The ManDelorean Model Kit

In the 1980s toy and model companies were all TRANSFORMERS and GO-BOTS crazy. I'm pretty sure if the show The Mandalorian would have come out then we would have seen model kits this goofy.

Vintage Alien Poster Magazine #1

Here are scans of the Official Alien Poster Magazine produced in 1979 by Paradise Press Inc. The "magazine" is actually a large, folded poster with a single image on one side and short articles and pictures on the other side. The large poster image had to be scanned in single sheets and then assembled but unfortunately I could not match the folds correctly.

This is the first of at least two of these. I'm not sure if any more were produced.

Testing CA Glues on HDPE

 HDPE is a notoriously difficult to bond plastic so I decided to test some CA glues to see which works best.I was happy to find that there is a clear winner.

Japanese Battletech Animated GIFs

After twenty eight years I finally own a copy the Japanese reinterpretation of Battletech. I really wanted it for the mecha redesigns created by Studio Nue but it also contains some really beautifully gritty illustrations. I scanned them, did some simple flat colors on them, and then made animated gifs of them. I'll probably do some more in the future and will post them here. Enjoy!

Opening a Care Package From Japan

A Few Nerdy Treasures from the Monogram 1984 Catalog

This Monogram Models Catalog from 1984 is primarily full of boring stuff like race cars and semi-trucks. But there are a few nifty nerd subjects including the brilliant Masters of the Universe models, two kits from the Blue Thunder TV show, and Simon & Simon(?).

The Masters kits have always been of interest to me since they were one of the few model kit/toy crossovers that actually worked with the existing toyline. Masters action figures would actually fit within the completed models and so could be played with like any other vehicle. The missed opportunity that I see comes from the fact that all of these vehicles already existed in the toyline and so didn't need another version that was not made of sturdy plastic or as well detailed. I'm sure it all came down to a licensing agreement but it seems like if you were going to make usable vehicles, you would want to make something that could only be had by building the Monogram kit. Even at fourteen I was perplexed by this.

I was hoping that this catalog would have the GoBots models in it as they were released in 1984 but no dice. So now maybe I need to find a 1985 catalog.

  

Twentieth Century Imports Catalog 1986

TCI was an American importer that brought many kits over that would become classics, especially among sci-fi and mecha modelers. From the Nitto S.F.3.D series to the kits repackaged for Battletech, TCI were responsible for making these kits easier to find both by retailers and customers. 

I specifically remember when the Star Blazers kits first showed up at my local game store, The Game Preserve at Glendale, there was a feeding frenzy of buying the first night that they were put on the shelf that almost none of them were left the next day. I'm pretty sure that the manager didn't restock them again under the assumption that they'd never sell that well again.

Trash Bash 2020 Contest Rules

Trash Bash 2020 Contest Rules:

What is This?

In the spirit of Rick Priestley’s classic grav-attack build, this contest challenges converters, hobbyists, and scratchbuilders to create a model using random bits of stuff and a lot of creativity. Many of the skills of being a strong miniature/model hobbyist will be needed to do well in this contest, not only construction and painting but also photography, concept creation,miniature painting, and terrain set-up.

What to Enter:

Contestants will construct and paint a vehicle or structure inspired by the word TRANSPORT. Concepts do not have to be military in nature and can embody any ideas that the entrant sees as viable. They can be science fiction, fantasy or any other time period/setting that you'd like.

The required bits are A FOOD CONTAINER PLUS A SPOON. This can be any disposable container meant to hold food plus any disposable spoon. They do not have to come from the same product. This description is being left purposefully vague to allow for more selection.

Each entry must contain at least one FOOD CONTAINER PLUS A SPOON as part of the construction. All other parts can be from any model kits, toys, throw-away plastic items etc or scratchbuilt from other materials. Judges will be looking for clever repurposing of items and skill in making them unrecognizable on the final model.

These are the bits that inspired this year's contest. You do not need to use these exact bits! Find you own FOOD CONTAINER PLUS SPOON.

Other materials such as plasticard, putty, wire, etc are acceptable but fully covered over and sculpted entries will not score well.

Any scales supported by existing miniature or model ranges are acceptable. This will be necessary for the final picture of your entry unless you wish to sculpt your own figures as well. 

Contest Requirements:

A 200 word or less description of your model should be included with each entry. Explain what type of vehicle or building you have constructed, where it is usually found, what its capabilities are, etc. The scale of your model should be given in this description.

A total of five images must be submitted to be eligible for judging:

• 3 pictures of the final painted vehicle or building on a neutral background showing the three views that best show the construction and finishing of the entry.

• 1 picture of the unpainted vehicle or building along with a list of what materials were used in the construction. If you don’t remember what a particular bit is don’t put it on the list.

• 1 picture of the final painted vehicle or building set in an environment along with painted miniatures or models of the humans or other creatures associated with your model. This will be a showpiece image and a great chance to really sell your concept. Use of terrain and foliage is expected for this final shot.

No retouching or special effects other than basic photo correction will be allowed on submitted images. Any images showing added effects will be disqualified.

Good, clear photography is expected and will be considered in final judgement. Images should be high quality jpegs no larger than 1 MB per image.

Each image should be titled as follows: your_name1.jpeg, your_name2.jpeg, etc.

EXAMPLE: brian_roe1.jpeg, brian_roe2.jpeg, etc

Please include 200 word description and parts list with the same email.

Limit one entry per person.

Only entries that have not appeared elsewhere will be accepted.

Please wait to post "work in progress" articles until after the winners have been announced.

Our panel of judges will choose a first place, second place, and third place winner. All decisions of the judges are absolutely final.

How to Enter:

Send all required images and text to Brian Roe at hellbox45@hotmail.com no later than September 1, 2020. 

For more information visit the Trash Bash Bits Facebook Group.

Judges to be announced soon!

Prizes will be given out for First, Second, and Third Places.

Prizes will be supplied by Trash Bash Bits and RBJ Game Company. More prize sponsors will be added as their participation is verified.

This contest is put forth in a spirit of fair play and mutual respect. Any entries that contain offensive material will not be considered for entry. Be cool and creative but don’t build anything you wouldn’t show your mom. Any entry can be refused for any reason especially for not adhering to the basic spirit of fair play.

Bandai Plastic Model Kit Catalog 1983

I just got this amazing Bandai catalog and decided to scan and share it. There are a lot of great kits on display here, from Xabungle and Gundam to Captain Harlock and Cobra. It was interesting to me to see that Xabungle was given the lead in the catalog and that the non-anime based models like cars and tanks seemed to be given less room and importance. This is the exact opposite of American model catalogs which barely gave any space to non-traditional kits at all. It's also nice that they include a checklist and 82/83 calendar.

I hope that this gives you a good nostalgia buzz and that you find something cool and new.