The Model Stash

 Hi, Everyone! Over the years, I've accumulated a small stack of 3.5-inch hard disk drives that I always had intentions of performing deep data wipes on or destroying.  I never get around to them, though, so they just sit around.  Recently, I thought about how I could re-purpose those drives so that they wouldn't end up being yet another bunch of discarded wasteful tech. One of the nicer parts of a hard disk drive are the data disc "platters."  There are usually one or more of these platters in each drive, with each one being fairly rigid and having a nice smooth mirror finish.  People have re-purposed them into things such as the face of small clocks and combined multiples of them to use as hanging decorations.  For me, I decided to use them as part of a custom model display base. I came up with a 3D printed four piece design.  There is an outer shell with a rounded edge at the top.  An inner shell - which can house a small bit of electronics and...

Hi, Everyone! Back in late-2012 Polar Lights released a new tooled 1:144 model of the Forbidden Planet C-57D Space Cruiser (kit number POL895).  The model was then re-released in 2014 as a Deluxe Edition (kit number POL916) which included LED electronics and wiring harness to simulate the the red spinning motor at the bottom of the saucer. For 2021, Round 2 will re-release the model again, but this time under the license-less, generic name of Flying Saucer From Another Planet (kit number POL985)! 12 inches in diameter Working ramps Alternate parts allow for a flying or landed build 39 parts Summer 2021 release $40.99 U.S.D. MSRP Check out the official box top artwork image below! Stay tuned... :)  

Hi, Everyone! Trumpeter got into the growing Transformers models game in 2020 with their officially-licensed Autobot Bumblebee kit based off the character from the 2018 well-received hit film.     A second kit is coming...the Decepticon Blitzwing! Non-scale - will be about 13 cm (5.12 inches) tall when fully assembled Non-transforming figure Various points of articulation allow for posing Parts will be made of ABS and PVC plastics Snap together fit Includes display base Summer 2021 release Check out the images below from the Shizuoka Hobby Show 2021 in Japan and from the Show.Z Store. Trumpeter plans on releasing more Bumblebee movie model kits including Optimus Prime, Wheeljack, and Soundwave. Stay tuned... :)

Hi, Everyone! On May 4th, the Smithsonian announced ( https://airandspace.si.edu/newsroom/press-releases/national-air-and-space-museum-welcomes-star-wars-x-wing-starfighter ) that it has the full-size mockup of Poe Dameron's Resistance T-70 X-wing starfighter.  It is currently in its orange and light grey livery as seen in Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker . The full-sized vehicle, with a wingspan of 37 feet, is on long-term loan from Lucasfilm.  It will undergo conservation in the Restoration Hangar at the National Air and Space Museum's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  The work is currently visible to the public.  The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Virginia, near Washington Dulles International Airport.  It is open daily (except on Christmas Day, December 25) from 10 AM until 5:30 PM.  Admission is free, but there is a $15.00 fee for parking. Once the conservation process is completed, the X-wing starfighter will be displaye...

Hi, Everyone! Although not all that familiar to scale modelers, X-Plus - a Japanese maker of collectable figures and statues from franchises such as Godzilla , Dragon Ball , Ultraman , and more - will be dipping their toes in the styrene model kit market soon.  Their first offering will be comic fan favorite Vampirella! 1:8 scale - about 23 cm (9.06 inches) tall All new tooled kit, but sculpted in a pose that purposely honors the artwork found on the box of the 1971 Aurora Vampirella model kit 38 parts Includes graveyard display base 3999 yen (currently about $37.00 U.S.D.) Late-summer to fall 2021 scheduled release Check out the official images below including two of the original Aurora kit box artwork! Stay tuned... :)

 Hi, Everyone! Here's something different from Bandai...a dinosaur model kit! Imaginary Skeleton Tyrannosaurus: 1:32 scale - about 35 cm (13.78 inches) in length Design of the skeleton model incorporates the latest theories and scientific knowledge Sculpted in a unique jumping pose Skeletal bones that created the special instep that supported the weight of a 10-ton T-rex are reproduced The wishbone (located at the base of the shoulder), which supports the T-rex's short arms, features reproductions of stress fracture traces caused by strong impacts Hole marks where nerves passed through the lips are also reproduced with precision Detailed teeth profile inside the upper and lower jaw is accurately reproduced A finely detailed display base reproduces the plants of the Cretaceous period Commentary booklet by dinosaur expert Kyoichi Tomita is included July 2021 scheduled release 3960 yen (currently about $37.00 U.S.D.) Check out the official images below! Stay tuned... :)

Hi, Everyone! Bandai has been laying a bit low with their Star Wars model kits after Rise of Skywalker , but they are coming back with four new releases in 2021! Mandalorian (Beskar armor) and Mandalorian (Beskar armor - silver coated version): 1:12 scale Lower-priced 3300 yen (currently about $31.00 U.S.D.) version has no special coating on armor parts so builder can custom paint Higher-priced 5280 yen (currently about $49.00 U.S.D.) version has silver coating on armor parts Removable jet pack Two types of blasters - blaster and Amban sniper rifle Beskar spear Darksaber Cloak Various interchangeable hand parts - gun hand, rifle hand, weapon hand, facial expression hand Display base included Razor Crest and Razor Crest (silver coated version): Part of Bandai's Star Wars "Vehicle Model" lineup so it is small Lower-priced 1298 yen (currently about $13.00 U.S.D.) version has no special coating on plastic parts so builder can custom paint Higher-priced 2420 yen (currently a...