CultTVman's Ramblings

A victim of success

2010-01-23T23:03:00.001-05:00

The CultTVman Ramblings blog page has been a success. Given the ease of use, the ability to cross link and index material, and many other advantages, I'm integrating this blog into the overhaul of the main CultTVman website. You can check it out at http://CultTVman.com/main

And so it goes...

Change is coming again.....

2010-01-13T02:03:00.000-05:00

It's already the middle of January. Atlanta was hit with bitter cold and snow and I'm ready for a little bit of warmth.

We've been busy shipping Vulcan Shuttles in the Hobbyshop. The reissued kit is pretty nice with newly added details, great decals, and magnets to hold the shuttle to the sled. You can do the kit as either a Vulcan style or Federation style shuttle.

The Jupiter 2 kits continue to fly out the door.   This is truly the best kit of 2009, which was an incredible year for genre models with great kits from Moebius, Pegasus and Round 2.

With all the kits coming out, and lots of great aftermarket products, the Hobbyshop has really dominated the activity on the CultTVman websites. It's been hard to keep up with anything else. The main site has especially suffered from lack of material posted. Its not that I don't have the material. I have plenty of stuff to repost and new stuff to add. I just have not had the time to do it.

A few months ago, the main CultTVman.com shut down unexpectedly.   The host told me it was my fault and the site was a major drain and the server could not handle it.   Now this was the old part of the site that had never migrated to the CultTVman site.   It was 2000-3000 pages that had been operating just fine, untouched or unupdated for years.    After a couple days of dealing with morons in the tech support department, I said screw it and moved the site to a new host.   At that time, I didn't really bother to repost those old pages. There was some great stuff there, but I needed to post it properly on the CultTVman2 domain.

As you know, the main site was revamped a couple years ago, using DotNetNuke as a framework. This was the part of the site that was hosted on CultTVman2.com. As a content management system, DNN had a lot of great features to offer, and it allowed me the opportunity to keep the site up to date a lot easier.   Compared to the old NetObjects software, DNN was a big step forward for ease of use and features.    It was now a lot easier to update the site and maintain it as well.   Unfortunately, DNN has a few unanticipated drawbacks.   First, its not that easy to maintain. You need a specialized host and that costs a bit of money.    Second, the software was constantly being updated and each update seemed to introduce incompatibilities and bugs, making upgrading a bit of a chore.   Add to that, the modules that you bought through other vendors also needed constant upgrades. I'm not much of a software or systems engineer, so this was not something I could manage.     About a year ago, I ended up spending a small fortune to upgrade the site to the latest software.   And now I'm at the point where the software was going to need another major upgrade.    Do you see the writing on the wall?

A few months ago, I started playing around with Blogspot as a tool to handle hobby news.   I found it to be a very easy tool to use and very easy to update. And I got a lot of positive feedback about it.   Unfortunately, Blogspot is really just for blogging, but it still got me thinking.

The CultTVman website has been around now for almost 14 years. It started out as a simple two page HTML design using some quick and dirty AOL software.   And we thought it was really really cool.   That simple two page site started something that grew way beyond anything I ever dreamed or intended.   Soon we had a few people getting together for online model chats.   People were sending photos of their models and the site started to grow.   First it outgrew AOL. Then GeoCities where it first became CultTVman.com. Then Simplenet, which was gobbled up by Yahoo.   CultTVman's Ultimate Modeling Guide to the Jupiter 2 was published.    We started a forum and a hobby shop.   The forum has been through at least 4 software platforms and the shop is on it's fifth. Change is inevitable....

So now the question yet again becomes... "what do I do with the main CultTVman website?" Stay tuned....

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T10:50:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Seasons Greetings!

I hope everyone is having a great holiday season.   We'll be opening gifts here on Christmas Eve and Santa will come by leaving more goodies for Christmas Day.   We've got the in-laws visiting and we'll have a nice Christmas dinner on Friday.

We all celebrate different things on Christmas, but I try not to loose track of why we celebrate Christmas and what it is all about.   Without getting too heady, remember the peace, love, giving, charity, blessings, hope, faith, and promise of the seasons.   God bless you all.

I do want to thank everyone in this great hobby for a great 2009.   Our friends at Moebius, Round 2, Revell, Pegasus, Monarch, as well as all great guys in the garage: JTGraphics, Federation, Paragrafix, DLM, VoodooFX, Acreation and many others.    The great publishers: AFM, SF&FM, Kitbuilders, etc.   All my great customers and friends that keep the shop busy. All of you that visit the main site and have contributed in the past.   All of you that come to the chats on weekends, post to the forums, and hang with us at shows like Wonderfest.   I know I am leaving people out, but you are all part of a wonderful community.

I'm also grateful for a wonderful family.   Connie and the kids put up with all this CultTVman nonsense, day after day, year after year.   How many wives out there would let you fill the dining room with Jupiter 2 kits or have stack of packages piled in the living room that towered over the Christmas tree?

2010 is right around the corner and the fun will continue.    There are lots of new, great things coming from the model makers and we'll be here to celebrate the monsters and spaceships we all love.

Happy Christmas folks and all the best to you

Steve

Hobbyshop Update 12/13/09

2009-12-13T23:50:00.002-05:00

December 13: We expect the Jupiter 2 and other kits to be here around Tuesday or Wednesday (Dec 15-16). Once they get here, it will take us at least a week to ship everything. We'll ship as fast as we can, but there are no guarantees they will arrive before Christmas. Due to the large volume of kits we need to send out, expect all orders to be delayed at least a few days through the end of the year.

If you have not paid for your preorder yet, please send your payment promptly. You should have received payment notice and instructions last Sunday.

Coming very soon:

The Jupiter 2 from Moebius Models
The C57D from Polar Lights/Round 2
Eye Gone Wild from Moebius Models
Conan 100 from Moebius Models
Flying Sub Accessory Set from Moebius Models

New in the shop:

War of the Worlds COPPER PLATED Martian War Machine kit from Pegasus Hobbies
War of the Worlds COPPER PLATED Diorama from Pegasus Hobbies
Star Trek Wrath of Khan Phaser from Art Asylum
60's Space Explorers from Python Press
American Beauty vol. 1 from Crowdiddley Productions
Star Trek Diecast Collection from Mattel
Frankenstein Frightning Lightning Glow kit from Moebius Models
Tom Daniel's Street Fighter from Revell

New Preorder items

Galaxy Quest Pre-Finished NSEA Protector from Pegasus Hobbies
Galaxy Quest Pre-Finished ION Nebulizer and VOX Communicator Set from Pegasus Hobbies
Jupiter 2 alternate "Hero" Landing Gear 1:35 scale from Paragrafix
Jupiter 2 Photoetch/Decals set 1:35 scale from Paragrafix
Jupiter 2 Decals for stock interior 1:35 scale from Paragrafix
Jupiter 2 paint masks 1:35 scale from Paragrafix
Lost in Space Robot photoetch/decal set 1:24 scale from Paragrafix

Restocked items:

Apollo 27 from Pegasus Hobbies
Alpha Centauri UFOs from Pegasus Hobbies
Classic 18" Starship photo etch detail from Paragrafix
Flying Sub 1:32 photoetch/decal set from Paragrafix
1:350 Refit Starship photoetch from Paragrafix
Star Destroyer detail set from ARVEY Models
Land Explorer Light kit from VoodooFX
Submarine Light kit From VoodooFX
The Mummy from Moebius Models
The Flying Sub from Moebius Models
The Girl from Lunatic Fringe

Magical Mystery Machine Tour revisited

2009-12-13T12:41:00.000-05:00

I've reposted the Magical Mystery Machine Tour photos on the Cult site. The page has been down for a few months after I changed webhosts. I'd almost forgot about it until someone asked about it this past week.

