Swanny's Models

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Who am I:

I am 40+-year-old Industrial Engineer/Manager responsible for the development and implementation of chemical coating-removal systems aimed primarily at the automotive, medical and military industries. I am married with three children, two cats and live in Sandusky Ohio, the Roller Coaster Capitol of the World.

What this site is about:

       I remember the first model that I built. My father gave me a Revell submarine kit for my birthday in 1969. I clearly recall the two of us sitting at the dining room table with one of those orange tubes of Testors cement putting that thing together. It was an excellent bathtub toy for many years. Prior to that my older brother had entertained my sister and myself with aerial operas involving a 1/48 scale Monogram SBD Dauntless and a Monogram Corsair - I still have those two planes, dusty and worn but laden with memories that can never be replaced.
       Many times while shopping e-bay I've wondered what a particular kit consisted of or how good the detail of casting was or even if a particular kit had raised or recessed panel lines but could not answer these questions until I actually opened the box. While surfing various forums I would see common questions asked many times by modelers just beginning the polystyrene adventure, looking for clues to decaling, weathering and detailing. This site is dedicated to answering some of those questions. While I do not consider myself to be an exceptionally skilled modeler, I have picked up a few tricks over the last thirty years of modeling and will share them with you. Included here are full build reviews, in box kit reviews, construction tips and gallery photos of kits I have built. Most of these are 1/48th scale World War 2 aircraft. Also included here are a variety of links to on-line modeling forums, review sites, internet hobby shops, aviation art sites and real aircraft reference sites.

       This site is a work in progress. I hope that you find it as enjoyable as I have.

       Last updated 7/1/2009.

Contact Information:
Questions or comments about this page and the material covered here can be sent to Webmaster@SwannysModels.com

And now, for the good stuff,

The adventure continues at Swanny’s Models. This time around we take a look at working with a vacuform conversion kit. This video takes the modeler through all the steps of learning how to work with vacuform model parts, resin and photo etched parts are revisited and the process of achieving a realistic natural metal finish utilizing lacquer based paints is covered in addition to some other goodies. Here you can purchase your copy of Advanced Modeling Skills; Vacuform Conversions & NMF.
7/1/09

In 2008 Paramount Pictures released director Jon Favreau’s first Iron Man movie starring Robert Downey Jr. in the lead role. As with any successful science fiction movie it does not take long before the memorabilia industry starts producing items for the fan base. For your consideration from Moebius is the 1/8 scale Iron Man Powered Armor Mk. III.
06/12/09 Construction completed 6/27/09

Design work began in 1924 on what was to be one of the largest luxury aircraft of the century and also one of the largest failures in aviation engineering. Claudius Dornier did not want to risk the success of this project with unproven 'modern' technology and this is exactly what caused its ultimate failure. With three decks of opulent luxury and twelve engines driving it this aircraft was indeed a sight to behold. Its outdated design and lack of weight control robbed it of its power and range. Take a look at the 1/144 scale Matchbox offering of the Dornier Do-X.
10/16/05 Construction completed 5/26/2009

It’s raining out so it must be time to do a model show. It never seems to fail that it rains during the IPMS Toledo/Fremont Kit Bashers Model Show and vendors gathering at Owens College just South of Toledo Ohio. One thing is certain though, these guys can build some great looking models. The event took place May 16, 2009 and as always, is something every modeler in North Central Ohio should make the time to attend. Come along and take a look at what these guys are offering up for your pleasure at the IPMS Toledo/Fremont Kit Bashers Spring 2009 Show.
5/20/09

At first glance it looks like a B-17, just like all the rest flying over Europe in formation but as an enemy fighter moves in for the kill it suddenly becomes clear that this is no normal B-17, this is a meat grinder. In 1942 Boeing converted 20 B-17Fs into long range escort fighters with bomb bays filled to capacity with ammunition and extra armor plate on the fuselage. While a good idea on paper this never moved past the service test phase however I feel compelled to build a 1/48 Boeing YB-40 Escort Fighter.
03/24/09 Construction update 5/19/09

Parasite aircraft is a concept that has intrigued most countries at least once in the past. Most forays into the application of linking and unlinking aircraft in mid-air never leave the drawing board. The most comprehensive of these projects happened in 1930's Russia, under the direction of Vladimir Vakhmistrov designated 'Zveno'. Mike Glinski is here to take us through the construction of this esoteric subject using a combination of 1/72 ICM kits, the Zveno 7. 6/8/08 Construction Update 6/15/2009