Welcome to the New Year: What's Your Hobby Plan for 2026?

With the 2025 modeling year wrapped up (maybe with the exception of a couple of finishing touches still to do on a couple of stragglers), plans are now well laid out to organize my 2026 build candidates - with every build coming from the existing stash.

I am probably an outlier in the hobby, in as much that I have kept a database of my model aircraft since well before Excel or Scalemates ever existed. I am a planner by nature and one of my early visions for this hobby was that I might try and build one of every type of aircraft offered in a production 1/48th kit. Keep in mind this was in the early 80s, when there wasn't near the volume of model kits available today. I think that ambition has long gotten away from me, considering the thousand or so 1/48th scale kits that seem to be available nowadays.

Part of my 1/48th scale model collection as it existed around May 1985.

The "database" (which was on paper at first) came to life early on in my interest in this model making hobby. A friend of mine decided that he was getting out and instead focusing on his other interests. He had a stash of about 30 unbuilt kits, with most in my preferred 1/48th scale. The deal he offered me (if I took everything) was too good for me to pass up even though it would double the size of my stash at that time - SOLD!

Part of the reason I recorded all this information on my model aircraft was to keep track of the growing stash as well as manage the intended paint and markings of the air force I intended to build. (It has also ended up coming in handy a few times avoiding unplanned duplications). It is interesting to look back on those 80 - 90's era plans and see that a lot of those aircraft are now actually built as planned.

At some point I converted the paper data format to a spreadsheet program using Lotus 1-2-3 as well as Quattro Pro for a time (The data now is in Libra Office / MS Excel). I have typically recorded the model kit details; purchase date and cost; as well as comments on intended paint and markings; completion date and (more recently) where the project is posted on-line. This has more easily allowed me to map out the Squadrons I want to cover; Different types of paint finishes and markings (so I could see if I had acquired the needed products of the build) as well as tracking all the different types of aircraft I have (or have had).

My main display case with part of my 1/48th scale model collection as it exists today.

For example, I have a separate sheet on the various RCAF squadrons to track which aircraft I have built to represent that squadron. This allows me to fill the gaps in over time (if I can find a suitable subject kit as well as the markings required). I have done similar things with my F-4 Phantom collection (admittedly I have more than a few) as well as my Aggressor lineup to ensure that, in the end, I will have a great variety of types in my collection without too many look-alikes in the mix.

The other result of this Stash and Management Software is that I end up going through it to plan out my next year's intended projects. Sometimes the plan changes here and there over the course of the year (usually the scope is a bit more ambitious than I can achieve), however it (should) keep me focused on building the stash and serves as an occasional reminder that I don't REALLY need that new kit! :) ...or do I..?

So, without further ado, here is what I have come up with for my 2026 lineup:

The Year of the Special Scheme

A-4M Skyhawk Aggressor Scheme

TA-4J Skyhawk Aggressor Scheme

F-4E Phantom II JG 74s Experimental Scheme (F-4F)

F-16C/N Falcon Aggressor Scheme

CF-5D Freedom Fighter Aggressor Scheme

T-38A Talon Aggressor Scheme

F-104C Starfighter 441 Special Scheme (Convert to CF-104G)

CF-5D Freedom Fighter Aggressor Scheme

F-15B/D Eagle Aggressor Scheme

F-4J Phantom II VF-194 Special Scheme

CF-188 Hornet 20 Years of Service Anniversary Scheme

Disclaimer: Build order is subject to change. We reserve the right to substitute or cancel any part of this order based on current availability of spare time and inspiration .)

RCAF CF-5D Aggressors in echelon formation.

What's your Hobby Plan for 2026? It could be to build your first kit; get back into the hobby after a pause; build the stash; ad hoc builds; shopping spree... whatever suits you most.

Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers