Model Forum / General / Models / December 2005

Let's break this into chunks and hit a few (out of the mouths of newbies
come some awful big posts!)
Bombers- Monogram B-52D is the only thing out there. Allegedly conversion to
H model is available, but I'm not sure how easy this is for a returning
modeler. Testor's B-2 is available, but not my recommendation for a
newcomer. It has some construction issues that are pretty difficult, not
unbuildable, but it's really, really big!
You might want to get up to speed on something in-between in size, like the
Revell F-15E Strike Eagle in 1/48- very nice. Some of those seams on the
BUFF are over 2 feet long!
Cool resources for stuff- www.hyperscale.com www.aircraftresourcecenter.com
www.cybermodeler.com www.modelingmadness.com are the ones I use most often.
They have sponsors, so check them out for stores, too. Incredible resources,
and I don't see how any of their proprietors have time for actual lives, or
families, or modeling!
Online shops- I shop online cuz my nearest store is 60 miles away- if
there's a good store in your area, USE IT!
www.squadron.com www.greatmodels.com www.meteorprod.com are just three that
pop into mind among so many.
Finally, this group has made me a better modeler. Check every day, scan the
posts even if they don't really seem to connect with what you are interested
in that particular day, because this place is serendipity central- you find
answers to problems you didn't even know existed, you get tips and tricks
from some dammed good modelers, and if you have a specific question, the
answer is probably out there in somebody's head.
Welcome back to plastic obsession land, and remember the point is to have
fun; to be a better modeler; and to have fun!!!!!

Brandon,

Well, to give you specific advice, it would be helpful to know where
you live.

My first piece of advice is to see if there is a model club nearby.
There is no greater modeling resource than a group of guys that share
your interest. Despite what the occasional ill-tempered troll posts on
RMS, the International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS) is a thriving
organization composed of friendly, helpful types who are more than
willing to share (  dare I say "show off" ?    =o]  ) what they know.

Check out the national webiste:
www.ipmsusa.org
and see if there is a local chapter in your area.

Second, look in the phone book and see if there is hobby shop nearby
that specializes in plastic models. If you are lucky enough to find
one, support it whenever you can. They are a dying breed in these
days. A good hobby shop isn't just a source of STUFF, which you can
certainly buy cheaper elsewhere, but is also a source of information,
help and networking, which is irreplacable.

If you are just looking for online mail-order, I can recommend:

Hobbylink Japan : http://www.hlj.com/
Squadron Shop : http://www.squadron.com/
NKR Models : http://www.nkrmodels.com.au/
Roll Models : http://www.rollmodels.com/
Hannants : http://www.hannants.co.uk/
Linden Hill : http://www.lindenhillimports.com/

Each has its own niche and quirks, but I've have excellent service
from all of them.

Good luck,
Greg Reynolds, IPMS

http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcart/cgi/search.cgi?terms=golden_dragon&cat
egory=Search+Results&boolean=AND&next=40&registry=
Soon (apparently):
http://www.djparkins.clara.net/fltpath/fp72pwus_postwar_usaf.htm

http://flyservers.registerfly.com/members5/golddragpro.com/golddragpro/gdpk7
2001.htm
http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcart/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=gdpr72008
http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcart/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=GDPR72017
Aiwaves did one, but I think that only the B-52G conversion is (almost)
available at the moment:
http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/?FULL=AES72040
http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/?FULL=AES72037
http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcart/cgi/display.cgi?item_num=gdpr72006