When 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.

Fresh from attending the Roscoe Turner show in Indianapolis, Jeff shares his experience at one of the region's premier modeling events, sparking a candid discussion about the current state of model contests. The trio examines trends in vendor behavior, judging systems, and show formats that affect the modeling community's experience. Their insights reveal both concerns and potential solutions that could enhance these vital gathering points for hobbyists.

The conversation shifts to modern weathering and scenery products, where practical experience trumps marketing claims. Dave recounts his adventures with water effects taking days longer to dry than advertised, while Jeff advocates for reliable staples and even dollar store cosmetics that deliver consistent results. Mike cautions about the short shelf life of specialty weathering products, offering wisdom that could save modelers both frustration and money.

Perhaps most compelling is their passionate exploration of model bases and displays. With Dave asserting "if it's not a really well-done base, don't put it on a base," they dissect common mistakes and share principles for creating displays that enhance rather than detract from your models. From the "elephant on a postage stamp" problem to overly cluttered dioramas, their practical advice applies to modelers of all disciplines.

The episode rounds out with a look at their current projects, including Jeff's impressive batch build of eight Japanese aircraft, and highlights noteworthy new kit announcements. Whether you're a contest regular, a weathering enthusiast, or simply looking to display your models more effectively, this conversation offers valuable insights from modelers who speak from decades of combined experience.

The Inch High Guy Blog

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The 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.

Heritage Con continues to hit the sweet spot for model enthusiasts. The perfect mix of vendors, the electric atmosphere, and the manageable size create an environment where deals seem to materialize more readily than at larger national events. But beyond the shopping, the true highlight was connecting with listeners and fellow modelers. The faces, conversations, and shared experiences represent what makes this hobby truly special—the community that forms around our shared passion.

Looking ahead, we preview two content-rich episodes coming this April. Episode 138 brings Jeff "Inch High" Groves to the Shop Talk segment to discuss avant-garde weathering products (the good and bad), the current state of model shows across America, and philosophical thoughts on model bases. Later in the month, Episode 139 welcomes back Jake McKee to explore project planning and research through the lens of his fascinating Red Cross Clubmobile build—a refreshing focus on the often-overlooked support vehicles that kept military operations running.

We're thrilled to report explosive growth in our modeling dojo community, with over 100 new members joining in less than three weeks. The increasing activity spans work-in-progress shares, technical questions, book reviews, and finished models—all supported by our extraordinary community members who consistently demonstrate willingness to help and encourage others. Have you joined us yet? Check our show notes for feedback links and ways to connect with this thriving community of model enthusiasts.

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The 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 interactions with fellow enthusiasts. 

Listeners will discover the power of in-person events as our hosts share how meeting podcast fans, spending time with friends, and seeing exceptional models on display has energized their passion for the hobby. From their strategic approach to travel (stopping at Michigan Toy Soldier en route) to reuniting with familiar faces and meeting new ones, the episode captures what makes the modeling community special.

The mailbag segment addresses fascinating questions about tweezers (with recommendations beyond the hobby world), the ongoing "scale wars" debate, and creative organization methods from listeners worldwide. These practical discussions showcase how modelers continue to refine their craft through shared wisdom

A special treat arrives with the return of the "Wheel of Accidental Wisdom" featuring guest Ed Baroth. This lively segment tackles everything from household items repurposed for modeling to productivity hacks and how the hobby has transformed over decades. Ed's perspective as an experienced modeler adds depth to conversations about batch building, nostalgia kits, lost parts, and the technological advances that have revolutionized scale modeling.

Between bench updates, modeling fluid reviews of Canadian craft beers and whiskey, and heartfelt shoutouts to the people who make the hobby special, this episode reminds us why we build: for the joy of creation, certainly, but equally for the community that surrounds us. Whether you're a longtime builder or just starting your modeling journey, you'll find yourself nodding along as Mike and Dave celebrate what truly matters – the connections we forge through our shared passion.

Cole-Palmer (Lab Supplier)
Timber Woods Scale Models (Listener YouTube

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The 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.

Don walks us through the evolution of Pelican 2025, highlighting their shift to the increasingly popular gold-silver-bronze judging format where models are evaluated on individual merit rather than through direct competition. With 65 vendor tables already sold out, a movie and television theme ("Lights, Camera, Action!"), and special awards honoring club founders, this Florida event promises to be a highlight of the southeastern modeling calendar.

The conversation then pivots dramatically northwestward as Martin Paietta introduces us to the Seattle Spring Show happening the same weekend. This impressively large one-day event boasted 900+ entries from 220 modelers last year, making it one of North America's largest single-day model exhibitions. The Seattle show maintains traditional IPMS 1-2-3 judging but keeps the model room open during judging, allowing continuous viewing of entries throughout the day.

What emerges through both conversations is a fascinating look at how model shows are evolving while maintaining their core purpose: bringing together diverse modeling communities from across regions and disciplines. Whether you're fascinated by aircraft, armor, science fiction, or scratch-built dioramas crafted from yogurt containers, these gatherings showcase extraordinary creativity and craftsmanship.

Whether you're planning to attend HeritageCon in Hamilton, Pelican 2025 in Tampa, or the Seattle Spring Show, this episode offers valuable insights into what makes model shows such vital gathering points for hobbyists. Connect with fellow modelers, find inspiration, expand your collection, and experience the joy of seeing hundreds of meticulously crafted miniature masterpieces in person!

