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Plastic Model Mojo

A Scale Modeling Podcast

Plastic Model Mojo, a podcast dedicated to scale modeling, as well as the news and events around the hobby

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23 episodes
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Avg 53 min
English

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Wednesday · 15 min
Laying Out September’s Guests, Shows, and More :September Twelve Minute Modelsphere
The fall model show season is here. We talk through upcoming events like the Military Modelers Club of Louisville invitational in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, plus an early nudge to start planning for the Cincinnati show in October. If you’ve been itching to get your work on a table, see new builds up close, or just hang out with other builders, this is the stretch of the year where local contests and club shows really deliver. We also lay out what’s coming next on Plastic Model Mojo: an interview with Dr. Michael Polan from Knoxville, Tennessee, fresh off winning Best Aircraft at the 2026 IPMS National Convention, along with more listener-driven shop talk and a model show spotlight. And because the hobby is better together, we check in on the Plastic Model Dojo’s rapid growth, share what kind of posts are lighting up the feed, and offer a simple guideline that keeps everyone’s work from getting buried. If you enjoy scale modeling podcasts that mix community, events, and real bench-top problem solving, subscribe, share this with a modeling friend, and leave us a review so more builders can find the show. Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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August 28 · 50 min
Two Great Shows with a Side of ARMA Hawk 81-A: September Model Show Spotlight
The best model shows are not just contests, they are proof that a hobby can feel like a community. We’re back with Model Show Spotlight to share what’s coming next after Nationals, starting with our own Military Modelers Club of Louisville (MMCL) and the practical choices that make a local plastic model show run like a well-oiled machine. Alex Restrepo joins us to break down how MMCL pulled off a raffle that scaled up smoothly at the IPMS Nationals, from sponsored closeout kits to a barcode-based system that scans, projects, and posts winning ticket numbers online. We talk volunteer coordination, contingency planning, and why convenience for ticket buyers is not a “nice to have,” it’s what keeps the room moving. Then we hit the details for the MMCL show at Paroquet Springs in Shepherdsville, Kentucky on September 26, including registration timing, vendor support, nearby hotels and food, and the club’s push to welcome youth builders and fast-growing genres like Gunpla. MMCL Show Info Next, Doug Reed returns to preview the Oregon Modelers Jamboree in Albany, Oregon at the Linn County Expo Center on September 12, which also hosts the IPMS Region 7 contest. The Jamboree approach leans into an expo feel: club tables, demos, display-only space, and social time that makes the event more than “enter, shop, wait, leave.” Oregon Modelers Jamboree We close with quick early bench impressions of Arma’s pre release Hawk 81-A2, P-40B kit and what we’re seeing so far. Subscribe for more model show spotlights, share this with your club, and leave a review so more scale modelers can find the show. What’s one change that would instantly make your local model contest better? Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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#168
August 19 · 1 hr 47 min
2026 IPMS Nationals Recap With Friends And Fresh Ideas: Episode 168
The best part of a national convention is not just the stacks of kits and the contest tables, it’s the moment you walk in and realize you are surrounded by your people. We’re back from the 2026 IPMS National Convention and talking through the full comedown: the unpacking, the reorganizing, and the small but important truth that some “solutions” in the model room (looking at you, retail paint racks) just do not work at home. Then we get into the conversations we recorded on the floor. We sit down with Jay Chadwell of Mojo Model Works to talk 3D design and 3D printing for the stuff nobody else makes, from real space hardware to pop culture subjects that instantly hit the nostalgia button. We also talk with Randy Chisholm about his USS Texas turret project, a scratchbuilding rabbit hole where scarce references, mechanical realism, and clean construction matter as much as paint and weathering. We also catch up with Keith Zimmerman about building a striking 1/48 B-24 Liberator for a show exclusive release, including what it takes to handle huge decals and tight timelines. And we’re thrilled to talk with Arma Hobby about how modern injection-molded plastic kits get designed, why 1/72 scale is having a moment, and how a company stays grounded in what modelers actually want to build. Finally we close with our show host and sponsor, Brandon Lowe of Squadron Top it all off with a “what broke our wallets” recap from the vendor room, and you’ve got a convention debrief that feels like sitting at the bench with friends. If you enjoy this, subscribe, share it with a modeling buddy, and leave a review so more scale modelers can find the show. Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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August 12 · 19 min
