Modeler Channel

Mastercon XVI
Date : 10/17/2007

In this feature ModelerChannel.com reporter Mike Sanches visits Mastercon XVI – this year in Dallas, - to learn firsthand what has made Mastercon one of the most popular scale modeling exhibitions and contests in the country. Since VLS was recently acquired by MMD/Squadron, Mastercon members have all been wondering whether Squadron would continue the tradition begun by Bob Letterman back in 1992. Squadron president Mike McMahon tells ModelerChannel.com that his company will continue modeling Mastercon ‘outside the box’ and in a rare sit down interview he explains what it is he hopes to preserve by continuing to host this unique event.

IPMS - USA Nats: James Wechsler Interview
Date : 9/9/2007

Armor modeler James Wechsler is well-known to loyal fans of his numerous internet armor build-blogs.  His many armor subjects have become famous at his local club and across the net.  At this year's IPMS-USA Nationals all that labor and love combined to thrill both spectators and judges when he presented 43 individual Sherman tanks kits; each on its own base, most with figures and other diorama detail accessories.  ModelerChannel.com caught up with the ambitious and affable Wechsler and asked him to tell us just how his HUGE "modeling outside the box" project got started.  He did.  Jim also told us which of his 43 Shermans he likes best and what he's planning to do after having won all the marbles.  Get ready to be impressed.

IPMS-USA Nationals Intro
Date : 8/29/2007

A quick peek at what we saw at this year's IPMS-USA Nationals in Anaheim, California. We had a quick turnaround so this is just a sample and more interviews with modelers about their models will follow as soon as the ModelerChannel.com team gets back from Mastercon XVI.  Stay tuned for more "modeling outside the box"  segments from the 2007 Nationals.

See ya soon deep in the heart of Texas.

Update on ModelerChannel.com Projects
Date : 8/21/2007

Just a quick status report before heading for Anaheim to cover the 2007 IPMS USA Nationals.  Looking forward to seeing you all there and to a great show.  Sounds like the guys of IPMS Orange County have done a great job. As for us, we'll be shooting in the contest and vendor areas and in our suite.  Be sure to say howdy and let us know what you think of the site. 

California, here we come!

Neighborhood Model Car Contest
Date : 8/19/2007

Where will the next generation of modelers come from?

With the internet and video games competing for kids’ hobby time, many parents worry that the passion they felt in their youth for building scale models may be lost  in today’s cyber-centric world.

But a Salt Lake City restaurant and hobby shop have teamed up to create a “modeling outside the box” experience that gives neighborhood kids the opportunity to experience the fun of scale modeling by building their own hot rods.

Creating Wheel Well Detail with a Computer
Date : 8/1/2007

In this segment ModelerChannel.com's Mike Sanches demonstrates how to put your PC to work in your modeling by creating needed details for those bare wheel well walls found on many aircraft models.  Mike takes you step-by-step through this innovative, easy, affordable process that can help you add enough detail to an aircraft kit's wheel wells to make a 'good' kit great!

If you don't have a graphics program but would like to try this easy technique, download the PDF of the finished file and use it just as Mike describes in this "Modeling outside the box" segment.

: Finished PDF Wheel Well File

Mike also invites viewers to email their own "Modeling Outside the Box" ideas.  Selected ideas will be tested and if they work they'll be reported on ModelerChannel.com.  Lucky modelers, whose ideas are selected, will receive an image-enhancing hat as a token of our appreciation and as an emblem of their ingenuity.

Tank Squash
Date : 7/17/2007

This little piece has absolutely nothing to do with modeling but everything to do with fun.  Lovers of armor, both large and small, will revel at seeing a vintage Israeli Super Sherman (in U-S Markings) wreaking havoc upon two derelict imports.  Who knows, maybe there's a car vs. tank diorama to be done. Any takers?  It was great being there in person to watch.  I hope you experience even just a little of the excitement we all felt that fine July 4th.  Happy modeling.  

Dragon M1A1 Build-up Review, Part 2 of 2
Date : 6/29/2007

In Part 2 of his build-review award-winning Salt Lake City armor modeler Jerry Hulshoff models Dragon's 1/35 scale M1A1 AIM outside the box; highlighting construction and painting techniques he used to build his M1.  Jerry provides helpful tips for any modeler eager to take on this high-tech, state-of-the-art kit.  Footage of real M1's and High-Res photos enhance and illustrate his detailed modern armor account.

MMSI 2006 'Chicago' Show
Date : 6/14/2007

The annual Military Miniature Society of Illinois exhibition and contest is among the best known and attended figure shows in the world  ModelerChannel.com reporter Mike Sanches reviews the 2006 event and introduces viewers to some of the most accomplished artist/hobbyists in the art of figure modeling.  Enjoy.

Introducing ModelerChannel.com
Date : 5/16/2007

What is ModelerChannel.com and who is this man?  ModelerChannel.com founder Mike Sanches explains why he and a small group of like-minded modelers decided to go where no modeling site has gone before and build an internet video channel dedicated to the art and hobby of scale modeling.  Mike says modelers matter and ModelerChannel.com celebrates the people behind the plastic.

The Model Meeting
Date : 6/4/2007

Our very first shameless self-promotion.  We've all been there and felt the anxiety of presenting our latest labor of love at the local model meeting.  But as experience has shown us sometimes one modeler's treasure may just be another modeler's 'target'.   Enjoy and stay tuned for our upcoming feature on the 2006 MMSI 'Chicago' Show.
 

Shocon 2006
Date : 5/30/2007

The annual Northern Utah Scale Modelers Association contest was the very first modeling competition covered by ModelerChannel.com.  Modelers from around the Intermountain West convened in Ogden for the 21st time and ModelerChannel.com was on hand to interview modelers and showcase their labors of love.

This was also the shakedown cruise for the production team and while there are rough parts to the piece... like modeling...  you have to start somewhere and each project improves your skills.

Dragon M1A1 AIM Build-up Review Part 1 of 2
Date : 3/14/2007

Award-winning Salt  Lake City armor modeler Jerry Hulshoff takes viewers on an in-depth build and review of Dragon's 1/35 scale M1A1 AIM.  Footage of real M1's and High-Res photos enhance and illustrate Jerry's detailed build-review.