Episode 38 - Heller/Glow2B (Europes largest distributor)

From Red to Yellow! Heller/Glow2B, DBMK update, VMZ2026 and the Return of a Missing Benchmate!

Hiya Benchmates — Episode 38 has landed!

After joining James Skiffins and Malcolm Childs for a very special farewell to Just Making Conversation in our last episode, we're back to business as usual - though with a little JMC magic thrown in!

Well, as close to business as usual as things ever get around here.

This time, we're catching up with some familiar faces from the modelling industry, looking ahead to an international online modelling competition and welcoming back a member of the Beyond The Box Art® team who has finally managed to escape the clutches of his work roster!

We're joined by Dale Luckhurst, who has swapped red for yellow in his new role as Brand Manager for Heller, part of Glow2B, to talk about his new position and what the future holds for this iconic model kit manufacturer.

Will Packard from DBMK returns to bring us up to speed on developments since the release of their much-anticipated 1/32 Sea Fury earlier this year, including progress on some exciting upcoming projects.

We also welcome Tim Holland from Modellers Without Borders, who joins us to talk about VMZ2026, their second annual online modelling competition, and how modellers from around the world can get involved.

And, of course, the Stash Inflation Report returns with another collection of new releases, aftermarket accessories and completely unnecessary temptations.

But perhaps the biggest surprise of all...

Martin Drayton is back!

Yes, after what feels like an eternity of conflicting work rosters, the planets have finally aligned, and Martin rejoins the Benchmates from his home in sunny Utah.

We were beginning to think he'd changed his phone number.

It's always a pleasure to welcome a familiar voice back to the show, particularly when they've got some exciting news to share.

This episode sees the return of Dale Luckhurst, who has traded the familiar red of his previous role for something altogether more yellow!

Dale joins us in his new position as Brand Manager for Heller, part of Glow2B, and we're delighted to catch up with him for his first interview with us since taking on the role.

For generations of modellers, Heller has been a familiar name in the hobby, producing an enormous variety of subjects across aviation, military vehicles, maritime modelling and automotive kits.

And for many of us, there are probably a few Heller boxes lurking somewhere in the stash that we bought decades ago and still fully intend to build.

Eventually.

We talk to Dale about his move to Glow2B, what attracted him to the Heller brand and how he's settling into his new responsibilities.

We also explore the challenges and opportunities involved in managing a manufacturer with such a long history, an established catalogue and a loyal following among modellers around the world.

What can we expect from Heller in the coming years?

How does Dale see the brand developing?

And what might the future hold for those classic subjects that helped make Heller such a recognisable name in the modelling world?

It's an opportunity to hear directly from someone involved in shaping the future of a familiar manufacturer.

And, naturally, we couldn't possibly let Dale leave without asking whether there might be a few surprises in store for us.

After all, a change of colour shouldn't mean a reduction in the number of kits we feel compelled to buy.

Quite the opposite, probably.

Back in Episode 26, we caught up with the team from DBMK to discuss their ambitious plans and the development of their highly anticipated 1/32 Sea Fury.

Well, the Sea Fury has now made its way out of the development workshop and into the hands of modellers.

So naturally, we wanted to know what happened next!

Will Packard returns to Beyond The Box Art® to bring us up to speed on how things have progressed since the release of the Sea Fury earlier this year.

We look back at the launch, discuss how the kit has been received by the modelling community and explore what the experience has taught the DBMK team about bringing a new large-scale injection-moulded aircraft kit to market.

But, as anyone following DBMK's social media channels will know, the Sea Fury is far from the end of the story.

There are several rather interesting projects working their way through the development process.

Republic F-105 Thunderchief

The mighty Thud is one of the most eagerly discussed subjects among those following DBMK's future releases. We catch up with Will on its development and what progress has been made.

Grumman F11F Tiger

An elegant and distinctive US Navy fighter that has attracted plenty of attention from modellers. We discuss the project and what the team has been working on behind the scenes.

Supermarine Scimitar

A subject particularly close to the hearts of many British naval aviation enthusiasts. We find out how development is progressing and what lies ahead for this much-anticipated project.

There's also a chance to explore what goes into developing a new kit, from the initial design and research through to the engineering decisions that eventually turn a computer model into something we can actually sit down and build.

For those of us who spend our time wondering why a particular aircraft has never been produced in our preferred scale, it's an opportunity to hear about the work involved in making these projects happen.

And, more importantly...

To find out what we might need to make room for in the stash next.

One of the wonderful things about scale modelling is that it brings together people who might otherwise never have the opportunity to meet.

Different countries.

Different backgrounds.

Different modelling interests.

But one shared passion for sticking bits of plastic together and occasionally wondering where that tiny photo-etched part disappeared to.

This episode, we're joined by Tim Holland from Modellers Without Borders to talk about VMZ2026, their second annual online modelling competition.

With the success of their inaugural event behind them, Modellers Without Borders are bringing modellers together once again for an international celebration of the hobby.

And the beauty of an online modelling competition is that geography doesn't have to get in the way.

You don't need to travel hundreds of miles to a convention centre.

You don't need to book a hotel.

And you certainly don't need to explain to your other half why the car is full of model boxes before you've even arrived at the show.

We talk to Tim about how Modellers Without Borders came about, what inspired the creation of VMZ and how the experience of organising their first event has helped shape this year's competition.

We also explore what modellers can expect from VMZ2026, how the competition works, the categories and entry process, and what participants need to know about getting involved.

For those who have never entered a modelling competition before, it's a chance to discover how an online event can offer a different way of sharing your work with the wider modelling community.

And for experienced competition modellers, it's another opportunity to showcase their latest projects alongside fellow enthusiasts from around the world.

