The Military Miniatures Society of Illinois hosted their 40th annual figure and model show in Chicago on October 10th and 11th.  As always, it was a fabulous show with famed exhibitors from around the world, including Mike Blank from Sweden, Steve Malila from Malta, Adrian Bay from the U.K., and Bill Horan from California.  Canada was proudly represented by a small, but impressive group of modelers, each winning at least one medal for their work. This group includes, John Maher, Alex McCutcheon, Colin Fraser, Paul Kernan, John Cairns, Tom Karnas, Paul Burgess, and yours truly, Dave Browne for the above Tiger.

This was my 31st show and I would say that this was by far the most impressive and inspiring show to date with over 600 exhibits on display. As the hobby evolves, we are seeing an increase in the fantasy arena which continues to draw the younger demographic, adding vitality and energy to the hobby.

One of the attractions for many attending this show is the judging style called the “OPEN SYSTEM” established by Shep Paine and Peter Twist, the founders of the Chicago MMSI show.  The open system of judging allows for each exhibit to be judged on its own merit, which means that a point system is used for each model, thus there is no limit to the number of gold, silver or bronze medals awarded in a category.
Theoretically, all exhibits could earn a gold medal if 11-12 points are achieved; 9-10 points earn a silver medal, and 7-8 points earn a bronze medal. Thus, no one model wins at the expense of another. The same open system of judging has been adopted in similar forms by AMPS, OMSS and others around the world, including World Expo. This style of judging truly encourages excellence and camaraderie amongst exhibitors leading to a positive experience for all.

Plan now for MMSI 2015! It is scheduled for October 24-25th, which is the week before the annual Ajax Model Show. Imagine, two great shows, in two consecutive weekends!

Gallery showcasing both these panzers.

As many of you know Shep Paine was a friend and mentor to many in the Hornet Hobbies community. The last book that he was working on before his passing last year has reached the shelves and Shep Paine's Armor Modelers Guide is a treat. The format is a truly worthy way to celebrate Shep's legacy. The instructional sections are followed by chapters showcasing the work and detailed how-to process of the master modellers that Shep taught and inspired.

The first of these showcase chapters (and the cover model) is by one of our local friends, John Maher, and his stunning Tiger I. Hornet Hobbies is truly excited to have John's Tiger on display in the store. Come in for a look and bask in its glory.

While you are here also take a peek at the Tamiya Panther G Late Version that Dave recently completed. The Panther took a gold medal at the IPMS Livonia 2016 Can/Am Modelling Challenge in Michigan. Southern Ontario modellers had a strong presence at this show and we came away with many awards.

Thank you for celebrating our 15th Anniversary with us recently. We now invite you to explore AK Interactive's new lines of paints that have arrived at Hornet Hobbies.

AK has renewed, rebranded and created a "new generation" of acrylic paints for their impressive line of products. There is a focus on historical accuracy and helping modellers build their paint collection by packaging small "all in one" paint kits for specific subjects like vehicle paint and camouflage schemes or national uniforms. Among the new paint formulations is their Real Colors line of acrylic lacquers that attempts to take historical accuracy to a new level thanks to an extensive research campaign.

AK is also appealing to specific types of modellers by creating new paint formulations for almost every aspect of the hobby. Paints with more pigment, formulated for handbrushing by figure painters and wargamers. Ready to spray matte paints for armour enthusiasts or satin finish paints for naval modellers, AK wants to serve your particular needs. Check out or dedicated page with details these new lines of paint.

The Winter 2016-17 Box to the Battlefield has wrapped up, and the Spring 2017 BTTB, where we will paint and weather the Tamiya Panzer III, Ausf.L, is about to start. It is almost sold out so please call 416-755-4878 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register. We will have a waiting list.

Winter 2016-17 BTTB, where we worked on the Tamiya Panther Ausf. G late version, was one of our most successful seminars ever. We had the highest number of participants work on and bring their tanks to class. Pretty much everyone is working on their Panthers and some are even close to being finished. We will meet again in March, before Heritagecon 11 model show for any touch ups and final advice from Dave. Above and below you can see some of the in-progress shots from the seminar.

