Texas decided January should belong to scale modelers, and we’re not arguing. We map out two can’t‑miss events—Model Fiesta in New Braunfels and Winter Blitz in College Station—so you can plan builds, book time, and show up ready. From streamlined online registration to judging formats that respect your effort and schedule, this is a practical guide wrapped in pure hobby energy.

We start with Model Fiesta on January 3, hosted by the Alamo Chapter, where clear rules, posted scoring sheets, and an open gold‑silver‑bronze system set a fair stage. Display‑only builders get real love too, with sponsor‑selected special awards that include a Cold War theme, People’s Choice, aerospace, vehicles, sci‑fi, and more. The vendor hall is nearly full—about 140 tables—so expect plenty of aftermarket, kits, and tools, plus a handy location with food nearby. The website makes everything simple: download forms, pay online, and walk in ready.

ModelFiesta

Then we head to Winter Blitz on January 24 at the Museum of the American GI, a venue where restored Shermans and half‑tracks share space with your entries. It’s armor‑centric, fast, and focused: doors at nine, judging by noon, medals on the table, and a short ceremony spotlighting 16 Best Of categories and the sponsors who make it happen. This year’s theme celebrates military support vehicles, and the Tank of the Year target is the 38T in any variant—bring your Hetzer or Marder and go for it. New categories—Brown water Navy, Landing Craft, Helicopters, a P‑47 challenge, and MaschinenKrieger—open the door for more builders without diluting the armor vibe. There’s a Friday soft open for early drop‑off and a group dinner at Tad’s Louisiana Cooking to turn logistics into community.

We also talk Hall of Fame honors for past Best of Show winners, vendors, and a weather policy that keeps the show on unless ice shuts the roads. If you’ve been looking for a reason to finish that support truck, dust off a 38T, or finally paint a P‑47, January in Texas is your cue.

WinterBlitz 2026

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Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth
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Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.

A surprising theme ran through the last part of our year: when modelers stop chasing perfect and start building what they truly love, everything clicks. Your letters proved it. We heard from builders paring down stashes, organizing tools, and finally tackling “someday” subjects with less guilt and more momentum. That energy shaped our own workbenches too—methodical planning, smarter jigs, and reliable materials turned tricky steps into repeatable wins. Think KV-85 intake screens built with a custom jig, CA used with intention, Mr. Surfacer and thinner cleaning up seams before weathering could ruin them, and decals that go down right the first time.

We also talk practical stash strategy. New kits will always tempt us, so here’s what works: trade up when the upgrade arrives, and keep a short list of builds you can actually start. We’ve locked in a tight plan for 2026: an early jet like the Meteor F.1, a buddy build of the HE 162, a quirky Panzerwerfer 42 on the Maultier, and a focused approach to finishing what’s already close. Along the way we share community hacks you’ll use tomorrow—holographic craft vinyl for prismatic optics, ultra-thin PLA paper alternatives, and the magic of a simple paint inventory app that removes friction at decision time.

We wrestle with do-overs too. When is it worth rebuilding a past project, and when should the lesson travel to a new subject? The answer depends on joy. If a vignette still speaks to you, rebuild it with better kits and skills. If not, apply the learning forward and keep moving. That mindset powered our favorite listener stories this year, from club exhibition formats to seeing a dusty stash kit reborn by a friend. It’s the community at its best—sharing tips, swapping kits, and cheering each other to the finish line.

If you’re in a dark time, start small. Fifteen minutes on oil weathering, a single jigged subassembly, a quick decal session with a brand you trust. Momentum beats perfection every time. Subscribe, share with a modeling friend, and leave a review to help others find the show. Then tell us: what’s the first kit you’re starting in 2026?


Tamiya PLA Paper - Super thin styrene sheet material

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Bump Riffs Graciously Provided by Ed Baroth
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Mike and Kentucky Dave thank each and everyone of you for participating on this journey with us.

Show sponsor KitMasx has big news—they solved their US shipping headache so hobbyists can actually get the product they want. To sweeten the return, there’s a December-only Mojo30 code for 30% off. Please support Kevin and Janelle at KitMasx.

From there we zoom out to a trade stories from the Murfreesboro show, celebrate friends old and new, and tentatively circle Chattanooga in January, weather willing. The plan for December is intentionally lighter but richer: a shop-talk year in review with practical takeaways, followed by a visit from our friend Paul Gloster, fresh from travels and sunny Australian skies while we shovel through winter.

The real engine is community. The dojo just crossed 5,500 members, with deeper engagement around first-time subjects, bare metal finishes, helicopters, and kit-specific tips that save hours at the bench. We’re asking for raw WIP all month—cut styrene, taped canopies, test fits, problem-solving notes—because shared progress beats polished perfection every time. If you’ve been stuck, this is your nudge: grab a mask set, line up the frames, and get paint down while the motivation’s hot.

Tap the Mojo30 discount at kitmask.com, post your work-in-progress in the dojo, and help a fellow modeler finish strong. If this conversation sparks ideas, follow the show, share it with a club mate, and drop a quick review—your support helps more builders find their way back to the bench.

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.