MGPC EP 130 IPMS USA Best Jr. Eli Van Helvoirt, and an interview with Austin Frields

Welcome to Episode 131 of The Modelgeeks Podcast! After a small bit of banter, we share what is on our bench and what we have picked up lately.  We then cover Mail Call (keep the cards & letters coming folks!).  Don’t forget Listener Spotlight.  For our Patreon Giveaway, courtesy of LionHeart Hobby we have the Ryefield Models 1/48 MiG 21MF Fishbed.Our main topic is “Seafires, Part 1”.  El Prez again opens up his references and leads a modeler’s discussion of the Naval Spitfire or Seafire.  This part covers the Merlin engined Seafires.  If you’d like to follow along with his notes you can download them here.We would like to thank all our listeners out there for the continued support you have given the show. We hope to see you out and about as we hit the show circuit. If you happen to see us at a show come on over and say hello, we may even put you in front of the mic!If you can't make it to the shows then you can still interact with us through social media, Facebook, Instagram, and of course email at:[email protected] Also remember to surf over to the Geeks homepage at https://modelgeekspodcast.com.  Take a look at the Listener Gallery, and if you’d like to see your work there, send us your photos to [email protected].  File size and quantity is not an issue for us, but may be an issue for your email provider.  Feel free to send us a link to a sharing service if you use one, but please ensure the link expires at least 7 days after you send it.  We need a few days to get them published.  Make sure you check out our group / community on Facebook:The ModelGeeks Model Shack  Get on there and feel free to share your work! We want to see what’s on your bench. We also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have them. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products.Please visit our Sponsors and see what new items they have:Furball Aero-Design Detail & Scale Tamiya USA Bases By Bill SprueBrothers Hypersonic Models LionHeart Hobby Matters of Scale Kotare Models Squadron CAVU PublicationsG-FactorWe are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we’ll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys!  Please check them all out at https://modelpodcasts.com.  It’s a consortium website created by Stuart Clark of the Scale Model Podcast. Blogs:The Kit Box Sprue Pie with Frets Matters of ScaleModel Airplane Maker Inch High GuyScale Model ProjectsSupport the show via Patreon.Support the show via PayPal.Support the showModel Geeks Podcast

Welcome to Episode 130 of The Modelgeeks Podcast!  In this episode, we’ll kick things off with what’s happening in our Model World, to include our guest host, Eli Van Helvoirt who will be joining us behind the mic for this recording. Eli recently attended the 2026 IPMS USA Nationals in Fort Wayne Indiana and took home the award for Best Junior! Eli will discuss his experiences at this, his third Nationals, what he likes to build, and what inspires him. The Juniors categories were well attended this year and the work on their tables could run head-to-head on the adult side of the room!  Also joining us for an interview session is Mr. Austin Frields. Austin runs a YouTube channel, “Sprues With Spoons”, and has some ambitious ideas on bringing more of the hobby into all media. Check out his channel with a special report from Fort Wayne and the Nats. From the Modelgeeks Podcast web page we take a look at the Listener Gallery and the fine work that has caught our eye. Mentioned in the Episode: Sprues With Spoons  Share your work with us and the rest of the scale modeling community through our web page, or through our Facebook community page. We love seeing other people’s work. Who knows who you may inspire through your latest masterpiece!Modelgeeks web page: Modelgeeks Podcast Facebook community:  The ModelGeeks Model Shack …and of course you can email us at:  [email protected] We also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have their support. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products. Sponsors:Furball Aero-DesignTamiya USADetail & ScaleLionHeart HobbyBases By BillHypersonic ModelsMatters Of ScaleKotare ModelsSquadronCAVU PublicationsG-Factor Sprue Brothers Models If you're a wicked ModelGeek go check out the following links!IPMS USA Events PageAMPSButch O'Hare Modeling ClubThe Interesting Modeling Company   We are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we’ll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys!  Please check them all out at Scale Model Podcasts.  Blogs, Channels, Etc:The Kit BoxSprue Pie with FretsModel Airplane MakerSprues With Spoons   Support the showSupport the showModel Geeks Podcast

