Plastic Model Mojo

Holiday chaos is closing in, but we’re not letting the “dark time” steal the bench. We ride the high of the Cincinnati show: open hangar doors, perfect weather, strong models, and vendors who priced to move. That momentum rolls into plans for Murfreesboro, with friends heading in and schedules to wrangle. Live shows do more than fill a weekend—they sharpen your build list, set deadlines, and remind you why the hobby’s community mat...

Ever feel your hobby start to feel like homework? We hit episode 150 with a full tank of mojo and a guest who knows how to keep it running. Dr. Paul Budzik joins us on the eve of his retirement after 51 years in dentistry to share a refreshingly honest blueprint for building with joy: protect inspiration, shed obligation, and stop treating your stash like a to‑do list. If finishing every kit has become a guilt trip, this conversati...

Ready to turn November into a nationwide model show tour? We line up four standout events—ModelZona in Phoenix, the Cleveland Model Show, Charlotte’s Region 12 contest, and Middle Tennessee’s ModelCon in Murfreesboro—and dig into the details that actually affect your day: judging style, registration windows, vendor-room depth, food, parking, and how fast awards wrap so you’re not stuck in your chair at dusk.

We start in Ph...

A TIE Fighter parked on the moon with footprints leading into mystery. A glossy blue Bearcat bound for a local collection. A workshop cleanup that turns frustration into flow. This one blends story, craft, and community into a practical guide for getting more joy—and more finishes—out of your modeling time.

Mike, Kentucky Dave, and guest Jeff Groves of The Inch High Guy blog kick off with a lively Louisville MMCL recap: bo...

A packed Louisville hall with 408 models, a day spent talking shop with listeners and friends, and the kind of low-pressure reconnect that sends you home eager to finish something you’ve been putting off.

Momentum keeps building as we look ahead to Cincinnati on October 18—a favorite for its friendly atmosphere, great location, and reliably good weather. We share why shows matter even if you don’t enter, how they recalibra...

What does it take to create a convincing bare metal finish without tearing your hair out? How can simple pencils transform your weathering game? And is it even possible to complete a quality model in just 48 hours?

In this episode, we're joined by Chris Wallace of Model Airplane Maker fame to tackle some of modeling's most intriguing challenges. Chris shares his surprising success using Vallejo metallics for bare...

October brings two exceptional modeling events to the Midwest that showcase the unique character and community spirit that make scale modeling such a rewarding hobby.

First up on October 4th, the West Michigan IPMS presents their Great Lakes Challenge at the West Michigan Aviation Academy. What makes this venue extraordinary is its connection to aviation education – hosted at a STEM-focused public school where students act...

Ever wondered what's causing those mysterious bubbles in your airbrush paint cup? In this episode, Dr. Strangebrush returns to solve the airbrush mysteries that plague scale modelers everywhere. Drawing from decades of experience, he walks us through common issues with surprising solutions – from the simple fix for bubbling paint cups to the proper technique for applying dry and wet coats.

The doctor's paint cris...

The Plastic Model Modo Twelve Minute Modelsphere is brought to you by KitMasx!

Summer flew by in a flash, and we're reflecting on our recent trip to the IPMS National Convention in Hampton, Virginia. We're eager to hear your experiences if you attended – especially first-timers! Looking ahead, mark your calendars for September 27th when we'll be at the Military Modelers Club of Louisville show in Shepherdsvi...

Scale modeling contests are evolving beyond just competition, as demonstrated by two fascinating September shows highlighted in our latest episode. From Pennsylvania to Oregon, we explore how clubs are reimagining the traditional model contest format to build stronger communities and create more engaging experiences.

The Shenango Valley Area Scale Modelers in Pennsylvania will celebrate their 40th annual show on September ...

Fresh from the whirlwind that was the IPMS National Convention in Hampton, Virginia, we're bursting with stories, impressions, and a renewed passion for scale modeling. What draws thousands of modelers to this annual pilgrimage? Beyond the spectacular contest entries and vendor treasures, it's the profound sense of community that keeps us counting down the days until next year.

The vendor floor transformed into w...

A journey that could only be described as a country song come to life. Professional modeler Bruce McRae returns to share his unbelievable cross-country expedition to four  scale modeling competitions – a trip marked by disasters that would have sent most people packing for home.

What began as an ambitious nine-week journey across America turned catastrophic when Bruce and his wife woke to find their campsite in Louisiana r...

The excitement is building as we prepare for the IPMS Nationals in Hampton, Virginia! This much-anticipated event represents what we lovingly call "the best four days of the year" in the modeling world. After months without attending a contest (Mike hasn't been to one since Heritage Con in March), we're absolutely thrilled to reconnect with fellow modelers, showcase our work, and soak in the incredible talent on...

An unexpected journey from Hong Kong to Texas formed the backbone of Adam Coleman's story as he recounts how discovering airbrush stencils abroad eventually led him to become the North American distributor for Liang Models. What began with worn-out stencils and an email inquiry transformed into a passionate business venture connecting Chinese manufacturing innovation with the American modeling community.

Coleman walks...

For modelers who've ever stood in front of the aftermarket display with credit card in hand knowing they should walk away but simply can't, this episode is your support group. We welcome Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair to the third chair, and immediately dive into his current Tamiya P-38 build—a project that's gradually transformed from a straightforward kit into a showcase of just about every aftermarket part ...

Scale modeling in Japan exists in an entirely different dimension—where subway stations host free model building events, highway rest stops sell Tamiya kits, and every other child seems to know their way around plastic cement. On this episode, we're joined by acclaimed modeler Harvey Low, who recently returned from an extended trip to Japan where he experienced the famous Shizuoka Hobby Show, Tokyo's legendary hobby shops...

Tired of the frustration that comes with masking canopies? You're not alone. This episode kicks off with an introduction to Kit Masx, a company born from the simple truth that "manually masking canopies sucks." Founded by Kevin and Janelle, this modeling business now offers over 400 precision-cut mask sets, with Kevin personally testing each one multiple times to ensure perfect fits. The best part? If you reach out, ...

From logistics nightmares to groundbreaking special editions, Brandon Lowe takes us behind the scenes of Squadron's evolution into a new era for model enthusiasts. After logging countless miles between trade shows and completing their tenth move in twenty years, Squadron has finally settled into their Chattanooga headquarters, transforming their operation and expanding their customer offerings.

The relocation story re...

What truly makes this hobby special? Is it the kits, the techniques, or something deeper? Today we explore how the human connections in scale modeling often become more meaningful than the models themselves. Kentucky Dave shares touching stories about celebrating a fellow modeler's retirement and another's first home purchase—reminders that our "model sphere" extends far beyond the workbench.

We dive in...