Plastic Model Mojo

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...

Summer has officially arrived in the modeling world, and with it comes a fresh update from the Plastic Model Mojo team. This month's 12-Minute Model Sphere takes listeners through the bustling halls of Wonderfest, now bigger than ever before. Cars packed every available space around the convention hotel as record numbers of modelers and enthusiasts gathered to celebrate their craft.

The model room was nothing short of...

What would your ideal modeling workspace look like? It's the question that haunts modelers everywhere as we struggle with overflowing stashes, cluttered benches, and the constant shuffle of moving one project to make room for another. In this episode, we welcome back Panzermeister36 (Evan McCallum) to explore the challenges of creating and maintaining an organized modeling environment.

Evan kicks things off with a fas...

When Kevin Hedrich noticed a serious gap in the modeling market, he knew exactly what to do. "Manually masking canopies sucks," he explains bluntly, "and somebody had to step in to save those countless kits from the shelf of doom." That's how KitMasx was born—a specialized business creating precision-cut canopy masks for scale model aircraft.

What makes KitMasx unique in the modeling world isn&apos...

What happens when a lifetime of collecting ends without a plan? Kentucky Dave shares a moving story about rescuing an extraordinary military history library from destruction after its owner passed away. The massive collection, facing the prospect of being pulped after nine months of unsuccessful liquidation, sparked an emergency rescue mission that filled Dave's car to the point of affecting its handling. This sobering experie...

Precision masks, Derby talk, and exciting convention plans fill this episode as we welcome our newest sponsor! KIT MASX joins the Model Building Mojo team with their innovative solution to one of modeling's most frustrating challenges - canopy masking. Learn how this modeler-owned company is saving countless kits from the dreaded "shelf of doom" with over 400 precision-cut masking sets and a customer-first approach. ...

What happens when scale modeling becomes historical detective work? Jake McKee joins us to share his extraordinary journey creating an historically accurate 1:35 scale Clubmobile—a converted GMC truck that brought donuts, coffee, and a touch of home to WWII soldiers near the frontlines.

This isn't just any modeling project. McKee walks us through the challenges of researching these vehicles that largely disappeared af...

Armor modeling enthusiasts, mark your calendars! In this deep-dive conversation with Neil Stokes, newly elected President of the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society (AMPS), we unveil everything you need to know about the upcoming AMPS International Convention taking place May 15-17, 2025, at the Penn Harris Hotel in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.

Neal shares details about what promises to be their biggest show yet, with appr...

When modelers gather to talk shop, magic happens. This episode pairs hosts Mike and Kentucky Dave with special guest Jeff Groves (the Inch High Guy) for an enlightening conversation that dives deep into the beating heart of the scale modeling hobby.

Fresh from attending the Roscoe Turner show in Indianapolis, Jeff shares his experience at one of the region's premier modeling events, sparking a candid discussion about ...

The gentle shift from winter to spring brings more than just pollen-dusted cars and blooming trees to the modeling world—it signals the arrival of regional show season. In this April update, we recount our recent adventure to Heritage Con, which we expanded this year to include trips to Detroit and the Michigan Toy Soldier shop before the main event.

Heritage Con continues to hit the sweet spot for model enthusiasts. The p...