

Dave Fassett has done a remarkable amount of work on his 1/72 Academy AH-64A Apache.  Dave used 4 kits (2 Academy, 1 Hasegawa, and 1 HobbyBoss) plus aftermarket sets from CMK & Eduard, and a total of 1200+ scratch built pieces.  Now remember this is a 1/72 model....wow Dave.....I am deeply impressed.

Burt Gustafson is here with his very attractive 1/48 Hasegawa RF-4EJ Phantom II 'Recon Phantom'.  Burt chose the markings for a Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (J. A. S. D. F.) and after seeing the photo of Burt's Phantom....I can honestly say it is one very attractive F-4.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 Mi-4 interior photo etch detail set from Eduard Model Accessories.  This is a cockpit set designed for the Hobby Boss kit.

This detail set is available directly from Sprue Brothers Models


Here's a product article for the 1/32 F-105 Thunderchief - Pitot Tube from Master

Here's a product article for the 1/72 USAAC P-40B decal sheet from Starfighter DecalsThis new decal sheet includes markings for 4 different P-40B with the USAAC, including some with artwork.


Sunday,    Sept 16  2012

  Mexico Independence Day 

  Papua New Guinea Independence Day 


Saturday,    Sept 15  2012

  Battle of Britain Day 1940 

  Costa Rica Independence Day 

  El Salvador Independence Day 

  Guatemala Independence Day 

  Honduras Independence Day 

  Nicaragua Independence Day 


Friday,  Sept 14  2012 
Diamond has done a wonderful job building his 1/72 Testors Dauntless.  Diamond built this one out of the box and added bombs and posed it with a pilot and rear gunner sweeping on for a dive bombing run.

Ronald Beelen is here with his very attractive 1/48 Eduard MIG 29 that has detailing from an Eduard resin cockpit, PE parts and a bonus helmet.  The markings are for a Russian bird that operated above east German skies back in the old days.  I love the Cheetah artwork on the fuselage by the cockpit.

Mike Pattison has done an extraordinary job on the winter camo on his big 1/32 Hasegawa Ju-87G.  This is Rudel's Stuka wearing the winter camo as seen on the Russian front.  These winter camos are always a tricky affair to get looking right, but Mike achieved that and he explains how he did it in his article.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 MiG-29 (9-13) / Mig-29 UB Fulcrum Part 1 decal sheet from Authentic Decals.  This decal sheet includes markings for 10 different 1/48 MiG-29 Fulcrums including 6 Russian jets and 4 Ukrainian jets.

This detail set is available directly from Sprue Brothers Models

Zoltan Pocza is here with a product article for the  A-6E Intruder VA-52 Knightriders, NL501 / 155689 / 1979 - A2 print from Deployment Productions.

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


Here's a product article for the 1/72 Boeing P-12E Pt.2 decal sheet from Starfighter Decals.  This new decal sheet .includes markings for 4 different Boeing P-12E.


Here's a product article for the 1/72 Supermarine Seafire F.17 model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR ModelsThis model kit includes markings for 3 different aircraft.


Thursday, Sept 13  2012 
ARC Auto was updated today - - - - - -  drop by and check it out.  Show everyone your models on this site.

Artur Oslizlo has done an exceptional job super detailing his 1/48 Hasegawa Hawker Typhoon IB.  Artur added Aires resin cockpit, wheel bays, gun bays, CMK control surfaces and engine compartment and then finished it all off with an amazing weathering job.  This is a  fantastic Typhoon.

Naor Aviv added an Aires cockpit and exhaust to his 1/48 Kinetic F-16I.   He did a little bit of extra work to his F-16I to make his model perfect.  I always enjoy see the Israeli jets with their distinctive camo schemes.  This F-16I is a beauty.

Carmel J Attard built a very rare prototype using the 1/72 Amodel SUKHJOI T49.  Carmel tells the short history of this jet, but it is the large and rather odd looking engine intake on the nose that make this jet so unique.  It is not the easiest kit to build, but Carmel got it done with his usual skill and excellence.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 MiG-21F-13 Air Intake from QuickBoost.

This detail set is available directly from Sprue Brothers Models


Here's a product article for the 1/32 RAF/RN Pitot tube Long from Hobby Decal.

Here's a product article for the 1/32 Su-27 intake correction set from Zactomodels.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 A32A Lansen exterior photo etch set from Maestro Models.

Wednesday,   Sept 12  2012 
ARC Armor was updated today - drop by and check them out.  Show everyone your models on these sites.

Artur Oslizlo Arkady72 is here with a very cool looking model of the 1/48 Dragon Horten Ho 229B.  Artur chose the always attractive desert camo for his Luft '46 aircraft and I must say I LOVE the way it looks.

