OUT OF THIS WORLD MODELING: STEP-BY-STEP HOW-TO BOOK

OUT OF THIS WORLD MODELING features 16 builds of science fiction and fantasy subjects. I was invited to do two of these, and chose the 1966 Barris Batmobile from Polar Lights, and the Moebius Space Chariot from Lost in Space. 

FANTASY FERRARI RACER WINS AT SCALE MODELWORLD 2016

ITALIAN MODEL MAKER STEFANO MARCHETTI entered this blood-red alt-history Ferrari at the recent Scale ModelWorld show.

BATTLEGROUND 1945A: ALLIED ARMOUR vs NAZI SUPER-SCIENCE

It's 1945, and the Allies are on the verge of winning World War II, when suddenly the Nazis unleash an arsenal of super weapons straight out of science-fiction, turning the tide of combat in their favour.

FROM POLITE ROBO-DOG TO SNARLING KILLER-CANINE - DOCTOR WHO K-9 UPGRADE

SMALLSPACE COUNTDOWN:

The smallspace “model show for all things space, science fiction and fantasy” will be held this Sunday, July 1, and among the sci-fi stars on display will be the original K-9 robot dog from Doctor Who.

KENTUCKY FRIED SCIENCE-FICTION - WONDERFEST HOBBY EXPO COMING ON MAY 26-27

SMN REPORT:

The WonderFest Hobby Expo is a weekend-long feast of science-fiction, horror, and fantasy modelling that’s held every summer in Louisville, Kentucky. This year, there’ll be a star-packed lineup of movie special effects guests, and a mega-size model contest for sci-fi, horror, and comics-related subjects. Model and toy dealers will be there, as will seminars to entertain and improve sci-fi hobbyists of all ages.

SHIZUOKA 2012 - BANDAI YMT-05 HILDOLFR SUPER-TANK

SMN REPORT:

Shizuoka is ground-zero for model robots and mecha of all kinds, and heading the charge from Bandai are Mobile Suit Gundam models and kits, based on a fictional universe that’s been popular since it first hit the stores in 1979. ‘Gunpla’ are Gundam Plastic models, and here’s an especially neat 1:144 scale sci-fi tank kit, the YMT-05 Hildolfr AFV, a deadly weapon named after a son of the Norse god, Odin. 

IMPROBABLE MODELS FROM FANTASY-MASTER GREG DeSANTIS

SMN report:

Today’s images are a trip back in time to the years 2005 and 2006, when US concept artist and modelmaker Greg DeSantis made a series of compelling fantasy and science-fiction models. However, these were not wood, plastic, or metal creations - instead, they were 3D models created in a computer - for Greg was, and is, a gifted digital modelmaker.

CAN’T MAKE WONDERFEST? SAVE MONEY INSTEAD!

SMN report

The folks at Fantastic Plastic are visiting the WonderFest international hobby event this weekend, and have a sale on to mark their escape from the office. Up to 30 percent savings are in place, and if you like to model interesting, unusual, or simply bizarre aerospace and sci-fi subjects, then FP is the place to visit.

Competed model, ready for takeoff.

FORGET THE FRIED CHICKEN - KENTUCKY’S ‘WONDERFEST’ EXPO IS THE PLACE FOR SCI-FI MODEL MAKERS

SMN report

Labelled as a “weekend of fun for movie and model fans”, the annual WonderFest international hobby event celebrates its 22nd year this weekend. In the words of the organizers: “WonderFest is THE annual expo for model and toy collectors of s-f, horror and comics subjects - especially plastic kits and garage kits.”

Just four of the names appearing at WonderFest Expo. 

RAMPAGING ROBOTS FROM TERMINATOR: SALVATION

It seems to be sci-fi week at SMN, after a viewing of the latest blockbuster in the Terminator movie series. Accompanying Terminator: Salvation is a deluge of collectibles and (hopefully) kits to come. The first wave of collectibles is already here, mostly figures of one sort or another.

The Wacky Wobbler Bobble-Head (top picture) is a quite nicely done ’toon variation, if a little at odds with the doomy flavour of the movie. This one comes with light-up eyes, so it has earned a space on my nighthawk workzone!

Also available is a matched A-10 and Skynet Hunter-Killer combat duo, with figures (middle picture). The A-10 is a bit toy-like, but you could use it as the basis for kit-bashing an existing model. With some work, the Hunter-Killer robot would make the basis of an excellent sci-fi diorama.

We’ll have to wait a while for more ‘adult’ stuff, such as the 1:6 scale T-600 figure, which isn’t due until after Christmas. Mind you, this one is definitely a save-for item, as it’ll likely retail at some $225.00 USD (£142 GBP).

You can buy Bobble Heads at Amazon here. The other two items can be seen at the action figure and collectibles site, Entertainment Earth here and here.

Ray guns: Superb Steampunk weapons, ready to off the bug-eyed monsters!

Proof that you don’t need to kitbash to produce a work of wonder comes from US teacher and photographer Cohophoto, who has a tasty photostream on his Flikr site.

For sci-fi lovers, Cohophoto’s “Atomic Disruptor Raygun” is a delight that’s packed with steampunk features for that Victoriana look. The handle comes from an old Super-8 movie camera, with various radio parts used in the rest.

Cohophoto is not alone in his raygun love - in fact, so am I (as with all things science-fictional). There’s a New Zealand outfit called Weta that markets similarly steampunkish visions for collectors. Weta is well known for its cinema effects work on movies such as Lord of the Rings, so it’s no surprise that they can come up with such mouthwatering products for public sale.

They’re not cheap though - the weapon shown is on sale at a (gulp) cool $1399 NZD (£556 GBP).