Plastic Model Mojo

• Two Double Barrels Of Plastic: November Model Show Spotlight

  Ready to turn November into a nationwide model show tour? We line up four standout events—ModelZona in Phoenix, the Cleveland Model Show, Charlotte’s Region 12 contest, and Middle Tennessee’s ModelCon in Murfreesboro—and dig into the details that actually affect your day: judging style, registration windows, vendor-room depth, food, parking, and how fast awards wrap so you’re not stuck in your chair at dusk.We start in Phoenix with ModelZona’s clean one-room layout near Sky Harbor, a clear first/second/third judging approach, and thoughtful specials like Best 1945 Subject and the Raleigh Williams Craftsmanship Award. Cleveland follows with a Sunday show that truly works: two gyms split contest and vendors, elevated tables for easier viewing and photos, and an eclectic slate of special awards—from Scandinavian subjects to pop-up headlight cars to a people’s choice Gundam/Mecha Pose. Charlotte adds a strong theme—From War to Peace—plus a non-sweeps policy, sold-out vendors, custom-designed Best Of awards, and a legendary Atomic Model Smasher for anyone needing a dramatic reset. Murfreesboro’s ModelCon caps it with smooth flow, full IPMS categories, sold-out vendors across every genre, and Smokin’ Butts BBQ parked out front; last year’s 542 models set the tone for an even bigger turnout.Along the way we compare what each organizer gets right: editable PDF forms that speed check-in, early registration cutoffs that keep judging on track, separate halls that reduce crowding, and smart awards that celebrate more than just the top category winners. Most of all, we celebrate the real win—camaraderie. These shows are where online friends become real-world collaborators, techniques get traded, and inspiration sends you home itching to build.Map your route, print your forms, charge your camera, and bring cash for that rare kit you didn’t know you needed. If you enjoy the show, tap follow, share this episode with your club, and leave a quick review to help more modelers find us. Where are you heading first?Start here for all show information and details!ModelZona 2025Cleveland Model Show 28IPMS Region 12 Regional Contest - CharlotteIPMS Middle TennesseeModel Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes and David Union Power ToolsSQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!PMM Merchandise StoreSupport the show with PMM Merchandise!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Give us your Feedback!Rate the Show!Support the Show!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.

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• More Modeling Goodness With The Inch High Guy: Episode 149

  A TIE Fighter parked on the moon with footprints leading into mystery. A glossy blue Bearcat bound for a local collection. A workshop cleanup that turns frustration into flow. This one blends story, craft, and community into a practical guide for getting more joy—and more finishes—out of your modeling time.Mike, Kentucky Dave, and guest Jeff Groves of The Inch High Guy blog kick off with a lively Louisville MMCL recap: books rehomed, raffle wins scored, and real talk about what makes a vendor table actually work. Then we dive into a Fine Molds TIE Fighter Advanced that escapes the stash and lands in a moody micro-diorama—access panels opened, spares-box “widgetology” on full display, and a thoughtful debate about screen-accurate versus studio-accurate color. That sci‑fi detour pairs with classic comfort builds: Hasegawa Panthers and Cougars that favor flow over parts count, contrasted with today’s ultra-detailed IBG, Arma, and Eduard toolings. The takeaway is balance—choose projects that match your bandwidth, and don’t be afraid to chase a story when accuracy turns fuzzy.The heart of the episode is practical: a week-long workshop overhaul that pays off daily. We talk sorting paints you actually use, labeling decal binders, consolidating spares into findable bins, and adopting tiny habits—put one thing away when you sit down and one when you stand up—that keep the bench from shrinking to a postcard. From there, we explore display strategy: a clean “universal base” that unifies your collection, blurred terrain for convincing motion, etched blurred rotors that work only when the scene supports them, and a wall-of-models shelving build using repurposed acrylic. We also spotlight upgrades and new kits—an AMP Northrop M2‑F3 lifting body perfect for polished metal tones, a Loire 130 redo for better clarity, and jaw-dropping 3D‑printed Zero engines—and look at how shifting import rules may accelerate local printing and hybrid kits.If you build for the story, optimize your space for speed, and pick a base that frames the work, your models start to sing. Join us for smart tips, a few laughs, and a fresh push to finish what’s on your bench. If this episode sparks an idea, follow the show, share it with a modeling friend, and drop a rating or review—it helps more makers find their mojo.The Inch High Guy BlogModel Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes and David Union Power ToolsSQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!PMM Merchandise StoreSupport the show with PMM Merchandise!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Give us your Feedback!Rate the Show!Support the Show!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.