David Rapasi is a master modeler especially for the PTO during WW2 and I'm pleased to see his rare 1/48 Accurate Miniatures TBM-3 Avenger.  This particular aircraft is a night torpedo bomber from the U.S.S. Enterprise in May of 1945.  This aircraft received numerous modifications for it's night missions and Dave has done these mods on his model.  He explains some of this in his article.

Jeong cheol,Kim has done an amazing job on his 1/48 Hasegawa F-22A Raptor.  Jeong cheol did a beautiful job detailing and painting his F-22.  The bomb bay looks excellent as does the rest of the model.

Tuesday,    Sept 11  2012

  Terrorist Attack on World Trade Center and Pentagon 2001

No update today...got sidelined with school activities with my kids.

ARC Auto was updated today - - - - - -  drop by and check it out.  Show everyone your models on this site.

Monday,    Sept 10   2012 
ARC Armor was updated today - drop by and check them out.  Show everyone your models on these sites.

Miguel I. Becerril is a former Phantom Phixer, so you know if he builds an F-4 model, it's going to be pretty special.  This is his big 1/32 Tamiya F-4J complete with a super detailed cockpit, RBF taps and folded wings and full weathering.  It doesn't get much nicer than this. 

Ayhan Toplu has done a flawless job on his 1/48 Zvezda Bf-109 F2.  The camo paint job looks perfect and I'm pleased to see the engine cowls are open showing off the inverted V-12 engine....which looks lovely. 

Diamond is here with a very special in-flight display.  This is a pair of 1/48 Hasegawa F-16C Block 30s with some additional detailing and posed in a  formation and climbing for altitude.  This is a very cool display and both models look first class. 

Here's a product article for the 1/72 Rafale B interior photo etch detail set from Eduard Model Accessories.

This detail set is available directly from Sprue Brothers Models


Here's a product article for the 1/72 Supermarine Seafire F.45 model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR ModelsThis model kit has markings for 2 different aircraft.

Here's a product article for the 1/32 F-104 Starfighter - Pitot Tube from Master.

Sunday,   Sept 9  2012

  Democratic People's Republic of Korea 

  Tajikistan National Day 


Saturday,   Sept 8  2012

First use of V-2 rocket lands Chiswick area of London (1944)


Friday,  Sept 7  2012

  Brazil Independence Day 

  Pakistan Air Force Day 

Torsten Ludwig has done a huge amount of scratchbuilding on his 1/72 Revell EC 135.  This blue German Border Police "Bundespolizei" chopper is loaded with wonderful carefully made scratchbuilt detail and you can see all this rich detail in his photos.

Michael Hickey has hit a home run in every way with his 1/48 Hasegawa F-14B Tomcat.  Michael used a cockpit set and RBF tags a full weapons load and scratchbuilt intake covers and aftermarket exhausts.  The weathering was done with the salt technique and he talks about the whole project in his article.  This is a stellar F-14...enjoy the photos.

Silaghi Florin has spent 6 months creating his magnificent Royal Romanian Air Force 1/32 Revell Junkers Ju-88A-4.  Silaghi added a huge selection of aftermarket items to the inside and outside of his Ju-88 from 8 different companies but it is his amazing skill that makes this model look so realistic with it's detail and weathering.

Here's a product article for the 1/48 F-18F Super Hornet VFA-211 Checkmates decal sheet from Authentic DecalsThis decal sheet includes markings for 6 different 1/48 F-18F's with VFA-211 Checkmates.  The jets include everything from Hi-Viz jet with their bold colorful markings down to Lo-Viz line jets and even some jets in between with bolder one color markings  from 2005 to 2009.  

This detail set is available directly from Sprue Brothers Models.


Thursday, Sept 6  2012 
ARC Auto was updated today - - - - - -  drop by and check it out.  Show everyone your models on this site.

Louis Chang joins us from Taiwan with his amazing looking 1/48 Hasegawa F4U-5N.  Louis is a very skilled modeller and you will see that in the work he did on his Corsair from the True details resin upgrade kit he added to all the other scratchbuilt detail in the wheel wells, landing gear and engine using wires and plastic rods.  I love the painting on this Corsair.....the weathering is flawless looking.

Eric Hargett has hit a bullseye in every way with his 1/48 North American F-100C Super Sabre.  Eric has high regards for the Trumpeter F-100 kit but he dressed it up with a resin ejection seat, vacuum formed canopy and then gave it a napalm canisters weapons load.  Eric did a stunning job weathering his Super Sabre and finished if off with ANG markings from the late '60's in Vietnam.

