Welcome to the SciFi Model Podcast where Jason (Jason's Space Dock) and Ken (By the Dice Games) dive deep into the messy, hilarious, and sometimes frustrating world of scale modeling, sharing lessons, tips, and stories from decades in the hobby.

In this episode we tackle everything from the hidden pressures and gatekeeping in the modeling community to dealing with criticism and ego without letting it kill your creativity. Whether you’re a beginner just opening your first kit or a seasoned builder chasing ever-greater detail, there’s something here for every Plastic Addict.

Here’s what this episode covers:

• How to stay motivated and confident despite criticism or community pressure

• Creative strategies for painting, lighting, detailing, and kitbashing

• Honest reflections on mistakes and how they can make you a better modeler

• Insider stories from The Modelverse and building a community around sci-fi modeling

• Tips for avoiding common frustrations and keeping your hobby fun

If you love Star Trek, Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica, and other iconic sci-fi franchises—or just love the art of model building in general—this episode gives you laughs, lessons, and inspiration. Mistakes happen, but everything’s fixable, and every model is an opportunity to sharpen your skills and explore your creativity.

In this episode of the Sci-Fi Model Podcast, Jason and co-host Ken Bowman dive deep into the world of YouTube content creation for sci-fi modelers.

From growing your channel, overcoming algorithm challenges, to mastering engaging intros that hook viewers, they share insider tips and real talk about the highs and lows of being a YouTube creator in the modeling community.

Plus, enjoy lively discussions on Gundam, Star Wars modeling, and how showing your process — mistakes included — builds connection and inspires others.

Whether you're a beginner or seasoned builder, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you improve your YouTube modeling videos, build your audience, and embrace creativity in the hobby.

🔗 Follow Jason’s Space Dock:

https://linktr.ee/jasonsspacedock

🔗 Check out By the Dice Games:

🔗 Check out Macro & Beyond Studios

Music Used in this podcast by Evantise

Introduction: New one

Outro: An Ocean Apart

Spotify: https://shorturl.at/r3pXtSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/evantisemusicBandcamp: https://evantise.bandcamp.com/

Additional Sound Effects:

Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay

The ScFi Model Podcast is produced by:

Macro & Beyond Studios and Jason's Space Dock

3D Design and printing is a great skill to have. But if, as a designer, you're not also a model builder that could leave you short handed in the area of fit and finish. Measurements don't tell the whole story.

Luckily Sophie Rose, of The Rose Model Company, is the whole package.What's up, Plastic Addicts?I'm lucky enough to call Sophie Rose my friend. A friendship that only exists because of social media and shared interests.

She's also helped me with my, laughable, 3D printing efforts. Including developing parts for the K7 Space Station and the Vulcan Shuttle.One of the most interesting things about connecting with people is how things unfold.

I recognized Sophie's talents right away, and knowing theres a demand for talented 3D designers in the model making aftermarket world.As such I've recommended her to a number of parts producers I know.

As of this podcast one or two of those connections are developing into working relationships.

Don't take my word for it, listen to episode 9 of the SciFi Model Podcast!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095613336658

What's up, Plastic Addicts?

Welcome to episode 2 of the SciFi Model Podcast.

In todays episode we discuss all things related to the Round 2 SciFi line of models.

If you're a fan of the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/scifimodelpodcast

Want more SciFi Model Making content? Find us on all the socials @jasonsmodelshop

Or, click use our link tree: https://linktr.ee/jasonsmodelshop

'If you like videos about imaginative scale models and all the things that inspire designers to dream them up, manufacturers to produce them, and hobbyists of all ages to build them, then subscribe and click that notification bell icon so you won’t miss a single video.

Tim was a fascinating guest with a unique approach to the hobby. Yes, he's a builder. However, rather than create the standard 'here's what I built/How I built it', he creates videos detail the development and history of some of our favourite model kits.

I became aware of the Scale Icons YouTube channel thanks to the recommended feed on my home screen. It was, I believe, the old TOS Enterprise by AMT. The subject was interesting so I took a look and was super impressed by the depth of research and the high quality presentation.

Later on I found out that Tim is actually local, so we were able to meet up (in person!) for a conversation before doing an episode of the SciFi Model Podcast together.It was in interesting conversation, learning about Tim and how he came to create scale icons.

