Wednesday,   Oct 31  2007 

  • I've added a link to the IPMS UK USAF SIG site to the ARC links pages.  www.usaf-sig.org This site is in it's early days but hopefully it will become a good source of information for all things USAF related from a UK viewpoint… 

  • Mark Littrell starts today with his 1/144 Minicraft "Super Consolation" (Constellation).  Mark was not too impressed with this kit as you'll read in his article, but the finished model looks great.  I must confess I never knew the Blue Angels used the Connie.  Nice one Mark. 

  • Tyler White has done a marvelous job detailing and weathering his 1/48 Hasegawa F-4E.  This Phantom is painted in SEA camo with subtle weathering.  It looks great in every way. 

  • Graham Symmonds is here with something very different.  This is his 1/700 HMS Coventry 25 May 1982.  Graham did the water up in layers over a number of days.  His article tells about this in some very helpful detail.  Great to see it Graham.  

  • Brandon Mikkelsen is here with his first articles on ARC.  This is his 1/48 Monogram P-51D Mustang.  Which just happens to be one of my favourite Mustangs paint schemes.  Brandon took a break from the hobby for 13 years as so many of us did and this is his first model since getting back to modelling.  Fine looking Mustang Brandon.   Welcome to ARC!!!  

  • Giancarlo Tavarone is here with his first article on ARC.  This is his 1/48 Mig-15 UTI Trumpeter complete with a diorama and various items such as a figure and even a tool box.  The MiG came out looking excellent in its desert camo and mid-east markings.   Welcome to ARC Giancarlo!!!     

  • Here's the latest news on the new 1/72 (or 1/48) Modeler, and If The Names "Miss Ouachita" and "Little Miss Mischief" B-17 decals from PYN-up Decals. 

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is some funny photos of the coolest barbeque and a story about a guy that dies and goes to hell.
Tuesday,   Oct 30  2007 
No update today....my main computer is in the repair shop getting a RAM increase.
Monday,   Oct 29  2007

  Turkey Republic Day 
  • SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SCALE MODEL EXPO which celebrates its 25th anniversary over the weekend of November 3-4.   The 25th annual SOUTH AUSTRALIAN SCALE MODEL EXPO is on in Adelaide (Australia) the weekend of November 3-4 at Centenary Gym, Christian Brothers College, Wakefield Street (in the Adelaide CBD). Full event details (including category descriptions, entry times/costs, public viewing times/costs) at www.gumnut.net/sapma/expo. For aviation modellers; the display theme is "F-15s and F-16s". The event is an "open event" so all modellers are welcome. Numerous local and interstate hobby businesses will operate trade sites.

  • Tolga Ulgur begin this special update to honour Turkey's Republic Day with his 1/48 Hasegawa F-86 E(M) Sabre.  Tolga used the Cutting Edge -F-86E (early) Conversion set, some photo etch and aftermarket decals to complete his wonderfully detailed Sabre.  Tolga is an expert modeller and his work is always a treat to see.

  • Michiel Besier has been very determined to build a 1/48 Monogram AT-6 Harvard with a first class bare metal finish.  Each panel on this model was covered with kitchen foil.....one panel at a time.  This gem of a model was then finished in South African markings.  Read Michiel's article for all the details.  The work in the cockpit is also top notch.   

  • Zafer Yilmaz is here to honour Turkey's Republic Day with a unique looking 1/48 Tamiya Me 262A-1.  This particular 262 has a sad Canadian connection....read Zafer's article for the full story.  I love the 262 and Zafer did this outstanding kit justice.....I love it.

  • Alan Williamson had a heck of a time building his 1/48 Eduard P-40N.  Alan is an experienced modeller, but this kit posed a variety of challenges that Alan did overcome.  The finished it in R.A.A.F. markings with sexy noseart.  Nice job Alan....I'm glad you got her done.

  • Here's some product info about new B-17 decals from PYN-up Decals.  And of course you get sexy noseart!!!

  • I have a product announcement of the A-7E Corsair II VA-192 Golden Dragons print from Deployment Productions.  20% off of any product for every ACTIVE, registered ARC community member! 

