Darren Roberts

And this is why I build out of the box. I've always thought there were three levels of modelers; assemblers, builders, and craftsmen. Very, very few modelers are at the craftsmen level. You sir, would be one of them. Absolutely beautiful work.

So if they had been designated correctly, what variant would the F-16 be up to now? The F-16E/F is the export variant, so would it have been F-16G/H and then F-16J/K?

Are you referring to Hobby Haven on Metcalf? They have a decent selection of plastic, but you're right. RC is what brings in the money. However, Gundam has been selling like hotcakes there. I believe the Hobbytown north of the river is still alive and kicking. I worked at the Hobbytown on Metcalf and 91st from about 1995 until the early 2000's. Good memories. You are forgetting one hobby shop in the KC area, though. Spruebrothers! Though you can't stroll the aisles, you can order and pick up in the lobby.

I may be wrong, but don't I remember Microscale pitching a fit the first time you sent in a sheet that "broke the mold" of having just a couple subjects on it? I love the fully packed sheets with a bunch of different options, even though I'll probably never build all of them. The only thing that I ask is that the basic stenciling (nat. insignias, ejection seat triangles, etc.) be included. Not all the kits I build have good stenciling decals. Another idea I'd like to see is what Wolfpack decals used to do. Put multiple subjects on a sheet. I know, it starts veering towards just one marking opt

Unfortunately, I sold my house and moved into a townhouse with no room to cast. So, Steel Beach is no more. I really wish someone would make a 3D printed set. That would be great.

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'd not seen that. Thanks for posting it.

Except that neither AMK nor Tamiya make a Bravo.

This is a spy plane taking pictures of a spy balloon. One is black. One is white. It reminds me of that old cartoon "Spy vs. Spy". 😄

I'm a bit confused by your statement. The original statement was that between the years of 1997 - 2012, they didn't release anything that was worth buying, but then you pivot and say you're thankful for the Eastern European companies picking up for the black hole Tamiya left behind. That would imply that Tamiya was releasing good kits and then stopped, which is what your above post states. You listed a number of releases that were considered the best at that time. The fact that you can't find them on the market shows they sold well. I'd say those were pretty smart subjects choices.

In 1998 alone, they released 1/48 scale kits of the F4D Skyray, F-117 Nighthawk, and F-84G Thunderjet. I would hardly call those dumb subject choices. It all depends on what you want them to release, which is a personal opinion. Tamiya does what Tamiya does.

I've got a question for mclare. I'm curious about the schedule for fleet squadrons. It seems they are the last to be getting any Charlies. I believe there are only two Navy fleet squadrons with C's right now. Are they going to ramp up delivery, or is the Navy going to be the last to get -35's?

Check your PM. I found some partials you may be able to use.

That would be great. I don't need the national insignia at all. I just the squadron markings. Let me take a look in my spare decals and see if I have any 1/72 A-10 or E-2 decals. I'll let you know.

I could use those VA-176 decals if you aren't going to use them. I'm building a kit for a gentleman who served in the squadron but can't find decals.

NOICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Items like this are why I got out of the aftermarket business. My crappy old hand-made masters can't compare to beautifully rendered, 3D printed pieces of art like this. I may need to build another prototype now!

There is a big push from the current director of the museum (I think that's who's being vocal) about opening it back up, as they are losing revenue in a huge way. The majority of those in charge want to let the public back in, but there are a select few who are resisting.

Good question. I just purchased a new compressor (not Iwata), but it seems to be doing the same thing. My trusty Badger died after 30 years so I was forced to get a new one. Hopefully someone will chime in.

That seems to be his schtick. He's an accomplished modeler and makes good points, but the whole "in your face" approach doesn't do it for me. I know some will say I'm prudish, but the way this world is going, we need every bit of kindness and friendliness we can get!

Umm...I haven't been here in awhile (kept up on the ARC FB page), so thought I'd swing by. After reading this thread, I thought I had mistakenly gone to a different site that rhymes with Lypersnail. The most constructive post was the one that listed the "good" and the "bad" of the Meng kit. What could have really elevated that post was a clarifier for each point listing it as "major" or "minor", though I realize that's still an opinion. I've watched the video of the unboxing and it looks beautiful. The list of the "bad" areas, at least for me, all seem insignificant to someone who is not overl

I've got a case of Monogram A-4's waiting for decals!

NOICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What? People actually plan builds? 😂

When you do the F-14, make sure to paint the entire upper surfaces Gull Gray. At the time of the filming of the movie, they were transitioning to overall Gull Gray. They still had the white undersides, but the topside was Gull Gray.

I am SO sorry to hear about what you had to deal with. Please remember not to spend too much time on ARC. Maybe only do weekly updates. 70 hours is still a TON of hours to be working. Make sure you have balance in your life.

Hey fellow Syracusan! Are you doing the original scheme or the viper tail scheme? As an aside, we just had salt potatoes for lunch. I've gotten many a Kansan hooked on them!