This was a great little project that started back in 2001 as a fun project for the guys on the Polar Lights message board.   The Mystery Machine had just come out and the idea was to ship the kit around the country and around the world and have it's picture taken everywhere it went. Lisa Greco from Playing Mantis was able to get a kit for the project.

As usual with this sort of thing, it was a great idea when it started, but somewhere along the way it petered out.   We had a few problems when someone would hang onto the kit for an extended period of time, or if someone could not figure out where it was supposed to go next.   A few people lost interest, and pretty soon the project faded away.

Occasionally, someone would make a post asking about the status of the kit, wondering who had it, where it ended up, and no one seem to have an answer.   Thankfully, nothing really disappears on the internet.   On a whim, I decided to try and find the kit.   Most of the answers were in the Hobbytalk archives.   I was able to track down the kit, which had ended up in storage somewhere.   I rounded up the list of participants and got the project going again.   In the months since the project had withered, our good friend Lisa had lost her job at Playing Mantis, the company had been sold, and Polar Lights had been virtually shut down.   A lot of people had moved on and no longer wished to participate.

We shipped the kit around for another couple years, trying to get it to as many of the original participants as we could.   I sensed that interest was waning again and figured we had to bring the project to an end before the kit disappeared again. There was a big discussion on Hobbytalk as to what would be the most appropriate way to conclude the adventure.   We decided that it should ultimately be given back to Lisa Greco.   Lisa was known as "The Queen of Styrene" to many of us and was the heart and soul of the Polar Lights board.   She had fostered the little community of modelers that really grew to become a force in the hobby.   Without Lisa, there never would have been a Polar Lights forum, what became The Clubhouse may never have happened. CultTVman may never have became what it is today.

So in May of 2005, the Mystery Machine made it's final appearance at Wonderfest and was presented to Lisa. The plastic container that it was packed in was signed by all the people that participated in the project. The web page with all the photos is the final record of the event and journey. It is a small monument to the people that made the Polar Lights forum a special place in this hobby.

Check out all the photos on The Magical Mystery Machine Tour page.

Big Hobbyshop Update!

2009-11-22T18:01:00.000-05:00

We got a big pre-Thanksgiving Day update here in the shop! New stuff, restocked kits, special holiday sales, and a bunch of vintage kits!

Please note: We will not be shipping between Nov 25 and 29. We will resume shipping on Monday Nov. 30. We thank you for your patience and hope you have a great Thanksgiving with your family and friends!

New in the shop:

Sci Fi & Fantasy Modeller vol. 15 with articles on Space 1999, Daleks, the Seaview, Big Frankie, and more
Light Freighter Photoetch/decal detail set for the Fine Molds kit from Acreation Models
Saucer Dome replacements for the C57D kit
Moebius Monsters Chiller Theatre Make and Take Set
Transparent Blue Seaview limited edition from Moebius
Transparent Yellow Flying Sub limited edition from Moebius
Mr. Spock reissue from AMT will be in stock this week as well.

We're having a Stocking Stuffer $8 sale.   All items are $8 or less in this category!

We've got a Bag of Heads special offer for you. This is one bag of 5 different Aurora replacement heads and a few nameplates as well.   All for $30.   These are various heads and nameplates produced by Posthumous Productions, Lunatic Fringe, Jimmy Flintstone, Cult of Personality, Headless Hearseman and Creature Arts. That's $6 per head. You can't beat that!

We also have a Box of Spaceships special offer.   You get 5 different Star Wars Titanium diecasts for $30.   That's $6 each.   Don't miss out.

Restocks include:

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Modeller vol 13
18" Starship Nacelle domes from Creature Arts
1:350 Refit photo etch from Paragrafix
Structural Integrity Devices
Enterprise E First Contact 1:1400 decals from Acreation
Apollo 27 from Pegasus Hobbies
Robby the Robot from Polar Lights
Robby lights from Mecha Labs

We've added a bunch of vintage kits to the shop:

Space 1999 Eagle - AMT reissue
Space 1999 Eagle - Fundimentions original issue
Airwolf from AMT
Back to the Future Blueprinter set from AMT
Munsters Blueprinter set from AMT
Klingon Bird of Prey - Generations version from AMT
Klingon Battle Cruiser from AMT seventies issue
Classic Enterprise from AMT seventies issue
Enterprise TOS-A-D Three Ship Set from AMT
Enterprise TOS-A-D Three Ship Flight Display set from AMT
Galileo Shuttle from AMT
USS Enterprise D from AMT
Cutaway Enterprise 22" kit from AMT
Interplanetary UFO from AMT - seventies issue
USS Reliant from AMT
Enterprise C from AMT
Refit Enterprise Star Trek VI from AMT
Deep Space 9 fiber optic issue from AMT
Imperial TIE Fighters from AMT
Millennium Falcon from MPC/AMT
Luke Skywalker's Snowspeeder from AMT
Lost In Space diecast set from Johnny Lightning
Frankenstein from Polar Lights/Aurora
Bride of Frankenstein from Polar Lights/Aurora
The Guillotine from Polar Lights/Aurora
Creature from the Black Lagoon from Polar Lights/Aurora
The Spindrift from Polar Lights/Aurora
The Jetsons from Polar Lights
Kiss set of 4 long box kits from Polar Lights
James Bond and Oddjob from Polar Lights/Aurora
Oddjob from Polar Lights/Aurora
Dick Tracy and the Space Coupe from Polar Lights/Aurora

And we have more Scratch and Dent kits. Some are not sealed, but are complete kits.

Galileo Shuttle from AMT
Apollo Saturn V 1:144 scale from Revell
Apollo Moon Landing 1:48 scale from Revell
Klingon Battle Cruiser from AMT
Rio Grand Shuttle from AMT
Seaview 1:128 scale from Moebius
Starfury from Revell
Alpha Centauri UFO from Pegasus
Area 51 UFO from Pegasus
Back to the Future Flying Delorean from AMT

Another Monster Model Review!

2009-11-20T19:37:00.000-05:00

First Look - Galactica Viper from Moebius Models

2009-11-18T00:53:00.002-05:00

A few photos showed up in the mail today from our Moebius. Check out this first test shot of the new Viper kit!

You can preorder the Viper in the CultTVman Hobbyshop.

Product Updates throughout the hobby

2009-11-10T23:30:00.000-05:00

Moebius Models is expecting the following kits to be here in mid-December:

Jupiter 2
Von Franco's Eye Gone Wild
Conan 100
Flying Sub Accessory Set

Round 2 has released the 2nd Edition Enterprise Collector's Tin and the Mr. Spock Collector's Tin. These are in stock in many hobby shops. CultTVman is sending out the preorders for these kits now. The following kits are expected in the near future:

Mr. Spock reissue standard box - mid November
C57D reissue - late November
Interplanetary UFO - mid December
Refit Enterprise 1:1000 scale - late January

Lindberg has the Space Base and Satellite Explorer set shipping out at this time.

Moebius Models Jupiter 2

2009-10-31T21:17:00.000-04:00

Here's a special treat for all of you that are sitting at home on Halloween. Kirk Schermerhorn took these pictures of the new Moebius Jupiter 2 on display at IHobbyExpo last weekend. This is a build up by Dave Metzner. This kit is expected to be in stock in late Nov or early Dec.