Video Tutorials!

Thanks to the hard work of Robert (Barbakan and IPMS Toronto, and his YouTube Channel) we have a great series of 8 video tutorials showing all the steps and techniques that Dave taught during the seminar. Check them out and enjoy your hobby time!

New Galleries

Note: This Box to Battlefield is sold out.
The next session will begin in February of 2017, when the subject will be a Tamiya Panzer III. Sign up for the waiting list.

Dave Browne will be holding his Box to Battlefield Seminar series again so sign up as soon as you can. In 6 sessions over 12 weeks you will paint and weather your kit to completion. The first session is Sunday, November 6 at 9:00am. Come by to register and pick up your kit because you will need to bring your assembled and glued kit to the first session. Get gluing and don't put it off for the last moment. ;)

This Box to Battlefield is sponsored by Tamiya and we will be working on the Panther Type G Late Version kit.

Price $165 (includes the kit)
Date and Time: Every second Sunday morning, 9am-11:30am beginning on November 6
Limited to 10 spots
Please call 416-755-4878 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register

List of all seminar dates:
Sunday, November 6, 9:00am-11:30am
Sunday, November 20, 9:00am-11:30am
Sunday, December 4, 9:00am-11:30am
Sunday, December 18, 9:00am-11:30am
Sunday, January 8, 9:00am-11:30am
Sunday, January 22, 9:00am-11:30am

Aluminum barrels, metal tracks and other items for customization will be available separately. If you need something to glue your kit, Tamiya has a new Extra Thin Cement that has one of the quickest setting times available.

New Galleries

Hornet Hobbies is putting up a series of galleries to share the work of our friends on display in the store. These galleries feature models finished and weathered by Hornet Hobbies' customers and friends. We hope that you draw some inspiration and motivation from these works of art, and above all enjoy them. Please come by in person if you want a closer look. We are fortunate to have works on display from prominent modellers like Mike Rinaldi.

We will be posting new galleries every couple of weeks and we know you will see that our local modellers hold their own with the industry giants. We strongly believe that the talent pool is growing in Southern Ontario because our modelling community keeps learning and sharing their skills with each other.

A great big thank you goes to Joe Behar for taking these fantastic photographs.

Please check out the first gallery, which showcases five impressive Tamiya 1/35 scale kits.

Fall Happenings: Shows and Clinics

There is a slight chill in the air, and the days are getting shorter which means that the fall model show season is upon us! It is time to dust off your modeling tools and that unfinished project, and get it ready to enter in one of these fabulous and friendly fall shows. Or, if you are seeking some inspiration to take your art to the next level, plan to attend and simply feast your eyes on the incredible wealth of talent and creativity amongst your peers.

Model Show Schedule Fall 2014

AJAX Scale Model Contest 34
Saturday October 25 2014    J.Clarke Richardson Collegiate, 1355 Harwood Ave N., Ajax ON

Upcoming Clinics at Hornet Hobbies

Flightline Clinic 2014: Build a Spitfire with Tony Bell
Dates: Every other Thursday starting October 16 from 7:30 – 9:30pm (Sold out)
Cost: $130.00, includes Airfix Supermarine SpitfireMk.Vb model kit

Airbrushing Clinics with Sandy McRorie
Date: Sunday October 19th
- Morning Session 10:30 – 12 noon (Sold out)
- Afternoon Session 1:30 – 3:00
Cost: $15.00

Stocking Stuffer Tools
A Train for Under the Tree
New Airfix Planes
Mig Jimenez' Ammo Encyclopedia

Happy Holidays! Please double check our modified Holiday store hours.

Star Wars at Hornet Hobbies

Big news for a big kit! The 1/72 Revell Fine Molds Millennium Falcon (85-5093) is going on a huge sale: from $410.98 to $289.98. Get it before it escapes the docking bay!

