A TIE Fighter parked on the moon with footprints leading into mystery. A glossy blue Bearcat bound for a local collection. A workshop cleanup that turns frustration into flow. This one blends story, craft, and community into a practical guide for getting more joy—and more finishes—out of your modeling time.

Mike, Kentucky Dave, and guest Jeff Groves of The Inch High Guy blog kick off with a lively Louisville MMCL recap: books rehomed, raffle wins scored, and real talk about what makes a vendor table actually work. Then we dive into a Fine Molds TIE Fighter Advanced that escapes the stash and lands in a moody micro-diorama—access panels opened, spares-box “widgetology” on full display, and a thoughtful debate about screen-accurate versus studio-accurate color. That sci‑fi detour pairs with classic comfort builds: Hasegawa Panthers and Cougars that favor flow over parts count, contrasted with today’s ultra-detailed IBG, Arma, and Eduard toolings. The takeaway is balance—choose projects that match your bandwidth, and don’t be afraid to chase a story when accuracy turns fuzzy.

The heart of the episode is practical: a week-long workshop overhaul that pays off daily. We talk sorting paints you actually use, labeling decal binders, consolidating spares into findable bins, and adopting tiny habits—put one thing away when you sit down and one when you stand up—that keep the bench from shrinking to a postcard. From there, we explore display strategy: a clean “universal base” that unifies your collection, blurred terrain for convincing motion, etched blurred rotors that work only when the scene supports them, and a wall-of-models shelving build using repurposed acrylic. We also spotlight upgrades and new kits—an AMP Northrop M2‑F3 lifting body perfect for polished metal tones, a Loire 130 redo for better clarity, and jaw-dropping 3D‑printed Zero engines—and look at how shifting import rules may accelerate local printing and hybrid kits.

If you build for the story, optimize your space for speed, and pick a base that frames the work, your models start to sing. Join us for smart tips, a few laughs, and a fresh push to finish what’s on your bench. If this episode sparks an idea, follow the show, share it with a modeling friend, and drop a rating or review—it helps more makers find their mojo.

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Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.