I’m on a Podcast

So a short while ago, I was asked to be on What the Force?, which is a Star Wars podcast discussing all kinds of things from lore to theories on the future films to me talking about painting plastic. At first I couldn't believe it. You mean, you want to talk about plastic things for half an hour. Cool!

But when I did the interview, I had a lot of fun. It was interesting to describe scale-modeling to someone who wasn't familiar with it, and I enjoyed just reminiscing about old projects. So, if you have a chance, give it listen. If you have more time, please listen to the other podcasts because I really like the variety of topics and the casual feeling you get when listening.

Thank you again to What the Force? for having me on, and cheers!

What the Force? link to my podcast

What the Force? Facebook page

Getting back into it – Bandai Rogue One

It's been a long time since I really got a joy out of painting, weathering, and finishing a model. So, I've recently been jumping back in with the Bandai Rogue One set, the one with the U-wing, TIE Striker, and Imperial Combat Assault Tanks in 1/144 scale. Currently, I've actually finished the TIE Striker. Many thanks go out to Dannon Marsh, who makes some excellent masks for the TIE Striker.

For the U-wing, I'm using Nicholas Sagan's multi-pack of U-wing decals. They need to be cut as close to the marking as possible, but they go on excellently with Mr. Mark Setter and Softer. The Combat Assault Tanks (unpictured) are in the early paint stages.

Now, there's something else I'm working on, which I hope to finish this week. I don't want to spoil it. However, it uses Play-Doh, Durham's Water Putty, and a watering hose attachment. Can you guess what it might be?

Thank you

I just want to thank all of the people who visit this page. I’ve noticed that my traffic has gone up in the last few weeks, and that makes me really happy…especially since I’m not selling anything, just sharing information. So, thank you for all my visitors, and a big thank you for everyone who has commented or contacted me.

By the by, if you have anything you would like to see or contribute (such as measurements of vehicles I don’t have in the scale lists), please feel free to email me. And if there are any questions you have about kits I have (or don’t have), I’ll be happy to answer them.

In the upcoming weeks, I’ll be finishing my Kylo Ren Shuttle. I also plan to buy a lot of Rogue One toys, like the Titaniums, Micro Machines, and maybe a few X-wing miniatures. And I’ll be picking up the new Rogue One Revell kits, as I REALLY want to build an AT-ACT and U-wing.

Breaking into the hobby

One thing I enjoy about modeling is seeing new people get into the hobby. Yet, it worries me that people may be discouraged by everything that is out there. The photos of professionally built models, aftermarket accessories, and the dozens of paint brands make it kinda intimidating. One look at a lot of the pics of models and you might wonder, “how can I ever make something that good?” Couple that with some modelers vehemently arguing about accuracy (even sci-fi modelers), and I can imagine anyone would feel overwhelmed after a bit of reading.

The important thing to realize is that like any art form, everyone has their own style and their own desire for what they want to focus on. The other aspect to remember is that everyone was a beginner once. Look back through my models, and you’ll see how rough they were when I started out. I built with superglue, slathered on the paint, and barely weathered at all. It took a lot of practice to get where I am now. And I have to remind myself that I’m not trying to beat someone else…but rather, I’m trying to get a little better with each model.

On that note, if any viewers have any questions about modeling or any of the articles/models on my website, feel free to message me. I always like meeting new modelers, and I think it’s great sharing information and tips.

Now go paint something.

– Jonathan