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Guest Gallery Update

Sunday, February 28. 2010
Farmboy has sent in some photos of his latest custom, a '57 Chrysler 300C. Be sure to check them out in the Guest Gallery!

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The Crazies Review

Saturday, February 27. 2010
I had no plans to see The Crazies. Not because it looked bad (though it certainly didn't look all that good from the trailer), but because it looked like any of 1,000 other slasher flicks. I haven't seen the original George Romero version, so I really had no frame of reference. Maybe I'd add it to my NetFlix list, but no more than that. Fortunately I'm married to a horror fan, so I ended up getting roped into seeing what turned out to be a much better movie than I expected.

Continue reading "The Crazies Review"

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Joshua Andrew Koenig

Friday, February 26. 2010
Joshua Andrew Koenig
Joshua Andrew Koenig
August 17, 1968 - February 2010


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New Product Bulletin: New Release from Round2Models.Com

Thursday, February 18. 2010
1/1000 USS Enterprise NCC-1701 Refit



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Together at Last at Twilight Time

Wednesday, February 17. 2010
Another model where I got to play with different weathering techniques, this time from the über-popular Twilight franchise. It took a little mixing & matching from different kits (and an order placed with Modelhaus), but Bella's truck is now finished.

And kudos to anyone who recognized the Platters song up there in the headline.

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Toy Fair Part 3: Models and 1/24 Figures

Tuesday, February 16. 2010
Model kit manufacturers were once again in short supply at Toy Fair, but happily the one major company that did show up had some outstanding news. Moebius ModelsThis link will open a new window, known for their repops of many original monster kits as well as some outstanding new sci-fi kits, has decided to enter the field of 1/24 vehicles. I will be passing more information along as it becomes available to the public, but I was very pleased to hear that they won't be redoing the same few makes/models that you see from every other company.

Tyme Machines Mario Kart

Although they were the only model company present, there were a few other replica makers dabbling in 1/24 scale. BC MiniThis link will open a new window had a new line of motorcycles that will be added to their Bike Museum, Tyme MachinesThis link will open a new window had a set of Mario Kart vehicles with figures that looked pretty close to 1/24 scale, and Square EnixThis link will open a new window looks like they will be continuing their coverage of the Final Fantasy universe with a series of figures that - like the Tyme Machine Mario Kart characters - may not be exactly 1/24 scale but they're pretty darn close.

And last but most assuredly not least, Hasbro had their next Human Alliance figure on display: Jazz with Major Lennox. So although there wasn't quite as much quantity-wise in my preferred scale, the quality of the products I saw and the ones I anticipate more than made up the difference.

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Toy Fair Part 2: Non-Traditional Models

Monday, February 15. 2010
My own collection sticks pretty much with static models, even with toys & vehicles that weren't necessarily designed to just sit on a shelf or desk. This is actually something I encourage in others as well - people who "only collect diecast" or "only work in styrene" are unnecessarily limiting themselves. In that vein, I want to pass on a couple of the cooler toys I saw at Toy Fair.

Owi Robotikits Tyrannosaurus Rex

First up, for sci-fi fans, OwiThis link will open a new window is expanding their line of aluminum kits to include dinosaurs (scheduled for release in April). The first three out of the gate will be a Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus, and Triceratops. Each finished dino is about 8.5" (215mm) long, and build up with relative ease. They also have a line of mini solar kits, which are 3-in-1 kits that feature electric motors powered by solar panels. If you're familiar with Zoids, the mechanics of these are very similar. Both these and the aluminum kits would be good for young builders and older builders/collectors who would like to add something unique to their robot collection.

Carrera '34 Ford

Next up is something even closer to my own collecting: CarreraThis link will open a new window had a few new 1/24 slot cars on display, including some truly beautiful vintage racers and hot rods. Anyone who remembers slot cars as simple toys really needs to take a look at these: the quality and detail work easily rivals static display models. I was particularly impressed with details like their wire wheels. I'm hoping to get a chance to review one or two of these, so I can really take the opportunity to show how well they stand up to static models.

Tomorrow: Models and 1/24 figures

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Toy Fair 2010 Part 1:Old Familiar Faces

Sunday, February 14. 2010
Returning to Toy Fair today, one of the first things I did was check out some of my favorite vendors from last year.

In that first post I spent a great deal of time talking about DANO2This link will open a new window and their line of safe (lead free, BPA free, PVC free, phthalate free), beautifully designed infant toys. I was very impressed by their work and their attitude, and was happy to see that not only were they back this year, but they have expanded their line to include Little Sky RidersThis link will open a new window, a group of aircraft that can ride on their own tracks or be used with standard wooden tracks. The Little Sky Riders are scheduled for release this July, and if you have a little one in your life I highly recommend you check them out.

Automoblox Hot Rod

Next up, Manhattan ToyThis link will open a new window brought along their newest additions to the Automoblox line, including their mini T900 Truck and Mini Hot Rods. I still like the unique combination of classic wood bodies and futuristic-looking plastic canopies, and it works surprisingly well on the classic cars.

M2 Machines Mustang

Speaking of classics, M2This link will open a new window gave some clues about what they had on deck for 1/24, which looked really promising. Their next release looks like it will be completing the trifecta of the American "Big Three," and it sounds like the number and variety of their 1/24 series will be increaing in general. As noted elsewhere in this site, I have been impressed by their work and look forward to adding more of their cars to my collection.

Maisto Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV

Last but not least, Maisto and BBurago had some new high-priced offerings in 1/24 scale, including the Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SV, BMW 3 Series Touring, Renault Megane Trophy, Dodge Viper RT 10SCR, Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia, Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG, Nissan GT-R, and Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT1 Commemorative Edition. Like the M2 cars, I look forward to adding some of these to my collection.

Tomorrow: robots and slot cars!

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Round 2 on YouTube

Friday, February 12. 2010
Round 2 now has a channel on YouTube, where they will be linking to various model-related videos. You can check it out here.

Also, don't forget to check out my tips and tutorials on YouTube right here.

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Happy Burt Reynolds Day!

Thursday, February 11. 2010
I'll have the more proper 1/24 model celebrating the patron saint of car movies up soon enough, but in the mean time I'll leave you with this custom I did a little while back:

1/87 Bandit Firebird

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New Product Bulletin: New Releases from Round2Models.Com

Tuesday, February 9. 2010
Depth Charger Aqua Rod
Double Dragster Kit



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Second Annual Bandit Awards Nominations are Open

Wednesday, February 3. 2010
spencer1984.com and Hollywood-Diecast.com are teaming up again this year to present the second annual Bandit Awards, celebrating the automotive contributions to film over the previous year. Nomination suggestions are now open, and you can submit your suggestions via e-mail or this thread on Hollywood Diecast's forum.This link will open a new window

Voting will be via web poll, and the winners will be announced March 7, 2010.

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Good Guys Drive Black

Tuesday, February 2. 2010
A couple of months ago I noticed that I had nothing in my TV/movie car collection to represent even one of Chuck Norris's movies. That grievous oversight has finally been corrected with the addition of the Good Guys Wear Black Porsche.

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New Tip of the Month

Monday, February 1. 2010
February's Tip of the Month is now online.

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