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is some funny photo of the coolest barbeque and a selection of stories about less than intelligent people.
Sunday,   Oct 28  2007                 Czech National Day                  Greece National Day 

  • Charles P. Kalina begins this massive update with his Sixth-Annual 1/72 Scale Tribute.   Charles again provides an enjoyable selection of models from Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic.  Well done Charles......it's always enjoyable to see your annual article honouring the Czech Republic.

  • Thanos Mentzelopoulos has worked tirelessly on today's update that also honour Greece on her National Day.  This is Thanos's 1/48 Monogram "Helldiver" which he built using a very effective way to create the chipped paint.  It involves applying foil....then painting...then chipping away the paint. 

  • Damir Stanzer is here with another article featuring Czech aircraft.  This is Damir's 1/72 Italeri Junkers Ju-86 done as a Czech airliner.  Damir got the look right for this Ju-86 and provides the history behind it.   

  • Athanasopoulos Panagiotis joins us on this special Greek update with his 1/48 Italeri Mirage F-1 CG.  Panagiotis converted a French Mirage kit into the Greek version of this aircraft.   

  • Pantelis Antonoglou bring us his 1/48 Revell F-84F Thunderstreak.  Pantelis added weathering in a very effective way to add realism to his Thunderstreak. 

  • Peter Kouklos joins us with his 1/35 Trumpeter Mil Mi 24 Hind.  This is Peter's first helicopter kit and I think it turned out quite well.  Peter's Hind includes beautifully done engines detail.   

  • Gabriel Kalfopoulos is here today with his first article on ARC.   This is Gabriel's 1/48 Italeri H.A.F. F-4E  painted in "Aegean Blue" and finished with aftermarket decals and weathering.  Welcome to ARC Gabriel!!! 

  • Peter Athanasopoulos has been busy building his 1/48 Hasegawa F-104G.  Peter gave his F-104 an attractive and carefully done camo scheme and displayed his Starfighter on a  diorama base complete with weapons carts and figures.

  • Nick Theodorakopoulos is here  with his first article on ARC.  This is his 1/72 Revell SR-71A Blackbird. built out of the box with subtle weathering.  Welcome to ARC Nick!!!   

  • Giannis Doxas has been very busy building and detailing his 1/48 Monogram-Revell T-37C Cesnna.  Giannis re-scribed his T-37 and added scratch built detailing to further enhance this older kit.  Then it was finished off in trainer markings with weathering.   Well done Giannis.

  • Nikos Fazos joins us today with his 1/72 Fujimi A-7H Corsair.  Nikos converted his A-7 to the Greek version and added aftermarket details to further improve his Corsair II.  Nicely done Nikos. 

  • Periklis Salessiotis has been very busy super detailing his 1/48 Hasegawa F-4E Phantom.  Periklis added plenty of scratchbuilt detail to his F-4E as he opened many many panels.  He then finished it off with a great looking pre-shaded airbrushed paint job.   

  • Constantinos Stoumpanos dropped by today with his 1/48 Hasegawa F-4E Phantom II.  Constantinos did an excellent job on the painting using pre-shading to add realism.  

  • Thanos Mentzelopoulos is here with his 1/48 MiniHobby Models Su-35.  Thanos did an outstanding job finishing this one.   

  • Gabriel Kalfopoulos is here with his 1/72 Airfix Skyvan.  Gabriel had quite the difficult time building this kit.....he chose to paint it in Olympic airlines colours......the Skyvan is an odd looking airliner.  I must say that Gabriel did a great job on it.  

  • Thanos Mentzelopoulos is also here with his 1/32 Revell F4U Corsair.  Thanos added a scratchbuilt cockpit with 200 pieces and an addition 300 scratchbuilt parts for the engine and a further 100 in the wingfolds....amazing!!!   

  • Nick Theodorakopoulos is back with his 1/48 Revell F-15E Strike Eagle.  Nick built his Strike Eagle out of the box with weathering. 

  • Thanos Mentzelopoulos did an enormous amount of scratchbuilding on the cockpit and engine of his 1/32 Matchbox SBD Dauntless.  This is an older kit but that didn't stop Thanos from bringing it up to a very high level of detail.   