We are also excited that the Revell Republic Star Destroyer (85-6458) has just arrived in our store. Any day now we expect the AT-ACT (85-1636) to be delivered.

A Train for Under the Tree

Every Christmas Tree deserves a train making the circuit underneath. Maybe there is a special someone who should get their first set this year? The Bachmann Harvest Express HO Train Set is a fantastic starter or a great addition to your collection. This CN Rail Canadian subject is sure to be a hit driving across the Praire of any home.

Stocking Stuffer Tools

Are you looking for a small gift for the modelers you know? We have lots of tools that will fit any stocking. Two great examples are the Meng Model's Basic Hobby Tool Kit comes in a great soft traveling case with side cutters, a hobby knife (incl. 12 spare blades), a flat file and tweezers, and the JLC Razor Saw is something every modeler will use.

New Airfix Planes

Two new Airfix model kits will be landing any day. The 1/48 Junkers Ju87 B-1 Stuka (A07114) and 1/48 Curtiss P-40B Warhawk (A05130) promise to be excellent kits with exacting detail.

Mig Jimenez' Ammo Encyclopedia

Don't miss the last installment of the Aircraft series: Encyclopedia Of Aircraft Modelling Techniques Vol.5: Final Steps!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

We are very excited to be carrying Kinetic model kits. This Hong Kong company is well known for delivering highly detailed modern military aircraft kits. Many of their new releases have just arrived at our door. Make sure you check out the Su-33 Flanker D in 1:48 scale, which has been creating quite the buzz.

Tamiya Valentine Has Arrived
Jagdpanzer IV Harmonizing Colours Tutorial

Michael Rinaldi Seminars in May, 2017

We are is excited to announce that Michael Rinaldi is coming back to Hornet Hobbies to conduct seminars on the art of finishing models on May 5-8th. Mike is a master modeler, and author of the renowned TankArt and Single Model series of how-to guide books that focus on creating in-scale realism. Mike will be demonstrating various weathering techniques in several seminars at Hornet Hobbies on Friday and Sunday, as well as two group demos at the Torcan Show, Saturday May 6th.

For full details check out the seminar event page.

Please call 416-755-4878 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register.

Tamiya Valentine Has Arrived

The excellent, new Tamiya Valentine tank kit, that so pleasantly surprised Dave (see the video), is in the store. It was a popular pre-order item, and we have a few still available, so come in to grab one before they're gone.

Jagdpanzer IV Harmonizing Colours Tutorial

Dave Browne, with the help of Robert of Barbakan products, has put out a new Modeling Tips tutorial video on harmonizing colour schemes. Check it out here!

You may have also seen that Dave and Robert completed the video tutorial series for the Panther G Late Version from the previous Box to the Battlefield. See all 11 videos here!

Modelcollect and Mission Model Paints

There are two new product lines at Hornet Hobbies that you should check out: Mission Model Paints and a new kit manufacturer from China, Modelcollect.

Mission Model Paints are new to the market and promise to be revolutionary by delivering a non-toxic, odor free paint made from higher grade materials at a comparative, if not equivalent price. Learn more here.

Modelcollect is a Chinese manufacturer founded in 2012. We recently had a chance to order a significant selection of their growing 1/72 scale catalogue. Their kits are a mix of modern and WWII armour. They have tried to stand out by releasing paper panzer and missile launching vehicles that only existed on the drawing boards. The kits are detailed and most, if not all, come with decals, photo etch and metal barrels (when appropriate).

Michael Rinaldi Video Tutorials

Michael Rinaldi visited Toronto and gave us three days of seminars at Hornet Hobbies and at the Torcan show. On the fourth day Mike sat down in front of (Barbakan) Robert's camera and recorded several excellent video tutorials. See them here!

While you're there don't miss the new videos on the Tutorial page, especially the series with Dave Forest!

Check out the video and informative image galleries from the recent seminar Adam Wilder taught at Hornet Hobbies.

