Completion of the P-51 Mustang Project!

After many moons of on-off working on the P-51 Mustang project, it has been completed. While I had a few frustrating moments, and the latter stages took longer to complete than I thought, I am pretty pleased with how it turned out. Below is a brief write up of the kit, lessons learned and some photos.

Read all of Completion of the P-51 Mustang Project!

Stock Take Clearance Sale

We will be carrying out a full stock take at the end of March so we thought we would give you the opportunity to bag a bargain before we count the stock.


In addition, for the month of March, loyalty points at The Model Catalogue will be worth TWICE AS MUCH when they are redeemed for gift vouchers. In other words if you already have points, March is the time to spend them, but if you don't have points on your account, March is the time to earn them and turn them into a voucher.

For a reminder of how our loyalty points system works, click here.

And don't forget, this offer will only be running for the 31 days of March, so check if there is anything you need before someone else buys it and it goes out of stock!

"We would rather sell them, than count them"


Glass Bottle and Screw Top Lid and Pipette is a true revelation...

Glass Bottle and Screw Top Lid with Integrated PippetteI know we have recently posted an article about this product, which we recently added to the site, however I really couldn't help shouting from the rooftop what a brilliant addition this simple bottle is to my workbench. I have been painting most of today and I have used it constantly! If I am holding a model while detail painting it is so nice just to reach across the bench and grab a bottle and unscrew the dropper / lid with one hand, take it out of the bottle and drop just the right amount of thinner onto my palette to thin the paint. It has been a real timesaver and because I can screw the lid on again with one hand it means knocking it over won't cause a drama! If you want to try one out just click on the image.


Revell P-51 Mustang project nearing completion!

I have had a relatively PC-free weekend and I have taken full advantage of it by virtually completing the P-51 Mustang project, which I started many moons ago. I thought I would post the latest pics. I still have to finish off a few bits and bobs, such as the decals, but I am broadly happy with the outcome. A more detailed project report will be forthcoming in due course - warts and all! I have certainly learnt a fair amount from this project and that will be an opportunity for another post shortly!

Revell P-51 Mustang

Revell P-51 Mustang


Plastic kit skill level is now fully searchable!

Good news for our customers that need to search by skill level! We have just upgraded the database and product search facility to include searching by skill level. If you go to the Search page you will now find an option to search by Skill Level.

For example, let's say your 10 year old nephew has told you he would like a Spitfire kit for his birthday, and because you know he has only just started modelling, he will need a kit which will be fairly easy to build. What you need to do is type "Spitfire Easy" in the "With all of the words" textbox. See the screen shot image below for guidance. Then click the search button. This will bring up all the products with "Spitfire" in the Product Name field and "Easy" in the Skill Level field.



The Skill Level feature of many kits has also been included in the product listing page (see screen shot below) ...

... and the detail page (see second screen shot below) ...

So it is now also much easier to simply browse through the catalogue and visually identify the complexity of a kit before you buy it.

We have had a lot of requests for this feature recently and I am really happy that we have been able to make the change. It will make kit selection according to personal skill level, or the skill level of someone you might be buying for, much easier.


New Airfix 2010 Catalogue

We have just received in a delivery of the New Airfix 2010 Catalogue. It is full of new and exciting models and features. It's also a wonderful point of reference and reasonably priced at £4.29. Click here.
Airfix 2010 catalogue

We do however still have some of the 2008 (Click here)   and 2009 (Click here) Airfix Catalogues. Again, these are full of interesting models and you could pass many a happy hour or two browsing through them. There is also the point that in the future they would become somewhat collectors items so maybe they should be put away for posterity. We have discounted the price for the 2008 and 2009 catalogues to £1.99 each giving you a saving of £2.30 which only makes them more attractive.


New Product: a bottle with a difference!

Glass Bottle and Screw Top Lid with Integrated Pippette 100 ml (tmc00021)

Glass Bottle and Screw Top Lid with Integrated Pippette 100 ml (tmc00021)

This bottle is an excellent addition to anyone's workbench, being of suitable size at 100 ml, made of glass and with an absolutely watertight plastic and rubber lid. It is primarily intended for use as a convenient thinner solution dropper, but it can also be used for storing pre-mixed, pre-diluted paints particularly if destined for airbrushing.