Spaceship 2 from Fantastic Plastic

2009-10-31T14:45:00.000-04:00

The folks at Fantastic Plastic have announced a new kit of the Spaceship 2. This is the follow up craft to teh Spaceship 1 which was the first commercial launch to fly to space and back twice in a seven day window. Spaceship 2 will carry space tourists on a similar journy. This kit is 29 parts in 1:144 scale and includes both Spaceship 2 and the White Knight carrier craft. It also comes with landing gear. The wingspan is over 11 inches. The pattern is by Scott Lowther.

Check out the Fantastic Plastic website for this and more upcoming concept craft kits.

Frankenstein Fix!

2009-10-31T14:28:00.001-04:00

Dave Metzner from Moebius Models alerted me to a minor fix that is needed on the new Frankenstein kit. Apparently, when a last minute adjustment was made to the kit, one of the located pins was incorrectly positioned. This results in the left hand being turned the wrong direction.

By removing the locator pin in part 25, you can rotate the hand to the correct position as shown below. Note that the seam line on the arm and hand should join up.

This will allow the hand to rest against the door, as shown in the box art and build up below.

IHobby Follow Up

2009-10-28T00:23:00.000-04:00

I've gotten a lot of questions about what was at iHobbyExpo, so let me elaborate on some of the information.

Revell is releasing the original Creature from the Black Lagoon kit, not the Monsters of the Movies kit. With regards to the knights, they told me they would see how the first two kits do before considering the others. Take that with a grain of salt.

Yes, Moebius is going to do a kit of the International Lonestar Truck. That, along with the Hudson Hornet and the Chrysler 3000 will be out in late 2010 if all goes well.    Wonder Woman will be a direct copy of the original Aurora kit. Superboy will be the original issue with the engraved "S" and nameplate. The other Galactica kits were only listed on a computer display. No photos. The Viper box on display was a mock up pending approval from the licensor. No photos of the Lugosi Dracula either as it is still in development. There are plenty of other products in the works that were not announced at the show.

Polar Lights' new Batmobile is planned to be more accurate than the Mattel diecast.   Plans are not finalized yet, so details such as what kind of engine have to be worked out.   It will not be a scaled up version of the Aurora car.    The Star Trek 1:2500 set with TOS, Refit and B will combine those three models from the old Trek ship sets.   The 1:2500 scale Enterprise C, D, and E will be issued individually.   All the 1:2500 kits will be converted to snap kits and may include decals. Some of the raised details may be removed. The K-7 will most likely be a straight reissue with some enhanced decals. Making the kit "accurate" would pretty much require an all new model. For the reissue of the 1:1400 Enterprise D, they want to remove the raised panel lines and include Aztec decals but that is still not finalized.    There are also plans for a limited edition clear version of the Enterprise D. The Psycho House is supposed to include a light kit.   The Munsters Living Room will be a glow edition. There are plans for more Trek kits in the future, including more reissues, possibly more new kits. The 1:350 Classic Enterprise is still in the planning stages for a future release. All this information should be considered tentative and subject to change.

Monarch Models was not at the show this year.

Lindberg did not have any new genre kits to announce this year.   I was told the Visible T-Rex kit is still going to come out but molds were being transported to the US for production. If you recall, this was announced at iHobby two years ago!

Overall, there were fewer booths at the show this year and many of the manufacturers had smaller displays. Attendance on the public days was reported to be up this year.

I got to see a bunch of old friends including Michael Benolkin from Cybermodeler, Mat Irvine the author of Creating Space, Dean Milano, Tom and Rob from Iwata, Larry, Scott, Tom and Eric from Pegasus, Dave and Frank and Joanne from Moebius, Jamie and John and Bob from Round 2, the one and only Jimmy Flintstone, plus a bunch of people that were customers of the Cult shop and visitors to the CultTVman site.

iHobbyExpo News! Updated with photos

2009-10-22T15:32:00.003-04:00

Time to post the quick iHobbyExpo preview! Lots of kits on display. Lots of new and reissued product from the folks at Pegasus, Moebius, Round 2 and Revell

The first stop for CultTVman at iHobbyExpo was the Revell booth. Revell is part of Great Planes and their booth is the first area just inside the door. Revell will be reissuing the old Aurora Red Knight of Vienna, Black Knight of Nurnberg, as well as the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Another kit of interest to many of you is the Ed Roth Outlaw. These are currently scheduled for the first half of 2010.

Over at the Moebius booth, there was lots to be excited about. CultTVman saw box art for the classic Aurora Superboy and Wonder Woman. The Wonder Woman build up by David Fisher, featured on the cover of Amazing Figure Modeler was on display. Build ups of the Monster Scenes Pain Parlor and the Gruesome Goodies.

Other new projects were featured on a Power Point display. CultTVman is pleased to report that Moebius will be releasing the Aurora Confederate Raider in 2010. Also look for new 1:35 scale versions of the Lost In Space Pod and Chariot to go with the Jupiter 2. Moebius told CultTVman that these would be mixed media kits with styrene, resin, and photoetch parts. Other kits announced by Moebius include an all new Bela Lugosi Dracula, a new series Galactica along with a new series Cylon Centurion. Two car kits were also announced for later in the year: 1953 Hudson Hornet and 1955 Chrysler 300. They are also displaying a USB Drive shaped like the Seaview.

Moebius also had build ups on display of the new Jupiter 2 with the nicely detailed interior, along with the finished box. Preliminary box art of the Galactica Viper was also displayed. A build up of the new Conan kit was featured. David Fisher's Frankenstein build up was in the display case along with build ups of the Mummy, Spiderman, Green Goblin, Eye Gone Wild and the Flying Sub. CultTVman can also report that the following Moebius kits are no longer available from the manufacturer. Dr. Jekyll as Mr. Hyde (both long and square box), The Voyager, Captain Action, and the large Seaview. These may be reissued again later, but they would come out in different box designs.

Over at the Round 2 booth, there were quite a few reissue announcements. CultTVman can report the following Star Trek reissues are coming: The Enterprise D (standard and clear versions), K-7 Space Station (standard reissue and collector's tin), 1:2500 set including the TOS Enterprise, Refit, and Enteprise B, 1:2500 Enterprise D (seperate kit), 1:2500 Enterprise C (seperate kit) and 1:2500 Enterprise E (seperate kit.). New from Round 2 will be a 1:25 1966 Batmobile in glue and snap versions.

Other vintage reissues from Round 2 include Munsters Coach and Dragula (separate kits with figures), the Pilgrim Observer, the Fundimensions Glo-Head kits: Werewolf, Vampire, Ape Man and Mummy, Zinger cars, the three Road Runner car kits, the Batboat, Psycho House, Three Stooges, and Munsters Living Room (glow version).

Pegasus Models have more exciting news to share. In addition to the previous War of the Worlds kits, look for a new Martian figure kit in early 2010. Pegasus will also be producing new kits of the Tripod and Martian from the recent War of the Worlds movie. There will be new kits of the When Worlds Collide Space Ark. New kits in Pegasus line of concept kits include the Mercury 9 Rocket and the MLEV5 Mars Lunar Explorer Vehicle. The Space Ark and Galaxy Quest kits will be available as prebuilt models too. The classic Martian War Machine kit and the War of the Worlds diorama will be available as special edition copper plated kits.

A full collection of photos is posted on the main CultTVman site

Refit Enterprise from Polar Lights

2009-10-21T17:26:00.000-04:00

Round 2 has posted some photos of the new 1:1000 scale Refit Enterprise. Check them out in the Round 2 Blog page. This is still not the final product, but it will give you a good idea of what is coming.

