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Plastic Model Mojo

A Scale Modeling Podcast

215 episodes

1 week ago

Ever feel your hobby start to feel like homework? We hit episode 150 with a full tank of mojo and a guest who knows how to keep it running. Dr. Paul Budzik joins us on the eve of his retirement after 51 years in dentistry to share a refreshingly honest blueprint for building with joy: protect inspiration, shed obligation, and stop treating your stash like a to‑do list. If finishing every kit has become a guilt trip, this conversation offers the reset you need. We dig into how small workflow ...

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Ever feel your hobby start to feel like homework? We hit episode 150 with a full tank of mojo and a guest who knows how to keep it running. Dr. Paul Budzik joins us on the eve of his retirement after 51 years in dentistry to share a refreshingly honest blueprint for building with joy: protect inspiration, shed obligation, and stop treating your stash like a to‑do list. If finishing every kit has become a guilt trip, this conversation offers the reset you need. We dig into how small workflow ...

Show more...

Episodes (20/215)

Plastic Model Mojo

Retirement, Inspiration, And Finding Joy In The Build: Episode 150

Ever feel your hobby start to feel like homework? We hit episode 150 with a full tank of mojo and a guest who knows how to keep it running. Dr. Paul Budzik joins us on the eve of his retirement after 51 years in dentistry to share a refreshingly honest blueprint for building with joy: protect inspiration, shed obligation, and stop treating your stash like a to‑do list. If finishing every kit has become a guilt trip, this conversation offers the reset you need. We dig into how small workflow ...

1 week ago

2 hours 13 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

Two Double Barrels Of Plastic: November Model Show Spotlight

Ready to turn November into a nationwide model show tour? We line up four standout events—ModelZona in Phoenix, the Cleveland Model Show, Charlotte’s Region 12 contest, and Middle Tennessee’s ModelCon in Murfreesboro—and dig into the details that actually affect your day: judging style, registration windows, vendor-room depth, food, parking, and how fast awards wrap so you’re not stuck in your chair at dusk. We start in Phoenix with ModelZona’s clean one-room layout near Sky Harbor, a clear ...

2 weeks ago

1 hour 6 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

More Modeling Goodness With The Inch High Guy: Episode 149

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 vend...

3 weeks ago

1 hour 45 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

PMM Twelve Minute Modelsphere: October 2025

A packed Louisville hall with 408 models, a day spent talking shop with listeners and friends, and the kind of low-pressure reconnect that sends you home eager to finish something you’ve been putting off. Momentum keeps building as we look ahead to Cincinnati on October 18—a favorite for its friendly atmosphere, great location, and reliably good weather. We share why shows matter even if you don’t enter, how they recalibrate your eye, and how a simple ritual (hello, German dinner) makes the ...

1 month ago

11 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

A Simpler Bare Metal Finish and Pencil Weathering with Chris Wallace:Episode 148

What does it take to create a convincing bare metal finish without tearing your hair out? How can simple pencils transform your weathering game? And is it even possible to complete a quality model in just 48 hours? In this episode, we're joined by Chris Wallace of Model Airplane Maker fame to tackle some of modeling's most intriguing challenges. Chris shares his surprising success using Vallejo metallics for bare metal finishes—a method that proves both bulletproof against masking and remark...

1 month ago

1 hour 44 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

From Aviation Academies to Museum Hangars: October Model Show Spotlight

October brings two exceptional modeling events to the Midwest that showcase the unique character and community spirit that make scale modeling such a rewarding hobby. First up on October 4th, the West Michigan IPMS presents their Great Lakes Challenge at the West Michigan Aviation Academy. What makes this venue extraordinary is its connection to aviation education – hosted at a STEM-focused public school where students actively participate in both organizing the event and building models the...

1 month ago

37 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

Holy Bubbles Dr. Strangebrush! What's Wrong With My Airbrush?: Episode 147

Ever wondered what's causing those mysterious bubbles in your airbrush paint cup? In this episode, Dr. Strangebrush returns to solve the airbrush mysteries that plague scale modelers everywhere. Drawing from decades of experience, he walks us through common issues with surprising solutions – from the simple fix for bubbling paint cups to the proper technique for applying dry and wet coats. The doctor's paint crisis hotline is open as he addresses listener questions that reflect the frustrati...

1 month ago

2 hours 1 minute

Plastic Model Mojo

PMM Twelve Minute Modelsphere: September 2025

The Plastic Model Modo Twelve Minute Modelsphere is brought to you by KitMasx! Summer flew by in a flash, and we're reflecting on our recent trip to the IPMS National Convention in Hampton, Virginia. We're eager to hear your experiences if you attended – especially first-timers! Looking ahead, mark your calendars for September 27th when we'll be at the Military Modelers Club of Louisville show in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. We'll have a table right next to Jeff Groves, so stop by to chat! The ...

2 months ago

14 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

From Pennsylvania to Oregon: A Coast-to-Coast Tour of September Model Shows

Scale modeling contests are evolving beyond just competition, as demonstrated by two fascinating September shows highlighted in our latest episode. From Pennsylvania to Oregon, we explore how clubs are reimagining the traditional model contest format to build stronger communities and create more engaging experiences. The Shenango Valley Area Scale Modelers in Pennsylvania will celebrate their 40th annual show on September 20th, continuing their successful implementation of the gold-silver-br...

