Ft. Crook IPMS

05/26/2026

Modeling is dying!........ Yeah, right......

The model kit industry isn't just surviving—it's in the middle of a...

05/20/2026

Does anyone want this?
One way to gage support for a new kit......

Does anyone want a new tool B-1B model kit?
Modelcollect wants to know. They want to know before they pull the trigger on actual production because saying that you want a particular kit is much different from actually paying for it, and nobody wants to foot the bill for an expensive flop. But, there are advantages to releasing a new tool B-1B kit.
The only other 1/72 B-1 kits are the Airfix and Monogram kits. Both kits were released more than 40 years ago, and are based on the pre-production B-1A version. The last re-boxing was of the Monogram kit that was released in a Revell boxing in 2007. In order to get a updated B-1B in 1/72 scale is to get the Monogram kit and buy a series of update kits that could cost more than the kit itself. The average price of a second-hand Monogram B-1B kit on Ebay averages above $100, Barracuda Cast has a series on B-1B update sets for the Monogram kit that adds up to $137 without shipping, so about $255-$260 depending on shipping costs. The average price for Modelcollect's B-52 and B-2 kits are running anywhere between $140-$150, depending on from whom you are buying from. A new B-1B kit would more than likely be priced slightly above that, but well below $200....and that's the downside, price. Us 1/72 modelers are notoriously cheap (one reason why we stick with 1/72 scale) and even I bite my hand when it comes to buying a kit above $100.
But Modelcollect wants to know if the support is there. According to them, the design is ready to go, but they want to know if modelers are willing to buy.
So, Modelcollect did a "GoFundMe", but with a twist.
They are asking those who wants to buy a new tool B-1B kit to pay one dollar as a pledge of support. If they meet $1000, they will go ahead with putting the kit into production. The money isn't a donation, it's a non-refundable pledge of support. You can support the project in the weblink down below if you choose.
One note* I noticed that on their website that they have a pre-order for the B-1B, but no release date, I guess that they are just waiting for the support campaign finish line.

B-1 Lancer 1/72 Scale Model – Purchase Intention Pledge Rules   Project Overview We are considering the development of a highly detailed 1/72 scale B-1 Lancer plastic model kit. Before moving …

05/20/2026

A change of tactics on designing model kits?

Last year, I left a post giving props to Litaki's response to criticisms about their 1/72 J-22 Orao kit. Among the issues were detail and construction issues with the fuselage and "un-inspired" choice of the "things under wings". Instead of ignoring those issues, they re-designed the assembly of the fuselage and added more weapons to the kit. The upgraded kit was released in a different boxing as the J-22M Orao.
Yesterday, Revell announced that they were planning on releasing a new tool 1/35 scale early version of the Harrier (GR.1?), but this announcement is different in a few aspects.
First, the kit is in the planning stage, and from the way in which this kit was announced, they seem to be dedicated to actually getting this kit to the market.
Second, they are planning to release monthly updates on the progress of the kit.
Third, they are actually asking for modeler input during the development of the kit.
These are drastic changes in the way in which a model kit is produced. As it normally goes for new tool kits, the kit is announced and normally ends in one of three ways..... the kit is released on time or slightly delayed, the kit is seriously delayed by several years (or in the case of Trumpeter 10-15 years...... and we are still waiting for that 1/72 MiG-19 that was announced almost 20 years ago), or the kit is dropped with little or no announcement.
Even though it isn't the proper scale for me, I am very interested on how this project comes out, and to what extent that they use modeler's input on the development of the kit.

On the other hand, ModelCollect is also doing something different to gage the support of a future B-1B kit..... but that well be a separate post.

Join us here at 18:00 CEST ( 17:00 BST) on Tuesday 19th May, we'll be revealing our latest new tool model kit release. Why not take a look at our other produ...

05/19/2026

So, more info has come out about Dragon’s decision on ending model kit manufacturing. It was announced that some of their mounds were sold to ZimiModal, and will be re-released under the name of DRAMi Model.
No word on when the first kits will be released.

05/17/2026

IPMS Fort Crook May meeting, May 20th!
Same place, same time!

We shall have our normal programming of new member introductions, completed and works in progress, news and new kits in modeling, upcoming events in the area.....
There will be a raffle
There will also be presentation on Airliners...and will have the group build contest on the 1/72 Hasegawa P-40N.

Hope to see you there!

05/14/2026

Sounds like Dragon/ DML is getting away from plastic models and going to 3D printing production, but the message isn’t completely clear.....

DRAGON MODELS LTD. ENTERS A NEW ERA!

Dragon Models Ltd. is entering a new chapter in its long history.
After decades of building a respected legacy in scale models, collectibles, historical research, and precision product development, DML is now evolving toward a future focused on Intellectual Property (IP), 3D technology, digital assets, licensing, and new forms of collaboration.

Our foundation remains the same: authenticity, technical accuracy, detailed research, and a deep respect for the history behind every subject we create. As the industry continues to change, DML will continue to explore new ways to bring its brand, knowledge, 3D data, and creative assets into future applications across physical and digital platforms.