What’s Crack-a-Lack’n Modelgeeks! Welcome to a special IPMS USA Nationals Day 4 and final wrap up show! In this special episode, Frilldo sits down with the one and only Brandon Lowe of Squadron. Frilldo and Brandon discus the Nats, and talk about how the new Squadron company came to be.  Brando also talks about their upcoming model show in Chattanooga TN ModelCon and Eagle Quest, 2-4 April 2027. Be sure to check out their website for the gouge! www.model-con.com.  The Geeks tired as they may give their final thoughts on a successful 2026 IPMS USA National Convention and wrap up of the Nats. the geeks are off to pack up and get ready for the awards show, and look for the geeks to return to their regular rotation soon, so get to the bench and build something! Out from the Geeks, Later! You can still interact with us through social media, Facebook, Instagram, and email:  [email protected] sure to check out our website: www.modelgeekspodcast.com.  Make sure you check out our new group / community on Facebook, The ModelGeeks Model ShackNats 2027 web site: https://ipmsnationals.orgFacebook: ipmsusanationalsWe also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have their support. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products.Sponsors:Detail and ScaleFurball Aero-DesignTamiya USASprueBrothersBases by BillLionHeart HobbyHypersonic ModelsMatters of ScaleKotare Models Also, if you're interested in the model shows, click the link below!IPMS USA Events PageWe are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we’ll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys!  Please check them all out at Scale Model Podcasts.Blogs:The Kit BoxSprue Pie with FretsModel Airplane MakerSupport the showModel Geeks PodcastSupport the showModel Geeks PodcastSupport the showModel Geeks Podcast

What’s Crack-a-Lack’n Modelgeeks! Welcome to a special IPMS USA Nationals Day 3 wrap up show! In this special episode, Frilldo and El Presidente sit down with Wojciech Bulhak from Arma Hobby and get the latest and greatest from Arma Hobby VFR direct! Wojciech gives the geeks some great info about Arma Hobby and their kits as well as a pre-production sample of their new Curtis Hawk kit that Frilldo is going to build and him and El Presidente will give a honest review of their new kit.  After the interview with Arma Hobby,  the Geeks give a wrap up of the Nats. They talk about what new stuff they got and what models stood out to them on the tables in the contest room.  From all accounts this is a record breaking Nats as there were over 3,000 models on the tables! The vendor room is packed and there are some great deals to be had. Until the next Nats installment, get to the bench and build something! Out from the Geeks, Later! You can still interact with us through social media, Facebook, Instagram, and email:  [email protected] sure to check out our website: www.modelgeekspodcast.com.  Make sure you check out our new group / community on Facebook, The ModelGeeks Model ShackNats 2027 web site: https://ipmsnationals.orgFacebook: ipmsusanationalsWe also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have their support. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products.Sponsors:Detail and ScaleFurball Aero-DesignTamiya USASprueBrothersBases by BillLionHeart HobbyHypersonic ModelsMatters of ScaleKotare Models Also, if you're interested in the model shows, click the link below!IPMS USA Events PageWe are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we’ll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys!  Please check them all out at Scale Model Podcasts.Blogs:The Kit BoxSprue Pie with FretsModel Airplane MakerSupport the showModel Geeks PodcastSupport the showModel Geeks Podcast

What’s Crack-a-Lack’n Modelgeeks! Welcome to a special IPMS USA Nationals Day 2 wrap up show!  In this special episode, after some technical difficulties, Frilldo and El Presidente sit down with Tom Clark, the Vice Chair for the 2027 IPMS USA Nationals in Huntsville Alabama. Tom gives a quick update of where they are in the process and tells the listeners what the special categories are and what the awards are going to look like.  After the interview with Tom, the Geeks give a wrap up of the Nats. They talk about what new stuff they got and what models stood out to them on the tables in the contest room.  Out from the Geeks, Later! You can still interact with us through social media, Facebook, Instagram, and email:  [email protected] sure to check out our website: www.modelgeekspodcast.com.  Make sure you check out our new group / community on Facebook, The ModelGeeks Model ShackNats 2027 web site: https://ipmsnationals.orgFacebook: ipmsusanationalsWe also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have their support. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products.Sponsors:Detail and ScaleFurball Aero-DesignTamiya USASprueBrothersBases by BillLionHeart HobbyHypersonic ModelsMatters of ScaleKotare Models Also, if you're interested in the model shows, click the link below!IPMS USA Events Page We are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we’ll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys!  Please check them all out at Scale Model Podcasts.Blogs:The Kit Box Sprue Pie with Frets Model Airplane MakerSupport the showModel Geeks Podcast

