A good year in modeling doesn’t happen by accident. It grows out of small bench wins, a few brave skill pushes, and the friends who show up at the right time. We wrap 2025 with a clear-eyed look at what worked, what changed, and how to carry that energy into 2026—plus a rich conversation with Australia’s own Paul Gloster on moving his entire modeling life across states without losing momentum. We start with holiday check-ins, realistic bench talk, and the simple joy of a new tool that actually solves a problem. From there, we dig into the skills that moved the needle this year: sharper re-engraving, cleaner canopies, tighter scratchbuilding, and just enough 3D printing to expand what’s possible. Then we head into travel and community. Four days at the IPMS National Convention changes your modeling in ways a two-day show can’t—deeper seminars, patient conversations, and the kind of learning that sticks. It’s where “model friends” become friends, and where you can see a kit built before it lands in your shop. Paul’s segment is a masterclass in keeping mojo alive during a move. He shows how to triage a stash, protect finished builds with foam and tubs, and assemble a small, reachable “twelve-kit shortlist” that keeps you building while the new bench comes together. He catalogs tools by role, keeps a “desert-island” core set handy, and ensures references are within reach so progress doesn’t stall. If you’re searching for how to move built models, how to store unbuilt kits long-term, or how to set up a temporary modeling bench, you’ll leave with a proven plan. We also riff on the kit news that made 2025 pop: Fine Molds’ Zeros and F-104s, Tamiya’s 1/72 F-14, Rye Field’s JS-2, and Arma’s incoming 1/72 Me 262. More than eye candy, these releases give modelers fresh canvases—better engineering, great markings, and subjects that reward both clean builds and heavy weathering. If you’re plotting your own 2026, here’s our take: set one or two honest goals, pick a some that stretch you, and build the bench you want to return to. The rest follows. Enjoy the episode, share it with a modeling friend, and help someone new find their groove. If you had a favorite kit reveal or a skill breakthrough in 2025, tell us about it. And if this resonated, please follow, rate, and leave a short review—it helps more modelers find the show. Model Paint SolutionsYour source for Harder & Steenbeck Airbrushes and David Union Power ToolsSQUADRON Adding to the stash since 1968Model PodcastsPlease check out the other pods in the modelsphere!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Give us your Feedback! Rate the Show! Support the Show! Patreon Buy Me a Beer Paypal Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth Ad Reads Generously Provided by Bob "The Voice of Bob" Bair Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.