One of the things about plastic kit painting that often niggles me is the need to add very small quantities of diluting solution to paint on a palette, particularly when a blend I have created dries too quickly or when I just need a tiny bit extra colour and don't want to blend a whole new batch of the colour again. All one needs in such situations is a few drops of thinners to get the paint moving around again!

This bottle screw top lid with an integrated pipette is my solution. I fill it 9/10s with my favorite paint thinners and whenever I need an emergency addition of thinner I simply unscrew it and drop just the right amount of thinner onto the paint, which I then mix in with a brush.

One of the great advantages is that the thinners stays pure and clean as only the pipette is used to dispense the thinner. My old method of dipping a paintbrush into a bottle of thinners obviously pollutes all the liquid with the paint, which quickly becomes too dirty.

While the amount of liquid that can be stored in the pipette is quite modest (and ideal for dropping small amounts of liquid), the size of the bottle at 100 ml means it is also a very useful storage vessel for pre-mixed paint blends (to desired colour or viscosity), especially if using an airbrush. Simply use the pipette to quickly replenish an airbrush reservoir in the middle of spraying.


Want to know how to save on your kit modelling costs?

Question 1: Do you own or edit a kit modelling related web site?
Question 2: Do you contribute to online modelling community discussions?
Question 3: Do you recommend kits, accessories and paints to fellow modellers?
Question 4: Do you publish a modelling related blog?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above, you may be extremely interested in the rest of this article. Here is why...

Anyone who has registered with us as a customer has the option of upgrading it to an affiliate account by following a very simple process taking no more than a couple of minutes.

There is hardly anything to do to set yourself up; it literally takes a few clicks and the completion of one brief form to upgrade your existing account into an affiliate account. Once this is done all you need to do to is place some relevant links in some well-chosen locations on blogs and discussion groups.

When a visitor clicks on the links you created they will be directed to a page at The Model Catalogue where they will may find something that they wish to purchase. If they end up buying something, we will reward you.

Read all of Want to know how to save on your kit modelling costs?

1/48 tamiya p-47 thunderbolt razorback





This model was built by Artur Karpinski using products and materials purchased from The Model Catalogue.


First batch of Happy Customers for 2010 ...

This is my first blog entry for 2010. Things have been very hectic at The Model Catalogue lately and consequently I have not been as up-to-date as I should be with things. We have again received so many kind comments from customers, which we thank you for, and I have listed some of them below. It is always very encouraging to hear that customers are happy with the service they are given, so please feel free to contact us as any time with your views, comments and suggestions.


"I'd just like to say, your site is the cheapest I have found by a quite a distance, and also the most well equipped in terms of a broad range of tools. On a personal level I cannot fault your customer service either, second to none. So, you have a new, loyal, customer here. Thank you for providing us with such a great service."
Danny

"just a quick note to say thank you for the speedy delivery of my goods and to say thank you very much for the free gifts you gave me with each order much appreciated"
David W

"Hi Tom,
The order arrived intact and very quickly. I have found your service to be very good each time I have ordered from you. I really don't think there is any more that you can do to improve further. Many thanks for such service."
Tim S

"The item was received promptly and in perfect condition. Thanks! I'm glad that I remembered about the included sweet just before disposing of the packaging!"
David A

"The model arrived promptly and now graces our mantlepiece. Thank you. great service."
Howard M

"Just a brief note in gratitude for your very prompt attention to the above order, which was received in London this morning. Very impressive!
From now on you are my first stop for modelling requirements. Thankyou very much."
Michael G

"Dear Tom,
It all arrived in mint condition. My son is appropriately pleased which is good.
Best regards"
Mike

"Yes I did receive my order. Delivered very quickly thank you. I am impressed with your service and will be happy to buy from you again."
Mike C

"Hi Tom,
Couldn't be happier with your excellent service - all arrived safe and sound. Hope all there have a safe New Year and look forward to future dealings with you.
Best wishes."
Marcus

"The goods arrived safely thank you (now ive got to put it together !!!) cheers"
Chris R

"Excellent service from order to rapid delivery. Many thanks"
G Williamson

"Hi Tom
Thank you for the courtesy email, just to let you know I received my order very promptly and I was impressed with your service and would definitely recommend you. My husband was very pleased with the model kit so thank you very much.
Kind regards"
Lisa C