  • Gabriel Kalfopoulos has been busy adding scratchbuilt detail to his 1/72 Hasegawa G4M1 Betty. The whole cockpit and bomber's area were scratchbuilt and that is not all Gabriel did on his Betty.   

  • Thanos Mentzelopoulos is here with his 1/48 Academy P-47 Thunderbolt.  Thanos added scratchbuilt detail to his P-47 and completed it with a multi-shaded bare metal finish. 

  • Peter Kouklos is here with the big 1/24 Airfix Ju-87B Stuka.  Peter built this older kit in only 3 days with very good results. 

  • Nikos Fazos joins us with his 1/72 Hasegawa RF-4E HAF.  Nikos added scratchbuilt details as well as aftermarket parts to really dress up his Phantom.   

  • Thanos Mentzelopoulos finishes off this massive update with his 1/48 Esci F-104G.  The paint scheme on this Greek F-104 looks excellent.   

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is a goofy photo and a joke.

Saturday, Oct 27  2007

  Saint Vincent and the Grenaidines Independence Day 

  Turkmenistan National Day 

  Ecuadorian Airforce Day 

  • Philip Limbert begins today with his second article on ARC.  This is Philip's 1/32 Trumpeter Mig-21 MF complete with a desert camo and Iraqi markings.  Looking good Philip.   

  • Ron stopped by with his 1/32 Hasegawa P-47.  Ron's P-47 had plenty of extra detailing added to it by Ron using aftermarket items and some good ol' fashioned scratchbuilding.  This was all followed up by a perfect bare metal finish and weathering.  

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is a goofy photo and a joke with suggestions for pilots.
Friday,   Oct 26  2007

  Austria National Day 
Thursday,   Oct 25  2007

Charge of the Light Brigade in the Crimean war
Wednesday,  Oct 24  2007

  Zambia Independence Day 
I've been very busy the past 2 days moving the ARC computer systems to a  larger room and re-routing internet connections etc.  The systems consist of 3 computers running 11 monitors.  This is another task that needed to be tackled before the launch of the ARC Armor site on Nov 15 to celebrate ARC's 8th birthday.

  • Serge Dompierre starts your Wednesday update with his 1/48 Academy Me-109G-6 Trop.  Serge built his 109 mostly out of the box with the addition of photo etch seatbelts and an exceptional paint and weathering job.   

  • Ian Matthews (imatt88) is here with his first article on ARC.  These are  two of his 1/48 Revellogram F-102 Delta Daggers that Ian built for a recent ARC group build.  Welcome Ian.....it's good to see your models on the ARC homepage!!!  

  • Jerry Hawhee (Old Blind Dog) has been busy building his 1/72 Academy  P-47 (C-5 RE) Razorback.  There are 4 areas on this kit and Jerry addressed all 4 of them with such things as a resin cockpit and resin wheel wells.  Well done Jerry.   

  • Ray 'C5sparkcatcher' Utter drops by today with his 1/48 Italeri TR-1.  Ray used a variety of aftermarket items from Meteor Productions to detail and complete his model and then he displayed it with diorama equipment.   

  • Dan Duna has been busy building his 1/72 Grumman Goose diorama.  Dan built his Goose with spinning props in the midst of a take off run on a water base.  Dana weathering his Goose and gave the water a look of total realism.  Amazing work Dan.    

  • I have a quick look at the 1/48 F6F-3 Aces (McCampbell, Hawkins, etc.) decal sheet from Yellow Hammer Decals.   

  • Here is a product announcement for the  A-7E Corsair II VA-25 Fist of the Fleet print from Deployment Productions.   20% off of any product for every ACTIVE, registered ARC community member!  

  • Leading Edge Models has re-printed their 1/32 CF-18 2006 Demojet product # 32.15.  One important point is this decal sheet may be purchased without the fancy tail markings at a reduced price.  This sheet also includes standard 425 & 433 sqdn markings.  And they are also available in 1/48 and 1/72.

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is a photo of Michael Jordan's house and a joke sure to offend everyone in Scotland.
Tuesday,   Oct 23  2007 

  • Massimo Busolini starts your Tuesday update with his 1/48 Hasegawa F-51D Mustang.  Massimo chose to do his F-51 in Korean war markings complete with a sharks mouth and a multi-shade bare metal finish complete with full weathering.  The finished model looks exactly as I would expect the real aircraft to look.  Perfect realism Massimo.   