New and reposted material on the website

2009-10-18T12:24:00.002-04:00

I've managed to post a few new buildups on the main Cult site!

Dennis Hogan's Attacking Alien
Dennis Hogan's Cable
Tim Shorney's Banana Splits Buggy

Plus several reposted pages

Agatha Chamberlain's Building the Millennium Falcon
Wolfgang Bittermann's Millennium Falcon
Joe Walters' Enterprise A
John Nelson's Enterprise A
Rick Rayl's Negh'Var
SM Clark's Classic Klingon Battle Cruiser
Clark Bradshaw's Classic Enterprise
John Nelson's Classic Enterprise

See the main CultTVman page to for links to the various sections.

I will keep working through the old and new material as time permits.

Hobbyshop Update 10/16/09

2009-10-17T00:07:00.000-04:00

Now taking preorder reservations on the Galaxy Quest Protector and the ION Nebulizer & VOX Communicator Set from Pegasus Hobbies. We are also taking preorder reservations on the new Sinbad kit from Monarch Models

The Ultimate Polar Lights Jupiter 2

2009-10-15T08:04:00.000-04:00

This is a Japanese blog about building the Polar Lights Jupiter 2. The detailing and lighting is amazing. My hat is off to the builder. This is the best one I have ever seen. The link below takes you to the end of the project. If you go to page 11 you can work your way backwords from the start. The translation is from Google. It is not perfect, but it will give you a good idea of what the builder has done.

Jupiter 2 build up.

Fantastic Flying Sub

2009-10-13T21:21:00.000-04:00

Check out this incredible Flying Sub posted over in the CultTVman Forum

2009-10-13T20:44:00.001-04:00

The new IPMS Journal is out. It features part two of Mike Idacavage's article on 1:200 scale launch vehicles. This part focuses on the Saturn V and the Space Shuttle. There is another article on a 54mm Apollo Astronaut. Brad Hair's Iron Man is feature in the gallery section. The IPMS Journal has become one of the best modeling publications out there. To join the IPMS and receive the magazine, visit the IPMS USA website

Just a few updates....

2009-10-12T06:47:00.001-04:00

The last week was pretty quiet, but things are picking up a little. I hope to post a few bits of catch up news later tonight.

Over on the main site, I've tried to get back into the swing of reposting old material. Right now, everything that had been hosted on the old part of the site is offline thanks to problems with the webhost. The intention has always been to migrate that material to the new platform, but I have been seriously sidetracked with the business end of things.

The reposts from the last few days are:

More to come.

Over in the CultTVman Hobbyshop, the new Moebius Frankenstein and the Glow Gigantic Frankenstein will be in stock around Oct 19. We are now accepting payment.   Notices were mailed last night to all customers with Preorder Reservations.

A note about Preorder Reservations in the shop: I know these are difficult times for some of my customers.   Unfortunately, there are many, many customers that have not followed through on their preroder payments. This is a bit of a problem as I have stocked kits based on the commitments people have made for them.   I am looking at making changes to the Preorder Reservation process.   I don't want this to affect those customers that follow through with their orders!   I appreciate everyone's business and support.

IHobbyExpo is coming up, starting Oct. 21.   I will be attending again this year.   I've already heard some tasty rumors of what to expect at the show.   I will report the news here as soon as I can.

More soon.
Steve

Hobbyshop Update 10/4/09

2009-10-04T18:45:00.000-04:00

We now have the new Mummy paint masks from Aztek Dummy. These simplify the process of painting the sarcophagus that comes with Moebius Mummy kit. The Tom Daniel Tijuana Taxi is here and shipping! You'll also find a number of other funny cars. These have been quite popular of late: Hippie Hemi Dragster, Li'l Stogie Death Valley Draggin' Waggon, Royal Rail Show Rod, Li'l Yeller School Bus, and Li'l Mixer Cement Truck.

Restocks in the shop include Dave Deal's Van and Trans-Um Tirebird and Tom Daniel's Red Baron from Revell, the reissued Aurora dinosaurs from Revell, the V-2 Rocket and Apollo 27 from Pegasus, Leaky Boat Louie, Steel Pluckers, Huey's Hut Rod, and Endsville Eddie from Hawk, Eyeball decals from Archer, the Enterprise E from AMT, Doctor Who from Airfix, the Chariot from Moebius, Viper templates from Aztek Dummy, Acrylic Aurora Longbox protectors, NX-01 1:350 Aztec decals from Acreation, Sub Pilots from Crow's Nest (work well with Moeibus Flying Sub)

New kits for Preorder Reservations include the Depth Charger from AMT, the Tom Daniel's Circus Wagon (Dragon Wagon) and Street Fighter from AMT.

I'm getting ready to place another order with New Ware. Please let me know if there are any products you want me to order. Please base your suggestions on what you intend to purchase!

I've added a new FAQ to the shop. It should cover the most common questions.

Sounds from Outer Space

2009-10-03T21:19:00.000-04:00

Ken Netzel took the record that came with the AMT Lief Ericson model and turned it into a cool little video on You Tube

We all live in a mini Yellow Flying Sub...

2009-10-01T02:26:00.000-04:00

We now have a new shipment of the Mini Flying Sub from Moebius. This new run of kits is molded in yellow plastic. The original run was molded in gray plastic.

We are now accepting payment for the Tom Daniel Tijuana Taxi. We expect this to be in stock and shipping on Oct. 5.

I've got even more vintage kits added to the shop. Some of these are duplicates of the kits from earlier this week. It just means I found one or two more! Most are single kits and there are a few RARE kits listed here.

USS Reliant
Astin Martin DB5 from Doyusha
Lights and Sound Refit Enterprise from AMT
Romulan Bird of Prey from AMT
Captain America from Polar Lights
Amtronic Concept Car
Aurora Wolfman reissue from Polar Lights
USS Excelsior
Cutaway 22" Enterprise
Superman
Monsters of the movies Frankenstein and Dracula
Space 1999 Eagle from AMT
Space 1999 Eagle from Fundimention
Galileo Shuttle
Robin
Enterprise Bridge
AMT Klingon
Space 1999 Hawk from Airfix
Luminators Phantom of the Opera Aurora reissue

http://www.CultTVmanShop.com

Mat Irvine and the Mars Probe

2009-09-30T22:08:00.000-04:00

Here's a little overview of the Lindberg Mars Probe kit from Mat Irvine

Scale Model News

Scratch and Dent kits in the Hobbyshop

2009-09-30T02:06:00.000-04:00

We been cleaning out the warehouse and have a number of "scratch and dent" kits with minor box damage. These are all listed in the On Sale section of the shop. These are sold as is and cannot be returned. The kits should be complete for building. Kits include: Glow Voyagers, Addams Family Houses, Red Barons, Area 51 UFO, Moebius Monsters Cage, Pendulum, Frankenstein, Victim and Dr. Deadly, Apollo 27, LIS Mini Robot, 1:1000 scale Enterprise, NX-01 and Klingon Battle Cruiser, LIS Space Pods, Polar Lights LIS Robot, Robby the Robot, 1:350 Refit Enterprise, Chrome Iron Man, Spiderman and Green Goblins, Rommel's Rod, the new Moebius Mummy, Big Frankie, and the Art Asylum Medical Tricorders. Most of these are limited to one or two kits. Grab them if you want them!

Visit the CultTVman Hobbyshop

Mattel Star Trek Diecast internet coupon!