"Tom,
Many thanks for your email. We received our order the day after we placed it and it was exactly what we were after. No where had the model in stock, you came to our rescue!"
Justin

"Tom
Can confirm goods on order No 957 received ok. Very pleased with your service. Need more bits after Christmas so will be in touch.
Kind regards"
Ian B

"Excellent service. Model ordered delivered promptly and exactly as ordered."
K. Goldsworthy

"Received my paint and primer this morning all well packed and safely delivered. A++ again"
Kevin M


A superb build result for a customer who bought a Spitfire kit from us...

Spitfire KitWe don't often get pictures from customer's kit builds but it is great when we do. Late last year we received an email from a very happy modeller, and it is easy to see why. Below is an extract of the email Sotiris sent us and the photo of a beautifully made Spitfire too.

"The order was received very promptly and provided a lot of enjoyment during the build. See pic of the finished Spit :)"


A big thank you to our Happy Customers ...

We just wanted to say a big Thank You to all our customers and especially for all the wonderful positive feedback that we receive. It makes such a difference to know that we are getting things right for you and we appreciate the time you take to let us know. Well, here we go with the latest batch.

"Dear all
Order received perfectly, and with the Chupa Chup thrown in :-)
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you.
Best Regards"
Shah

"Hi Tom,
I can confirm the my order arrived promptly and in good condition. However my original order for the Boeing 737-800 Air Berlin by Revell (04202) (as per invoice you attached) had to be amended as this model was out of stock and is also no longer available. A quick exchange of email enabled me to substitute another model, and the goods were received very promptly after that. I attach the email thread as excellent example of service.
Many thanks"
Chris

"Hi
Thankyou for your promt delivery, will certainly use your site again
Regards"
Graham

"Hi Faith,
Just wanted to say thanks - for the quick delivery, and also for the extra free kit; amazing customer service! I've told my sister about your site as I know her son wants some more AirFix for Christmas.
Thanks once again,"
Edward.

"Thank you for a very quick response in delivery the items and for the little touch with the lollie pop"



Happy Posting at Christmas ...

Well Christmas is nearly here but there is still time to place your order with delivery before Christmas. The Royal Mail last recommended posting dates are as follows:-

1st Class – Monday 21st December

Standard Parcels – Tuesday 15th December

Special Delivery – Wednesday 23rd December

We deal with all your orders with great speed in the hope that they reach you on time.


Airfix Mossie 1:24 Update

There have been some rumours circulating the forums that this is going to be delayed until 2010 as well, however I have heard nothing from my contact at Hornby. In fact I would venture to suggest that the builds currently being undertaken by a luck y selected few would suggest that it is indeed on schedule... Check out the article below. Make sure you get a tissue first to catch the drool drips!
http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=39092


More Happy Customers ...

I have received so many emails recently from customers complimenting us on our service and competitive prices that I felt the need to add another blog entry. We are very grateful for the feedback received as it shows us that hopefully we are getting things right for you all. For any new customers who are perhaps browsing our site, I hope that the feedback will encourage you to order from us and for our existing loyal customer’s, thank you very much for your continued support.

Well, here goes with the latest batch of ‘Happy Customers’.

“In reply to your mail re order 837, yes did receive it very quick for which I was most grateful. This model seems to be scarce to find so I was delighted to find you had one and therefore I send many thanks to you also I will check your site for any model kits I need in future.
Best regards”
Len C

“received promptly and in good order. Kids scoffed the sweeties before i realised they were there.....
Cheers and Kind Regards”
Tony S

“Hello Tom.
Thank you for the feedback email. Yes, the order did arrive (far sooner than I expected) in perfect condition. I will not hesitate to use your website again, Many thanks for an extremely smooth transaction.”
James.