  • Mike Williams has been busy improving his 1/48 Airfix Dassault Super Etendard.  This is the older Heller kit and Mike decided to detail his Super Etendard with aftermarket items and scratchbuilt parts to get the look of realism he was after.  Mike then finished it in Argentinean Navy markings.  Mike talk about the canopy polishing technique he used in his article.  She's a beauty Mike.  

  • Pablo Girgulsky has been busy building and scratchbuilding on his 1/48 Revell Heinkel He-111 H-8.  Pablo also did quite the job weathering and adding paint chip to the underside of his He-111 using the salt water method.  Nice job Pablo.  

  • Paul Ryle is here with his 1/72 Italeri BAE Hawk T1a.  Paul finished this little beauty using furniture polish....read about it in his article.  Nice one Paul.   

  • I have a quick look at the 1/35 resin OH-58D Kiowa Warrior Upgrade Set from Cutting Edge Modelworks.  This set is in very limited supply.  

  • Here is a product announcement for the F-14B Tomcat VF-103 Jolly Rogers, AA103 / 163217 / Last Cruise, 2004 print from Deployment Productions.  20% off of any product for every ACTIVE, registered ARC community member!   

  • Leading Edge Models has reprinted their RCAF Numbers 1950's and early 1960's.  Get them while you can.

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is a photo of a short story written by a  woman and selection of idiotic questions and answers from court cases.
Monday,   Oct 22  2007 
  • Air Show at RAAF Base Edinburgh over October 27-28
  • WCMO IPMS/USA (ShowMe State Modelers) OktoberFest  
    This is the official announcement of the West Central Missouri Chapter (Region 5 Chapter of the Year!)  of IPMS/USA, a.k.a. Show Me State Modeler's, upcoming Fall contest. Since our recent April contest was such a success, we've decided to do another contest in the Fall. The event will be called the Show Me State Modeler's OktoberFest, and will be held on Saturday, October 27th. The location will be the same - Holy Spirit Catholic Church, located at 800 S.W. M-150 Hwy, Lee's summit, MO. Mark your event calendars and watch for additional information regarding the event on the ARC forums.

  • Rick Reinbott gets today's update started with his great looking 1/72 Matchbox Hawker Tempest Mk. VI.  Rick detailed the cockpit including a scratchbuilt instrument panel before turning his attention to the camo and weathering.  Rick used a very effective and straight forward technique for masking the camo....read about it in his article. 

  • S. Corbesir has stopped by today with a fine looking 1/48 Revell CL-13 Sabre in Luftwaffe markings.  Sander finished of this Sabre with an oil wash to complete the look of realism.  This F-86 looks excellent.  

  • Andy Irving stopped by the ARC corporate offices today with his award winning 1/72 Monogram B36 Peacemaker.  Andy had to build this monster in sub assemblies before doing the final assembly and finishing it off in a carefully done multi-shade bare metal finish.  Very nicely done Andy.....I can see why it won the award.   

  • Mark Littrell has been busy building his tiny limited run 1/72 AModel Ka-52 Kamov.  This wasn't the easiest build but Mark stuck with it and ended up with a sharp looking model of the Ka-52. 

  • Andy Gudbergsson had a grand time building his 1/32 Hasegawa BF-109 G-6.  This kit was an enjoyable build for Andy and he finished her off with a first class paint job and a set of aftermarket decals and weathering.  Very nicely done Andy.   

  • I have a quick look at the 1/48 MiG-29 Fulcrum decal sheet from Cutting Edge Modelworks.  This decal sheet includes MiG-29 Fulcrum (4 aircraft: Poland 1st PLM, India 28 Sq First Supersonics (2 ACM schemes), Iran)  

  • Here's a preview of the 1/48 JAS-39A/C Colorful Gripens decal sheet  from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features markings for three complete aircraft from the Sweden!   

  • I have a product announcement for the new F-14A Tomcat VF-142 Ghostriders print from Deployment Productions.    20% off of any product for every ACTIVE, registered ARC community member!    