Paolo Yuen is here with something I haven't seen before.  This is his 1/400 Revell AIDAdiva in all it's wonderful color and detail.  Paolo used some excellent tricks during the painting and construction process that would make building this very impressive kit much easier. Wow....what a cool looking Cruise ship model.

Zoltan Pocza is here with a product article for the A-10A Thunderbolt II 23rd FW, 74th FS Flying Tigers, EL/82-665 / 1990 print from Deployment Productions

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


Here's a product article for the 1/72 F/A-18E Tophatters 2008-2009 markings from Hobby Decal.  This decal sheet includes dry transfer stencils and regular decal markings for the 1/72 F/A-18E Tophatters 2008-2009.  This decal set gives you the choice of 5 different F/A-18E with the  Tophatters from 2008-2009.  The paint schemes vary from a hi-viz CAG jet to a hi-viz Commander's jet as well as 3 lo-viz line jets. 


Here's a product article for the 1/72 Desert Storm Intruders decal sheet from Starfighter Decals.  

This new decal sheet includes markings for two A-6E TRAM equipped Intruders that flew from the "Big Stick" USS Theodore Roosevelt that carried nose art per the CAG's directive to increase moral during the Desert Shield build-up. Aircraft BuNo.161675 from VA-65 "The Big Stick" and aircraft 155632 from VA-36 "Heartless" (Combat loss) are the featured markings.

And yes....one of the Intruders does have sexy noseart.


Wednesday,   Sept 5  2012 
ARC Armor was updated today - drop by and check them out.  Show everyone your models on these sites.

Ed Kinney has done an amazing job on his 1/32 HK Models B-25J.  Ed chose to go with the very attractive bare metal D-Day markings for the  the “Executive Sweet” by using custom decals that include sexy noseart.  The BMF uses multiple shades of paint to get this very realistic look.  I love it Ed.

Bryan "Mig-Killer" Miller has done a stellar job on his big 1/32 Academy F-18D.  Bryan added plenty of aftermarket goodies in all the right places before giving his Hornet a full weathering job and hi-Viz Viking markings from VMFA-225 Vikings. 

Harv has reworked the 1/32ish Sky Pilots CH-124 Sea King into a very well detailed and beautifully finished Canadian Sea King.  Harv put effort into getting the little things right on his Sea King and you can see this in the photos.  Very nicely done indeed.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 Phantom II ejection seats from QuickBoost.

This detail set is available directly from Sprue Brothers Models.


Here's a product article for the 1/72 CP-140 Aurora Symmetrical markings decal sheet from WINTERVALLEY.


Here's a product article for the 1/32 Su-27 Nosecone correction kit from Zactomodels.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 F-104 Starfighter - Pitot Tube from Master.

Tuesday,    Sept 4  2012

  Swaziland Independence and National Day 

ARC Auto was updated today - - - - - - ARC Armor was updated today - drop by and check them out.  Show everyone your models on these sites.

We had a fun weekend....spending time with family before the kids go back to school, but it is time to get the daily updates back on track..

Diamond took the old 1/48 Revell F-4E and rescribed the panel lines and detailed it with Eduard PE sets and resin goodies from True Details.  This along with a whole of scratchbuilt details and part from other kits along with aftermarket decals to create this very attractive Phantom. 

Chris Parsons has gone to town in a big was improving the detail on his 1:41...ish Revell/Monogram Cessna 185.  Chris did a phenomenal job adding detail and fixing inaccurate areas in this kit.  His article explains the hwole process.

Keith Chambers will make you grin with his Hasegawa Big Mac Space Shuttle.  Keith used some NASCAR decals to get the McDonalds restaurant logos and he grabbed a burger from another source for the cargo bay to create a truly amusing McDonalds Space Shuttle.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 Douglas A-20 Boston/Havoc in Russian Sky decal sheet from Authentic Decals.

This decal sheet is available directly from Sprue Brothers Models.


Here's a product article for the 1/48 ZB-500 Soviet Napalm Bombs from Aerobonus.

Here's a product article for the 1/72 Boulton-Paul Defiant Mk.I model kit from Czech Master Resin - CMR ModelsThis model kit has markings for 2 different aircraft. 


Monday,    Sept 3  2012

  Qatar National Day 


Sunday,   Sept 2  2012

  Vietnam Independence Day 

V-J Day  Japan surrenders in Tokyo Harbour


Saturday,   Sept 1  2012

  Libya Independence Day 

  Slovak Republic Constitution Day 

  Uzbekistan National Day 

World War Two begins in Europe - Germany invades Poland (1939)