2009-09-28T23:48:00.003-04:00

Wave 2 of the Mattel Star Trek diecasts features the Refit Enterprise, Reliant, Enterprice D and the Klingon Bird of Prey. You can save $10 on this set of diecasts with the coupon code TREK

Order at the CultTVman Hobbyshop

Sci-fan 2009 photos

2009-09-27T01:47:00.000-04:00

Chris Doll has posted a bunch of photos from the big contest at Galaxy Hobby in Lynnwood WA. Lots of good stuff. Check out all the photos.

Hobbyshop Update

2009-09-24T20:46:00.001-04:00

Sept 23, 2009: Lots of restocks, but first, a couple new items:

From Night Owl Models: Mini Sub bases
From Acreation Models: 22" Cutaway Starship Grid decals

And plenty of restocks:

From VoodooFX: Light kits for the Flying Sub, Durobase display bases.
From Aztek Dummy: paint masks for the Flying Sub
From Monarch Models: Glow Nosferatu
From Don's Light and Magic: 22" Cutaway Starship parts, Starship-C decals, Starship-C light parts
From Jim & Judy: The Parts Pit
From Pegasus Hobbies: War of the Worlds diorama (finally)
From Primeval Plastic: The Raptor
From Space Model Systems: almost all decals restocked - Saturn V, Apollo LM and CSM, Mercury, Gemini, etc.
From Acreation Models: 18" Starship Grid decals, 1:1000 Starship Grid decals

Sept 15, 2009: Spiderman, Green Goblin and the 1:350 Seaview arrived today! We'll ship as fast as we can and hope to have everything in the mail by Tuesday.

First Look - Galaxy Quest Protector from Pegasus

2009-09-24T00:22:00.000-04:00

Pegasus Models has released this first look at the upcoming Protector kit from the movie Galaxy Quest. The kit will be about 12.5 inches in length, which is described as being 1:1400 scale. The kit comes with a nice base featuring the Galaxy Quest logo, along with clear blue parts for lighting. The ship will be available in both kit and preassembled versions.

In addition to the Protector, Pegasus will be producing kits and preassembled models of the VOX Communicator and ION Nebulizor. These full size prop replicas are based on actual props from the movie. The Neublizor features clear parts for lighting and the Communicator flips open.

Look for these kits to arrive around the end of the year, if all goes well. Prices have not yet been announced. As soon as pricing is available, these kits will be available for preorder in the CultTVman Shop.

Keep an eye on the Pegasus website for more details

The Atlanta Flood

2009-09-22T13:43:00.001-04:00

From the AJC website, this is the car lot next door to the CultTVman warehouse. This second photo shows the warehouse in the background on the right.... just above water.

Another cool looking Rommel's Rod

2009-09-19T12:44:00.002-04:00

Here's a build up of Rommel's Rod that is posted over at Hobbytalk. Head over to this thread to see more and larger photos. Nice!

Scale Model News blog

2009-09-19T12:34:00.000-04:00

Scale Model News is a blog worth checking out. It covers a wide variety of modeling genres, but they frequently cover space modeling products. Mat Irvine frequently contributes reviews. The main page can be found at

http://www.scalemodelnews.com/

Check out the following posts in the blog, which are just several of the many interesting topics covered:

Hanslope Model Expo (HAMEX for short)

Tamiya Reissuesn Apollo

New Look for Airfix Lunar Module

Buc's New Site

2009-09-18T21:49:00.000-04:00

If you've never been to Buc's website, you've missed a good resource which showcases new kits in the hobby. Buc does a good job of cataloging the newest in garage kits as well as plastic along with pictures and links.

Congrats to Buc for moving up to his own official domain! You can now visit him at

http://www.bucwheat.com

Blue Seaview!?!?!?!

2009-09-16T20:36:00.001-04:00

Our friends at Moebius Models have released a limited edition of the 1:350 scale Seaview molded in clear blue plastic. This is limited to 240 kits. 120 of those kits were shipped to Japan, leaving 120 available through the Moebius website

Much like the blue Frankenstein, the clear red Iron Man, and Glow Invisible Man, this is sure to be a great collectible.

Catching Up on stuff and some cool Batmobile news

2009-09-13T22:42:00.002-04:00

I've been out of town for several days and will be catching up on a lot of things when I get back to town this week.

This week we'll be shipping the new Spiderman, Green Goblin and small Seaview from Moebius Models. We expect them to arrive sometime in the next couple days.

We should also have some restocks in the shop later this week.

If you haven't been over to the Round 2 blog lately, you'll want to check it out. They have posted test shots of the Aurora Batmobile. Round 2 has acquired the original Aurora molds and will be using them for the kit reissue. Round 2 will be removing the Aurora logo, and fixing some of the sink marks on the car. Otherwise it will be identical to the original. The original kit featured chromed parts and these will be chrome on the reissue. Check out the Round 2 blog.

More news as it happens!

Steve

Chris White's box art

2009-09-13T18:40:00.001-04:00

Many of you are familiar with Chris White for his artwork on the Polar Lights and Moebius kits. He has a website that showcases a lot of his work, both in the hobby and other subject matter. Check out the Chris White website

The Moonbus!

2009-09-08T23:10:00.000-04:00

Aurora's Moonbus is being reissued by Moebius Models. The kit will come in a paper wrapped Aurora style box like the original. The kit is roughly 1:55 scale and includes 5 astronaut figures. This kit has not been seen since 1969! Scheduled for release in March 2010.

Preorder this now in the CultTVman Hobbyshop.

Rommell's Rod and Dragon Con

2009-09-08T18:28:00.001-04:00

There's a great looking build up of Rommel's Rod at Hobbytalk. Check it out.

I made it over to Dragon Con this past weekend here in Atlanta. The parade on Saturday morning was a highlight. There was a fantastic Batmobile. This picture is by my son Chris

I was able to get autographs from Nimoy, Shanter, Kate Mulgrew and Mary McDonnel. Highlight was meeting Charles Fleischer, the voice of Roger Rabbit. I was able to hook up with Rick Sternbach, Trek designer and producer of Space Model Systems decals. I also had a chance to visit with Frank Winspur from Moebius Models.

Breaking News from Moebius!

2009-09-08T16:21:00.003-04:00

Moebius just announced they will be releasing the Aurora Moonbus. Scheduled for March 2010. Paper wrapped Aurora style box, just like the original.

Stay tuned.
Steve

2009-09-04T02:02:00.000-04:00

September 4, 2009: New model magazines have arrived! And we have a few restocks

Amazing Figure Modeler #45
Kitbuilders #62
Apollo Lunar Landing 1:48 scale from Revell RESTOCKED
Area 51 AE-341 UFO from Pegasus RESTOCKED

2009-09-02T06:36:00.000-04:00

Check out this new base from Night Owl

Don't forget your discount coupon for the 1:350 Polar Lights Refit Enterprise. Save $5 more by using the coupon code REFIT5

Hobbyshop Update 9/1

2009-09-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

Rommel's Rod, the classic Tom Daniel kit will be in stock this week. We are now accepting orders for this model and it will ship as fast as we can get them out the door!

New items from New Ware in the shop:

Restocks from New Ware:

Restocked items include:

Seaview decals for the 1:128 scale Moebius kit from Paragrafix.
Refit Shuttle Bay 1:350 scale from Don's Light & Magic
Aurora Acrylic Long Box Protectors
Jekyll teeth inserts/nameplates from Cult of Personality
Quonus One photo etch from Don's Light & Magic
Super Destroyer from Arvey Models

New Starship from Fantastic Plastic

2009-08-31T21:43:00.001-04:00

Fantastic Plastic has a new 1:350 Declarartion Class starship kit. This 23 piece resin kit is 13.5 inches long and 9 inches in diameter when built up. Kit pattern by Scott Lowther. Check it out at the Fantastic Plastic website.

