Casey Rupley (webmaster)

About Casey Rupley (webmaster)

Posts by Casey Rupley:

Bf109 1

Dragon Bf-109E-4 1/48

A review of the Dragon Bf-109E-4 in 1/48…..a decade in the making. Checkout the full article on The Modelling News.

Air Superiority – Dragon’s Ultimate Bf-109E-4 “Adolf Galland JG26”
From Dragon Models
1/48th scale
Kit No #5500

Dragon has given the world something that we all really need – a bf-109 in 48th scale – seriously, you know we don’t mind a new kit of a well covered kit, as long as they bring something new to the table, and it looks like dragon have in their new design.

They are using words like “A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Warplane Design!” and “a revolutionary new project that’s 10 years in the making!”

They are calling it the “Wing Tech 2 series” which is a part of Dragon’s “Engineering Revolution 2.0” (again, lots of words here). These items are developed with the modellers in mind. For many years, Dragon has provided highly detailed model kits. However, the higher level of detail comes at a cost, which is more parts, more assembly, and longer build times. This kit tries to cut down on the parts & the risk when making a kit, and why not?

Bf109 1
Bf109 2
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AH-64D 1

Meng AH-64D Saraf 1/35

This Meng AH-64D features some stunning detail in what is sure to be a popular kit given current events. Here are some kit review highlights as published in The Modelling News.

AH-64D Saraf Attack Helicopter (IAF)
From Meng Models
Kit No #QS-005
1/35th scale
Three paint schemes included
Pre-cut painting masks included
Expected in December / January

AH-64D 1
AH-64D 2
AH-64D 3
AH-64D 4
AH-64D 5
AH-64D 6
AH-64D 7
AH-64D 8
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New Tamiya FM-1 in 1/48

Check out this review on Tamiya’s new Grumman FM-1 Wildcat Martlet Mk.V in 1/48 scale as posted on hyperscale.com. 

Advantages: Good level of detail; excellent surface textures including crisply recessed panel lines, raised and recessed rivets and fabric texture; now includes new seated pilot figure and self-adhesive canopy masks.

Disadvantages: No open cowl flap option; fixed control surfaces, some simplification.

Conclusion: It is remarkable to consider that Tamiya’s original F4F-4 Wildcat was released almost 30 years ago, yet with its world-class surface textures, simple assembly and perfect fit it still stands proudly today as a worthwhile addition to any modeler’s collection.

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20231103_185001

December 2023 – Meeting Recap

Club Business

Attendance was approximately 28 people.

Joe Lavender provided a presentation on how he scratch builds model ships. Watch the YouTube video if you missed it!

The 2024 Contest Schedule is still being developed, but will be finalized and published soon.

The Model of the Year contest was conducted. See below for results.

Modeler of Year – those with the most points in each of the four skills levels – was announced. Winners are:

  • Scott Jaworski – Masters
  • James Barrett – Intermediate
  • Aleya Montano – Basic
  • AJ Tate – Junior

See the full the Point Standings for a complete breakdown of the 2023 point standings.

The 2023 Air Force Ball contained 108 models, a record high. It took 40 tubs and boxes in three cars to transport all the models. Thanks to all those that provided models and assisted with the display.

2023 Models of the Year

Masters
Scott Jaworski
Hitachi Loader

Link
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Intermediate
James Barrett
MS-07B-3 Gouf

Link
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Basic
Aleya Montano
Tauntaun Riders

Link
20230707_183811

Juniors
AJ Tate
MS-06S ZAKU-II

Link
20230707_185326

Complete Meeting Gallery

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48023 P-47D-30 RE 48th scale Miniart (1)

More Interesting New Kits

Here are some interesting new kits, as covered by The Modelling News website. 

Kriegsmarine U-Boat U-96 “Das U-Boot”
Neverland Hobby
1/144th scale
 
 
144 Kriegsmarine U-Boat U-96 Das U-Boot Neverland Hobby (11)
144 Kriegsmarine U-Boat U-96 Das U-Boot Neverland Hobby (5)
144 Kriegsmarine U-Boat U-96 Das U-Boot Neverland Hobby (4)
Kriegsmarine U-Boat U-96 Das U-Boot from Neverland Hobby. (6)
Kriegsmarine U-Boat U-96 Das U-Boot from Neverland Hobby. (5)
Kriegsmarine U-Boat U-96 Das U-Boot from Neverland Hobby. (4)
Kriegsmarine U-Boat U-96 Das U-Boot from Neverland Hobby. (2)
Kriegsmarine U-Boat U-96 Das U-Boot from Neverland Hobby. (1)
48023 P-47D-30 RE 48th scale Miniart (1)
Miniart Catalogue 2023 (4)
48023 P-47D-30 RE 48th scale Miniart (16)
48023 P-47D-30 RE 48th scale Miniart (17)
48023 P-47D-30 RE 48th scale Miniart (18)
profilePic1

Dave Epstein

,

Link
profilePic
ASM Member Since: 1999
Division: Masters
Day Job: Disabled/Retired
Online Profiles: Agapemodelers.com, IPMS USA, Scalemates and a bunch others
Modeler of the Year Winner: Yes
Model of the Year Winner: Yes
E-Board (current/past): Pro-tem, Contest Director, Vice President, 2017-2021

Background

How/when did you get started?
1965, 7 years old my dad got me a 1/48 Lindberg Curtiss Jenny which the yellow outline was still visible on the back patio last time I was there.