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is a photo of a dog and cat and a couple of blonde jokes.
Sunday,  Oct 21  2007

  Somalia National Day  

  Trafalgar Day - Royal Navy Anniversary 

  • Philip Limbert has done an exceptionally nice job on his 1/32 Hasegawa F-16C “Ramstein”.  Philip added to his F-16 with a  resin cockpit set to improve upon the kits cockpit.  Very nicely done Philip.   

  • Alan Williamson has been busy building his 1/48 Accurate Miniatures TBM-3D.  Alan added to the kit details with some aftermarket parts and finished her off with weathering and the markings for the ill fated Flight 19.

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is a photo for all you football fans and a joke about "Things you do NOT say to an officer".
Saturday,   Oct 20  2007 
No update today.....I'm mucking about with some projects on the website.
Friday,   Oct 19  2007 
  • Peter Doll begins today with another of his bare metal wonders.  This is Peter's 1/32 Trumpeter F-100 D "Super Sabre". which he finished in regular kitchen foil.  Peters goes into some very helpful detail if you plan to build Trumpeter's new F-100.  Seeing Peter's work is always a treat.  
  • Ron has been busy rescribing his 1/32 Hasegawa Spitfire Mk V.  Ron built his Spit mostly out of the box with the exception of photo etch seatbelts.  He finished it with very carefully done paint chipping to the wing walk areas......with very effective looking results.  
  • Gabriel Stern is here with another of his odd ball aviation wonders....and this one is almost mainstream.  This is his 1/72 Airfix Fairey Rotodyne in all it's glory.  Gabriel has even included a youtube link in his article showing this beast in flight.  I get a kick out of what Gabriel builds......you never know what he'll build next.   
  • Troy Hoskins is here with lovely proof that with a tiny bit of skill and a bit more effort the 1/32 Dragon P-51 can be built into an exceptional looking Mustang.  Troy walks you through the build process with his solutions.  Nice one Troy......I admire your talent.
  • Maros Cupka has dropped by from Slovakia today with his 1/48 Revell Corsair F4U-7.  Maros finished her out of the box with a subtle weathering job and a full weapons load.  Looks great Marcos. 
  • I have a preview of the new 1/48 F/A-18A/B VFC-12 Shades of Gray Omars decal sheet  from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics. This sheet features markings for two complete aircraft from the Fighting Omars of VFC-12.    
  • Here's a quick look at the 1/32 Martin-Baker MK-H5 Ejection Seat for F-4B/C/D from Cutting Edge Modelworks.
  • Leading Edge Models has reprinted their 1/72 RCAF Numbers 1950's and early 1960's.  The 1/48 version of this sheet has also been reprinted.  Get them while you can.
  • Today's walkarounds include....
    • AH-1G walkaround photos by Matt Saben
    • F-105G walkaround photos by Rick Lorenz 

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is a photo for all your folks and a joke about the Pope.
Thursday,   Oct 18  2007 
e-mail encryption on articles  I'm pleased to announce the beginning of a new feature on ARC.   I've been working the past week about creating and testing an e-mail encryption program for all e-mail addresses on all ARC webpages.  This will protect e-mail addresses from harvesting by Spam bots and it will also permit you to e-mail contributors without using an e-mail program.....which will be helpful if you aren't using your own computer.  I will be slowly adding this feature to the 10,000 existing articles on ARC....one article at a time. 
Wednesday,   Oct 17  2007 
No update today.  The ARC Air Forums were offline and the problem seems to be unrelated to the ARC forums and more of a general Internet problem.  I will be working on moving the forums to the new server over the coming weeks as time permits. 
Tuesday,   Oct 16  2007 
Monday,   Oct 15  2007 
  • Cincinnati Scale Modelers Show and Swapmeet Sat, Oct 20 2007.  Go to their website for more info.   http://www.cincyipms.com/    
Sunday,  Oct 14  2007

  Anniversary of X-1 Supersonic Flight - Oct 14 1947 

  • Colin Whitehouse begins this special update with his 1/48 Bell X-1.  Today is the 60th Anniversary since this little aircraft made it's historic flight.  Colin includes some of the history behind this historical flight. 

