Category: research
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Lockheed RT 33 – Part One – An Unexpected Delight

In 2019 I visited a model exhibition in Melbourne and scoured the secondhand tables for bargains. I think I did pretty well in the decal files – the RCAF Lancaster decals were found as well as a $ 5.00 set of commemorative ones for the Lockheed CT-133. This was the Canadian version of the T-33…
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Kawanishi George – Part Three – George of the Jungle

Watch out for that tree! The Kawanishi George is complete, after a week of delight. I have never spent $ 5.00 better, and that is truly all that came out of my pocket for this fighter. Not a scrap of filler anywhere, scraped seams, and no weathering needed. It is a museum piece after all.…
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Is Unseen Unknown?

Welcome to Scale Model Philosophy 101. You may take notes but remember that there is no exam at the end. Instead we have a sponsored argument. When we see a scale model for the first time it can be an electrifying experience. – particularly the older 240 volt versions with the cloth wiring. You have…
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The Next Big Thing

Is the next small thing. Right now people who went to the recent WASMEX show are planning their next build. The serious have already cut styrene off sprue trees. The real hard core are applying undercoat… Part of it will be inspiration – people have seen lovely models on display and want to emulate the…
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Northbridge Special – Metrokab

Well, finally. A new taxi cab service to replace the old Swan and Black And White Taxis. It has been far too long in coming. Trying to catch a cab from Northbridge late at night is a nightmare – occasioned as much by the taxi operators as the patrons. The old cab rank gave way…
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The Delightful Puzzles

A lot of the models displayed at the recent WASMEX display were familiar – they and I had been to previous shows and I think we all had a good time. But there were new things that popped up in the main hall and the competition hall that puzzled me. Aw, the kids have busted…
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The Camouflage Is Working, Baldrick.

Camouflage is meant to fool you into seeing something that is not there or stop you from seeing something that is. Think of it as colourful lying for a good purpose, as opposed to most political promises. It’s found on every battleground, ocean, or sky. Unfortunately it is also found in the scale model exhibition.…
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Inspiration

A wise person takes inspiration from others. Thus, some politicians keep the works of Jesse James, Attila, and Torquemada handy for quick reference. Scale modellers, too, can benefit from contemplating the work of others. This is one of the chief benefits of a scale model show – as well as access to sausages on a…
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The Newbie – Part Two – All The Choices!

Discovering a new hobby shop makes you feel like Christopher Columbus. Every aisle is a new land to discover. There are wonders to see. And savage natives. Just kidding – when you have money to spend, the proprietors of the hobby shops are far from savage. They may seem grumpy but if you make the…
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Douglas Boston MkIII – Part One – A Plum

Every so often a piece of ripe fruit – a plum of a model kit in this case – falls right into my lap. Upon reflection, it might have fallen to me 8 months ago when I was in Melbourne, but no matter – it has plopped down now, and I am delighted. I build…
