Popular Articles
Model Rocket Maintenance
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.
Collecting Model Kits As A Hobby
You are probably thinking, "What is a hobby and how do I get one?" The word hobby means a spare-time recreational pursuit. You are to engage in a hobby for enjoyment and not merely financial reward. There is a hobby for everyone, but be sure the hobby you choose is something that really interests you.
One of the most popular hobbies today is model building. If you are interested in land vehicles, there is a wide assortment of car, truck, motorcycle, and even train kits. If you love the water, you can become a boat modeler. If you're a brave one who has no fear of flying, there are the plane and helicopter kits. If you're a military buff, you can choose military figures and aircraft.
Automobile kits seem to be the most popular, because most people can't afford the car of their dreams. So, why not have a replica? If you're a classic car enthusiast, you can buy pre-built replicas or build your own models of your favorite antique car, whether it's a Studebaker from the 1950s, a Fort Model T from the early 1900s, or a Ford Mustang muscle car from the 1960s.
If you choose the vehicle kits for your hobby and do not have the time to assemble them, you can purchase the pre-built, pre-painted collectible models. These are available in a variety of sizes, colors, styles, year models, and artistic finishes.
In addition to automobile kits, train kits are also a very popular hobby. The train enthusiast can have replicas of the full scale originals. Locomotives, boxcars, tankers, and trolleys can all be collected. Perhaps the best thing about collecting model trains is that you can set up a whole mini city based around your designs. Once you have planned out your city you can let the fun begin by laying down the tracks and other accessories for a great model train system.
Model train systems can be quite complex. You can start off with a simple oval track and then expand upon it by adding more complex track routing areas and even adding trainyards. Tunnels can also be added for extra realism, along with train stations and train crossings.