Category: Model trains

• 72 ÷ 2 = 36

  

  And 36 ÷ 2 = 18. So you can see the logical mathematical connection between the standard small plastic model airplane scale and the cast-metal car hobby. But what is 1:36 doing in between? Not a lot, if Google is accurate. A few die-cast cars but nowhere near as many as adjacent scales. I think…

  Dick Stein

  January 29, 2023

  1:35 scale, 1:72 scale, design, die cast, History, Military models, Miniature Philosophy, Model Airplane, Model cars, Model ships, Model trains, model trucks, Uncategorized

  manufacturers., mathematics, scales

• When Little Worlds Collide

  

  A casual discussion overheard at my modelling club about an upcoming Big Local Modelling Exhibition revolved around which club exhibit would win the coveted “ Best In Show “ award. It’s decided by a public vote amongst the paying attendees. Everyone gets a twiddly wink as a counter and places it in a box at…

  Dick Stein

  January 2, 2023

  card models, Collecting, Dioramas, Doll Houses, Figure modelling, Military models, Miniature Philosophy, Model building club, Model cars, Model ships, Model trains, model trucks, Modelling exhibitions, Uncategorized

  clubs, competitions, Little Worlds, model exhibition

• Are We There Yet, Daddy?

  

  Or in scale modelling terms: is it real yet, Daddy? There comes a time in every scale model build – whether it is with scratch-built parts, a kit, or a box of Lego – when it becomes real. Perhaps not real as in finished, but real as in a model of something under construction. And…

  Dick Stein

  September 21, 2022

  Block Models, design, Figure modelling, Military models, Miniature Philosophy, Model Airplane, Model cars, Model ships, Model trains, model trucks, subassembly, Uncategorized

  cars, planes, ships, tanks, trucks

• Why No 1:64 Planes, Then?

  

  If you were a kid in North America in the 50’s you basically had a choice of three scales for electric trains: 1:48 Lionel, 1:64 American Flyer, and 1:87 HO made by Varney, Athearn, and lots of smaller firms. The 1:87 HO has stayed with us – just as 1:76 has stayed with the British…

  Dick Stein

  September 4, 2022

  card models, Collecting, design, die cast, Hobby Shops, Miniature Philosophy, Model Airplane, Model trains, Organisation, Uncategorized

  1:64 scale, die-cast, model scales

• The Big Local Model Show For 2022 Is Coming

  

  Well, I for one, am quite delighted. The big local model show for Perth in 2022 is scheduled and has been announced on a dedicated Facebook page. The venue will be the same – the Cannington Exhibition Centre on Albany Highway…the same ground that holds the dog racing track and the Canning Show, plus a…

  Dick Stein

  September 26, 2021

  Military models, Model Airplane, Model cars, Model ships, Model trains, model trucks, Modelling exhibitions, Uncategorized

  April 2022, model show, Perth

• The Daily Drivers

  

  At the recent WASMEX scale modelling exhibition there were plenty of fighter planes, battleships, and Grand Prix racers. Even some trains, if you count railway guns and Harry Potter locomotives. And they were all well done and attracted considerable attention. But the ones that really bored into the consciousness were not the exotic wartime subjects…

  Dick Stein

  May 5, 2021

  design, Miniature Philosophy, Model building club, Model cars, Model ships, Model trains, model trucks, Modelling exhibitions

  day-to-day subjects, exhibitions, reality

• The Newbie – Part Three – There Is No Such Thing

  

  There is no such thing as: a. A completely accurate model. Do it never so well, there will always be a detractor who will pull up an MAP plan from 1959 to prove that you’ve made a mistake. Don’t try to argue the case as their criticism is not intended to make the model look…

  Dick Stein

  May 3, 2021

  design, finances, Hobby Shops, Miniature Philosophy, Model Airplane, Model cars, Model ships, Model trains, model trucks, Modelling materials, Painting, Scale Models, Uncategorized

  kits, newcomers, paints, Weathering

• ” Back In The Day”

  

  Just back it right in to my brain and unload. l’ll put the memories away as you bring them out. Do I have to sign a receipt? ” Back in the day ” is a favourite expression of Phil Flory – the English modeller who runs the famous video site. He’s referring to his childhood,…

  Dick Stein

  March 3, 2021

  Miniature Philosophy, Model Airplane, Model cars, Model ships, Model trains, model trucks, Modelling materials, Scale Models, Uncategorized, Utility Models

  classic kits, old kits, old modellers

• How To Swim The Shopping Channel

  

  If you have been awake during the last 20 years you will have noticed a new channel on television; the Shopping Channel. It is a modern day version of the old pentagram and candles that invites demons into your home. You don’t give them your soul – you give them your money. In the case…

  Dick Stein

  December 17, 2020

  Collecting, design, die cast, Miniature Philosophy, Model Airplane, Model cars, Model ships, Model trains, model trucks, Modelling Supplies, Scale Models, Uncategorized

  facebook, gimcracks, SHopping Chanel, TV

• Ooh! We’ll Build THAT One…

  

  Aaaaaand We’re there! We’ve succeeded in the most difficult part of scale modelling – deciding which model to make. The question and decision may have been asked and made in several ways: There is a picture of a ship, plane, or tank that we’ve seen on the net…or in a book…that just calls to us.…

  Dick Stein

  August 17, 2020

  Miniature Philosophy, Model Airplane, Model cars, Model ships, Model trains, model trucks, Modelling Supplies, research, Scale Models, Toys, Uncategorized, Utility Models, workflow

  choices, Collecting, Hobby Shops, kit selection