Category: Miniature Philosophy
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Straight Out of The Aftermarket Box

Or not, as the case may be… The decision of whether to use aftermarket parts or just what is in the kit box is often a hard one to make. It’s one of the marvels of the age we live in that we have this choice. At one time there was nothing between the Airfix…
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If You Didn’t Build It Then

Build it now. If you couldn’t afford it then, but can now – build it. If you can’t afford it now… Build something else. If you tried to build it then, and failed…if it was a bad kit then…if you were worried that people would think you were just a geek… Build it now. If…
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The 1/285th Scale Model

Don’t let those pedants force you to 1/350 or 1/200 or anything else. If 1/285th was good enough for the 1950’s it is good enough for now. All we need is for the kit manufacturers to cut new moulds to this scale and box them. We desperately need another MISSOURI and BISMARCK…preferably with box art…
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Okay, Chase Me Around The Room With A Fire Axe

But listen to the idea first… Perth displays need a place to shine. Whether they are toy train shows, jewellery shows, or chicken butchering shows, they all need a good place to be seen. Currently the places that will host them are drafty, cold, ill-lit, and expensive. There is no support for displays that is…
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The Blank Slate Model

Few scale models are built on an original idea – nearly everything is a good or bad copy of something that already exists. The prototypes might have been just a one-off or even just a plan, but it was in someone’s mind before that of the modeller. However, there are exceptions. I think I have…
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Selective Ordering

A recent Youtube post by a Canadian hobby shop owner pointed out the selective nature of the current tariff brouhaha. He gets supplies in from US distributors and recently had a shipment stopped by Canadian Customs, with a 25% tariff fee slapped on it. When he was notified of this he took his ordering invoices…
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The Box Diorama

I’m a sucker for boxed displays – I spend more time over them at a museum than the open equipment. Call this a peculiarity of the scale modelling mind, if you will, but I think it is because the box-builder has more control of the subject. Lighting is the key for a lot of things;…
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The Rites Of Scale Model Passage

If you have not done these yet, you will… a. Cut yourself severely with your modelling knife. You will bleed profusely, and probably onto your decal sheet. The bit you cut will be the digit you use for most delicate and detailed work, and you will be bandaged for a month. If you manage to…
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If A Model Is Priced Out Of Your Range

Quietly ask yourself a few questions: a. Is it beyond saving for? You may have some some change each week that can be put toward the kit, and many sellers will lay something buy on steady payments. b. Is it the only possible model of this prototype? Granted, you’ll not find many kits of Fandiddler…
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Can You Give Useful Advice On A Scale Model Topic…

If you have no idea what you are talking about? Oddly enough…yes. I have watched a number of YouTube videos made by people with no experience, expertise, or ability to communicate…and gained valuable insights. It is not for everyone to be a Solon or an Arnold. Most of us are not teachers – and the…
