Plastic Model Mojo

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 fit...

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 offering...

What truly makes this hobby special? Is it the kits, the techniques, or something deeper? Today we explore how the human connections in scale modeling often become more meaningful than the models themselves. Kentucky Dave shares touching stories about celebrating a fellow modeler's retirement and another's first home purchase—reminders that our "model sphere" extends far beyond...

Summer has officially arrived in the modeling world, and with it comes a fresh update from the Plastic Model Mojo team. This month's 12-Minute Model Sphere takes listeners through the bustling halls of Wonderfest, now bigger than ever before. Cars packed every available space around the convention hotel as record numbers of modelers and enthusiasts gathered to celebrate their craft. The model...

What would your ideal modeling workspace look like? It's the question that haunts modelers everywhere as we struggle with overflowing stashes, cluttered benches, and the constant shuffle of moving one project to make room for another. In this episode, we welcome back Panzermeister36 (Evan McCallum) to explore the challenges of creating and maintaining an organized modeling environment. Evan k...

When Kevin Hedrich noticed a serious gap in the modeling market, he knew exactly what to do. "Manually masking canopies sucks," he explains bluntly, "and somebody had to step in to save those countless kits from the shelf of doom." That's how KitMasx was born—a specialized business creating precision-cut canopy masks for scale model aircraft. What makes KitMasx unique in t...

What happens when a lifetime of collecting ends without a plan? Kentucky Dave shares a moving story about rescuing an extraordinary military history library from destruction after its owner passed away. The massive collection, facing the prospect of being pulped after nine months of unsuccessful liquidation, sparked an emergency rescue mission that filled Dave's car to the point of affecting...

Precision masks, Derby talk, and exciting convention plans fill this episode as we welcome our newest sponsor! KIT MASX joins the Model Building Mojo team with their innovative solution to one of modeling's most frustrating challenges - canopy masking. Learn how this modeler-owned company is saving countless kits from the dreaded "shelf of doom" with over 400 precision-cut masking s...

What happens when scale modeling becomes historical detective work? Jake McKee joins us to share his extraordinary journey creating an historically accurate 1:35 scale Clubmobile—a converted GMC truck that brought donuts, coffee, and a touch of home to WWII soldiers near the frontlines. This isn't just any modeling project. McKee walks us through the challenges of researching these vehicles t...

A rmor modeling enthusiasts, mark your calendars! In this deep-dive conversation with Neil Stokes, newly elected President of the Armor Modeling and Preservation Society (AMPS) , we unveil everything you need to know about the upcoming AMPS International Convention taking place May 15-17, 2025, at the Penn Harris Hotel in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania . Neal shares details about what promises to be thei...

W hen modelers gather to talk shop, magic happens. This episode pairs hosts Mike and Kentucky Dave with special guest Jeff Groves (the Inch High Guy) for an enlightening conversation that dives deep into the beating heart of the scale modeling hobby. F resh from attending the Roscoe Turner show in Indianapolis, Jeff shares his experience at one of the region's premier modeling events, sparkin...

T he gentle shift from winter to spring brings more than just pollen-dusted cars and blooming trees to the modeling world—it signals the arrival of regional show season. In this April update, we recount our recent adventure to Heritage Con, which we expanded this year to include trips to Detroit and the Michigan Toy Soldier shop before the main event. H eritage Con continues to hit the sweet spot...

T he modeling community comes alive in this episode as Mike and Kentucky Dave return from Heritage Con at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, where connections proved even more valuable than the contests and vendors. Their journey to the Great White North yielded far more than just additions to their stash – it rekindled that irreplaceable modeling spirit that comes from face-to-face interactio...

T he unmistakable energy of model show season pulses through the latest Plastic Model Mojo episode as we journey from coast to coast exploring two major spring modeling events. Our cross-country virtual tour begins in sunny Florida with Don Buerger of the Pelican Model Club, who shares details about their upcoming April 26th show near Tampa. D on walks us through the evolution of Pelican 2025, hig...

W hat makes the modeling community so special? In this engaging episode, Mike and Kentucky Dave explore the bonds that form when scale modelers connect beyond their workbenches. After sharing updates about plumbing troubles and work challenges that impact their hobby time (and budget!), the conversation shifts to exciting news about HeritageCon, where modeling friends from across the US and Canada...

S pring brings excitement and an urge to connect within the modeling community while preparing for upcoming shows. Our reflections lead to discussions that resonate both personally and collectively, focusing on how our workspaces impact our creativity and interactions. • Conversations about the arrival of spring and the excitement of model shows • Personal experiences shared from the Columbus even...

W hat happens when winter weather in Kentucky meets the Plastic Model Mojo crew? We dive into the challenges of maintaining our modeling schedules amidst the chill and share our excitement for the upcoming model show season, including a much-anticipated trip to Columbus, and  for the Moosaroo Cup. O ur mailbag is buzzing with some great listener mail, like one from Rock Rozak at Detail and Scale a...

J oin us for a captivating look into the fabulous show HeritageCon , as we welcome Duncan Young, Robyn Germann, and Bernie Hack from the Hamilton Club to share insights about this year's exciting event. D iscover the magic behind HeritageCon, held at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, Ontario, where the atmosphere is as electric as the passion of its participants. Bernie spill...

E ver wondered how the unpredictable February weather could influence your scale modeling passion? Join us as we share our personal journeys, from Dave's mixed feelings about deadlines and new website launches to my reflections on future plans for 2025. Discover what keeps us motivated as modelers, how we use our creative fluids—whether that's a splash of bourbon or a refreshing soda—and...

W hat if your hobby could connect you to a vibrant community and enhance your creativity like never before? Discover how our brand-new website, www.plasticmodelmojo.com , to revolutionize your modeling experience. We've officially launched this exciting platform, transitioning from our previous site to create a more dynamic and visually appealing hub for enthusiasts like you. Thanks to the in...

D espite the January snow throwing a wrench in our Chattanooga plans, the excitement is palpable as we hope to have PMM presence at the  Columbus' model show.  M ike and Dave gear up for "Shop Talk" for episode 134,  tackling a couple of modeling related topics, as well as a journal topic from Steve Anderson's "A Guided Journal for Modelers".   Meanwhile for episode 1...

C elebrate the art of scale modeling with Mike and Kentucky Dave as we dive into the joys and challenges of this intricate hobby. From recent modeling accomplishments to the excitement of upcoming events like HeritageCon, our conversation promises a blend of personal stories and hobby insights. Despite the bittersweet end of the pro football season, we share moments of camaraderie and passion that...

D ave Mason, of the Mid-Michigan Model Makers, joins us for a fascinating look into the world of February model shows, particularly the much-anticipated 4M Model Mayhem event at Saginaw Valley State University. We promise you'll gain a deeper understanding of the event's rich offerings, from the evolution of judging systems to the broadening categories now including Gundam and gaming min...

H ow does one keep the creative juices flowing amidst life's interruptions? As we kick off the new year on Plastic Model Mojo, Mike battles a kidney stone, while they both grapple with snowstorms, seeking to keep their modeling passion ignited. Listen in as Kentucky Dave and Mike sip on fine bourbons like Russell’s Reserve 10 year, and Rabbit Hole Dareringer, sharing personal stories of perse...

E ver wondered how staying local for the holidays can bring unexpected joy? This January, we're reflecting on the warmth of family gatherings without the stress of travel and how it sets a positive tone for the New Year's modeling adventures. Join us as we gear up for the Chattanooga Model Con and Winter Blitz 2025 in Texas, promising excitement for model enthusiasts everywhere. Our upco...