Planning a Trip to Spain? Don't Miss a Visit to the AK Museum of Minatures and Scale Models
As scale modelers, we love our own collections of hand-built models and undoubtedly admire the craftsmanship and history that goes along with them. The hobby of model-building itself has a long and rich history, and AK Interactive has put that history on display at the AK Museum in La Rioja, Spain.
With exhibits detailing the history of scale model building beginning in 700000 BC through the present, AK has curated an amazing collection of models and dioramas from all ove rthe world. Not only are plastic kits on display, but they also highlight wooden, metal, paper, and resin models.
Beyond showcasing the materials used to make models, the AK Museum also highlights several genres of modeling, including military, aircraft, figures, sci-fi, naval, and more. If you have had an interest in model building for years, or you've just gotten into the hobby, this looks like an amazing "bucket list" destination.
Learn more about the AK Museum, view hours of operation, and purchase tickets at akmuseum.com.
Coming Soon: MiniArt 1:35 StuH 42 Ausf. G Mid Prod. Jul-Oct. 1943
MiniArt recently announced that it would soon be releasing a 1:35 rendition of the StuH 42 Ausf. G, the mid-production version, which was produced from July to October of 1943, to be more precise. The kit features tooling from 2021 with an addition of parts from 2022 and 2023 as well. Both plastic and photo-etch parts are included with the kit, both of which are molded in incredible detail. The plastic pieces feature realistic metal textures and weld lines, which works to enhance the realism of the finished model. Clear plastic parts are also included in the kit.
In terms of additional detailing, the kit comes with individual track links, poseable hatches, optional side skirts, and a variety of decals, which allow for a total of six marking schemes. The decals can be used to create markings for vehicles that served on both the Eastern Front and in Italy during 1943. Colored instructions for creating paint and marking schemes are also included with the kit.
If you would like to access detailed photographs and more information about MiniArt’s upcoming 1:35 StuH 42 Ausf. G Mid Prod. Jul-Oct. 1943, I highly recommend taking a look at both MiniArt’s website and ScaleMates. If you are interested in purchasing the kit, consider pre-ordering from Plastmodel for only €49,57
Trumpeter has recently released a new 1:48 rendition of the Mi-4AV Hound, a 1967 modification of the original Mil Mi-4 transport helicopter. The model kit uses tooling from 2022 and additional pieces added in 2023 which will allow for the construction of the AV variant of the Mi-4. A total of over 200 parts which make up eight plastic sprues are included in the kit, one of which features clear plastic which would be used to create the cockpit canopy. Photo-etched parts are also included with the kit to enhance realism.
A number of advanced features are also included with the kit. Some of these include an accurately detailed fuselage, cockpit, and gear cabin. A variety of decals and a colored painting/decal guide are also included which allow for two paint and marking schemes. Both marking schemes depict the aircraft in Soviet service.
If you are interested in purchasing Trumpeter’s new 1:48 Mi-4AV Hound, consider pre-ordering the model kit from either Der Sockelshop (€42,21) or Squadron Hobbies ($71.16). If you are interested in learning more about the kit, visit both Trumpeter’s website and Scalemates, where detailed specifications and colored photographs of the model can be located.
New Release: ICM 1:35 'Kozak-2' Ukrainian MRAP-Class Armoured Vehicle
ICM has very recently released a brand new 1:35 rendition of the Ukrainian ‘Kozak-2’ MRAP-Class Armoured Vehicle, a vehicle that is currently being used by Ukrainian forces in the Russo-Ukrainian War and has proved to be a very successful design. The kit features completely new tooling and parts, in addition to a number of other features.
Included with the kit are a fully detailed interior and exterior composed up of a total of 448 parts, photo-etch and clear plastic parts to add additional detail to the model, highly detailed and easy-to-understand colored instructions, decals for at least four paint schemes, and a painting/decal guide to assist with the decoration of the model kit. Overall, a very good kit, considering its price range.
If you're interested in purchasing ICM’s 1:35 ‘Kozak-2’ MRAP-Class Armoured Vehicle, I highly recommend buying from any of the following retailers: PM-Store ($51.99 USD*), Super-Hobby ($41.91 USD*), and Plastmodel (171,99 PLN*). For more information, including high resolution photographs, model specs, and information about the ‘Kozak-2’; consider visiting both ICM’s website and Scalemates.com, where everything listed above can be found.
