Hawkeye’s Squawkbox

Modelers are a creative lot. We try to find things to make our life easier and our models turn out better. Well I have one tip that will help you.

We are always on the look out to find ways to protect our models and assemblies from dust while they dry after painting or applying a clear sealer. I have just the ticket, its cheap and easy too. We have a collection of kitchen gadgets, some we purchased other were gifts. One such item is a Tortilla storage container. It is large enough for small aircraft or components of larger ones. I can fit a 1:72 fighter inside or what I use it most for is a drying/curing storage for Future dipped canopies.

They also make good containers to transport and store your models.

So the next time you’re out shopping, look for one of these, I picked mine up on sale for about a dollar,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

There is more to life than modeling. Did I just say that? What was I thinking? Well, it is true and one of the things that helps keep me able to do what I do day in and day out is to spend a little time outdoors. Fortunately we have access to a park property that is just a short walk from our home.

This park property is yet undeveloped and is filled with life. Some call this park a diamond in the rough. Various species of trees, plants, birds and animals fill the property and each trek unveils a new discovery. So, I make sure that I have my camera in my pocket to capture some of the sights seen during our treks.

The park holds regular residents such as deer, turkeys, owls, bats, hawks, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and the occasionally seen coyote. It features a mature forested area and an open prairie area. Just the thing to walk to clear ones mind and put aside the days frustrations.

So maybe it is time for you to step away from the bench, take a walk, clear your mind and enjoy some sunshine. Ya never know, it could make you a better modeler…for sure you could live to be an older modeler.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

The cross over between modeling aircraft and armor/vehicles in 1:48 (O guage) just turned an important corner. Tamiya released a P-51 Mustand/Staff Car combo recently and as a follow up they are releasing the staff car separately. Kit #32559 1942 US Army Staff Car is a kit that will allow WWII aircraft modelers more incentive to cross over to an automotive subject. Model railroaders who love O gauge and have sough after quality models from this era will love this kit as well.

I know I am looking forward to seeing this kit on hobby shop shelves, which I suspect once word reaches all genres of modeling, it will not be in stock for long. A US Staff Car is something that has been missing from aircraft dioramas for decades. As a friend and fellow modeler of mine just point out…he can now do his “12 O’Clock High” diorama!

Let’s hope Tamiya recognizes that they can capture some of the model railroading market if they continue to offer vehicles such as this. Kitting other vehicles that cross over between military and civilian users makes sense to me, let’s hope they feel the same way. I’m going to ordering mine as soon as they are available!

Photo courtesy of Shizuoka 2008 Expo.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!