  • Stephen Chapis is also here to mark this special anniversary with his 1/48 Boeing B-29 Superfortress & Bell X-1.  Stephen put a large amount of time and effort into this project.......and how many people are willing to build this project in 1/48?!?!  That is quite the feat in itself.  I look forward to seeing Stephen's next project......he seems to be on a roll.

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is a funny photo to help you ponder economic realities and a joke to help you understand how women think....or maybe this refers to ex-wives. 
Saturday,   Oct 13  2007

  US Navy's birthday 

  • Ron has done an outstanding job building and detailing his 1/32 Trumpeter Dauntless.  Ron added plenty of scratchbuilt details and finished her off with aftermarket decals and weathering.  This is the perfect model to begin an update for the USN Birthday.  It looks perfect Ron.....the weathering is stunning.  

  • Oxiel Carrizo has been very busy getting the look right on his 1/48 Monogram F- 15 C Eagle.  This is an older Monogram kit built up into a first class model of the Eagle.  Well done Oxiel.

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is a funny photo and a joke about a guy with jumper cables in a bar. 

Friday,   Oct 12  2007

  Terrorist Bombing in Nightclub Bali, Indonesia (2002) 

  Spain National Day 

  Equatorial Guinea National Day 

  • The XXII Modeling Tournament to be held in Guayaquil, Ecuador on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 October in Guayaquil. Further information go to their website at www.ipmsguayaquil.com
  • IPMS Fremont Hornets present: Tri-City Classic IV Scale model contest and exhibition! Newark, CA, USA  Click here for Additional Details
  • Edmonton Northern Wings Plastic model Aircraft Contest in Edmonton, Canada Sat Oct 13.  Click here for all the details.
As some of you have heard David Lee "Tex" Hill passed away yesterday.  "Tex" flew in 1941 in China with Claire Chennault’s American Volunteer Group (AVG).  I've decided to honor this AVG Flying Tiger Ace, 18+ Kills with a P-40 as the first model in today's update.  
Thursday,   Oct 11  2007 
  • IPMS Fremont Hornets present: Tri-City Classic IV Scale model contest and exhibition! Newark, CA, USA  Click here for Additional Details
  • Edmonton Northern Wings Plastic model Aircraft Contest in Edmonton, Canada Sat Oct 13.  Click here for all the details.
  • I've added a link to Parkes682 decals  If you're looking for custom decals.....this might be the place to try.  These decals are printed on Experts choice decal sheet both white and clear using an inkjet printer
  • QC Tan is here with his award winning 1/48 Tamiya Wildcat.  This special Wildcat is finished suing     Cutting Edge decal for the aircraft flown by Lt Jim Swett.  QC also added weathering to give his Wildcat a realistic look.  A very nicely done Wildcat that deserved the award it won.   
  • Rick Reinbott has done a marvelous job on his 1/32 Trumpeter MiG-21F-13.  Rick aded extra scratchbuilt details to bring his MiG-21 to life and then finished it off with a flawless looking bare metal finish.  Looks pretty sharp Rick.
  • Alexey is here with his 1/72 Zvezda Bf-109E.  Alexey finished his Emil in the markings of a 109 that served in the skies over Russia in 1942.  Looks good Alexey.......I hope to see more of your work on ARC.
  • Ronald Rozema joins us from the Netherlands with his 1/32 Academy F/A-18c VFA-131 Wildcats.  This particular kit was purcahsed from Luckymodel.com.  Ronald chose an aftermarket decal sheet so he could finish his Hornet in the markings of an F-18 that visited the  Netherlands.  Ronald used pre and post-shading to weather his F-18 with very effective results.
  • I have a p review of the 1/48 F/A-18C VFA-192 Golden Dragons decal sheet  from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features markings for two complete aircraft from the Golden Dragons of VFA-192....including a colorful CAG jet.
  • Today's walkarounds include....
    • Stagger Wing walkaround photos by John Doerr
    • B-24A walkaround photos by John Doerr

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is a funny photo and a joke about two women that meet at the pearly gates. 
Wednesday,   Oct 10  2007