New Shop! Refit Sale!

2009-08-31T20:59:00.001-04:00

To celebrate the new shop, we're offering up the 1:350 Refit Enterprise at a special price! Use the coupon code REFIT5 to save $5 and get the kit for $59.95 plus postage and any sales tax. The normal suggested retail price is 79.95. This offer good through Sept 7, or while supplies last. Order the Refit Enteprise in the CultTVman Hobbyshop.

New CultTVman Hobbyshop

2009-08-31T02:15:00.000-04:00

I've started the migration process for the new CultTVman Hobbyshop.   If all goes well, you will be able to access it early Monday.    The shop looks a little different, but you will find that navigation is much as it was in the past.

Existing customers will need to retrieve your password to log in as all passwords have been reset with the migration.   Click on the "My Account" link to retrieve your password and log in.   You'll want to reset your password after that.

The new shop has several new features including Waiting List for many out of stock items, and Product Reviews.   I'll also be rolling out a Gift Registry a little later, just for the holiday season.

There's still a little house cleaning to do in the next couple days, but it should be fully functional on Monday.

In other news, once the shop is functioning, I'll be sending out notice for all the folks that have preordered Rommel's Rod.   It should be here in a few days.

Plus I have restocks for the shop..... I just got to find the time to post them!

Visit the new CultTVman Hobbyshop

Steve

The Mummy from Moebius Models

2009-08-28T01:47:00.000-04:00

Rob Schmitt presents a review and build of the Moebius Models Mummy kit, in the review section of the main site.

The Creature is featured!

2009-08-27T19:33:00.003-04:00

The latest Monster Model Review focuses on the Horizon Creature from the Black Lagoon.

Ken Kelly and Resin Realities

2009-08-25T23:53:00.002-04:00

Resin Realities is teaming with Ken Kelly Studios to produce a kit based on Kelly's The Auction Block. The sculpt is by Roberto Von Behr. Look for details on the Resin Realities website soon.

Another Jupiter 2 Peak

2009-08-25T18:22:00.001-04:00

Here's another look at the Jupiter 2 test shot, posted by Dave Metzner at Hobbytalk. This is the model that was on display at the IPMS Nationals this past weekend.

New Hobby Auction site

2009-08-25T03:09:00.000-04:00

There's a new auction site exclusively for modelers. Hobby-Bid.com is designed for folks like us that build models, along with many other hobby interests. The new site expects to support itself through advertising revenue, rather than auction fees. Take a look at the site at Hobby-Bid.com

I haven't tried this myself, but you may want to check it out.

CultTVman Hobbyshop Update

2009-08-23T21:45:00.000-04:00

We were planning on switching cart software this week, but ran into some unexpected bugs. We've got to get them sorted out before we move forward with the change over. Hopefully this will happen very soon.

We're expecting Spiderman and the Green Goblin, along with the 1:350 Seaview kit from Moebius sometime in the next 5-10 days. We also expect Rommel's Rod to be here from Revell sometime in the next 1-2 weeks. If you have these on Preorder, I will be contacting you for payment once I know they are on the way to me.

New in the shop:

Man on the Moon Apollo Lunar Module 1:48 from Revell
Apollo Saturn V 1:400 with 1:96 Lunar Module from Aoshima
Apollo Lunar Module Eagle 1:48 from Aoshima
Apollo Command Module/Lunar Module 1:96 from Aoshima
1:24 Figure base from Night Owl. This is perfect for displaying your mini-Robot from Moebius
Robot Base and Girl from Jimmmy Flintstone
Sea Monster base and Girl from Jimmy Flintstone
Star Trek Wave 2 diecast set from Mattel
Star Trek Classic Science Tricorder from Art Asylum
The Monster - a new kit from Creature Arts

Restocks in the shop

Refit 1:350 Aztek decals (Blue) from Acreation
Refit 1:350 Aztek decals (Green) from Acreation
Refit 1:350 photo etch detail set from Paragrafix
Refit 1:350 paint masks from Aztek Dummy
Seaview 1:128 photoetch details from Paragrafix
Mini Flying Sub photoetch interior from Paragrafix
Aurora dinosaur nameplates from Creature Arts
Flying Sub kit from Moebius
1:32 scale Pilots from Crow's Nest
Nosferatu Glow kits from Monarch
Martian War Machine lighting from VoodooFX
Mini-Sub lighting from VoodooFX

Visit the Shop at www.CultTVmanshop.com

Another Monster Model Review

2009-08-23T12:54:00.000-04:00

Check out the latest Monster Model Review.

The Jupiter 2!

2009-08-22T00:47:00.002-04:00

Dave Metzner posted this shot of the all new Jupiter 2 over at Hobbytalk. The model is on display at the IPMS Nats this weekend.

Eye Gone Wild Sneak Peak

2009-08-20T18:32:00.003-04:00

This photo was posted in the Jalopy Journal forum. Looks to be the first in a series? Check it out

New IPMS Journal

2009-08-19T20:19:00.003-04:00

The lastest issue of the IPMS Journal arrived in my mailbox and it is a real winner. The cover features a collection of 1:200 scale spacecraft built by Mike Idacavage. Part 1 of his two part article covers the Mercury Redstone, Atlas, Gemini Titan, Saturn 1B and Saturn V. Mike is a local Atlanta builder.

Another great 10 page article covers building and detailing the Knight Industries Two Thousand better know as KITT from Knight Rider. Ed Wahl did a fantastic job of documenting them model.

A third fantastic modeling article by Michael Bare covers builing and painting the new Mummy kit from Moebius Models.

Its great to see these genre favorites getting full coverage in the IPMS Jouranal. In recent years, the Jouranl has changed into a great magazine for all types of model builders.

If you are not a member of the IPMS, head over to the website and join. It is the largest model organization in the world, and the groups has changed over the years to be much more accepting of non-military modeling. The magazine has become a first class publication, providing extensive articles that you won't find elsewhere

Visit the IPMS USA website.

More Fantastic Modeling with Marc King

2009-08-18T23:09:00.003-04:00

I produced a number of videos called Fantastic Modeling that featured the work of many of my friends. Basically, the guys shot video as they worked on projects or taped an overview of their model projects. We cobbled the video together as best we could and made them available on tape and DVD, long before the days of high speed internet and You Tube. Now Rob Mattison has been posting some of this material to You Tube for all to see. You can still get the original DVDs through the Hobbyshop.

This Jupiter 2 project by Marc King showed a lot of extra detail work that Marc put into the Polar Lights kit.

Cybermodeler Online

2009-08-18T18:36:00.000-04:00

Cybermodeler Online is a great little resource for model builders of all sorts. It's run by a guy named Michael Benolkin, a model builder with a variety of interests. His website is updated almost daily with product reviews, product news, shop updates, and reference photos. The majority of the material is geared toward the military model builders, but there is plenty of stuff fore everyone. Here are a few of the reviews for Sci-Fi kits:

Check out Cybermodeler when you get the chance!

Wonderfest 2010 update

2009-08-17T18:30:00.001-04:00

Just a brief note that the Wonderfest website has officially announced the dates of May 15-16, 2010 for the next show. There had been some confusion as different dates were listed in the shows program guide. Contest winners have also been posted.

