A journey that could only be described as a country song come to life. Professional modeler Bruce McRae returns to share his unbelievable cross-country expedition to four  scale modeling competitions – a trip marked by disasters that would have sent most people packing for home.

What began as an ambitious nine-week journey across America turned catastrophic when Bruce and his wife woke to find their campsite in Louisiana rapidly flooding in the early morning darkness. With water rising to waist level, they evacuated with their two golden retrievers, only to discover their vehicle disabled and their trailer ruined. Most would have called it quits, but Bruce's models had miraculously survived dry in their elevated containers, and the competitions beckoned.

Renting a replacement vehicle at considerable expense, Bruce continued to Florida's Armorgeddon show, showcasing both armor and figure modeling. He highlights the benefits of open judging systems that provide detailed feedback to every entrant, allowing modelers to understand their strengths and weaknesses – a stark contrast to traditional competitions where non-winners leave with no insight on how to improve.

The most remarkable aspect of Bruce's tale isn't just his perseverance after a second disaster – when a van ran a red light in Albuquerque and destroyed their rental vehicle – but his unwavering passion for the hobby community. His reflections on different show formats provide valuable insights for competition entrants.

Bruce's extraordinary determination reunited him with friends at each show and allowed him to share his exceptional modeling work despite overwhelming obstacles. His story reminds us that sometimes the greatest modeling adventures happen far from the workbench, and that the true spirit of this hobby lies in the connections we forge and the challenges we overcome together.

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The excitement is building as we prepare for the IPMS Nationals in Hampton, Virginia! This much-anticipated event represents what we lovingly call "the best four days of the year" in the modeling world. After months without attending a contest (Mike hasn't been to one since Heritage Con in March), we're absolutely thrilled to reconnect with fellow modelers, showcase our work, and soak in the incredible talent on display.

We'll be set up at a vendor table throughout the convention where we hope to meet many of our listeners face-to-face. There's something magical about connecting with the modeling community in person after so many digital interactions. Whether you've been following us for years or just discovered the podcast, please stop by to say hello and share what you've been working on. If you've posted your builds in the Dojo and they'll be at the Nationals, we'd love to see them in person!

Speaking of the Dojo, our Facebook modeling community continues to thrive with over 5,300 members sharing incredible work and engaging in thoughtful discussions. Recent conversations about old-school web forums and storage solutions have taken on lives of their own, demonstrating the vibrant exchange of ideas that makes our community special. We're also excited to bring you Episode 145 featuring the talented Bruce MacRae sharing his recent modeling adventure, followed by Episode 146 where we'll recap our Nationals experience. Join us for what promises to be an unforgettable convention experience and connect with the passionate modeling community that makes this hobby so rewarding!

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An unexpected journey from Hong Kong to Texas formed the backbone of Adam Coleman's story as he recounts how discovering airbrush stencils abroad eventually led him to become the North American distributor for Liang Models. What began with worn-out stencils and an email inquiry transformed into a passionate business venture connecting Chinese manufacturing innovation with the American modeling community.

Coleman walks us through the fascinating evolution of Liang, founded in 2019 by architect and senior modeling judge Yusheng Liang. Their product line has expanded to approximately 90 items across three core categories: vinyl airbrush stencils, specialized modeling tools, and diorama accessories. The Zimmerit tools rank as their bestsellers, but newer innovations like the centered hole driller and handle bender showcase the thoughtful engineering behind each product.

What distinguishes Liang from competitors is their commitment to education. Each product features a QR code linking to instructional videos, making complex techniques accessible to modelers of all skill levels. Coleman's distribution philosophy prioritizes geographic exclusivity for brick-and-mortar retailers while supporting online vendors in different regions, creating a collaborative rather than competitive marketplace.

The episode then pivots to an exciting preview of the 48th annual Huntsville Plastic Model Society show scheduled for August 23rd. Tom Clark details how this well-established event has evolved to embrace emerging trends like Gundam modeling with expanded categories. With 62 vendor tables already sold out, food trucks (including milkshakes!), and proximity to the famous Space and Rocket Center, the show delivers a complete modeling experience for attendees.

Whether you're interested in discovering innovative new modeling tools or planning to attend what promises to be an outstanding show in Alabama, this episode provides valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of scale modeling. Ready to expand your modeling toolkit or submit an entry to test your skills against fellow enthusiasts? The opportunities await!

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For modelers who've ever stood in front of the aftermarket display with credit card in hand knowing they should walk away but simply can't, this episode is your support group. We welcome Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair to the third chair, and immediately dive into his current Tamiya P-38 build—a project that's gradually transformed from a straightforward kit into a showcase of just about every aftermarket part available.

The conversation takes a sharp turn into the evolving world of online modeling communities. We examine how virtual build sessions emerged from pandemic necessity but now serve modelers in isolated locations who might otherwise lack community connections. While we celebrate these digital opportunities, we all agree there's something irreplaceable about in-person modeling sessions—the spontaneous sharing of techniques, the camaraderie, and even the simple joy of "throwing stuff at each other" as Bob puts it.

We tackle a thought-provoking question from Steve Anderson's modeling journal: what's one thing we wish we would have started five years ago? The answers range from practical (better organization) to technical (3D printing and figure painting skills). Mike's admission that he hasn't dedicated enough time to develop figure painting skills despite knowing how much they enhance armor models resonates as a universal modeling truth—we all have skills we wish we'd developed earlier.

Between updates on current projects and discussions of exciting new kit announcements (from Japanese artillery to the mysterious B-21 Raider), we explore the balance between modeling ambition and reality. Whether you're struggling with aftermarket addiction or wondering how to better connect with fellow modelers, this episode offers both commiseration and inspiration. And yes, we still find time to properly evaluate our modeling fluids, including Buffalo Trace bourbon that's ironically impossible to find just 20 miles from where it's made!

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SQUADRON
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Model Podcasts
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Scale modeling in Japan exists in an entirely different dimension—where subway stations host free model building events, highway rest stops sell Tamiya kits, and every other child seems to know their way around plastic cement. On this episode, we're joined by acclaimed modeler Harvey Low, who recently returned from an extended trip to Japan where he experienced the famous Shizuoka Hobby Show, Tokyo's legendary hobby shops, and the unique modeling culture that permeates Japanese society.

Harvey shares remarkable stories about the staggering 12,000-15,000 models displayed at Shizuoka, the insanely cramped but treasure-filled hobby shops of Akihabara, and finding modeling supplies in places you'd never expect. You'll be amazed by his accounts of ultra-rare kits available nowhere else, the predominance of scratch-building over out-of-box builds, and jaw-dropping new releases—including a 1/144 scale Yamato battleship that costs $8,000 and spans 6-8 feet when built.

Beyond just shopping experiences, Harvey offers deep insights into what makes Japanese modeling culture unique. From the deliberate cultivation of young modelers through free kits and building stations to the greater emphasis on display and craftsmanship over competition, these cultural distinctions have created one of the world's richest modeling environments.

Whether you're planning your own modeling pilgrimage to Japan or just dreaming of one, this episode provides invaluable tips on what to buy, where to go, and how to make the most of the experience. 

In our Benchtop Halftime Report, Mike and Kentucky Dave share updates on their current builds, and we review some exciting new kit announcements hitting the market soon. Drop in for a modeling journey unlike any other!

SQUADRON
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Model Podcasts
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Tired of the frustration that comes with masking canopies? You're not alone. This episode kicks off with an introduction to Kit Masx, a company born from the simple truth that "manually masking canopies sucks." Founded by Kevin and Janelle, this modeling business now offers over 400 precision-cut mask sets, with Kevin personally testing each one multiple times to ensure perfect fits. The best part? If you reach out, you're talking directly to the owners—real modelers who understand your challenges and will replace or refund your purchase if you're not completely satisfied.

We then dive into recent modeling events, particularly Wonderfest held at the end of May. The quality of models continues to amaze, with expanded Gundam displays and increasingly sophisticated builds featuring lighting and motorization. A standout piece was a gorgeously lit recreation of the Victorian-style spacecraft from "The Black Hole." For those looking ahead, IPMS Nationals is just five weeks away, with pre-registration now closed and excitement building among the community.

The modeling community continues to thrive online as well. Our Facebook "dojo" is approaching 5,400 members with over 20 posts daily showcasing works-in-progress and completed builds. We've managed to squash Facebook's intrusive AI-generated content in our group, keeping the focus on real modelers sharing their genuine work. Looking forward, we tease upcoming episodes featuring interviews with Harvey Low and Bob Bair, plus additional vendor spotlights. Whether you're a seasoned modeler or just starting out, join our growing community...  and don't forget to take advantage of Kit Masx MOJO15 discount code for 15% off your first order—your canopies will thank you!

Model Paint Solutions
Your source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes and David Union Power Tools

SQUADRON
Adding to the stash since 1968

Model Podcasts
Please check out the other pods in the modelsphere!

PMM Merchandise Store
Support the show with PMM Merchandise!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

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Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth
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From logistics nightmares to groundbreaking special editions, Brandon Lowe takes us behind the scenes of Squadron's evolution into a new era for model enthusiasts. After logging countless miles between trade shows and completing their tenth move in twenty years, Squadron has finally settled into their Chattanooga headquarters, transforming their operation and expanding their customer offerings.

The relocation story reveals why shipping logistics became the primary driver behind Squadron's move. "If we had to pick one reason to move, that was it," Brandon explains, detailing how the small-town postal facilities in Ellijay simply couldn't handle their volume. Now with dedicated large-vehicle pickups daily, Squadron can focus on growth rather than delivery headaches.

After a year of transition, Squadron's 2,500 square foot retail space is now welcoming visitors Monday through Friday. For many customers, seeing the warehouse's 20,000 square feet of inventory has become an experience in itself: "It was kind of funny. He had been there for a good little while, so I just said, 'hey, would you like to see the warehouse?'... and I took him to the other 20,000 square feet beyond the 2,000 he was looking at."

The conversation shifts to Squadron's innovative community-building initiatives. Their Eagle Club provides enhanced benefits including reduced shipping thresholds, while a private Facebook group connects customers sharing projects and techniques. Brandon's philosophy shines through: "Hopefully it becomes a community of modeling friendship."

The most exciting revelation concerns Squadron's groundbreaking partnership with the IPMS Nationals host chapter. For the first time ever, they're creating official convention exclusive model kits featuring the show logo. The first announced exclusive, a MiniArt P-47D Razorback, represents something completely new for the hobby. "I hope that it helps the show in general, in the sense that there's something here that I can only get here," Brandon explains, drawing parallels to comic convention exclusives.

Through shipping challenges, tariff uncertainties, and continuous innovation, Brandon's passion for the modeling community remains unwavering: "The customers in the hobby industry are some of the nicest, most understanding people I have ever met." Visit Squadron's retail space, tune into their Wednesday night livestreams, or meet them at the IPMS Nationals to experience firsthand how they're reshaping the hobby landscape.

SQUADRON
Adding to the stash since 1968

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Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth
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Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.