Armour Clinic - Camouflage & Weathering the Chieftain

Then mark your calendar, because on January 10, 2016, our own Dave Browne will be demonstrating camouflage application and weathering techniques on the Tamiya 1/35 British Chieftain Mk.5. Get the details here, and remember that seating is limited.

Hornet Hobbies is delighted to bring two world renowned modelling masters to our community in Toronto.

March 12-13

Friday March 11 from 7-9pm. Meet Fernando Ruiz and watch a free 2 hour painting demo!

Thanks to the efforts of the Southwestern Ontario Figure Club, Hornet Hobbies will be hosting Fernando Ruiz, world authority on figure painting and manufacturer of FER miniatures. This weekend of brush painting instruction will be an eye opening and extremely entertaining experience. There are only two spots left so register right away.

March 18-19

Thursday March 17 from 6-8pm. Casual meet and greet with Mig Jimenez.

Then, only a week later, we will be hosting Mig Jimenez, the world famous, award winning modeller and designer of the Ammo by Mig line of modelling products and books. He will join us on Saturday, March 19th for a two hour seminar. Regrettably the seminar is full (there is a waiting list), but please join us on Thursday, March 17 from 6-8pm for a chance to meet Mig in the store.

Pre-order deadline is Sunday, Sept. 11th. These kits will be arriving in store the last week of September.

Hornet Hobbies is very excited by Takom's three upcoming 1/35 scale King Tiger kits. These are brand new molds and all of them come with a fully detailed interior.

To pre-order please call (416) 755-4878 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

All three kit versions come with:

• Individual track links
• Full interior
• Clear parts
• Photo-etch
• Decals depicting 2 combat units
• Hatches can be built open or closed
• Armor is molded in scale thickness

The first kit is No.2045: Sd.Kfz.182 King Tiger Henschel Turret w/Zimmerit

The second kit is No.2046: Sd.Kfz.182 King Tiger Porsche Turret w/Zimmerit

The third kit is No.2047: Sd.Kfz.182 King Tiger Henschel Turret w/Zimmerit with Panzer Abteilung 505 markings and details.

The start of summer has delivered an early bird a few weeks ahead of its expected arrival. The highly anticipated Tamiya 1/32 DeHavilland Mosquito FB Mk. VI will be in Hornet Hobbies at 10:30am on Thursday, June 25th. Don't miss out... If you cannot make it into the store, contact us before they are gone! A few more details about the plane can be found here.

We are also exited by the arrival of three other exceptional WWII airplane kits.

The Revell 1/32 Focke Wulf Fw 190 F-8 - only $41.98

Airfix's NEW 1/48 Hawker Hurricane Mk. 1 - $38.98

Airfix 1/72 Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.I - $15.98

Dave received an early test shot of the Valentine British tank from Tamiya (35352) that is being released in early March. He had no expectations of the kit, but after studying it and putting it together he has come to love it. He enjoyed this "little gem" so much that he decided to shoot a video examining the kit and then weathering the tank model. So following the format of the Panther G tutorial videos shot with the help of Robert of Barbakan and IPMS Toronto, and his YouTube Channel, we present the first Valentine video above.

Since we expect a fair amount of interest in this this kit we are accepting pre-orders. Please call 416-755-4878 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to place your order.

One of our customers, Vlad Adamec, has an article in this month's Tamiya Military Model International (Issue 106, Feb. 2015, pg. 34) about his build of the IBG Models Marmon Herrington Mk.1 South African Reconnaissance Vehicle (kit XS35021).

He has left his model in our display case here in the store. Take the opportunity to drop by and see it in the flesh... or rather, in all it's weathered glory. Then take a look at the TMMI issue to see how he did it. Vlad has two other 1:35 scale models on display at Hornet Hobbies. His T-80U (Xact kit #XS35001) and the Israeli Achzarit APC (Meng kit #SS0-003) are pretty phenomenal.

Here's a sneak peek:

{gallery}galleries/Marmon_Herrington{/gallery}