What do you like to build?
Mostly 1/48 Aircraft, props and jets, but I do delve into armor, ships, and Sci-Fi occasionally.

How many models have you built?
In my lifetime, won’t even field a guess. Last year, 26, now I usually produce about one every 3 to 6 days. There are over 350,mostly A/C on display throughout my home.

How many models do you build a year on average?
20-30

How often do you work on models?
Daily

Who are your favorite modeling influencers on YouTube?
Just the guys and gals here in ASM and on line @ Agapemodelers.com.

Bench

What are your favorite tools?
Tamiya Extra Thin cement.

What are your favorite paints?
Model Master enamels.

What is your airbrush of choice?
Paasche H.

Where do you build?
In my bedroom, this triples as my modeling room, computer room and sleeping quarters. (I live with a friend in his spare bedroom).

Stash Management

What’s your favorite build?
1/48 Special Hobby X-15.

What’s your dream build?
All the kits in my stash before I kick the bucket!

How large is your pile of shame (unbuilt kits)?
+/- 350

Do you have a build horror story, accident, or mistake that haunts you?
A 1/48 Tamiya Shinden kit that fought me in every way imaginable. I put it up many times until finally I was at my wits end with the kit, smashed it all back into the box, took it out back and watched it burn… Not my most favorite decision or memory…

Accolades

Do you compete outside of ASM contests?
Yes, I have won several awards at Chili-Con IV, the 2018 Nats in Phoenix, The State Fair during 2017 thru 2018.

Have you been published in a trade magazine (picture or article)?
No.

What’s your biggest accomplishment in modeling?
My 2017-2018 string of Awards from our local club up to the 2018 Nationals. And setting a club record for points accrued in the 2018 year.

Misc

Anything else to share?
I have enjoyed being a club member and sharing ideas, jokes and skills, the camaraderie and serving on the e-board, which I plan to delve back into soon if elected.

 

Model Bench/Room

modelRoom

Favorite Build

x15

All ASM Member Profiles

McLaren MP44 1988 Meng Models #RS-004 12th scale 900a

Interesting New Kits

Here are some interesting new kits, as covered by The Modelling News website. 

McLaren Mp4/4 1988
Meng
1/12th scale
Meng have made another pressing of their new 1988 F1 Championship vehicle from McLaren, the MP4/4 in 1/12th scale. This one is a little different however, as it comes pre-coloured plastic with no need to paint (unless you want to that is).
http://www.meng-model.com/en/contents/59/581.html
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2023/11/mengs-new-mclaren-mp44-1988-comes-in.html?m=1
 
A-20J/K Havoc / Boston Mk.IV
HK
1/32nd scale
Hong Kong Models are going for the glass-nosed Boston MK. IV / A-20J/K Havoc in their latest 32nd scale release.
https://www.hk-models.com/
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2023/11/hk-models-new-132-boston-mk-iv-20jk.html?m=1

Tiger I
Takom
1/16th scale
Takom adds more Tiger with a “Big Box” combo & 16th scale Otto Carius.
https://www.themodellingnews.com/2023/11/takom-adds-more-tiger-with-big-box.html

Messerschmitt Me410A-1/U2 & U4
McLaren MP44 1988 Meng Models #RS-004 12th scale 900a
Meng's 12th scale MP44 from 1988 (Pre-colored Edition) (1)
Meng's 12th scale MP44 from 1988 (Pre-colored Edition) (12)
Meng's 12th scale MP44 from 1988 (Pre-colored Edition) (11)
Meng's 12th scale MP44 from 1988 (Pre-colored Edition) (10)
Meng's 12th scale MP44 from 1988 (Pre-colored Edition) (7)
Meng's 12th scale MP44 from 1988 (Pre-colored Edition) (8)
15 of 16 race wins in 1988, with Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna fighting for the championship
Hong Kong Models 32nd scale A-20JK Havoc Boston MK. IV (11a)
Hong Kong Models 32nd scale A-20JK Havoc Boston MK. IV (a)
Hong Kong Models 32nd scale A-20JK Havoc Boston MK. IV (c)
Hong Kong Models 32nd scale A-20JK Havoc Boston MK. IV (b)
TigerI-3
TigerI-1
TigerI-2
me410a
me410a-2
me410a-3
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Albuquerque Scale Modelers