 Fiji National Day 

 Republic of China National Day 
  • Serge Dompierre is here today with his first article on ARC.  This is Serge's 1/48 Tamiya Lancaster 10 DC 9 in RCAF markings of a drone carrying Lancaster based at Cold Lake in the late '50's.  Serge did scratchbuilding to improve the details and create the componenets that make this Lancaster special.   This is a great looking Lancaster.   
  • Gerson Garcia is here today with his 1/48 Airfix Dassault Super Etendard that saw action during the Malvinas/Falklands War.  Gerson equipped his Super Etendard with an Exocet anti-ship missile as it appeared shortly before going into battle.  Very nicely done Gerson.   
  • George Gochaleishvili joins us today with his 1/48 Neomega Yak-52.  George added detail and modeled his Yak-52 to look exactly like the one he flew.  Nice job on the Yak-52 George.   
  • Jaime "JGV" Vinha is here with his first model article on ARC.  This is Jaime's 1/72 Tamiya Marines F4D-1 Skyray which I am very happy to see on the ARC homepage.  Good looking Skyray Jaime.....keep them coming.   
  • I have a preview of the 1/48 F/A-18E VFA-31 Rockin' Rhinos #7 decal sheet  from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features markings for two complete Super Hornets from the VFA-31 Tomcatters. 
  • Leading Edge Models has reprinted their 1/48 RCAF Standard Roundels decal sheet which is also available in 1/48 scale.  These are the RCAF Roundels from the 1950's and early 1960's. 
  • I have a review of the  1/48 VF-154 Black Knights Final Combat cruise decal sheet from Fightertown Decals.  This sheet features markings for5 different 1/48 F-14A's with VF-154 Black Knights on their last combat cruise for their Tomcats including 4 with piles of bomb mission markings and much more. 
  • Today's walkarounds include....
    • B-17F walkaround photos by John Doerr
    • A-10 walkaround photos by John Doerr

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is a funny photo and a story that shows the difference between the way men and women think. 
Tuesday,   Oct 9  2007

 Uganda Independence Day 
No update today.  I was busy on Monday working on some programing for ARC.
Monday,   Oct 8  2007

  Columbus Day  

  Croatia Independence Day 

  India - Indian Air Force Day 

  Canada Thanksgiving Day  

  • The XXII Modeling Tournament to be held in Guayaquil, Ecuador on Saturday October 13 and Sunday 14  in Guayaquil. Further information go to their website at www.ipmsguayaquil.com
  • I'm pleased to present a special Indian Air force Day update to honour all the pilots past and present with the Indian Air Force.    Jai Hind  (Long live India)
Sunday,   Oct 7  2007 
  • Rafi Ben-Shahar is here to WOW you jet modelers with his 1/48 Tamiya F-16CJ.  Rafi has a very high opinion of this kit and his finished model looks every bit like a 1/1 Fighting Falcon.  Excellent job on the weathering Rafi!!!  
  • coolrunnings_99 has been busy detailing and weathering this fine looking 1/72 Smer P-51A Allison Mustang.   coolrunnings_99 did a large amount of scratchbuilding to improve upon the kit details with some very good results.
  • Today's walkarounds include....
    • CH-146 walkaround photos by Mike Scullion
    • Space Shuttle walkaround photos by Justin Davenport

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is a photo of a poorly loaded cargo jet and a joke about a cowboy and beer.
Saturday,   Oct 6  2007 
Friday,   Oct 5  2007 
Thursday,   Oct 4  2007

  Lesotho National Day 
I'm pleased to welcome a new Sponsor today.  They are Megahobby from New York and they live up to their name with a massive selection of products they ship worldwide from books to kits to paint to airbrushes & tools and so much more.  Megahobby also carries a selection of resin detail items to help you improve on the kit details on your next model.  Plus if you are into other hobbies such as trains, rocketry, Action figures, diecast etc etc.....they can help you there as well.
Wednesday,   Oct 3  2007