2 months ago

38 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

Hampton Havoc: Reflections on 2025 IPMS National Convention

Fresh from the whirlwind that was the IPMS National Convention in Hampton, Virginia, we're bursting with stories, impressions, and a renewed passion for scale modeling. What draws thousands of modelers to this annual pilgrimage? Beyond the spectacular contest entries and vendor treasures, it's the profound sense of community that keeps us counting down the days until next year. The vendor floor transformed into what can only be described as the world's largest traveling hobby shop. Squadron'...

2 months ago

1 hour 49 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

Floods, Crashes, and Models Unscathed: Bruce McRae's Epic Journey

A journey that could only be described as a country song come to life. Professional modeler Bruce McRae returns to share his unbelievable cross-country expedition to four scale modeling competitions – a trip marked by disasters that would have sent most people packing for home. What began as an ambitious nine-week journey across America turned catastrophic when Bruce and his wife woke to find their campsite in Louisiana rapidly flooding in the early morning darkness. With water rising ...

3 months ago

1 hour 32 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

PMM Twelve Minute Modelsphere: August 2025

The excitement is building as we prepare for the IPMS Nationals in Hampton, Virginia! This much-anticipated event represents what we lovingly call "the best four days of the year" in the modeling world. After months without attending a contest (Mike hasn't been to one since Heritage Con in March), we're absolutely thrilled to reconnect with fellow modelers, showcase our work, and soak in the incredible talent on display. We'll be set up at a vendor table throughout the convention where we ho...

3 months ago

10 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

Just Build It: A Double Spotlight on Liang Models and Upcoming Huntsville Show

An unexpected journey from Hong Kong to Texas formed the backbone of Adam Coleman's story as he recounts how discovering airbrush stencils abroad eventually led him to become the North American distributor for Liang Models. What began with worn-out stencils and an email inquiry transformed into a passionate business venture connecting Chinese manufacturing innovation with the American modeling community. Coleman walks us through the fascinating evolution of Liang, founded in 2019 by architec...

3 months ago

58 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

Shop Talk with Bob Bair: Episode 144

For modelers who've ever stood in front of the aftermarket display with credit card in hand knowing they should walk away but simply can't, this episode is your support group. We welcome Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair to the third chair, and immediately dive into his current Tamiya P-38 build—a project that's gradually transformed from a straightforward kit into a showcase of just about every aftermarket part available. The conversation takes a sharp turn into the evolving world of online model...

3 months ago

1 hour 37 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

The Japan Journey: Episode 143, Harvey Low, Shizuoka Show, Hobby Shops, and Modeling Culture

Scale modeling in Japan exists in an entirely different dimension—where subway stations host free model building events, highway rest stops sell Tamiya kits, and every other child seems to know their way around plastic cement. On this episode, we're joined by acclaimed modeler Harvey Low, who recently returned from an extended trip to Japan where he experienced the famous Shizuoka Hobby Show, Tokyo's legendary hobby shops, and the unique modeling culture that permeates Japanese society. Harv...

4 months ago

1 hour 58 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

PMM Twelve Minute Modelsphere: July 2025

Tired of the frustration that comes with masking canopies? You're not alone. This episode kicks off with an introduction to Kit Masx, a company born from the simple truth that "manually masking canopies sucks." Founded by Kevin and Janelle, this modeling business now offers over 400 precision-cut mask sets, with Kevin personally testing each one multiple times to ensure perfect fits. The best part? If you reach out, you're talking directly to the owners—real modelers who understand your chall...

4 months ago

11 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

Scaling Up: Squadron's Growth and Exclusive Convention Kits

From logistics nightmares to groundbreaking special editions, Brandon Lowe takes us behind the scenes of Squadron's evolution into a new era for model enthusiasts. After logging countless miles between trade shows and completing their tenth move in twenty years, Squadron has finally settled into their Chattanooga headquarters, transforming their operation and expanding their customer offerings. The relocation story reveals why shipping logistics became the primary driver behind Squadron's mo...

4 months ago

42 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

Shop Talk with Mike and Kentucky Dave: Episode 142

What truly makes this hobby special? Is it the kits, the techniques, or something deeper? Today we explore how the human connections in scale modeling often become more meaningful than the models themselves. Kentucky Dave shares touching stories about celebrating a fellow modeler's retirement and another's first home purchase—reminders that our "model sphere" extends far beyond the workbench. We dive into a thought-provoking discussion about modeling legacies after helping liquidate a deceas...

4 months ago

1 hour 39 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

PMM Twelve Minute Modelsphere: June 2025

Summer has officially arrived in the modeling world, and with it comes a fresh update from the Plastic Model Mojo team. This month's 12-Minute Model Sphere takes listeners through the bustling halls of Wonderfest, now bigger than ever before. Cars packed every available space around the convention hotel as record numbers of modelers and enthusiasts gathered to celebrate their craft. The model room was nothing short of spectacular, featuring creations that Kentucky Dave describes as "stopping...

5 months ago

11 minutes

Plastic Model Mojo

Moson Show and Shop Talk with PanzerMeister36, : PMM Episode 141

What would your ideal modeling workspace look like? It's the question that haunts modelers everywhere as we struggle with overflowing stashes, cluttered benches, and the constant shuffle of moving one project to make room for another. In this episode, we welcome back Panzermeister36 (Evan McCallum) to explore the challenges of creating and maintaining an organized modeling environment. Evan kicks things off with a fascinating firsthand account of his recent trip to the Moson Show in Hungary,...

5 months ago

1 hour 53 minutes