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.
Model Truck Kits
Model truck collecting is a popular hobby for millions of people. The collection, assembly, and display of model kit trucks is enjoyed by young boys playing with their first toy truck to serious collectors bidding hundreds of dollars for a rare collectible. In fact, generations of people have enjoyed these fascinating models. To truly appreciate the story of the model kit truck, or scale model truck, one must know it's history and the wonderful variety of trucks available. The options available for purchasing them or creating them range from build your own kits to fully assembled display models.
Model Truck Types
Typically, model trucks are either sold as kits for hobbyists to construct and paint themselves, or as pre-constructed models which can be proudly displayed. Models of around the same size have been popular toys for generations of children. These models are usually constructed at a 1:43 ratio, meaning that the model is 1/43rd the size of the actual vehicle. Also popular are the 1:63 scale and the 1:50 scale. This allows observers to see all of the intricate details of the model and still have space for plenty of models in a collection. The models can be made from a variety of different materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. Often, collectible models are made from a sturdy, wear-resistant alloy of zinc and aluminum, or ZAMAC.
Model Truck History
The first scale models were developed in the early 1960's to promote models of different trucks. People soon discovered that model kit trucks served well not only as a promotional tool, but also as a beautiful, collectible piece of transportation history that took on it's own value apart from the vehicle that it was representing. Collectors rapidly began to bargain with one another for various desireable model trucks, and an entire industry has since arisen around buying, selling, and manufacturing model trucks. Popular among enthusiasts are model trucks, buses, cars, and trains. Owners of model trains are known to construct beautiful, intricate train tracks surrounded by entire scale model towns featuring other scale model vehicles.
Model Truck Collecting
It is fun and easy to enter the world of scale model trucks. Model kits are available to purchase at any hobby shop or even at major retailers. One can purchase model kits or completed models ranging from very inexpensive kits to more collectible models that may cost hundreds of dollars. There are hundreds of sites on the internet where hobbyists have gathered together to give one another advice about constructing models from kits. Need to know what kind of paint would work best on your model truck that you've just finished assembling? Check out our article on model kit painting here. You can also search online for dozens of model kit truck message boards where another collector is sure to enthusiastically respond to your query.
Model kit trucks are entertaining to construct and handsome to the eye, and by participating in the hobby of model kit truck collecting, one gets the sense that they are participating in a noble heritage. Get started by seeking out models from popular sources such as Marsh Models, SMTS, Somerville, or dozens of others!
Take a look at our speciality model truck pages for more information on the type of model truck kit you are interested in: