Kevin Taberski’s Moebius Models 1/25 scale 1965 Ford F-100 Custom Cab Styleside Pickup is more than just a build—it’s “a representation of a real truck from my childhood.” He recreated the classic with a showroom-quality finish using MCW White and Tropical Turquoise lacquers, applied through an Iwata HP-CS airbrush. Bare Metal Foil was carefully applied to bring the trim to life with a realistic shine.
Justin Thiel enhanced his Dragon 1/350 scale Gearing-class destroyer, USS Gearing (DD-710), with detailed rigging for added realism. He used an Iwata CR airbrush to apply Tamiya Hull Red and Mr. Color Navy Blue, achieving an authentic finish. To capture the wear of extended time at sea, oil and enamel washes were applied, giving the ship a weathered, battle-ready look.
Christopher Whitfield’s 1/160 scale diorama, Colonial Vipers Being Chased by Cylon Raiders, captures a dramatic moment from the first episode of the original 1978 Battlestar Galactica TV series. Using free 3D printed files from Thingverse, a Badger 100 airbrush, Vallejo acrylic paints, washes, varnish, and a curved sheet of styrene, Christopher brings the high-stakes space pursuit to life with striking detail and cinematic flair.
“More aircraft!” was the order of the day in Matthew Dillon’s Trumpeter 1/700 scale USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) 1978 aircraft carrier diorama. Aftermarket aircraft crowd the flight deck, creating a dynamic, mission-ready scene. Through skillful use of masking, washes, freehand painting techniques, and the kit-supplied base, Matthew delivers a convincing, sea-worthy display.
John Wendt’s Ukrainian hybrid self-propelled gun (SPG)—nicknamed Frankentank—is a creative fusion of two kits: Trumpeter’s 1/35 scale MT-LB 6MB and ICM’s 1/35 scale 100mm Field Gun BS-3. To boost authenticity, he added aftermarket parts from SP Designs’ MT-LB Dozer Equipment (in working position) and MR Modellbau’s MT-LB roadwheels for Trumpeter. John painted the model with a combination of Vallejo and Ammo acrylics, along with Testors flat enamels, while washes, pigments, and oils delivered realistic weathering and depth.
John Wendt’s Ukrainian hybrid self-propelled gun (SPG)—nicknamed Frankentank—is a creative fusion of two kits: Trumpeter’s 1/35 scale MT-LB 6MB and ICM’s 1/35 scale 100mm Field Gun BS-3. To boost authenticity, he added aftermarket parts from SP Designs’ MT-LB Dozer Equipment (in working position) and MR Modellbau’s MT-LB roadwheels for Trumpeter. John painted the model with a combination of Vallejo and Ammo acrylics, along with Testors flat enamels, while washes, pigments, and oils delivered realistic weathering and depth.
Mark Rice used Moebius Models’ 1/24 scale ’72 Ford Ramptruck and AMT’s 1/24 scale ’69 Ford Falcon to recreate a nostalgic post–race day scene. Both vehicles were finished in Tamiya Italian Red over white primer, applied via spray can. To capture a well-worn, authentic appearance, Mark weathered the Falcon with pastels and washes. For added realism, the Ramptruck’s engine was wired, and the trim received Bare-Metal Foil treatment.
Mark Rice used Moebius Models’ 1/24 scale ’72 Ford Ramptruck and AMT’s 1/24 scale ’69 Ford Falcon to recreate a nostalgic post–race day scene. Both vehicles were finished in Tamiya Italian Red over white primer, applied via spray can. To capture a well-worn, authentic appearance, Mark weathered the Falcon with pastels and washes. For added realism, the Ramptruck’s engine was wired, and the trim received Bare-Metal Foil treatment.
Rob Booth’s Revell 1/24 scale Shelby Series One Roadster is a sharp out of the box build that highlights precision and thoughtful finishing. Using a Grex airbrush, Rob applied Tamiya lacquers—spraying the racing stripes first, followed by the body color. The leather seats are finished with oils over acrylics for added richness and texture. A sleek display base, made from black foam board mounted in a picture frame, completes the presentation with a professional finish.
John Everett’s Bandai 1/20 scale Robot Firefighter diorama tells a compelling story: a visibly frustrated firefighter in a mech suit holds a charred sign that reads “By Executive Order,” surrounded by the devastation caused when such orders are ignored. The backpack, axe, and both figures were 3D printed. John used Tamiya, Gunze, and Testors enamels for the base colors, and enamel washes, oils, and pigments added layers of realistic weathering. The base was hand-sculpted from pink insulation foam, and he sourced the trees from local natural materials. The message is clear—"Only YOU can prevent forest fires!"
This exceptional out-of-the-box build by Michael Spink features Hasegawa’s 1/48 scale Macross VF-1J/A Valkyrie Space Fighter, inspired by the classic Japanese anime series Robotech. He used a Harder & Steenbeck Infinity airbrush along with Mr. Surfacer, Mr. Color, and MRP lacquers to achieve a crisp, detailed finish. Weathering techniques included a dark wash, oil streaks, burn marks, and subtle staining with oils to enhance realism. Adding a distinctive personal touch, Michael replaced the kit-supplied and screen-accurate decals with U.S. Navy VF-11 Sundowners markings.
This exceptional out-of-the-box build by Michael Spink features Hasegawa’s 1/48 scale Macross VF-1J/A Valkyrie Space Fighter, inspired by the classic Japanese anime series Robotech. He used a Harder & Steenbeck Infinity airbrush along with Mr. Surfacer, Mr. Color, and MRP lacquers to achieve a crisp, detailed finish. Weathering techniques included a dark wash, oil streaks, burn marks, and subtle staining with oils to enhance realism. Adding a distinctive personal touch, Michael replaced the kit-supplied and screen-accurate decals with U.S. Navy VF-11 Sundowners markings.
Kyle King’s 3D-printed LPOMC 72mm Tank Veteran figure—based on the Guilty Gear -Strive- video game—was meticulously hand-painted using only acrylics. Through a combination of washes, drybrushing, and layered highlights, Kyle brought striking depth, texture, and personality to this stylized, battle-hardened warrior.
Michael Williamson transformed Tamiya’s 1/35 scale M113 Armored Personnel Carrier into a unique NASA Kennedy Space Center emergency response vehicle, used during space shuttle launches in the event of a launch pad accident. This rarely discussed support vehicle comes to life with a meticulously detailed interior featuring scratch-built radios, cables, and helmets. Michael used a Verlinden tarmac section for the base, while mission patches added to the rear of the APC lend an extra layer of authenticity—and out-of-this-world visual interest.
Michael Williamson transformed Tamiya’s 1/35 scale M113 Armored Personnel Carrier into a unique NASA Kennedy Space Center emergency response vehicle, used during space shuttle launches in the event of a launch pad accident. This rarely discussed support vehicle comes to life with a meticulously detailed interior featuring scratch-built radios, cables, and helmets. Michael used a Verlinden tarmac section for the base, while mission patches added to the rear of the APC lend an extra layer of authenticity—and out-of-this-world visual interest.
Brandon Porter’s AMT 1/25 scale Caterpillar D8H Bulldozer is brought to life with acrylic paints applied through an Iwata airbrush and weathered with a chipped paint effect using the sponge technique. To boost realism, he incorporated pigments, oils, and dirt for gritty, authentic wear. Brandon used brass and lead wire to replicate the engine and hydraulic lines with fine detail. It was a dirty job, and Brandon was just the modeler to get it done.
Looking for something different, Peter Brenner tackled Tamiya’s 1/12 scale Ducati motorcycle as his first build of this kind—opting for a clean, no-frills, out-of-the-box approach. Using Tamiya lacquers through his Iwata Neo airbrush, he achieved a flawless, showroom-fresh finish. To highlight the engine’s intricate details, Peter applied Black Panel Line Accent Color.
Jason Kotz hand-painted the Privateer Press 1/10 scale Warmachine Kommander Sorscha bust using gray primer and P3 acrylic paints, showcasing precision and control in this striking character piece. Rich in detail from every angle, the bust features intricate work across the head, eyes, hair, protective shoulder armor, backpack, and more.
Jason Kotz hand-painted the Privateer Press 1/10 scale Warmachine Kommander Sorscha bust using gray primer and P3 acrylic paints, showcasing precision and control in this striking character piece. Rich in detail from every angle, the bust features intricate work across the head, eyes, hair, protective shoulder armor, backpack, and more.
“Oh no! There goes Tokyo!” Well, sort of… Rob Schmitt’s build of the Sci-Fi Models and Stuffuch 1/6 scale The Man in the Monster resin kit humorously depicts legendary Japanese actor Haruo Nakajima taking a break inside the iconic Godzilla suit. Rob brought the figure to life using acrylic paints, oils, and washes, while the custom base was cleverly kitbashed from Aurora and Atlantis Godzilla plastic model kits. This delightful piece is sure to bring a smile to the faces of Godzilla fans and modelers alike.
Aaron Clark showcased exceptional skill on the Privateer Press 32mm Warmachine Father Lucant, Divinity Architect Convergence Warcaster miniature, using an Iwata Eclipse airbrush to stunning effect. He started with a gloss black basecoat, layered stainless steel over it, then added various accent colors before applying a Citadel Nuln Oil wash to bring out every minute detail. The aftermarket resin base is equally impressive—each cobblestone was individually painted, with no two colors touching. Divine indeed!
Grant Mayberry delivers a standout out-of-the-box build with his depiction of the German Pkw.K1 Kübelwagen Type 82 in a richly detailed vignette. Using a blend of AK Interactive paints, AK weathering products, an Iwata airbrush, oils, and expert drybrushing techniques, Grant brings the scene vividly to life. Set in Normandy, France, 1944, the piece portrays a German propaganda cameraman filming from the rear of the Kübelwagen, infusing the build with narrative depth and historical context.
An epic and bombastic “You shall not pass!” echoes from Cal Dowling’s Scale Bro. 40mm Graydalf miniature—a whimsical yet mighty tribute to a legendary wizard, reimagined in charming mouse form. With a wide range of acrylic paints and his trusted Iwata airbrush, Cal masterfully brought this Lord of the Rings-inspired figure to life, capturing rich textures, dramatic shading, and unmistakable character.
Dan Holmes painted the head and body of his Black Heart Models 1/12 scale Star Trek Gorn bust using Golden SoFlat acrylics through his Iwata airbrush, and hand-painted the tunic for extra detail. This striking bust brings back great memories from the original Star Trek TV series. Live long and prosper!
Tim Senecal replaced the cast metal railing with custom soldered brass on his Viking Models 1/35 scale United States Alvin Deepsea Submersible (DSV). He hand-painted the model with Tamiya acrylics and crafted a base that resembles a dry dock, giving the impression the sub is readying for its next deep-sea mission.