We are grateful to the collectors, retailers, partners, research experts and friends who have supported Dragon over the years, and we look forward to building the next era of DML together!

05/13/2026

International planes of mystery.......
Eduard's new 1/48 MiG-21F-13 kit futures the artwork for the MiG-21F-13 that defected to Israel from Iraq in August, 1966. It was evaluated by the Israeli Air Force, then passed on to the US in 1968 for evaluation under the "Have Doughnut" program. It eventually was transferred to the 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Tonopah, Nevada where it operated as a part of "Constant Peg" before being returned to Israel sometime around 1990. It is currently on display at the IAF Museum at Hatzerim Airbase. The Israelis gave it the bort number 007 due to the James Bond-ish clandestine operation in which it was acquired. There is a picture of "Mr Bond, James Bond" Sean Connery posing in front of the MiG with the commander of the IAF in 1966.
But it isn't the only aircraft that got the bort number "007" because of the dubious way in which it was obtained.......
Bolivia acquired a P-47D "Razorback" Thunderbolt from a reported arms broker in Lima, Peru in 1949. However, there was major questions about the transaction and legality of the aircraft and the seller ceased contact with the government. As a result, the plane was never used in active service, but it was reported that the aircraft was kept in operational condition for a few years. In 1967, the plane was placed outside El Alta airfield with the bort number FAB007. It was reported that the maintenance personal came up with the bort number after seeing the movie "Dr No" and because of the mysterious circumstances in which the plane was acquired, joking referring to it as the "International Plane of Mystery".

Mig-21F-13 artwork by Antonis Karydis
P-47 profile by Clavework Graphics

05/13/2026

We are just over two months away from the O Con Expo model contest.

So here are "las reglas" for the contest.....
O Con Expo 2026 Model Contest rules
* Contest is open to all contestants
* The contest is free. Ther are no entrance, nor model fees
* Number of model entries are unlimited, but we request that you limit the number of models for each category due to table space
* There are 4 standard categories
-Category A- ships, aircraft, tanks and spacecraft
-Category B- Gundams, figures and fighting suits
-Category C- Everything else including dioramas, cosplay props, etc
-Category D- Juniors (17 and under)
* Models can only be entered into 1 standard category. Adult modelers can enter in categories A-C, they are prohibited from entering Category D. Juniors (17 and below) will automaticly be entered into Category D, unless they request to be entered into one of the other categories.
* All models entered into the contest are eligible for the Judge's Grand and Popular Vote awards.
* Only models that meet the criteria of the Theme Award are eligible for the theme award.
* Only fully built model kits, 3D printed model kits that require assembly, scratchbuilt models and toys that have had extensive work or rebuilding (seams filled, scratchbuilding of components such as cockpit or weapons, painting & weathering) will be allowed. No pre-constructed toys straight out of the box, or with minor work or just repainting will be allowed. No Lego assembly kits are allowed. For re-worked toys, documentation of the work done, such as pictures, is recommended. For 1/1 scale props (weapons), only re-worked toys, model kits or scratchbuilt weapons and equipment will be accepted.
* Judging criteria will be the following from most important to least.....Construction, Finish, Weathering, Extra work (aftermarket, scratchbuilding, etc.) & Accuracy.
* There will be a NO SWEEPS rule (winner cannot place more than once in a single category)
* Registration & Judging Hours......
-All day Fri, Sat from opening until 4:00 PM
-Judging will be 4:00 to 5:00 on Sat.
-Awards to be presented at about 5:00 PM on Sat., subject to con scheduling for other events
* Winner, or representative needs to be present for the awards
* Judges decisions are final and cannot be changed or nullified once awarded.

* This year's theme...... RED, WHITE & BLUE, America 250!......
Anything designed and/or built in the USA. Models that will qualify include the following.....
1) Anything designed in the US, but built overseas, an example would be a Turkish F-16C, designed in the US by General Dynamics, built by TAI for the Turkish Air Force.
2) Anything built in the US, but in foriegn markings.
3) Anything built as an international project with direct US participation, for example, the International Space Station.
4) Anything designed/built in the US that was used as the basis for a modification for a Hollywood TV show or movie such as the Bell 222 helicopter that was used in the show "Airwolf" or the 1982 Trans Am used in the original "Knight Rider" show.
5) No hypotheticals, sci-fi or projects that didn't make it "off the drawing board" will qualify, however, experimental aircraft that actually flew would qualify.

04/27/2026

Well......

As reported last week, the website for Flying Leatherneck Scale Decals went down last week.
The good news is that Dave Roof is back with a new website. Most of his products have been uploaded and ready to order.

Flying Leathernecks was established on November 10, 2007 by Dave Roof in Marietta, Georgia. Prior to the Flying Leathernecks name being adopted, we were known as Orion Scale Models, which was created in June of 2000 in Fort Worth, TX. Before Orion Scale Models, Dave got his start in the hobby busine...

04/22/2026

So those, being naughty in my sight,... shall s***f it.......