Fort Wayne Nationals: Special Thanks Shout Outs
Fort Wayne set a new bar for what an IPMS National Convention can feel like: busy without being crushing, loud without being unbearable, and packed with modelers who actually have room to stop and talk. We’re fresh back from Nationals, and before we dive into the “juicy bits” in our next feature show, we wanted to put the spotlight where it belongs, on the people who made the weekend work and the small, practical choices that made the whole event comfortable. We get specific about what made the venue shine for a scale modeling convention: vendor spaces that stayed compact even when split up, aisles that didn’t turn into a slow-motion traffic jam, contest and squadron rooms with real breathing room, and acoustics plus carpeting that saved our feet and our ears. We also talk about why Fort Wayne is a sneaky-great convention town, from easy food options to a memorable minor league baseball night that turned into one more shared story. Then it’s a gratitude tour of the community: Mark Copeland dialing in lodging, Aussie friends traveling halfway around the world, Canadian friends choosing camaraderie over and unfortunate political climate, listeners stopping by the table, and the MMCL folks who keep raffles and local shows running like clockwork. We celebrate wins for the Septemberists, congratulate award winners we’re proud of, and close with a huge thank-you to Brandon Lowe and the entire Squadron team for going above and beyond. If you love plastic model kits, model shows, and the best parts of the IPMS USA community, hit play, share this with a friend who needs a Nationals nudge, and leave us a review telling us what makes a convention unforgettable for you. Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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August 3 · 8 min
August, Aussies, and the IPMS National Convention: August Twelve Minute Modelsphere
Digger Dave Goldfinch joins us for some brief travel talk, from recent events to what’s ahead, including the 2026 IPMS National Convention in Fort Wayne. There’s a full-on side quest too: a road trip to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, plus essential Americana stops like Waffle House and Buc-ee’s. Look for National Convention show content along with another listener submitted topic "Shop Talk" episode. In addition we will have a Model Show Spotlight in August as well, so stay tuned. Come find us at the Nationals, say hi at the table, and if you like the show, subscribe, share it with a modeling buddy, and leave a quick review so more builders can find us. Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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#167
July 31 · 1 hr 27 min
Cleaner Air And Smarter Workspaces For Scale Modelers: Episode 167
The fastest way to lose your modeling mojo is not a bad kit, it is a workspace that fights you every step of the build. With the IPMS Nationals in Fort Wayne around the corner, we keep things “Mojo Light” but pack in a ton of practical shop talk driven by listener messages, real bench mishaps, and the kind of small changes that add up to better results. We start with what life looks like when guests are arriving, the yard needs attention, and the hobby room is mid-revamp. Then we share a true walkaway moment at the bench: a full waste-solvent spill, dead digital calipers, and the mad scramble to clean up safely. That leads to a bigger conversation modelers often ignore until it bites us, indoor air quality. We talk VOCs, why fumes can linger after you stop spraying, what an air quality monitor can reveal, and how extraction, respirators, and even dedicated VOC filtration can make your hobby room healthier. From there, we dig into fun “what if” questions for history and research nerds, the missing records and photos we wish we could recover, and the extinct military subjects we would save for a museum. We also tackle a classic scale modeling debate: historical accuracy versus artistic license, and why the best-looking builds often balance accuracy, scale fidelity, and a tasteful finish. If you enjoy scale modeling workflow tips, hobby room organization ideas, airbrush ventilation talk, and Nationals energy, you will feel right at home. Subscribe, share the show with a modeling buddy, and leave a review so more builders can find us. Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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July 24 · 15 min
Star Trek Builds And Ice Cream: August Model Show Spotlight