Get to a show folks... it's loads of fun!

PeliCON
Seattle Spring Show

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What 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 will converge. Mike's unexpected schedule change means he'll make the event after all, leading to plans for a Michigan Toy Soldier Company visit with their Minnesota and Canadian modeling buddies.

The heart of this episode features three thought-provoking Shop Talk segments. First, the hosts share their plans for skill improvement in 2025, with Dave committing to finally finishing those 90%-complete builds and Mike vowing to dedicate more consistent bench time. Their different approaches to modeling shine through in the discussion about "crappy kits" – Dave preferring well-engineered modern kits that bring joy during assembly, while Mike views kits as merely "boxes of parts" that might be useful for creating his vision, sometimes finding that older, supposedly inferior kits offer better pathways to his desired result.

Book lovers will especially appreciate the hosts' recommendations for essential modeling references, from the comprehensive Detail and Scale series to specialized works like KV Technical History from Tanko Grad Publishing and Son of Sherman 2. These conversations reveal how reference materials dramatically improve model accuracy while deepening appreciation for the subjects we build.

Whether you're drawn to the technical discussions, the camaraderie between longtime friends, or the global modeling community represented through listener mail from four continents, this episode reminds us that scale modeling connects us in ways that transcend the workbench. What reference books have transformed your modeling? We'd love to hear about them!

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Spring 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 event and its significance
• Engaging with the community through shared experiences and workspace photos

Join us for the next conversation and don't forget to share your hobby space!

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What 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.

Our mailbag is buzzing with some great listener mail, like one from Rock Rozak at Detail and Scale about their release of the P-51 Mustang book series, or a short discussion on decluttering, inspired by Jake McKee's keepsake dilemma, and Ville Jurvanen's  journey to polish skills with shiny 2K clear coats.

Meet Mark Copeland, who brings a fascinating perspective from his role as Director of Educational Travel for the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. His story takes us from the airline industry to historical tours through 8th Air Force bases, and to the shores of Normandy,  emphasizing the emotional connections formed with veterans. Mark's passion for the Eight Airforce is palpable, and our conversation with him sheds light on the fascinating world of historical travel. Learning the details of these exciting tours, offers listeners a chance to join these historical journeys.

Whether you're here for the camaraderie, the community insights, or the chance to learn about spectacular educational travel opportunities, this episode promises an engaging and enlightening experience. Don't miss the stories, the history, and the promise of thrilling new projects on the horizon.

Aviaeology - Japanese tail code decals mentioned in the Episode
Twin Cities Aero Historians - IPMS/USA
National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Airforce

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Join 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.

Discover 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 spills the beans on the revamped registration process, allowing model lovers to exhibit their entire collection for a single fee, a nod to the IPMS USA Nationals. With streamlined support from Mark Stevens and Jim Coatney, participants can look forward to a hassle-free experience.

Our conversation shifts to the buzzing vendor area, teeming with over 130 tables, an increase over last year,  and collectible HeritageCon pin which is also new for 2025.  3 great seminars will be offered, featuring topics like 3D printing, insights from a former Canadian Armed Forces member, and a primer on Gundam/Mecha from a local club.  The newly renovated auditorium is set to host a knowledge-packed experience.

As we reminisce about the show's evolution since our podcast's inception in 2020, we can't help but express our enthusiasm for this extraordinary one-day event. Whether you're a seasoned model builder or a curious newcomer, this episode is your VIP pass to the fabulous event that is HeritageCon.

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum Admission Information

IPMS Hamilton Show Registration

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Ever 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 the excitement that surrounds our community events and feedback from fellow enthusiasts. With each story, we promise an engaging blend of personal anecdotes and community highlights that spotlight the vibrant world of scale modeling.

Explore the heartwarming camaraderie that defines our modeling community. Engaging listener feedback and shared passions bring us together, like the clever acronym SABLE (Stash Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy) from Kenneth Walt Scott Jr. Feel inspired by tales of model show triumphs, be it Ray Lapius's enthusiasm for the MidMichigan show or Steve Anderson's delightful experiences at the Hope it Don't Snow event. Let Dave Weiss's inquiry about attending Nats remind us all of the joy and value of even a brief participation in these gatherings, proving that every moment spent with fellow modelers enriches the experience.

In our quest to hone our skills, we dive into the challenges and achievements at our workbenches. Whether it's my progress on the Moosaroo model or the intricacies of handling the KV-85, we relish the creative problem-solving this hobby demands. The episode also touches on the significance of organization, as decluttering our modeling spaces enhances both creativity and enjoyment. As we look ahead, join us in embracing new techniques, setting personal goals, and savoring the satisfaction of each completed project, all while building deeper connections within our lively scale modeling family.

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What 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 incredible support from our community through Patreon, PayPal, and Buy Me a Coffee, we've built a digital space where listeners and soon-to-be viewers can explore the mesmerizing world of modeling in a way that truly captures its visual essence.

Join us as we celebrate this milestone and share our vision for a future brimming with innovative content and fun interactions. Our new site serves as a central hub for modeling content, aspiring to bring you closer to fellow enthusiasts and creators. Here, you'll find a wealth of resources that highlight the exceptional work of our talented friends and fellow bloggers. We’re committed to delivering more value and engagement, making it easier for you to access, enjoy, and contribute to our growing community. So, visit the new site, stay tuned for updates, and get ready for a thrilling year of growth and creativity. Your support has made this dream a reality, and we can't wait to continue this journey with you.

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