I hope you enjoy this episode and be sure to check out Scale Icons on social media!

SCALE ICONS SOCIAL LINKS:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ @scaleicons 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scale_icons/

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scaleicons

My relationship with James M. King III, Otaku Builder, began before I even launched my Instagram page. I actually found his trek build on YouTube, where he's been posting for almost a decade.

Otaku Builder's primary subject is Gundam/Gunpla. Though I'm not into that part of Sci-Fi Model making, his model making skills drew me in.

Eventually I made my way over to instagram and we connected, through a mutual appreciation for one another's work.

When I began the process of launching The Sci-Fi Model Podcast, James was top of mind when it came to having guests/recurring contributors.

Now, I'm all about breaking barriers and preventing gate keeping. As such the podcast, recently, has focused on subjects that some would not consider Sci-Fi. However, I believe that Warhammer/war gaming, anime, etc falls under the Sci-Fi banner. Since Otaku Builder has done multiple crossovers (Gundam to Trek and back again) he seemed like the ideal person to talk to about the overlap in genres.

Because it's a conversation between friends, we deviate a bit and talk about the various pieces of pop culture we enjoy/had an impact on our childhoods.

I hope you enjoy episode 7 of The Sci-Fi Model Podcast

What's up, Plastic Addicts?

More description to come...

What’s up, Plastic Addicts?

Welcome back to the Sci-Fi Model Podcast, presented by Jason’s Model Shop. Your source for   everything Sci-Fi model making. Including pop culture subject, Movies & TV and a little bit of miniature war gaming.

Miniature Wargaming is a subject I know very little about.  In fact it’s something I’ve never really been interested in. Even though I’m rooted, firmly, in Nerd/Geek culture it’s possible the prevailing cultural view, that it was just something men with poor hygiene did in the darkest corners of their basements, was preventing me from seeing how awesome it really could be.

No matter how woke we might be, we still have blind spots…

Anyway, I had been doing model making on YouTube for several years at that point and offered (or was asked?) to assist with the launch. That was my introduction to Anvil of War Gaming, a YouTube channel focus on Warhammer 40,000.

At the time I was focused on the nuts and bolts of setting up the channel, and occasionally assisting with the filming of battles/segments. However, I did notice just how detailed the playing pieces were. Though, I didn’t realize until later, that the game pieces were models that the payer had to assemble and detail themselves.

Fast forward to 2023 and I’m developing the Sci-Fi Model Podcast. 

While taking it from concept to reality I sent a great deal of time trying to figure out what the scope would be. I know it’s important to find a niche, but I also know being too niche can be restrictive. I also wanted to avoid gatekeeping, to not be that shithead who says things like ‘eagle moss isn’t modeling’ or other bullshit of that sort.

With that in mind the scope was expanded to include Pop Culture, Movie & TV subjects and Miniature Wargaming. This allows for more varied conversations with different builders. It also give me the opportunity, as a builder, to keep things fresh/follow my interests.

That’s what led to my conversation with Ken. In the case of Warhammer 40,000, and other games, the playing pieces are quite literally model kits. To say nothing of the game’s lore.

Episode 5, of the Sci-Fi Model Podcast, started out with a simple question. Are Wargaming Miniatures Sci-Fi Models? Now, I don’t think we really answered a question directly, but we discussed the process that goes into creating a mini.

The process is literally the same as building an Enterprise or a Baby Yoda figure. The only real difference is the use when completed. Most model kits end up being a passive piece, something you display and admire. Wargaming miniatures are active. Once completed they will be used over and over again in the various campaigns played.

Because Ken is a friend the conversation meanders a bit, and I’m quite OK with it. I want this show to be warm and welcoming, not just a series of questions thrown at a guest.

We also talked for a long time, so this episode is broken into two parts.

I hope you enjoy part 1 and return for part 2!

As always thank you for reading, listening or watching. I really do appreciate it. And remember feed your plastic addiction and keep on building.

Podcast Links:

Ken’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kenb0592/

By the Dice Games YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@bythedicegames

By the Dice Games Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bythedicegames/

Anvil of War Gaming YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AnvilofWarGaming

Anvil of War Gaming Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Anvilofwargaming/

Anvil of War Gaming Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anvilofwargaming/

Relevant Links:

Miniature Wargaming Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_wargaming

What's up, Plastic Addicts? Welcome back to the Sci-Fi Model Podcast, presented by Jason's Model Shop.