Visit the Wonderfest website. Book your rooms for next year!

Sneak Peak

2009-08-17T03:45:00.003-04:00

We'll have this in the shop soon. A new base and girl for Robby. From the world of Dr. Flintbone.

Monster Model Review contest

2009-08-16T18:57:00.004-04:00

Our friends at Monster Model Review are having a contest for the reissued Aurora kits. Check out the contest and join! Deadline is Sept 15.

Another Monster Model Review!

2009-08-14T18:35:00.001-04:00

Polar Lights Signed Guillotine

2009-08-13T18:18:00.002-04:00

Years ago, when Polar Lights first started issuing copies of Aurora monster kits, people wondered if the company would consider reissuing the Guillotine kit. The Guillotine was quite controversial for Aurora back when it was originally produced and was not available for very long. It became a highly sought kit worth quite a bit of money.

At first Polar Lights said they had no intention of producing the kit, but after several years of repeated requests, they decided to put the kit out in 2000. To celebrate, they offered a special edition of the kit autographed by Tom Lowe, president of Polar Lights. The kit came with a numbered certificate and was limited to 125 kits. The project was coordinated by Lisa Greco, a customer service employee of Polar Lights who was affectionately known to Hobbytalk members as the "Queen of Styrene."

There is a registry of the kits on the Hobbytalk forum. Not all of the kits are accounted for and a large number of them were sold without certificates at the last Playing Mantis warehouse sale.

Anyway, there happens to be one of these kits on Ebay at the moment. Judging by the photo, it is kit #57. (No, it is not my kit. I have #3) . This is a good opportunity to pick up a rare colletable Polar Lights kit!

Paragrafix Flying Sub photo etch

2009-08-13T07:36:00.002-04:00

The new Flying Sub photo etch and decal set from Paragrafix is proving to be quite popular!

Check out this post over at Hobbytalk for a preview of the parts in use on the kit

You can order this in the Cult Shop as well as the Paragrafix site.

Star Trek Voyager kits from Revell Germany

2009-08-12T07:13:00.000-04:00

Revell Germany will be reissuing the Star Trek Voyager kits, at least in Europe. The kits are scheduled to come out in October. The Voyager will include an improved clear deflector. They will also reissue the Kazon and Maquis kits. Yikes.

Visit the Revell Germany website for details.

CultTVman Hobbyshop Updates

2009-08-12T03:01:00.003-04:00

The Refit Enterprise from Polar Lights is back in stock. This is the very popular 1:350 Starship that now comes complete with Aztec decals. we've been out of stock for the last two months and waiting patiently for them to get here!

We've also got a restock of parts from Don's Light and Magic including 1:350 Refit Detail parts, Federation Flasher light kits, Workbees and Pods, and Navigation Strobe lighting kits.

We're expecting Spiderman, Green Goblin, the 1:350 Seaview, and Rommel's Rod around the end of the month.

We'll be switching over to new shopping cart software to better accommodate our growing business and provide more options for our customers. I'm hoping to switch over around Aug 22nd or so.

More soon
Steve

Monster Model Review

2009-08-11T20:03:00.001-04:00

Here the latest Monster Model Review, featuring the Martian War Machine prebuilt model from Pegasus. Be sure to check out the Monster Model Review website!

More Moebius pictures!

2009-08-10T20:34:00.004-04:00

Here's a couple new photos from the folks at Moebius Models. The first picture is the upcoming preassembled 1:350 Seaview. The box is designed by Fred Barr.

And here is another Jupiter 2 test shot photo, posted by Gary Kerr.

Thanks to Frank and Gary for posting these at Hobbytalk. Visit Moebius Models website!

Polar Lights Refit 1:000 scale

2009-08-10T01:07:00.002-04:00

The good folks at Round 2 have posted a bunch of photos of the refit Enterprise. These photos are preliminary and there will be a bunch of changes made to this before the kit is released. You can see all the pics and read about it on the Round 2 Blogpage

Hobbyshop Update

2009-08-07T03:47:00.004-04:00

This week in the Hobbyshop

The 1:350 Refit Enterprise from Polar Lights should be in stock again next week. We are now taking orders and payment for these.

New Preorder kits:

Flying Sub Landing Gear and Hook from Moebius Models
Seaview 1:350 Prebuilt kit from Moebius
Alpha Centauri UFO Short Range Saucers from Pegasus

We also have the following available:

The Raptor from Primeaval Plastics! NEW!
The Revenge of the Garage Kit that Ate My Wallet by Terry Webb restocked
Aurora 70’s Werewolf reproduction kit restocked.
Mini Flying Sub photoetch from Paragrafix restocked
Seaview photoetch from Paragrafix restocked
Seaview 1:350 photoetch from Paragrafix - link fixed!

Visit the CultTVman Hobbyshop

New kit from Pegasus Hobbies

2009-08-07T02:28:00.006-04:00

Coming this fall from Pegasus Hobbies is the Alpha Centauri UFO Short Range Saucers. This 1:32 scale kit comes with two UFO saucers, alien figures, and landing gear. There are two saucers in each kit measuring about 3.75 inches. The model will be molded in grey plastic with clear lenses and dome. The kit is designed by Scott Willis.

This kit can be preordered in the Cult Hobbyshop too.

New Moebius Models kit announcements

2009-08-04T22:11:00.005-04:00

Our friends at Moebius Models have made a couple new product announcements! First up, look for the new Flying Sub Landing Gear and Hook set. This is a polyester resin parts set that includes wheels, wheel wells, landing struts, support rails, rear wheel and mount, claw set and claw rack.

The box art by Ron Gross is pictured below. Retail pricing is 49.95. Look for the parts set this later this fall.

Moebius has also announced a Preassembled Seaview models. This is a prebuilt and painted version of the 1:350 Seaview. It will come in a full color window box, with a box with a backdrop showing the underwater lab and a Flying Sub. Retail will be 49.95 and this should be out later in September.

As always, you can preorder these in the CultTVman Hobbyshop.

In case you had not heard...

2009-08-04T22:03:00.005-04:00

Polar Lights announced in May that they would be producing a kit of the Enterprise for JJ Abrams new Star Trek movie. The model should be about 12 inches long and is considered to be 1:2500 scale. It is currently expected in early 2010. Pricing has not been established.

Here is an excerpt from the official press release:

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Round 2 announces the latest addition to its model kit line with the production of new Star Trek vehicles, licensed by CBS Consumer Products, based on the blockbuster film that hit theaters last month.

“We are very pleased to announce this deal with CBS Consumer Products,” said Tom Lowe, Owner and President of Round 2. “For decades Star Trek has proven itself to be a strong property worldwide. We are confident that we will create and bring to the retail market high-quality collectibles that all Star Trek fans will appreciate. We are very excited to be a part of the Star Trek product line based on the new film.”

The U.S.S. Enterprise will be first kit in this new model kit series. It is set to hit stores the second half of 2010. The re-imagined U.S.S. Enterprise was designed for the movie by Ryan Church, a well-known concept artist in the sci-fi film world.

“I really enjoyed the movie,” Lowe said. “I am really looking forward to bringing the new U.S.S. Enterprise to life in a model kit. Its characteristics could be described as a sleek, sports car version of the original ship. This is a completely new tool for Round 2.”

The Round 2 product development team describes the ship as a re-imagined version of the original ship, which has some elements and details reminiscent of the ship as it appeared in the original Star Trek: The Motion Picture. It is proportioned differently, although it still has a similar silhouette to the original ship. It also shares some of the same basic elements including a primary hull consisting of a saucer-shaped section anchored by a pylon/neck to the cylindrical secondary hull and twin warp-drive nacelles, which are anchored to the secondary hull by pylons.