Vendors sold out months early, a Star Trek 60th anniversary category on the awards table, and a full day of plastic modeling in one of the most visitor-friendly spots in north Alabama. We sit down with Tom Clark from the Huntsville Plastic Modelers Society to get the real details on their 49th annual show at the Huntsville JC’s building on Airport Road, including what to expect if you’re traveling in right after the IPMS Nationals. We walk through the schedule step by step: when vendor setup starts, the registration window, how long judging runs, and when awards are handed out. Tom also explains how their electronic forms work, why the club prefers online paperwork, and how they keep things simple with classic IPMS 1-2-3 judging. If you’re searching for an IPMS USA model contest, a scale model show in Huntsville, or a plastic model event in Alabama with strong vendor support, this is the planning guide you want before you pack the car. Then we get into the fun stuff: category options across aircraft, armor, automotive, dioramas, real space, sci-fi, ships, and a dedicated Gundam and giant robot section, plus a juniors category that makes it easy for younger builders to jump in. We also talk about the on-site food trucks, nearby restaurants, and why the venue is comfortable for a full-day hang. You’ll even hear what the club is previewing as they recruit volunteers for next year’s big Nationals workload. Subscribe for more show spotlights, share this with a friend who builds, and leave a review with your best contest tip so more modelers can find the community. Huntsville Plastic Modelers Society Facebook Show Info and Entre Forms Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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#166
July 13 · 1 hr 32 min
Superabundance In Plastic Modeling: Episode 166
The hobby is drowning in great choices right now, and that’s both a gift and a trap. We talk through what “superabundance” really looks like in modern scale modeling: a flood of high-quality plastic model kits, aftermarket decals, 3D printed parts, and specialized paint and weathering products that would’ve felt impossible a couple decades ago. Using examples like the suddenly crowded field of 1/72 P-40B kits, we dig into why the golden age of modeling is real, and how it can still leave you stuck staring at options instead of making progress. We also share listener-driven updates and community news as the IPMS Nationals get closer, including travel plans, meetups, and the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to host fellow modelers while your house and hobby room are mid-remodel. On the community side, we’re pushing toward a better home for long-term reference content, so great builds and tips don’t disappear into the Facebook timeline. If you’ve been following the Dojo build content, we also talk about improving visibility and inviting more Q and A with builders. Then we go hands-on with one of the most common problem areas in aircraft modeling: clear parts and canopies. We cover practical techniques like using a micro razor saw to avoid cracking brittle clear plastic, choosing the right adhesive (and why some “clear” glues can still be tricky), and how careful sanding and test fitting before you glue can prevent gaps you’ll hate later. We also debate the big workflow question: when to attach the canopy, and how the answer changes depending on the kit and whether it’s posed open or closed. If you enjoy these kinds of deep-dive shop talks, subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave a quick rating or review. What’s your best tip for avoiding choice paralysis and keeping your mojo on the bench? Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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July 7 · 6 min
Mighty Eighth Book Giveaway!
A Mighty Eighth Air Force book is on the table, but we’re not doing a “click and win” giveaway. We want something that makes the show better for everyone: your best Shop Talk topic ideas and your sharpest questions for the Wheel of Accidental Wisdom. Mike and Kentucky Dave start with a laid back Fourth of July catch up, from road weariness to the kind of heat that makes even a pool feel too warm. Then we get to the main point: a listener powered giveaway featuring The Mighty Eighth: A Glimpse Of The Men, Mission, And Machines Of The U.S. Eighth Air Force 1942 To 1945, a commemorative coffee table book filled with art, maps, and historical detail. It’s signed and tied to Mark Copeland from the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, which makes it a special piece for anyone into WWII aviation, military history, or building Eighth Air Force aircraft models. We also explain exactly how to enter and why we’re asking. Shop Talk is most fun when it goes beyond our own bench habits and gets into what you’re working through right now: the techniques you’re curious about, the frustrations you want solved, and the hobby debates you want aired out. Send your suggestions by email to plasticmodelmojo@gmail.com or via Facebook DM. We’re running entries through July, shutting it down just before midnight on August 1, and drawing a winner in early August, possibly around the National Convention. If you want more modeling community conversations like this, subscribe, share the show with a friend at the bench, and leave a quick review. Then send us one topic or one question to enter, what do you want us to tackle next? Military Gallery's "The Mighty Eighth: A Glimpse of the Men, Missions & Machines of the U.S. Eighth Air Force 1942-1945" Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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July 4 · 13 min
