Sources for Decals, Parts, etc

Let's break this into chunks and hit a few (out of the mouths of newbies come some awful big posts!) Bombers- Monogram B-52D is the only thing out there. Allegedly conversion to H model is available, but I'm not sure how easy this is for a returning modeler. Testor's B-2 is available, but not my recommendation for a newcomer. It has some construction issues that are pretty difficult, not unbuildable, but it's really, really big! You might want to get up to speed on something in-between in size, like the Revell F-15E Strike Eagle in 1/48- very nice. Some of those seams on the BUFF are over 2 feet long! Cool resources for stuff-

are the ones I use most often. They have sponsors, so check them out for stores, too. Incredible resources, and I don't see how any of their proprietors have time for actual lives, or families, or modeling! Online shops- I shop online cuz my nearest store is 60 miles away- if there's a good store in your area, USE IT! are just three that pop into mind among so many. Finally, this group has made me a better modeler. Check every day, scan the posts even if they don't really seem to connect with what you are interested in that particular day, because this place is serendipity central- you find answers to problems you didn't even know existed, you get tips and tricks from some dammed good modelers, and if you have a specific question, the answer is probably out there in somebody's head. Welcome back to plastic obsession land, and remember the point is to have fun; to be a better modeler; and to have fun!!!!!

Brandon,

Well, to give you specific advice, it would be helpful to know where you live.

My first piece of advice is to see if there is a model club nearby. There is no greater modeling resource than a group of guys that share your interest. Despite what the occasional ill-tempered troll posts on RMS, the International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS) is a thriving organization composed of friendly, helpful types who are more than willing to share ( dare I say "show off" ? =o] ) what they know.

Check out the national webiste:

and see if there is a local chapter in your area.

Second, look in the phone book and see if there is hobby shop nearby that specializes in plastic models. If you are lucky enough to find one, support it whenever you can. They are a dying breed in these days. A good hobby shop isn't just a source of STUFF, which you can certainly buy cheaper elsewhere, but is also a source of information, help and networking, which is irreplacable.

If you are just looking for online mail-order, I can recommend:

Hobbylink Japan :

Shop : Models : Models : : Hill : Each has its own niche and quirks, but I've have excellent service from all of them.

Good luck, Greg Reynolds, IPMS

(apparently):

?item_num=GDPR72017Aiwaves did one, but I think that only the B-52G conversion is (almost) available at the moment: ?FULL=AES72037 I'd appreciate it.