Greetings my fellow ModelGeeks, and welcome to the MGPC Episode 129!  Nemo hosts this episode, with a full house including D-RAN!!!  Welcome back again Darrin!!!  We chat about the latest and greatest in everyone's model world and get caught up with what's happening in the hobby.  The mail bag was full again with over 15 emails, which is awesome!  We really appreciate the emails and love hearing from you all.  Also, thanks again for the listener gallery submissions.  Please keep the emails and gallery pics coming and we can't wait to see your work, discuss them on the podcast, and present them on our website.For the main topic, we talk about Accuracy and Judging.  Should it play a part in the judging process?? Maybe... maybe not.   Organizations like AMPS have accuracy as part of their judging criteria whereas IPMS does not.   We give our thoughts and opinions on what we believe and dive into the details.  It's a great topic and we hope you all give it a listen.Please feel free to interact with us through social media, Facebook, Instagram, and email:  [email protected] sure to check out our website: www.modelgeekspodcast.com.Make sure you check out our new group / community on Facebook, The ModelGeeks Model ShackWe also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have their support. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products.Detail and ScaleFurball Aero-DesignTamiya USABases by BillLionHeart HobbyHypersonic ModelsMatters of ScaleKotare ModelsSquadron Also, if you're interested in the model shows, click the link below!IPMS USA Events PageWe are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we’ll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys!  Please check them all out at Scale Model Podcasts.Blogs:The Kit BoxSprue Pie with FretsModel Airplane Maker Well, that's it for this episode.  Thanks again for all your support and we hope to see you all this year.  Just remember, be excellent to each other, and get out there and build something!  Take care everyone, out from the Geeks!Support the showModel Geeks PodcastSupport the showModel Geeks Podcast

Welcome to Episode 128 of The Modelgeeks Podcast! After a small bit of banter, we share what is on our bench and what we have picked up lately.  We then cover Mail Call (keep the cards & letters coming folks!).  Don’t forget Listener Spotlight.  For our Patreon Giveaway, courtesy of LionHeart Hobby we have the Eduard 1/48 PBY-5A Catalina.Our main topic is “Spitfires, Part 1b”.  El Prez opened up his references and leads a modeler’s discussion of the Spitfire Mk V and VI.  If you’d like to follow along with his notes you can download them here.We would like to thank all our listeners out there for the continued support you have given the show. We hope to see you out and about as we hit the show circuit. If you happen to see us at a show come on over and say hello, we may even put you in front of the mic!If you can't make it to the shows then you can still interact with us through social media, Facebook, Instagram, and of course email at:[email protected] Also remember to surf over to the Geeks homepage at https://modelgeekspodcast.com.  Take a look at the Listener Gallery, and if you’d like to see your work there, send us your photos to [email protected].  File size and quantity is not an issue for us, but may be an issue for your email provider.  Feel free to send us a link to a sharing service if you use one, but please ensure the link expires at least 7 days after you send it.  We need a few days to get them published.  Make sure you check out our group / community on Facebook:The ModelGeeks Model ShackGet on there and feel free to share your work! We want to see what’s on your bench. We also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have them. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products.Please visit our Sponsors and see what new items they have:Furball Aero-DesignDetail & ScaleTamiya USABases By BillHypersonic ModelsLionHeart HobbyMatters of ScaleKotare ModelsSquadronWe are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we’ll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys!  Please check them all out at https://modelpodcasts.com.  It’s a consortium website created by Stuart Clark of the Scale Model Podcast.Blogs we like:The Kit Box Sprue Pie with Frets Matters of ScaleModel Airplane Maker Inch High GuyScale Model ProjectsSupport the show via Patreon.Support the show via PayPal.Support the showModel Geeks Podcast

Welcome to Episode 127 of The Modelgeeks Podcast!   In this episode, by suggestion from listener Brian Klimek, The Geeks are talking “Wish Lists”.  Manufacturers put them out all the time, we’ve all likely added our wants to one at some point and often kit makers have responded. Have any of your own “wish list” inputs ever been put to sprue?We dive further into the Mail Bag with one particular email from a young modeler out of Canada who keeps plenty busy with life and manages to get in some bench time when he can, as well as hearing from long time listeners and friends. From the Modelgeeks Podcast web page we take a look at the Listener Gallery and the fine work that has caught our eye....and of course we fire up the Gonk-U-Lator  to see who amongst our Patreon supporters is the big winner!  Support the show, and get your name into the Gonk-U-Lator  to win cool prizes!!!With summer in full swing, we hope everyone is enjoying time with family and friends, staying safe…and getting those final details in place for you Nats entries! Mentioned in the Episode:IPMS USA National Convention T V (Tuomas' You Tube Channel)  Share your work with us and the rest of the scale modeling community through our web page, or through our Facebook community page. We love seeing other people’s work. Who knows who you may inspire through your latest masterpiece!Modelgeeks web page: Modelgeeks Podcast Facebook community: The ModelGeeks Model Shack …and of course you can email us at: [email protected] We also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have their support. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products. Sponsors:Furball Aero-DesignTamiya USADetail & ScaleLionHeart HobbyBases By BillHypersonic ModelsMatters Of ScaleKotare ModelsSquadron  If you're a wicked ModelGeek go check out the following links!IPMS USA Events PageAMPSButch O'Hare Modeling ClubThe Interesting Modeling Company We are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we’ll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys!  Please check them all out at Scale Model Podcasts. Blogs:The Kit BoxSprue Pie with FretsModel Airplane Maker Support the show, and get your name into the Gonk-U-Lator  to win cool prizes!!!Support the showModel Geeks Podcast