Trying to Beat the Heat: July Twelve Minute Modelsphere
We settle into a laid-back holiday catch-up, swap a few vacation highlights, and revisit that specific kind of nostalgia that comes from remembering long-gone hobby shops and the stuff we bought there. Then we look ahead to July with two feature episodes on the calendar, including a shop talk segment, plus a Nationals run-up as IPMS Nationals gets closer. If you like plastic model building podcasts that stay practical and builder-focused, this one sets the tone for what’s coming next. We also spend time on the heart of the hobby: community. The Dojo keeps growing because modelers show up with questions, techniques, material tips, and works in progress, and the replies actually help people build better. A perfect example is the 3M tape conversation that started as a listener tip and turned into a thread with real momentum and even some unexpected crossover into Mike’s day job. If you’ve got a topic you want us to tackle, or you’re planning to come to the national convention, we want to hear from you. Subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave a quick review so more builders can find us. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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#165
June 27 · 1 hr 53 min
What If Your Next Build Started At The Museum, Or On A Tour: Episode 165
A tiny paint question can turn into a big lesson about how the hobby actually works. We start with the everyday reality of scale modeling: reorganizing the model room, fighting distractions, and trying to protect bench time while life keeps piling on. Then we jump into listener mail that gets surprisingly deep, including how to choose an olive drab or Marine green for a Pacific Theater Sherman in 1/144 without getting trapped chasing a single “correct” shade. From there, the conversation widens into what makes a model show truly successful. We argue that the best shows are not defined by trophy counts or vendor tables, but by the interactions they create between builders: the conversations, the techniques shared, the new friendships, and the seminars where you can ask questions in real time. Along the way we swap practical technique talk, from using small test plaques to develop skills, to mixing a workable Tamiya 4BO green, to why a gloss base coat can make or break a natural metal finish with paints like Alclad. Our main guest is Mark Copeland, Director of Educational Travel for the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. Mark updates us on major museum expansion news, rare artifacts, and the excitement of preserving historic aircraft, then walks us through upcoming WWII history tours across the UK and Europe. If you’ve ever built a B-17, B-24, or Battle of Britain subject, you’ll understand why standing on the ground where history happened can change the way you build and the meaning your finished model carries. If you enjoy thoughtful modeling talk with real takeaways, subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave us a five-star rating and review so more builders can find us. Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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#164
June 13 · 1 hr 49 min
New Tech And Better Shows For Modelers: Episode 164
A hobby can feel timeless right up until the moment it changes under your hands. We start with the real-world catch up: Wonderfest, the sprint toward the IPMS Nationals in Fort Wayne, and the listener mail that reminds us why this community is so strong. Along the way we share show intel, a clever “Squadron Catalog Challenge” idea, and what one contest recap teaches about entry growth, online registration, and the tricky problem of judging without shutting viewers out of the model room. Then the conversation turns into something bigger: the technology shift hitting scale modeling right now. AI and 3D printing are colliding in ways that were barely on the radar a year ago, and we wrestle with the messy middle ground of AI-generated images in hobby spaces, credit, and why clear labeling protects trust. From there we jump to the most jaw-dropping bench-adjacent find: a prototype Optivisor-style headset that snaps into focus wherever your fingertips are, instantly, at multiple working distances. If you build small, scribe fine lines, or just want your eyes to stop fighting you, this is the kind of tool that can change everything. We also get practical with paint prep and process: mixing, note taking, storing formulas, and whether you should batch-mix custom colors or mix fresh for each session. Finally, we talk model show features we want to see more of, including keeping tables accessible during judging, bringing seminars back, and the promise of exhibition-style formats that make it easier to meet the builder and learn face to face. If you care about the future of plastic model kits, scale modeling tools, and better model shows, hit play, then subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave a review. The self-focus eyewear mentioned by Kentucky Dave in this Episode... Vivifocal Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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June 4 · 36 min
