iHOBBY 2014 - BEST OF THE REST

Here’s a last look at the 2014 iHobby Expo, Chicago. It’s roundup time for the best of the rest, kicked off with this handsome 1:25 scale Ford Torino car kit.

CGI VISUALS MAKE A TEMPTING TARGET FOR HELO ENTHUSIASTS

Attractive cgi visuals from Kitty Hawk trail the upcoming 1:48 scale Bell Huey Model UH-1Y Super Huey or Venom.

IRON HORSE RIDES IN MINIATURE

Although I would usually say that the automobile in all its forms comes tops in American modelling interest, I’m really talking about purely ‘static’ models. When it comes to anything that actually moves, that qualification has to go to model railroads.

GORGEOUS FRENCH MODELS - SCALE MODELS OF COURSE

French publisher-cum-model producer Editions Atlas has some very interesting miniatures available at the moment.

ROUND 2 ROUNDUP - MORE KITS INCOMING FOR 2014-2015

Incoming, a mouthwatering set of models from Round 2, due for release over the next 12 months or so.

2015 INCOMING - SPACE 1999 SCI-FI KITS FROM ROUND 2 MODELS, AND MORE BESIDES

The Round 2 model spectrum includes not only the AMT, MPC and Polar Lights brands, but now features the Lindberg and Hawk names as well.

MARVELS FROM MOEBIUS - SNEAK PEEK AT 2014-2015 KITS TO COME

Here’s a look at what Moebius Models is planning for the coming 12 months, as seen at this year’s iHobby Expo at the Schaumberg Conference Center, near Chicago.

FLYING HORSE AT iHOBBY EXPO 2014 - PEGASUS HOBBIES REVEALS SCI-FI KITS

Pegasus Hobbies continues with its eclectic range of kits, expanding on a range of subjects that includes plenty of science-fiction kits, many of them original Pegasus designs.

EXCELLENT MODEL REFERENCE - MV-22 OSPREY AND AV-8B HARRIER AIR-TO-AIR REFUELLING OVER THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA

VIDEO CAPTURED IN JUNE, 2014 shows US Marine Corps aircraft carrying out air-to-air refuelling.

SWEDISH BEAUTY FROM KITTY HAWK MODELS - 1:48 SCALE SAAB GRIPEN

THE SAAB GRIPEN is our favourite fighter. We reckon it's the best of the so-called 'fourth generation' combat types out there, at least in cost/benefit terms. And now Kitty Hawk Models have a 1:48 scale kit on release.

iHOBBY EXPO 2014 - IMPRESSIONS OF THIS YEAR'S SHOW FROM MAT IRVINE

The iHobby Expo 2014 returned to the Schaumberg Convention Center near Chicago on October 2-5. This was its second year there, and my second trip too. I went with colleague Dean Milano, who at one point worked for Revell-Monogram.

IPMS SANTA MARIA MAGAZINE - MODEL MAG FULL OF INFORMATION

More excellent online reading with the IPMS Santa Maria Magazine. It's packed with interesting articles, and plenty of closeup pix of builds and details.

MILITARY MACHINES AT FORT HOOD - GREAT REFERENCE FOR MODELLERS

If you are a model maker, a trip round a museum almost certainly reveals examples of machinery you recognise, even if your only connection to it has been in miniature form.

MASTER MODEL MAKERS FROM RUSSIA MAKE A MINIATURE AIR SHOW

The primary reason for attending an air show is usually to gaze upward at the skies and see what aerobatic delights the organisers have put on for your delectation. But there is often much more to see…