But VMZ2026 isn't simply about medals, trophies or who has managed to squeeze the largest number of aftermarket accessories into a single model.

It's also about bringing people together, encouraging participation and celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship and friendship that make our hobby so rewarding.

Whether you're a seasoned competition veteran, a newcomer to the hobby or someone who has never quite plucked up the courage to enter a model into a show, there's plenty to discover.

And the best part?

You can take part without having to transport your latest masterpiece halfway across the country in a box full of foam and crossed fingers.

Of course, while we're busy talking to manufacturers about their latest developments, the rest of the modelling industry has been doing its level best to ensure our bank accounts never recover.

Yes, the Stash Inflation Report returns with another worldwide trawl through the latest releases, announcements, aftermarket accessories and assorted pieces of modelling temptation.

Balders takes us through the latest aviation releases, Dan patrols the world of armour and military vehicles, Nevs heads back onto the high seas, Shane explores Gunpla, sci-fi and everything mechanical, while Matty takes care of cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles.

And with Matty now firmly established as our automotive correspondent, there's yet another member of the team finding completely legitimate reasons why you absolutely need another model kit.

Apparently, having nowhere to put it is no longer considered a valid objection.

Between them, the team once again demonstrates that the modelling industry remains entirely committed to ensuring nobody ever reaches the bottom of their stash.

Expect new kits.

Expect aftermarket.

Expect several entirely unnecessary purchases.

And expect at least one member of the team to explain why something is an absolute bargain despite nobody actually asking.

As always, Beyond The Box Art® accepts absolutely no responsibility for parcels arriving at your home following this segment.

Although we will happily accept the credit.

There are some mysteries in the modelling world that may never be fully explained.

Where do all those tiny parts go when they disappear from the tweezers?

Why does the one kit you really want always seem to be out of stock?

And why is it that every time we try to arrange a recording session, Martin Drayton's work roster appears to have other ideas?

Well, at long last, we've managed to solve at least one of those mysteries.

Martin is back!

Joining us from his home in Utah, our long-lost co-host finally makes his return to Beyond The Box Art® after an extended period of conflicting work commitments.

And while we appreciate that gainful employment is a necessary evil, we were beginning to wonder whether Martin had decided that getting up at ridiculous hours to talk to a bunch of British modellers was no longer quite as appealing as it once seemed.

Apparently, it is.

Or perhaps he's just run out of excuses.

Either way, we're delighted to have him back behind the microphone, catching up with the Benchmates and bringing his usual perspective, experience and humour to the conversation.

It's great to have you back, Martin.

We've kept your seat warm.

Well, metaphorically speaking.

It is a podcast, after all.

Ultimately, this episode is a wonderful reminder of just how much is happening across our hobby.

From an established manufacturer looking towards the future under a familiar new Brand Manager, to a growing kit manufacturer bringing ambitious projects to life, there's plenty going on behind the scenes in the modelling industry.

And with initiatives like Modellers Without Borders and VMZ2026, we're seeing more opportunities for modellers to connect, share their work and enjoy the hobby together, regardless of where they happen to live.

That's something we feel particularly strongly about here at Beyond The Box Art®.

Because while the kits, tools and techniques are undoubtedly a huge part of what we do, it's the people who make this hobby what it is.

The manufacturers who listen to their customers.

The organisers who give up their time to bring people together.

The modellers who share their knowledge and encourage others.

And the friendships that can develop between people who have never actually met in person but feel as though they've known each other for years.

It's also rather nice when one of those friends finally manages to get his work roster sorted out and rejoins the show!

So grab a brew, take your place at the bench and join Brownie, Martin and the rest of the Beyond The Box Art® team as we catch up with Dale Luckhurst, Will Packard and Tim Holland for another episode packed with modelling news, industry insights, community spirit and the occasional completely unnecessary excuse to buy another kit.

And remember...

You don't have a stash problem.

You have a storage problem.

Brownie & the Beyond The Box Art® Team

Models. Modellers. Meaning.

Email: info@beyondtheboxart.com

Website: www.beyondtheboxart.com

AMMO by Mig Jiménez — www.ammo.es

Fischkopp Model Company — www.fischkoppcompany.de

Guideline Publications — www.guidelinepublications.co.uk

Scale Modellers Supply — www.scalemodeller.com.au

Inside The Armour — www.insidethearmour.com

Our commercial sponsors help us cover the running costs of Beyond The Box Art®, allowing us to encourage Benchmates who would like to support something financially to consider supporting modelling charities and good causes instead.

Heller — www.heller.fr

Glow2B — www.glow2b.de

DBMK — www.dbmk.co.uk

Model Podcasts — www.modelpodcasts.com

Models for Heroes — www.modelsforheroes.org.uk

IPMS UK — www.ipmsuk.org

IPMS/USA — www.ipmsusa.org

Beyond The Box Art® is the modelling radio show on the internet, bringing together modellers from around the world through:

• In-depth interviews with industry leaders, manufacturers, event organisers and hobby personalities

• Honest discussions about kits, techniques and the ever-changing modelling world

• Coverage of clubs, shows and the people who make the hobby special

• News and updates through our partnerships with IPMS organisations

• Support for modelling charities and initiatives that use the hobby to improve lives

• A genuinely international look at our hobby

• Plenty of humour, friendship and the occasional excuse to buy just one more kit...

Whether you're building your first model, returning to the hobby after decades away or sitting beside a stash large enough to require structural engineering calculations, there's a place for you among the Benchmates.

Available completely free of charge on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

Beyond The Box Art®

The Scale Modellers Podcast.

Models. Modellers. Meaning.