Inside The 2026 IPMS USA National Convention Plan: Model Show Spotlight
You can feel when a Nationals is being built with real intention and Fort Wayne is making that case early. We sit down with John Figueroa, chair of the 2026 IPMS USA National Convention, and treasurer Dave Mason to get the behind-the-scenes look at what’s coming to the Grand Wayne Convention Center in downtown Fort Wayne, Indiana, August 5 through 8. The big headline: they’re not doing this with one club grinding for four days. They’ve assembled 11 clubs across Region 4 to share the workload, share the payoff, and still have time to enjoy the convention like everyone else. We dig into the attendee essentials: a vendor room on the scale you expect from IPMS Nationals (about 426 vendor tables with only a few left), plus a seminar schedule that runs from beginner to advanced. Expect practical topics like scale model photography and lighting, CAD, Silhouette and Cricut paint masks, and weathering for dioramas, along with subject-focused sessions and special interest group guidance. If you come to Nationals to learn new techniques, this lineup is designed to keep you moving from room to room. Then we get into the “why” behind their choices. John explains a deliberate push to welcome more genres, so automotive, ships, sci-fi, and Gundam builders feel just as at home as aircraft and armor modelers. That shows up in theme awards, custom decal sheets, and a raffle they treat as one of the three core pillars of the show, with plans that even let you check results online. We also talk logistics that matter: online pre-registration is open, it’s $55, pre-registration closes June 30, and on-site registration jumps to $65. Finally, Fort Wayne adds a unique capstone: an awards ceremony in the restored Embassy Theatre connected by skywalk. Subscribe, share this with a modeling buddy, and leave a review so more builders can find the road to Fort Wayne. 2026 IPMS National Convention - Fort Wayne, IN 2026 IPMS National Convention Facebook Page Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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June 2 · 15 min
Wonderfest Afterglow: June Twelve Minute Modelsphere
We get real about the behind-the-scenes side of running a scale modeling podcast. May hit us with health issues, a car that refused to make the trip, and the kind of production chaos that throws schedules off. We lay out what June should look like, what we’ve already recorded, and how we’re planning to get feature episodes and shorts back on track as we head toward bigger events like the IPMS Nationals. The heart of the conversation is Wonderfest. Even if sci-fi isn’t your main lane, Wonderfest delivers world-class builds, a vendor room you won’t see at a typical IPMS-style show, and an atmosphere that feels like a model show blended with a convention. We share what stood out, the people we ran into, and how a single weekend can push you to try something totally new at the bench. We also talk about the dojo community momentum, from daily posts to smart technique questions about pigments and weathering powders, and why seeing others build outside their genre makes all of us braver. Subscribe, share this with a modeling friend, and leave a review if the show helps you get back to the bench. What’s the one task or tool that most improved your builds? Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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#163
May 21 · 1 hr 47 min
We Keep Building Because It Keeps Us Sane: Episode 163
A hobby can be the best kind of escape until your workspace fights you, your calendar fills up, and the internet decides a vague press blurb means the sky is falling. We start with what’s been happening at our own benches, including Dave’s push to overhaul a hobby room that has somehow become “anti-modeling,” plus a listener-recommended project tracking app that could genuinely help builders log progress, notes, and next steps. Then we dig into hobby news with real consequences, including the Dragon Models drama, the sudden appearance of “Drami,” and the clearer picture that emerges once Zimi enters the story. We talk about why it pays to wait for facts, how quickly online speculation spirals, and why Dragon still matters to the modern plastic model kit landscape even after years of fewer truly new releases. Along the way we share a great AMPS find and why better 3D printed tracks and scanning-driven accuracy are changing what’s possible in aftermarket parts. The second half zooms out to the stuff that keeps this hobby sustainable: why we build models in the first place, how to handle work-life balance without breeding resentment at home, and why contests are evolving into broader “shows” with exhibitions, seminars, and more welcoming formats. We wrap with Shizuoka kit announcements, a quick benchtop reality check, and a warning about AI slop creeping into 3D printed figures and details. If you’ve ever wondered what’s worth caring about in modeling and what you can safely ignore, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave a review so more builders can find us. Brushrage App - As discussed by Kentucky Dave CRS Tankwerks - As mentioned by Mike Smokey Mountain ModelCon - Hosted by the Knoxville Scale Model Assoc. Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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May 14 · 37 min
