November 1, 2008

Dear MODELx reader,

It is again time to bring everyone up to speed on the current status of the next issue. There was so much to talk about within the previous message that I felt it important not to discuss all of the details in one overloaded message. Now that more time has passed and a lot of work has been completed for Issue #3, let us take a minute to share what has been happening behind the scenes and in the various studios of the authors.

As I described in the previous message, we are taking a whole new approach to publishing our modeling journal. It simply will not be like the other magazines we read on a regular basis. The new size will be the most striking feature and I hope you, the reader, will embrace this new format. I am extremely excited about the possibilities of using this much larger format and substantially greater page count for each article. Some of the layouts are already finished and the process has been enlightening to see what can actually be achieved. Far too often the modeler is subjected to short abbreviated coverage of a model and how it is done. I hope to take a chunk out of that shortcoming with the new look of MODELx.

We have since gathered nearly all of the required material for MX3 and this has been a major step forward. What many of you may not be aware of is that it takes the full support of the authors and contributors to supply the necessary material. There is no way around this (especially at the beginning of something new like this) and it simply takes a lot of time to coordinate all of the resources and put them into action. There is also the quality of the photography to dissect. Some models required new images at much higher resolution, and some authors needed help to bring their photography skills up to our needs. All in all it takes a lot of effort from everyone involved, so patience at this stage of the game is paramount. We know this asks a lot of you the reader, and our goal is to deliver the best product with as few compromises as possible, and on the flip side, it is also to provide the authors with the absolute best platform to share their magnificent work with the rest of us. Prudence here dictates that all the requirements that we have set forth are met and with this process implemented in the beginning, the end results are sure to be long lasting. Thank goodness for the Internet and its shrinking of the world’s communication for us, because none of this would be possible without it.

Previously I mentioned I would talk specifically about who is coming to the party. We all want to know who is on the guest list and I hope that many of you are as happy about the responses as we are. Briefly, let me explain a little about the philosophy behind the choices of authors. We all have opinions on quality of modeling, whether that is about construction, research or finishing. If we are lucky, all three of these things comes together in one package. These are the guys we really went after. Some authors we knew through previous internet forum contacts, others from contest show coverage, a couple from other friends' recommendations, and some we only saw a photo or two of their work and had to contact them out of the cold to request their services. In truth, because of my background, our core modeler network is strongest within the AFV modeling world, and initially that will play a larger part of MX, at least until we can secure additional authors in other subjects. It is a never-ending process. We have made some serious inroads into the edgy world of sci-fi modeling, like the Ma.K universe, and it is all about playing to our strengths for the time being as we push this project along. Rest assured, there are some amazing new faces and interesting subject choices planned for the future.

So let us introduce some of the names you will be seeing in the future pages of MX. First up are some armor modelers of note. Each of these guys have proven time and time again they know their subject, understand mood and composition within a historical context and can finish the model to an extremely high standard, all the while eager to share their thoughts. A lot of these guys are perennial medal winners, many of which are gold or even best-in-show.

Mario Eens – A native of Belgium, Mario’s sensitivity to his subject and his ability to convey an ambiance to a simple display model are noteworthy. His attention to detail and philosophy of modeling are what we all should strive for. It helps tremendously that Mario is always willing to help and teach. His latest efforts can be enjoyed in the recent book “The Belgian School – Flemish Masters,” which displays many of his most recent works along side his fellow expert Belgian modelers.

Antonio Martin Tello – Hails from Spain and has been a driving force behind building many unique Allied & Axis armor subjects and is very prolific throughout the armor modeling magazine world. If you have read AFV Modeller, Xtreme Modelling, Steel Masters and such you are likely familiar with his work. Typically, Antonio strives to provide a complete diorama or vignette scene and this has really elevated his game. There is an air of precision and professionalism to his work and this translates very well into print. He also runs his own dedicated website – www.afvplanet.com - always with world-class work on display.