Hobbyshop Update

2009-08-04T04:42:00.003-04:00

Over in the Hobbyshop we’ve got several new items and a few restocks for you:

Alien Invader 1:48 scale from Haunted Pen Studio NEW!
Enterprise D from Art Asylum NEW
Bowerhouse issue 3 NEW
Flying Sub decals from Paragrafix NEW
Flying Sub photo etch with decals from Paragrafix NEW!
1:350 Seaview photo etch detail set from Paragrafix NEW!
1:350 Starship Refit Aztec Green decals from Acreation restock
Space Pod Lights from VoodooFX restocked
Schlitze resin kit from Sideshow restocked

Visit the CultTVman Hobbyshop!

More Jupiter 2 from Moebius Models

2009-08-03T21:05:00.001-04:00

Here's a photo of the Jupiter 2 coming from Moebius Models. This is the first test shot and there will most likely be some changes. This can be preordered in the CultTVman shop

IPMS Nationals in Columbus OH

2009-08-03T21:00:00.001-04:00

The IPMS Nationals run from Aug 19-22 in Columbus, Ohio. This is the US convention for the International Plastic Modeler's Society. On display will be hundreds of the finest models from all over the country. The primary focus is military subjects, but there are categories for spacecraft, science fiction and figures. There will also be dealers from all over the country selling a variety of kits. This is a great place to find good deals or hard to find and out of production models. The show is well worth attending for modelers of all types.

Visit the IPMS Nationals website for more details

Sneak peak at the C57D from Polar Lights

2009-08-03T07:59:00.000-04:00

The folks are Round 2 have posted images of the new figures for the C57D kit. You can see the crewmen here. You can see the Id Monster here.

Gary' Kerr's sneak peak of the Moebius Models Jupiter 2

2009-08-02T13:55:00.003-04:00

Gary Kerr offers this preview of the upcoming Jupiter 2 from Moebius Models. This features photos of the kit mock up from this past spring. Check it out on the CultTVman site

The Time Machine

2009-08-02T11:43:00.005-04:00

Alec in Australia posted this build up over in the CultTVman Forum. It is pretty impressive.

John Ross's Moebius Flying Sub

2009-08-01T21:16:00.005-04:00

Another great kit worth checking out

John Ross's Flying Sub

Tim Nolan's Robby with lights

2009-08-01T19:28:00.002-04:00

Here's a great project worth checking out.

Tim Nolan's Robby the Robot.

Moebius Frankenstein pics

2009-08-01T11:42:00.004-04:00

Moebius Models posted these photos of their upcoming Frankenstein model a week or two ago. This is a build up of the first test shot by David Fisher. There will be some slight alterations to the face, but this is looking pretty good! See more pictures on the Moebius site.

You can preorder this kit in the CultTVman Hobbyshop. It should be shipping in Sept.

The latest Cult on You Tube

2009-08-01T00:56:00.004-04:00

CultTVman Chat

2009-07-31T20:06:00.002-04:00

Join us at 10pm Eastern time for the CultTVman chat on Friday night.

J2 sneak peak

2009-07-31T18:49:00.000-04:00

Looking back and moving forward.

2009-07-31T03:04:00.000-04:00

CultTVman was launched a lifetime ago (or so it seems) with a couple model photos posted on an AOL website. Back then, the internet was a pretty small place and I couldn't find anything relating to science fiction models.

Since those early days, the site expanded into a showcase of science fiction and monster models featuring thousands of photos from hundreds of contributors. Along the way, the site has grown to include a message forum, weekly chats, a couple books, an online Hobbyshop, news pages, the Retro Rockets newsletter, a couple books, and so on.

With growth of the site and the internet has come change. CultTVman has always evolved, looking for better ways to do things, offering more service, and building our "fantastic modeling" niche in the hobby community. Today, in 2009, the hobby is very different from what it was in 1995. There are more online "hobby pockets" - subgroups and mini-communitties. Some of those groups thrive, while others blossom and wither away. Regardless, the internet has helped maintain interest in the hobby.

For me, one of the most important things about CultTVman has been communication. This includes sharing hobby news, participating in discussion, and promoting the hobby. So what is the best way to do this in 2009? The rules and tools keep changing! As forums have grown, email lists have waned. As personal websites have faded, blogging has shined. Social networking is now big with Facebook being hot, yet My Space is cooling. And what about Twitter? Everyone has a cell phone or blackberry. PC's have been replaced by laptops and even iphones.

For now, I've decided to consolodate my flashes of news, observations of the hobby, and even site updates here on this Blogger page. I like the interface. I think I can utilize it to get information out faster to the community at large. At least, we'll give it a shot!

Steve

CultTVman's Ramblings

A victim of success

Change is coming again.....

Merry Christmas!

Hobbyshop Update 12/13/09

Magical Mystery Machine Tour revisited

Big Hobbyshop Update!

Another Monster Model Review!

First Look - Galactica Viper from Moebius Models

Product Updates throughout the hobby

Moebius Models Jupiter 2

Spaceship 2 from Fantastic Plastic

Frankenstein Fix!

IHobby Follow Up

iHobbyExpo News! Updated with photos

Refit Enterprise from Polar Lights

New and reposted material on the website

Hobbyshop Update 10/16/09

The Ultimate Polar Lights Jupiter 2

Fantastic Flying Sub

Just a few updates....

Hobbyshop Update 10/4/09

Sounds from Outer Space

We all live in a mini Yellow Flying Sub...

Mat Irvine and the Mars Probe

Scratch and Dent kits in the Hobbyshop

Mattel Star Trek Diecast internet coupon!

Sci-fan 2009 photos

Hobbyshop Update

First Look - Galaxy Quest Protector from Pegasus

The Atlanta Flood

Another cool looking Rommel's Rod

Scale Model News blog

Buc's New Site

Blue Seaview!?!?!?!

Catching Up on stuff and some cool Batmobile news

Chris White's box art

The Moonbus!

Rommell's Rod and Dragon Con

Breaking News from Moebius!

Hobbyshop Update 9/1

New Starship from Fantastic Plastic

New Shop! Refit Sale!

New CultTVman Hobbyshop

The Mummy from Moebius Models

The Creature is featured!

Ken Kelly and Resin Realities

Another Jupiter 2 Peak

New Hobby Auction site

CultTVman Hobbyshop Update

Another Monster Model Review

The Jupiter 2!

Eye Gone Wild Sneak Peak

New IPMS Journal

More Fantastic Modeling with Marc King

Cybermodeler Online

Wonderfest 2010 update

Sneak Peak

Monster Model Review contest

Another Monster Model Review!

Polar Lights Signed Guillotine

Paragrafix Flying Sub photo etch

Star Trek Voyager kits from Revell Germany

CultTVman Hobbyshop Updates

Monster Model Review

More Moebius pictures!

Polar Lights Refit 1:000 scale

Hobbyshop Update

New kit from Pegasus Hobbies

New Moebius Models kit announcements

In case you had not heard...

Hobbyshop Update

More Jupiter 2 from Moebius Models

IPMS Nationals in Columbus OH

Sneak peak at the C57D from Polar Lights

Gary' Kerr's sneak peak of the Moebius Models Jupiter 2

The Time Machine

More Wonderfest 2009 photos posted on the site

John Ross's Moebius Flying Sub

Tim Nolan's Robby with lights