What’s Crack-a-Lack’n Modelgeeks! Welcome to Episode 126 of The Modelgeeks Podcast!  In this episode, the Modelgeeks give the usual run down on what's going on in their respective model worlds.  Nemo shares with the listeners that he will be featured on an upcoming MH-53E release from Furball-Aero design!  He also talks about the Red Pill 1/32 F-4B that finally landed in Southern Maryland.  May be the only one in Maryland! The Geeks run through the listener email and give a little insight to the LCS program (hint: it is funny!) The listeners share that the Spitfire episode by El Presidentè was a “cracker” of an episode! (see what we did there) lol.  We received a ton of pics focused on your finished builds and uploaded them to the Modelgeeks website.  Keep ‘em coming!  Nemo also gives a tip on how to successfully apply 1Man Army masks and how to produce excellent results. The topic for the Episode is “Are you a Builder or Collector?"   The geeks ask the question and give their thoughts on what they think and what it means to be either one.  The geeks give some pretty good explanations on which side of the coin you fall on and to keep it fun, no fence riding and you have to pick one or the other. The Pro Geek for the Episode and the winner of the Hypersonic Models NF-104A conversion is: Jay Howard!  The Beginner Geek for the episode, and the recipient of a Detail and Scale title of your choice is: Jared Jamieson!Congratulations to our lucky winners and if you want to have a chance at the drawing, check out Pateron and sign up at either the Pro Geek or the Beginner Geek level to be eligible!You can interact with us through social media, Facebook, Instagram, and email:  [email protected] Be sure to check out our website: www.modelgeekspodcast.com.Make sure you check out our  community on Facebook, The ModelGeeks Model ShackWe also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have their support. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products.Sponsors:Detail and ScaleFurball Aero-DesignTamiya USABases by BillLionHeart HobbyHypersonic ModelsMatters of ScaleKotare ModelsSquadron Also, if you're interested in the model shows, click the link below!IPMS USA Events Page We are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we’ll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys!  Please check them all out at Scale Model Podcasts.Blogs:The Kit Box Sprue Pie with Frets Model Airplane MakerWe can’t thank our listeners and sponsors enough, thank you guys!  Be sure to keep the emails and gallery pics coming!  Now get to the bench and build something!  Take care everyone, out from the Geeks, Later! Support the showModel Geeks Podcast

Greetings my fellow ModelGeeks, and welcome to the MGPC Episode 125!  Nemo hosts this episode, with a full house.  We chat about the latest and greatest in everyone's model world and get caught up with what's happening in the hobby.  The mail bag was full again with over 10 emails, which is awesome!  We really appreciate the emails and love hearing from you all.  Also, thanks again for the listener gallery submissions.  Please keep the emails and gallery pics coming and we can't wait to see your work, discuss them on the podcast, and present them on our website.For the main topic, we talk about how our "Modeling Lens" has evolved and changed.  As youngsters building models, we all built as much as we could and didn't pay attention to accuracy, properly thinned paint, PSI, or weathering, etc.. we just built, and loved every minute of it.   Compare that with how we view modeling almost 40 years later, and there are some significant changes in how we view the hobby.  It's a great topic and we hope you all give it a listen.Please feel free to interact with us through social media, Facebook, Instagram, and email:  [email protected] sure to check out our website: www.modelgeekspodcast.com.Make sure you check out our new group / community on Facebook, The ModelGeeks Model ShackWe also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have their support. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products.Detail and ScaleFurball Aero-DesignTamiya USABases by BillLionHeart HobbyHypersonic ModelsMatters of ScaleKotare ModelsSquadron Also, if you're interested in the model shows, click the link below!IPMS USA Events PageWe are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we’ll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys!  Please check them all out at Scale Model Podcasts.Blogs:The Kit BoxSprue Pie with FretsModel Airplane Maker Well, that's it for this episode.  Thanks again for all your support and we hope to see you all this year.  Just remember, be excellent to each other, and get out there and build something!  Take care everyone, out from the Geeks!Support the showModel Geeks PodcastSupport the showModel Geeks Podcast