Johan Fohlin – This Swedish modeler may be new to many of you. He cut his teeth with the Nordic Edge serious of modeling books and has had a rather steep rise to success. It is no surprise when you know the modelers he hangs out with, guys like Mirko Bayerl and Mike Blank. Johan has demonstrated an uncanny knack for story telling and his recent pieces (to be featured in MX soon) are as powerful as they are charming. His figure painting skills alone are worth mention and he brings the complete package to the table. I am so pleased to be able to share his skills with everyone.

These are just some of the names from the armor world; here are some from the Sci-fi arena:

Bryan Krueger – If you are into Ma.K modeling on any serious level, you have likely come across one of the best sci-fi modeling sites on the web before - www.maschinenkrueger.com - operated by Bryan himself. A Colorado native, he brings a lot of what modeling is all about--passion. The guy loves his subject and it shows. He has a hunger to improve his work constantly and has a huge portfolio of Ma.K models to back it up. His work was the first layouts to be completed for MX3 and Ma.K lovers are in for a real treat. None better, except maybe Kow Yokoyama himself. It is one of the goals of the new MX to promote the Ma.K universe and show how exciting this genre of modeling can be, because it is true cross-platform subject matter: The best sci-fi, armor, diorama and figure modeling all rolled into one.

Michael Fichtenmayer – He calls Pittsburgh home and when you have a conversation about a modeler who loves to build all the time, Michael’s name should be on your list. A true jack-of-all-trades modeler—he can design an original piece from the ground up, scratchbuild anything, paint with the best of us, add figures, put it on a realistic setting all in the blink of eye (or the click of a mouse). What Michael will share with you is inspiration in its raw form. Most of which we all struggle with, but he makes it look so effortless--a real joy to behold and oh so creative as well. Check his site out - www.fichtenfoo.com

For you fly boys out there, the number of quality modelers is staggering. So we had to make some important calls and get a few names we thought would provide a worthy balance between historical precision and artistic freedom. We were looking for people who strive to constantly improve and educate at the same time.

Brett Green – What can you say about Brett that hasn’t already been said? One of the most loved Aussies on the planet; right after Elle McPherson I’m sure. The list of titles he authors seems to grow by the minute. An immensely popular modeler--how could we not ask him to participate? Just wait to see what he brings out for display. His skills with an airbrush are legendary, we can all learn a thing or two from Brett. If you are not familiar with Brett’s effort in our hobby just know that he brings us two of the more popular modeling websites – www.hyperscale.com and www.missing-lynx.com - enough said there, I think. What a treat!

Bill Cronk – I can’t wait for you guys to see this man’s work. Here at MX, we have been a fan of Bill's work for a long while, and unbelievably he has never been published before. We think we have found a real untapped talent in him and are very excited about the way Bill works his magic. He is a master at surfaces and finishes. If you like envelope-pushing weathering, Bill will give it to you. This Texan is full of life, generous as anybody we have ever met and a true lover of all things with wings. His plies his craft in his spare time just to practice and get better at it, this says a lot about the man and it definitely shows in his work.

This is just a sampling of the guys we have lined up to date. We will share some of the automotive, bike, figure and railroading modelers we have lined up next time. One of the more exciting ideas we have is to commission work from modelers not in their normal expertise. There are tons of opportunities to cross-media model and we will be exploring this thought process further. Not every modeler is always subject specific and allowing the right guy the chance to spread his wings will be a wonderful way to share the hobby. Speaking of which, wait until you see what one of our regular contributors, Mike Kirchoff, has up his sleeve. Amazing stuff!

With that said, I will leave you guys for now until our next message. Rest assured fans, the midnight oil is burning in our studios and that is what is most important right now. Our goal is to have the next issue to the printer in time for the holidays and with winter just around the corner, this will give many of you a great way to spend time indoors absorbing the work within our pages. Until then, may your workbenches always be a busy place.

Best,

Michael Rinaldi
Editor, MODELx