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Welcome to my modeling sight! I have been building model kits for better than 10 years now. I do it because it's relaxing and fun. In a world where everyone's in such a rush, it's a welcomed change to be able to sit down, and calmly paint and assemble a model kit. My main interest, in models, are models of aircraft that were used during the second world war. I find that period of time fascinating, as it changed human-kind's wings from canvas to steel, and from the massive vibrating propeller engines, to screaming jet engines. Aside from this, the variety and sheer number of available kits keep my imagination burning, and looking for new and interesting kits to purchase and assemble.
I am a novice scratch builder, and hold my scratch built interior of Revells 1/72nd scale Avro Lancaster, Airfix's 1/72nd scale Handley Page Halifax, and most recently, Italeri's 1/72 scale He-111 H-6 highest among my accomplishments.
In the last three years I have sought online sources for new and sometimes rare kits, and information on the real life aircraft that these models depict. Among the many questionable shops and business places found on the web, I have found a select few that stick out as important, and good sources of info for other aircraft/model enthusiasts. Model Brand Websights.
Airfix.
One of the most common brands among my collection. Their kits are usually quite accurate, and go together fairly well, but leave something to be desired at times with detail.
AMT/ERTL.
AMT/ERTL is not a very common brand among my model kits, but I've done a few in my time. They are quite accurate, have good detail, and tend to go together well.
DML/Dragon.
This is one of my favorite brands when it comes to their Golden Wings series. I have several kits of theirs, and enjoyed building each one. They are intricately detailed, very accurate, and go together well.
Eduard.
I've heard rave reviews about Eduard model kits, but as of yet have not had the pleasure to buy or assemble one. Maybe some day...
Italeri.
What has to be my favorite brand, is without a doubt Italeri. They are very accurate, very detailed, but sometimes can be a real nuisance to assemble. (Watch out for their He-111H-6's fuselage/wing joints..glue them on separate..trust me it will be easier to make the wing a little wider than to fill that gap left by the thin wing!)
Modelcraft.
This small model company carries some hard to find models. I have not dealt with them YET, but am planning a future transaction with them.
Revell-Monogram.
If you're into models, you've heard of Revell and Monogram, no explanation beyond this being their official home page needed...
Tamiya.
A famous name among "professional" model builders...their kits can be a bit spendy, but are of the best quality. I've never personally built one of their kits, but from what I've heard they are exceptionally good.
Testors.
I'm not exactly sure if this is merely an extention of Italeri or if they are two separate companies, just with contracts to distribute the others models under their own label. They carry many of the same kits as Italeri, and are of the same quality, detail, and fit.
Online Hobby Shops.
Aviation USK Mail Order.
I've never personally dealt with this company, but I hear they are quite reliable.
Colpar Hobbies (Aurora, Colorado).
A great online contact if you are looking for commonly available kits, and even some not so common.
Squadron Mail Order.
The famed "Hobby shop in your' mail box". I've never dealt with, but they are huge, and very reliable.
Marco Polo Import Home Page.
Many of my father's original collection were imported by Marco Polo Imports, when they served our local hobby shop, Hobby Hut.
International Hobby Supply.
A huge selection of kits and decals, I've never dealt with, but they sound as though they've been on the market for a while.
Hobbyweb.
I've heard good things and bad things about this company. They fill out your' orders, but don't expect to make any special shipping arrangements. The best feature of their page though is a free Classified Ad section! I've met several great contacts on this sight...
Greatmodels Webstore (West Jordan, Utah).
This business is great! I found a PZL P.37 Los kit from ZTS Plastyk through these people after searching for it for months and months. Check them out!
Hobbystuff.
I've never done business with this online hobby store, but they have a great reputation on Ebay for being reliable, and courtious.
Hobby Hut (Moorhead, Minnesota).
This is my local hobby shop. I've been getting hobby supplies from Mark Erdmann ever since I was 8 years old. Check him out, and give him some online business!
OMNI Hobby & Games (Fargo, North Dakota).
The OTHER hobby store in the area. They don't have a very good selection on hand, but are willing to order just about anything. (Same is true of Hobby Hut.) Don't expect their teenage help to REALLY be much help though...
Other Pages of the Subject.
Hyperscale Online Magazine for Scale Modelers.
Hyperscale Online Magazine has some great reviews of newly released kits, a Buy, Swap, and Sell Classified Ad section..(There's some really sweet deals presented in there all the time!), some links, and yet still some great reference information.
Fine Scale Modeler Magazine's Home Page.
This is the official home page of the Modeler's Magazine, Fine Scale Modeler. The page looks pretty sharp, and has some good reviews of kits everyone is raving about. It also has classified services, but this one costs you money. Refer to Hyperscale or Hobbyweb.