Squadron’s 3D Print Push
Something big is happening in scale modeling, and you can feel it in the way builders talk about 3D printing, new subjects, and the shows that are turning into true hobby meetups. We sit down with Brandon Lowe from Squadron to get a grounded look at what it takes to turn a cool idea into a real 3D printed model kit you can buy, build, paint, and display with pride. We talk through two attention-grabbing releases: the 1/48 M2 Cletrac tractor built for airfield scenes, and the 1/35 M5 high-speed tractor that gives armor builders a fresh support vehicle that isn’t another “usual suspect.” Brandon shares how Squadron uses early feedback to improve everything from production choices to what future releases should look like, and why IPMS Nationals is the moment where the wider community gets to judge the results. If you care about 3D printed aftermarket accessories, naval ordnance details, or how digital design can finally fill long-ignored gaps, you’ll get plenty to chew on here. Then we pivot to what might be the biggest news for model show travelers: Eagle Quest is coming back in Chattanooga as a joint event with the Chattanooga Scale Modelers’ ModelCon, and the demand is already intense with vendor tables selling out far in advance. We cover why Chattanooga is such a strong location, how the gold, silver, bronze judging system will be used, and why expanded contest categories like real space vehicles, trains, wargaming, and Gunpla could pull in builders who don’t always feel at home at traditional shows. ModelCon/EagleQuest Subscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with a modeling friend who needs a new project idea, and leave a review to help more builders find the show. What category or subject would you love to see get more attention next? Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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May 5 · 12 min
PMM Twelve Minute Modelsphere: May 2026
We zoom out to the bigger modeling hobby community. We recap our trip to the AMPS International Convention in South Bend, Indiana, from standout vendors to the simple joy of photographing great models without hovering too close with a phone. We also look ahead to Wonderfest at the end of May, including the added buzz around the 60th anniversary of Star Trek and what that could mean for sci-fi modeling, vendors, and themed builds on the tables. We close with what keeps the momentum going between shows: the Dojo. With thousands of members and growing daily, the best part is watching shop talk turn into practical, tested advice, like super glue discussions and new acrylic metallic paint tips for a convincing bare metal finish. Listen through, then subscribe, share the episode with a modeling friend, and leave a review so more builders can find the show. Don't forget MOJO15 gets you 15% off your order with KitMasx! Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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April 29 · 46 min
Two Can’t Miss Scale Modeling Events In Sacramento And Salt Lake City
Two model shows, two very different philosophies, one shared goal: make the scale modeling hobby feel bigger than your workbench. We’re in the thick of show season, and we’re shining a light on events that are actively evolving what a great model show can be for builders, vendors, and first-timers who just want to learn and meet people. First up is SilverCon in Sacramento, California, hosted by IPMS SilverWings. We get the full run-down on the essentials modelers actually need, including doors-open and judging times, the “Heavy Metal” theme for best natural metal finish, and how their first-year online registration works. We also talk through the vendor hall, raffle timing, parking and nearby food, and why you should plan ahead: payment is cash only and there’s no ATM on site. SilverCon is also pushing for broader participation by welcoming genres that don’t always show up at IPMS contests, plus new options like resin-only, 3D printed, all-metal, and vacform categories. Then we head to Utah for Rocky Mountain Expo near Salt Lake City, a model exposition built on open system judging. Instead of stacking models into categories, builders display their work together under their own name so conversation becomes the point, not an afterthought. We dig into their inclusion-first approach, their upgraded venue, vendor growth, food options, and a seminar lineup that ranges from technique demos to research skills. We also get into their judging values: no touching models, no default flaw hunts, and useful feedback, capped off with a fast awards ceremony that respects everyone’s time. If you’re into model contests, IPMS events, open system judging, scale modeling seminars, or just want a better model show experience, you’ll walk away with ideas and a couple of destinations to put on your calendar. Subscribe, share this with a modeling friend, and leave us a review with the kind of show format you want more of. SilverCon - IPMS Sacramento Rocky Mountain Expo The Model Show Spotlight is brought to you by: The World of Armor Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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#162