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• PMM Twelve Minute Modelsphere: October 2025

  A packed Louisville hall with 408 models, a day spent talking shop with listeners and friends, and the kind of low-pressure reconnect that sends you home eager to finish something you’ve been putting off.Momentum keeps building as we look ahead to Cincinnati on October 18—a favorite for its friendly atmosphere, great location, and reliably good weather. We share why shows matter even if you don’t enter, how they recalibrate your eye, and how a simple ritual (hello, German dinner) makes the day feel like a celebration. Then we lay out October’s feature slate: a back-to-back shop talk with Jeff Groves as our third chair for episode 149, and a timely return from Dr. Paul Budzik as he resets his hobby space for retirement—downsizing the stash, tightening workflow, and reframing goals so the bench fits the life you want.The community thread runs throughout. Our dojo on Facebook just crossed 5,475 members, with daily photo spreads, show albums from across the country, and bite-size tips that genuinely move projects forward. We talk about a practical, one‑week blitz build to harness a quieter schedule, why sharing progress publicly creates accountability, and how the right tools—especially canopy masks that actually fit—turn weeknights into satisfying wins. If you’re planning your fall modeling, want cleaner canopies, or need a nudge to post your work, this one’s for you.If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, share it with a modeling friend, and drop a quick review so more builders can find us. And if you’re on Facebook, join the dojo—bring a friend, post your bench, and tell us which show you’re heading to next.Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes and David Union Power ToolsSQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!PMM Merchandise StoreSupport the show with PMM Merchandise!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Give us your Feedback!Rate the Show!Support the Show!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.

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• A Simpler Bare Metal Finish and Pencil Weathering with Chris Wallace:Episode 148

  What does it take to create a convincing bare metal finish without tearing your hair out? How can simple pencils transform your weathering game? And is it even possible to complete a quality model in just 48 hours?In this episode, we're joined by Chris Wallace of Model Airplane Maker fame to tackle some of modeling's most intriguing challenges. Chris shares his surprising success using Vallejo metallics for bare metal finishes—a method that proves both bulletproof against masking and remarkably straightforward to apply. The secret? A proper black base coat, vigorous shaking, and a wider spray pattern that delivers smooth, consistent coverage.We also dive into the subtle art of pencil chipping techniques, where Chris candidly admits his journey from creating "airplane measles" to achieving realistic wear patterns. The key insights? Keep those pencil points razor-sharp and work from good reference photos that show authentic wear patterns. This approach delivers scale-appropriate weathering that can be easily adjusted or completely removed if things go awry—a rare second chance in the modeling world.The conversation shifts to the concept of speed builds, with Dave revealing plans for a five-day Hellcat build challenge with fellow modeler Jim Bates. We debate the merits of compressed building timelines, strategic approaches to quick builds, and how to select appropriate subjects for these time-limited projects. Whether you're a methodical builder or someone looking to increase your completion rate, there's wisdom here for every approach.From upcoming model shows to exciting new kit announcements (including Fine Molds' eagerly anticipated F-104), this episode celebrates both the technical challenges and pure joy of scale modeling. Join us for an hour of insights, techniques, and the camaraderie that makes this hobby so rewarding.What's your most challenging modeling technique? Have you ever attempted a speed build? We'd love to hear your experiences—share them with us and join the conversation!IPMS Race City Show - Saturday, Sept. 27thSQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes and David Union Power ToolsModel PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!PMM Merchandise StoreSupport the show with PMM Merchandise!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Give us your Feedback!Rate the Show!Support the Show!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.

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• From Aviation Academies to Museum Hangars: October Model Show Spotlight

  October brings two exceptional modeling events to the Midwest that showcase the unique character and community spirit that make scale modeling such a rewarding hobby.First up on October 4th, the West Michigan IPMS presents their Great Lakes Challenge at the West Michigan Aviation Academy. What makes this venue extraordinary is its connection to aviation education – hosted at a STEM-focused public school where students actively participate in both organizing the event and building models themselves. Perhaps most impressive is how the show bridges generations, with Aviation Academy students eagerly assisting throughout the day. These young modelers represent the future of the hobby, learning precision and patience through scale modeling as part of their curriculum. With hourly seminars covering everything from weathering techniques to creating display bases, there's something for modelers of all skill levels to learn.Just two weeks later on October 18th, the Cincinnati Scale Modelers transform the Tri-State Warbird Museum into a modeling showcase where history comes alive. Picture displaying your 1/48 scale P-51 Mustang beneath the wing of an actual restored P-51D – that's the unique experience this venue offers. With fully restored World War II aircraft including a B-25, Focke-Wulf 190, the museum provides an immersive backdrop that celebrates both modeling craftsmanship and aviation history.Both shows feature vendor areas, special awards, raffles with valuable prizes, and food options that keep you fueled throughout the day. Whether you're entering models in competition, looking to add to your stash, or simply enjoying the craftsmanship on display, these Midwest shows demonstrate why this hobby continues to thrive.Mark your calendars for West Michigan on October 4th and Cincinnati on October 18th. Can't wait that long? Join us at the MMCL show in Shepherdsville, Kentucky on September 27th . Come say hello!West Michigan IPMSCincinnati Scale ModelersTri-State Warbirds MuseumModel Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes and David Union Power ToolsSQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!PMM Merchandise StoreSupport the show with PMM Merchandise!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Give us your Feedback!Rate the Show!Support the Show!PatreonBuy Me a BeerPaypalBump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed BarothAd Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" BairMike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.

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