“Tom, Thanks you for the email. I am pleased to confirm that the order was received fully intact in a timely fashion and my boys are enjoying making and playing with the models.”
Angus

“Tom, very pleased with the service - very fast delivery and the products were sold at a very competitive price, will have no hesitation in using your site again,
Regards”
Dave

“What a very nice touch to get an email asking how the order was. Very happy is probably the most suitable expression. Great price, absolutely no hesitation to say that you are more than capable to deliver the goods.
Cheers and thanks, , , , , I’ll be back”
Peter H

“Hi Faith,
The parcel arrived safely today. Thanks for your excellent service.
Kind regards”
Chris D

“Dear Tom
The order was received promptly, and everything was ok. Have already added your shop to my favorites list.
Regards”
R. Taylor

“Hi i received your e-mail about my order i placed on the 4th order no 801 i received the order the next day everything was in 1st class condition. Many thanks would order again.”
Mrs. B. Adams


Reduce, Reuse, Recycle ...

We are all being told these days to recycle as many things as possible. I personally have made many changes to my life to incorporate recycling as much as possible. At The Model Catalogue we also like to do our bit and some of you may have noticed that recently your orders have been delivered in boxes that have previously been used for hairdressing/beauty supplies. The reason for this is that I now have a contact at a business just round the corner from us who supply to the hair and beauty industry, and once a week I pay them a visit to collect the boxes that they would normally throw away. It is a win-win situation as they are able to dispose of their boxes and we are able to reuse them.

I also have had a few friends move recently and they have very kindly saved the packaging paper that removal companies use and again we have found a good use for these in packaging our items for dispatch.


Airfix News

Airfix LogoI have just received news from Airfix that their supplier problems are going to impact on a number of planned 2009 releases. Their release dates have been put back to 2010. Below is a list I have been provided with. Note that the 1:24 Mossie doesn't appear on the list! Phew...!

A01039    Bell P-39Q Airacobra
A01073    Grumman Widgeon / Gosling
A01080    Bristol Fighter
A02002    Supermarine  Walrus MkII
A02013    Ilyushin Sturmovik
A02031    Curtiss SB2C Helldiver
A02096    Hurricane MkIIc
A02337    WWI "Female" Tank      (New Part Tooling required)
A02708    Afrika Korps
A03014    Blohm & Voss Bv141
A03034    Petlyakov Pe2
A03053    Focke Wulf Fw189
A04048    Westland Sea King HAS.5 / AEW.2
A04049    Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer S2B / S2-C-D S Mk50
A14201    HMS Illustrious (New Tooling)
A50059    HMS Illustrious Gift Set
A50060    Battle Front


Lots of new Revell kits now in stock

Revell LogoWe have done a massive catch up of Revell stock over the last few days so keep an eye out for the new products in the store. I will be publishing a list of all the new items in a few days but in the meantime you might want to have a look before I do because we had so many kits to get in that we only got one or two of each. Most importantly they are all at the extended sale price. I very much doubt you'll get them cheaper elsewhere. This sale is going to end very shortly so if you want to get recently released kits at great prices check now before the prices go up again. Then of course there is the issue of VAT going back up again... Hurry hurry!! Click on the Revell Logo....


New stock coming in ...

I have been receiving a lot of communication lately from customers enquiring about new stock coming in. I have to say that we are currently running quite low on stock as we have had such a huge increase in sales lately that stock levels have fallen lower than ever before.
 
Well the wait for new stock is nearly over. We have just placed some very large orders for new and exciting models which we hope to have delivered and live on the site by the end of November.

I realise that the Christmas rush is in full swing at the moment but I just wanted to put your minds at rest regarding delivery in time for Christmas. We deal with all our orders with great speed and we would not want to disappoint anybody with a late delivery.

So please keep an eye on our website for the new models and we hope that there will be something there to meet your requirements.


Replacement for SC Johnson's (Future) Klear ... an update

SC Johnsons Pledge KlearJust a quick update to yesterday's post about Johnson's Klear. I was doing a bit more sniffing around and saw that Johnson's had brought out the replacement for Klear earlier this year. It is called Pledge Klear and it is sold in Waitrose and online at www.ocado.com (among other places presumably). I bought a bottle today and tested it out on a clear piece of plastic. It seems to have the same properties as the original product although they have added a strong perfume scent so it doesn't half "pen & ink". It is also a biege milky colour as opposed to the virtually clear original product, although it doesn't seem to have an impact on the finished effect.

In fact there is a discussion chain at Britmodeller.com that I somehow didn't pick up on which confirms at least one view that it seems to work fine.