April 26 · 1 hr 46 min
Housekeeping at Plastic Model Mojo: Episode 162
Your bench time is precious, so when something starts sabotaging it, like CA glue fumes wrecking your sinuses or a half-finished kit stalling for months, we want fixes that actually work. After two big shows in three weeks, we finally do some much-needed housekeeping and burn down a mountain of listener mail with the kind of practical advice you can put to work immediately. We dig deep into cyanoacrylate sensitivity and respiratory irritation, including why RC builders have been dealing with it for years, and what modelers can do right now: odorless CA options, simple airflow changes that keep fumes out of your face, using smaller amounts of adhesive, and when it’s time to step up to a real VOC-rated respirator. We also compare alternatives for photo-etch and light-duty parts, from thick PVA-style hobby glues to specialized water-cleanup adhesives that can still give you solid grab and a strong bond. Then we shift into build documentation and project tracking, because remembering your last paint mix, the exact spot you used a color, or the next step you planned shouldn’t require detective work. We talk notebooks, Rocketbook scanning workflows, apps that track time and paints, and why even simple notes can save a project, or help you repair one after an accident. From there, we share recorded segments from HeritageCon and AMPS, including a lively tracks discussion, favorite show finds, and the best part of any contest: meeting the modeler behind the work. We also chat with Aaron Skinner about his move to Round2 and what it’s like developing kits from the production side, including research, tooling realities, and why some projects take so long to reach your workbench. If you enjoy model shows, armor modeling, aircraft builds, hobby tools, and the wider scale modeling community, there’s a lot here to chew on. Subscribe, share the show with a modeling friend, and leave us a rating so more builders can find the conversation. Brushrage App - As mentioned during the episode! Super'Phatic Glue - The adhesive from Deluxe Materials mentioned Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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April 22 · 23 min
Kicking off a Special Feature on the Plastic Model Dojo: A PMM Special
He beat a brutal stretch of chemo, got the all-clear, then asked the question every craftsperson quietly fears: do the hands and the mind still work the same way? Our friend Ed Bareth is back, and he’s turning that question into plastic, paint, and proof with a 1/32 Trumpeter Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless built for awards-level judging. We dig into what “national quality” really demands in large scale model aircraft building, where every shortcut shows and every improvement has to be clean. Ed walks us through his smart aftermarket picks and why they matter: Kelik 3D instrument panels for the cockpit, Eduard photo-etch dive brakes that live or die by build sequence, resin wheels, and One Man Army paint masks that look incredible but punish sloppy placement. He also shares how he’s documenting the project in clear chapters so you can follow the full process from cockpit painting and washes to canopy masking and final finish. Then comes the part that spirals in the best and worst way: LED lighting inside an enclosed model airplane. What starts as “let’s illuminate the cockpit” becomes a real engineering problem with battery placement, a hidden on off switch, and even a detour into Bluetooth and phone control before he brings it back to something dependable. We also talk about using ChatGPT for paint mixes, fading recipes, and weathering guidance for a 1944 USS Enterprise three-color scheme, plus why you still have to verify references when AI confidently hands you answers. If you want practical scale modeling tips, honest talk about returning to the bench, and a front-row seat to an ambitious 1/32 build, press play. Subscribe, share this with a modeling buddy, and leave us a review with your answer: what’s the next project you’re ready to level up? Model Paint Solutions Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes, Mixing supplies, and great advice! SQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968 Model Podcasts Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere! KitMasx Custom Canopy Masks for the Scale Modeler. Bases By Bill Your source for custom display bases, laser engraved airfield and carrier decks. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
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