Popular Articles

You've built a rocket and flown it several times and you are starting to notice some wear and tear on both your rocket and launch equipment. How do you keep your rocket gear looking good while performing at a high level and staying safe?

Gundam Model Basics

Welcome to the fun world of Gunpla. Gunpla is short for "Gundam Plastic Models" (In Japan, it's just a fad if it doesn't have some weird word to describe it's fanbase). Gundam models are perfect kits...

Filling Model Kit Seams

Let's face it. No one, and I mean no one, enjoys filling seams. It is easily the worst part of building model kits. But, it's gotta be done. Nothing ruins a model faster than a poorly filled seam. Today, I will share some pointers with you...

Model Rocket Range Boxes

You've built your model rocket and have it all ready for its maiden flight. You've watched the weather report and have a good day for launch. In order to launch a rocket, you need to gather your range box. A range box is a fancy term for...

Aftermarket Model Kit Parts

Previously, I have talked about ways to save money by using alternatives to aftermarket parts for your model kit builds. Today I will discuss the various types of aftermarket sets out there and point out their strengths and...

Building A Model Rocket

Today, I will show you how to build a model rocket. I will be using Estes Mini Max for this demonstration. This is a basic rocket that will provide a good first step and teach you all the skills necessary to complete your very own rocket.

Model Rocket Recovery

You've just spent the weekend building your new model rocket and it's time to fly. The last thing you want to do is have all that time and hard work come crashing into the ground. So, let's talk about rocket recovery.

F-100 Model Kit Review

The Trumpeter 1:32nd F-100D is the first production styrene model kit of this aircraft in the bigger scale. The kit does come with a hefty price tag, selling for $150.00, though it can be found in the $120 range from...

Model Kit Weathering Guide

Weathering can be as subtle as the discoloration from a super-heated exhaust pipe on a motorcycle or as prominent as faded paint on a plane. A good weathering job will make your model kit stand out and jump off the shelf.

Model Car Kit History

There are many smaller companies that produce model car kits, but the major ones are Aluminum Metal Toys (AMT), Revell, and Monogram. At the present time, Revell and Monogram have merged.

The Early Days of Model Car Kits

The model kit car hobby began during the WW II era with Ace and Berkeley wooden model cars. The first real plastic kit, a 1932 Ford Roadster, was developed by a gentleman from England named Derk Brand. He was also known for creating a line of 1/32 scale model car kits in England. These kits were later introduced to the U.S.

It wasn't long before promotional models for car dealers were being manufactured. This was a big plus for the car salesman, because while he was trying to make a sale to the grown-ups, he could give the children a model car to play with. During the 1950s and 1960s, interest in the hobby flourished, which led to many companies making a profit. Several companies such as AMT, Jo-Han, Revell, and Monogram began producing model car kits in large numbers. The full-size Dodge Monaco was among their first kits to be released. Today, it is a valuable collector's item.

Model Car Kit Sales Decrease

In the mid-1970s, interest in the model cars began to diminish as the collectors got older and moved on to other interests. In the early 1980s, younger people replaced model building with video games. The late 1980s brought model cars back to life with the help of Monogram and AMT. Monogram produced a series of replicas of NASCAR race cars and AMT produced a kit of the 1966 Chevrolet Nova. This brought model car enthusiasts together again.

The Internet today has also given a boost to the kits. One can even buy a plane model kit, train model kit, boat model kit, car model radio controlled kit, and many other great products. Collectors can now search online for special models they are looking for, read articles on model car kits, and even look at the pictures of the kits. If you are looking for a hobby, this may be the one for you.