  Germany National Day 
IPMS Stratford, Igor Sikorsky chapter will be holding its 16th annual show and contest on Sunday, October 7th at the K of C Hall in Milford, CT, USA. For information please visit their website at www.ipmsstratford.org. New categories - This year's theme: Firsts, Milestones and Record-Breakers
  • Talon Kasmai had an enjoyable time building the 1/48 Tamiya P-47D 'BubbleTop'.  Talon built his P-47 out of the box with some careful weathering to add realism to his Thunderbolt.   Good to see Talon.
  • Kin Wong joins us with a tiny excellent looking 1/144 Dragon A-10.  This tiny little Warthog was built out of the box complete with one of the most interesting paint schemes worn by the A-10.  Nice one Kin.  
  • Tim Cvetic has dropped by today with his 1/48 Tamiya F 47D.  Tim did some extra work on his F-47 and finished it to match a plane in a museum in Croatia.  Lookin' good Tim.   
  • Rafi Ben-Shahar is here with his excellent looking 1/48 Hasegawa IDF Phantom II RF-4E.  Rafi detailed his Phantom with aftermarket resin and finished it in Israeli markings. 
  • I have a preview of the  1/72 F-16C Too Cool For School Vipers decal sheet  from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet features CC and DCC jets from the 57th Wing of the Nellis AFB Fighter Weapons School. 
  • I have a quick look at the 1/48 TBM-3 Avengers of VT-83 decal sheet from Yellow Hammer Decals.  This decal sheets features TBM-3 Avengers of VT-83, USS Essex, 1945: Bayou Belle, Satan's Helper, & Nr.314 in tri-color scheme.
  • I have a review of the 1/48 F-14B VF-143 'Last Ride' decal sheet from Fightertown Decals.  This decal sheet contains 3 different F-14B's with Pukin' Dogs of VF-143 from their last F-14B deployment in 2004. 
  • Today's walkarounds include....
    • AMX walkaround photos by Gianni Chirico
    • AS-K21 glider walkaround photos by Jamie Denton

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is a photo of a bad situation on a cargo plane and a joke explaining how to avoid bear attacks.
Tuesday,   Oct 2  2007

  Guinea Independence Day 
  • Keith Money is here to wow you with his flawless detailed 1/32 Trumpeter A-7E Corsair II.  Keith went to great lengths to get his A-7 looking perfect.  He also gives you valuable info in his article if you are planning on building this kit.  Outstanding job Keith.   
  • Davin Evans has done a fine job building his  1/48 Tamiya Fw 190A-3.  Davin includes the rich and tragic history of the young pilot that flew the aircraft that his model represents.  Davin mostly built his Fw-190 out of the box with great care and skill to produce fantastic results.   
  • Giuseppe Santaromita has dropped by today with his 1/72 KP. Mig-15 UTI.  There is no doubt about it......seeing a MiG-15 in red sure does remind me of the Red Baron from WW1.  Looks great  Giuseppe.
  • Jan Mulder joins us from The Netherlands with his 1/72 Mach 2 Black-Spot NC/AC 123K.  This is a limited run kit and the fit was less than great.....but Jan kept his putty tube close to him during the build and he ended up with a very eye catching model of this little known aircraft.  Nicely done Jan.   
  • I have a quick look at the 1/48 Su-24 Fencers decal sheet from Cutting Edge Modelworks.  This decal sheets features aircraft from Ukraine, Kibinka, Syria, Poland and Iraq.
  • I have a p review of the 1/72 F-15E Too Cool For School Mudhens decal sheet  from Two Bobs Aviation Graphics.  This sheet includes 2 different F-15's from the 57th Wing of the Nellis AFB Fighter Weapons School.
  • I have a review of the  "An Ordinary Day in 1945" book from Mushroom Model Magazine.  This books follows in great detail the personal stories of Allied and German airmen as they fought above the skies of Europe on Mar 2 1945.
  • Today's walkaround is...

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is a photo of a Handy mans air conditioning system in his car and a selection of ponders from an older person.

Monday,   Oct 1  2007

  People's Republic of China National Day 

  Cyprus Independence Day 

  Nigeria Independence Day 

Today I have an editorial covering some improvements coming to ARC.
  • Steve Filak becomes ARC's Special Projects Director.
  • Steve Bamford becomes the only Moderator on the ARC Air Forums
  • Real Aviation Forum is closed and turned into " read only" forum. 
  • New forum called Research Corner is opened. 
  • ARC Armor site launch date set
  • More as yet undisclosed improvements coming to ARC Air in the New Year.

  • In the Test Post Clubhouse there is a photo of a Handy mans air conditioning system in his car and a selection of ponders from an older person.