The Parts Yard.
Jean-Marc is a long time friend and contact of mine. His service is unique in that if he's got spares that you need he will send it too you for FREE, with only requesting repayment of the shipping charges! He also has a HUGE assortment of models available, and although they are a little on the expensive side, he's got some sought after items available.
Luft '46.
This is an interesting sight run by an enthusiast of the late war German Experimental aircraft. He's got lots of useful information on almost every experimental aircraft they had at the time, and is also a great source of information on model kits. Check it out!
Aviation Links List
Military Aircraft Database.
An awesome sight for aircraft modelers everywhere! Ever saw that funky looking french bomber with the square nose and don't really know from what era it is, so you don't buy it? Well, check out this sight, it's got all sorts of information on ALL military aircraft used both in the past and currently, it's a regular stop for me!
Polish Aviation Pages.
A great sight for the WW2 Polish Aircraft model builders. This sight has plenty of good looking pictures that provide details that the few resource books out there just can't. Take a look!
Confederate Air Force Homepage.
The official home page to the wizards that are keeping WW2 warbirds alive in todays society. Take a look at their sight and see what all they really have now, and while your' at it check to see when the next air show they will be hosting will be in your' area!
Luftwaffe Resource Page.
Probably the greatest source for images of the 3rd Reich's Luftwaffe, I've been visiting this sight for ages, and it proves to be even greater each time!
Watson's World War II Aircraft Museum.
I just found this sight a little while back, but it has already proved itself worth it's weight in gold! There are pictures of several VERY rare aircraft here on this page, check it out!
The Story of My Most Wanted Kits
Sometimes in the hobby of model building you have trouble finding certain models that you feel your' collection would be incomplete without, so I have decided that I will create a section here called Sir Tenzan's Most Wanted, to list those that I am always searching for.
There are times when you get a really lucky day, and you find some of your' most sought after kits, here are a few such success stories before the actual list!
PZL P.37 "Los" FOUND!
Great Models Webstore Presents: The ZTS Plastyk PZL P.37 "Los".
mk014 1/72 scale $6.18.
Order Information: Go to Great Models Webstore.
Focke-Wulf FW-200 Condor (Bomber Variant) FOUND!
The Parts Yard Presents: The Revell Focke-Wulf FW-200 Condor
1/72 scale $18.00
Condor found thanks to: The Parts Yard.
Focke-Wulf Fw-189 "Uhu" (Owl) (German Recon Plane.) FOUND!
Eric Lakie Presents: The Antiquated MPC Fw-189 "Uhu"!
1/72 scale acquired through a model trade!
Fw-189 Found Thanks to: Eric Lakie.
Savoia Marchetti SM-79 FOUND!
Great Models Webstore Presents: The Airfix Savoia Marchetti SM-79.
af4007 1/72 scale $10.03.
Order Information: Go to Great Models Webstore.
Fairey Battle FOUND!
Eric Lakie Presents: The Antiquated Airfix Fairey Battle!
1/72 scale $7.00.
Fairey Battle Found Thanks to: Eric Lakie.
B-32 "Dominator" FOUND!
Steve Palmer Presents: The Coveted Contrail B-32 "Dominator"!
1/72 scale $27.50.
B-32 "Dominator" Found Thanks to: .
And Now....
Sir Tenzan's Most Wanted
No 1 Most Wanted
Petlyakov Pe-8/TB-7
Last Known Producer in 1/72 scale, Interavia Vacs.
No 2 Most Wanted
Piaggio P.108 (Heavy Italian Bomber)
Last Known Producer in 1/72 scale, Airmodel Vacuforms.
No 3 Most Wanted
Farman Fa.222
Last Known Producer in 1/72 scale, Replica.
No 4 Most Wanted
Mitsubishi Ki-21 "Sally"
Last Known Producer in 1/72 scale, Revell.
No 5 Most Wanted
Liore et Olivier LeO 20 (20, 25, 122, 203-208)
Last Known Producer in 1/72 scale, Unknown.
No 6 Most Wanted
Petlyakov Pe-3
Last Known Producer in 1/72 scale, Zlinek.
No 7 Most Wanted
Swiss Farmer Werke C.3603
Last Known Producer in 1/72 scale, Unknown.
No 8 Most Wanted
Koolhoven FK.58
Last Known Producer in 1/72 scale, Unknown.
No 9 Most Wanted
Avro Manchester
Last Known Producer in 1/72 scale, Unknown.
No 10 Most Wanted
JU-86E w/Hungarian Markings
Last Known Producer in 1/72 scale, Testors.
If you happen to have one of these kits, and don't want it, or you know where one could be acquired, E-MAIL ME!!
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