Ft. Crook IPMS

A change of tactics on designing model kits?

Last year, I left a post giving props to Litaki's response to criticisms about their 1/72 J-22 Orao kit. Among the issues were detail and construction issues with the fuselage and "un-inspired" choice of the "things under wings". Instead of ignoring those issues, they re-designed the assembly of the fuselage and added more weapons to the kit. The upgraded kit was released in a different boxing as the J-22M Orao.
Yesterday, Revell announced that they were planning on releasing a new tool 1/35 scale early version of the Harrier (GR.1?), but this announcement is different in a few aspects.
First, the kit is in the planning stage, and from the way in which this kit was announced, they seem to be dedicated to actually getting this kit to the market.
Second, they are planning to release monthly updates on the progress of the kit.
Third, they are actually asking for modeler input during the development of the kit.
These are drastic changes in the way in which a model kit is produced. As it normally goes for new tool kits, the kit is announced and normally ends in one of three ways..... the kit is released on time or slightly delayed, the kit is seriously delayed by several years (or in the case of Trumpeter 10-15 years...... and we are still waiting for that 1/72 MiG-19 that was announced almost 20 years ago), or the kit is dropped with little or no announcement.
Even though it isn't the proper scale for me, I am very interested on how this project comes out, and to what extent that they use modeler's input on the development of the kit.

On the other hand, ModelCollect is also doing something different to gage the support of a future B-1B kit..... but that well be a separate post.

Project Harrier Announcement Join us here at 18:00 CEST ( 17:00 BST) on Tuesday 19th May, we'll be revealing our latest new tool model kit release. Why not take a look at our other produ...

So, more info has come out about Dragon’s decision on ending model kit manufacturing. It was announced that some of their mounds were sold to ZimiModal, and will be re-released under the name of DRAMi Model.
No word on when the first kits will be released.

Sounds like Dragon/ DML is getting away from plastic models and going to 3D printing production, but the message isn’t completely clear.....

DRAGON MODELS LTD. ENTERS A NEW ERA!

Dragon Models Ltd. is entering a new chapter in its long history.
After decades of building a respected legacy in scale models, collectibles, historical research, and precision product development, DML is now evolving toward a future focused on Intellectual Property (IP), 3D technology, digital assets, licensing, and new forms of collaboration.

Our foundation remains the same: authenticity, technical accuracy, detailed research, and a deep respect for the history behind every subject we create. As the industry continues to change, DML will continue to explore new ways to bring its brand, knowledge, 3D data, and creative assets into future applications across physical and digital platforms.

We are grateful to the collectors, retailers, partners, research experts and friends who have supported Dragon over the years, and we look forward to building the next era of DML together!

We are just over two months away from the O Con Expo model contest.

So here are "las reglas" for the contest.....
O Con Expo 2026 Model Contest rules
* Contest is open to all contestants
* The contest is free. Ther are no entrance, nor model fees
* Number of model entries are unlimited, but we request that you limit the number of models for each category due to table space
* There are 4 standard categories
-Category A- ships, aircraft, tanks and spacecraft
-Category B- Gundams, figures and fighting suits
-Category C- Everything else including dioramas, cosplay props, etc
-Category D- Juniors (17 and under)
* Models can only be entered into 1 standard category. Adult modelers can enter in categories A-C, they are prohibited from entering Category D. Juniors (17 and below) will automaticly be entered into Category D, unless they request to be entered into one of the other categories.
* All models entered into the contest are eligible for the Judge's Grand and Popular Vote awards.
* Only models that meet the criteria of the Theme Award are eligible for the theme award.
* Only fully built model kits, 3D printed model kits that require assembly, scratchbuilt models and toys that have had extensive work or rebuilding (seams filled, scratchbuilding of components such as cockpit or weapons, painting & weathering) will be allowed. No pre-constructed toys straight out of the box, or with minor work or just repainting will be allowed. No Lego assembly kits are allowed. For re-worked toys, documentation of the work done, such as pictures, is recommended. For 1/1 scale props (weapons), only re-worked toys, model kits or scratchbuilt weapons and equipment will be accepted.
* Judging criteria will be the following from most important to least.....Construction, Finish, Weathering, Extra work (aftermarket, scratchbuilding, etc.) & Accuracy.
* There will be a NO SWEEPS rule (winner cannot place more than once in a single category)
* Registration & Judging Hours......
-All day Fri, Sat from opening until 4:00 PM
-Judging will be 4:00 to 5:00 on Sat.
-Awards to be presented at about 5:00 PM on Sat., subject to con scheduling for other events
* Winner, or representative needs to be present for the awards
* Judges decisions are final and cannot be changed or nullified once awarded.

* This year's theme...... RED, WHITE & BLUE, America 250!......
Anything designed and/or built in the USA. Models that will qualify include the following.....
1) Anything designed in the US, but built overseas, an example would be a Turkish F-16C, designed in the US by General Dynamics, built by TAI for the Turkish Air Force.
2) Anything built in the US, but in foriegn markings.
3) Anything built as an international project with direct US participation, for example, the International Space Station.
4) Anything designed/built in the US that was used as the basis for a modification for a Hollywood TV show or movie such as the Bell 222 helicopter that was used in the show "Airwolf" or the 1982 Trans Am used in the original "Knight Rider" show.
5) No hypotheticals, sci-fi or projects that didn't make it "off the drawing board" will qualify, however, experimental aircraft that actually flew would qualify.