You can take 25% off select products from MIG Productions and MasterClub, 35% off products from Fujimi, MJ Miniatures, Quick Wheel, Dragon, Peko, Draco Ideas, FineMolds, Nuts Planet, and Bronco Models, and 40% off items from Nocturna Models and Eureka XXL.
To view all of the items available during the AK Interactive Pre-BLAK Friday sale, visit ak-interactive.com.
Not many details are available about this kit; however, it does include a decal sheet for Chastain's iFLY sponsorship that he ran at various races during the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Priced at $44.95, this NASCAR 2022 Season Ross Chasten Chevy Camaro Stock Car kit is available to purchase through Salvinos JR Models and their dealers. Visit salvinosjrmodels.com to learn more about this 1/24-scale stock car model kit.
Show Off Your Scale Modeling Skills During HobbyTown's 2022 National Model Contest
Fall not only marks the return of pumpkin spiced everything, but it's also the arrival of HobbyTown's 2022 National Model Contest. Between October 1, 2022 and November 30, 2022, participating HobbyTown stores will host their own local model contests, allowing winners from those shows to progress to the national arena.
The 2022 National Model Contest categories include:
Best of Show
Best Paint
Best Junior Model
Best Gundam
The National Model Contest winners from 2021 showcased creativity, ingenuity, and plenty of visual detail. If you'd like to enter this year's contest and want to find a local HobbyTown store, visit hobbytown.com.
Tamiya has announced a new sports car scale model kit that replicates the track-terrorizing style of the 2019 Ford Mustang GT4. This 1/24-scale kit offers a scaled-down version of Ford's "Ford Performance" GT4 race car that doesn't skimp on details.
Featuring both exterior and interior parts, this kit offers an inside-and-out look at Ford's track-ready Mustang GT4. Body details such as the front grille, hood exhaust louvers, front splitter, side skirts, rear spoiler, and more are molded in fine detail.
Masking stickers and two decal sheets are included for replicating one of two Ford Performance paint schemes.
Tamiya 1/24-scale Ford Mustang GT4 Model Kit Specs:
Length: 203mm
Width: 81mm
Height: 60mm
Required to Complete: Cement, paint, and finishing supplies
Priced at $55.00, this Ford Mustang GT4 scale model kit is available for purchase from Tamiya and their dealers. Visit tamiyausa.com to learn more about this 1/24-scale model kit.
Show-off Your Model of Americana During Sproo-Doo 2022
If you live near Jacksonville, Arkansas, and are looking for a scale modeling event to check out, look no further than Sproo-Doo 2022. This year marks the 22nd installment of the event, and the theme is "American Modeling." Subjects can be anything America-related from 1900 through the present day.
Sproo-Doo 2022 Event Details:
Date: September 24, 2022
Time: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm CDT
Location: Jacksonville Community Center, 5 Municipal Drive, Jacksonville, AR, 72076
To learn more about Sproo-Doo 2022, visit the event page on ipmsusa.org.
Showcase Your Best Model Lowrider Builds at California Love 2022
Calling all lowrider fanatics! If you have a passion for building lowrider models, no matter if they're kit or scratch-built, there's an upcoming event that will allow you to showcase your talents. California Love, in conjunction with Cadillac Fest 11, is taking place on Sunday, October 16, 2022 in El Segundo, CA.
While Cadillac Fest 11 will focus on 1:1 rides, California love will offer opportunities for scale model enthusiasts, R/C lowrider fanatics, and more to showcase their creations. There are even exhibit opportunities for lowrider bikes, pedal cars, and other unique builds.
Both events are free to spectators, and the cost to exhibit your R/C creation will range from $5.00 to $25.00. California Love runs from 10 am to 4 pm and will feature on-site concessions.
California Love 2022 Event Details:
Date: Sun, October 16, 2022
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
Location: The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum, 610 Lairport Street, El Segundo, CA 90245
To learn more about this event and register to exhibit your scale model lowrider, visit eventbrite.com.