There's a much more detailed description in the Jason's Model Shop Blog in the links below.

Reissuing the Enterprise B

The first mention of the Reissuing the kit came on the Collector Model blog in January of 2010. Not much in the way of info. Rather musings about what to reissue with the ultimate message being the tools needed to be pulled and inspected.

There were questions about what still existed and what would need modification. the belief was reissuing the B or Excelsior were both on the table, as both kits were in production at the same time for a number of years.

In June of 2010 Another update shed some more light on the subject, including pics of the existing tools.

It appears that AMT permanently altered the tooling for the Enterprise B, meaning the excelsior would need brand new parts if it were ever to be reissued.

Mid August 2010 provides an update on the improvements being made to the model. Secondary Hull surface details (strong back). Correcting the back of the neck, to give it a curve, the indents on either side of the deflector trench. The biggest change is an entirely new lower saucer

The last real update comes in October of 2010 in a post about Round 2’s visit to the iHobby trade show. The only things to note are a mock up of the B and the corrected parts on display.

The model hit shelves soon after that and once they were gone…they were gone.

Excelsior reissue, refitting the refit

Fast forward to November 2015 and a post with a whole lot of details about the improvements being made as new parts were being created to reissue the much loved Excelsior;

An entirely new lower secondary hull, a new strong back, corrected neck detail, both upper and lower saucer halves and supplemental parts to match the appearance of either the NX or NCC versions.

In regards to having both the Excelsior and Enterprise B on shelves at the same time in the 90’s it appears there were tooling inserts to make the Enterprise B BACK into the Excelsior.  But, those tools were lost.

February 2016 was a big update. Test shots of the model, and boy did it look good.

July 2016 was the last post about the Excelsior and it was all about showing off the finished model, in both NX and NCC configurations. They also detailed the supplemental aztec decal sheet, which includes slightly different colour variations for each version.

I would say the Excelsior reissue has been a success. Initially reissues in 2016 it got another repo in 2021. Hopefully this one will stay in relatively continuous production, much like the 350 TOS or Refit.

LINKS

Model Kit releases 

https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Star_Trek_model_kits

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/amt-amt-1257-uss-excelsior-nx-2000--1322012

Collector Model Blogs

https://www.collectormodel.com/round2-models/512-star-trek-model-kits-to-“b”-or-not-to-“b”/#sthash.sHm64anG.dpbs

https://www.collectormodel.com/round2-models/717-round-2-models-random-thoughts/#sthash.UA0c4n85.dpbs

https://www.collectormodel.com/round2-models/763-star-trek-model-kits-enterprise-b-improvements/#sthash.vvnWfwIk.dpbs

https://www.collectormodel.com/round2-models/868-polar-lights-model-kits-ihobby-recap/#sthash.u4BXAeLH.dpbs

https://www.collectormodel.com/round2-models/2427-star-trek-models-u-s-s-excelsior-new-part-preview/#sthash.tuOaORbs.dpbs

https://www.collectormodel.com/amt/2560-star-trek-model-kits-u-s-s-excelsior-update/#sthash.9xzqrxrR.dpbs

https://www.collectormodel.com/round2-models/3029-star-trek-model-kits-u-s-s-excelsior-buildup/#sthash.76ngx8hc.dpbs

3D Files

https://modelwerkshop.com/collections/upgrade-kits/products/1-1000-uss-enterprise-b-upgrade-kit-pre-order

Studio Models 

https://www.ex-astris-scientia.org/articles/excelsior-model.htm

https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Excelsior_class_model

https://fantastic-plastic.com/uss-excelsior-by-amtert.html

What's up, Plastic Addicts?

Welcome to episode 3 of the SciFi Model Podcast.

In this episode we discuss the complex topic of motivation and all the reason why not having it may not be what's holding you back from tackling your stash.

If you're a fan of the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/scifimodelpodcast

Want more SciFi Model Making content? Find us on all the socials @jasonsmodelshop

Or, click use our link tree: https://linktr.ee/jasonsmodelshop