{"id":1588633,"date":"2022-04-22T16:39:19","date_gmt":"2022-04-22T14:39:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/?p=1588633"},"modified":"2023-10-31T19:01:38","modified_gmt":"2023-10-31T18:01:38","slug":"interview-with-arma-hobby-for-scale-aviation-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/en\/blog\/2022\/04\/22\/interview-with-arma-hobby-for-scale-aviation-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Arma Hobby for Scale Aviation Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>I present an interview I made for the Japanese magazine <a href=\"http:\/\/www.modelkasten.com\/magazine\/\">Scale Aviation<\/a> with the founders of Arma Hobby. The interview was published in issue 5\/22 of our magazine and is divided into five thematic groups.<\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Basic history &amp; information of Arma Hobby<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6>On the Arma Hobby website, it is said that Mr. Wojtek and Mr. Marcin met in a modelling club in the mid-&#8217;90s. Could you tell us a little more about this? What modelling club was it, why did you decide to join the club, and what was each other&#8217;s first impression?<\/h6>\n<p><strong>Marcin Ciepierski:<\/strong> I\u2019ve been interested in model-making ever since I was a kid. I was drawn in by my uncle, who used to build cardboard models. Myself, I took up modelling as a hobby at the beginning of the 1990s, making Matchbox and Italeri kits. When I was 12 years old, in sixth form (1995), I wheedled my parents into allowing me to join a modelling club in central Warsaw. It was there that I met Wojtek, who was working as a volunteer instructor. My first classes with Wojtek \u2013 I remember this clearly \u2013 concerned the Pacific War, and since I was already interested in the topic, I was thrilled to be able to develop my knowledge. I really enjoyed the historical backdrop to model-making that Wojtek gave me, and I must say that it really inspired me. To me, the modelling club was something adultlike. There were quite a few older boys, they talked on serious subjects, and they had considerable historical knowledge. Add to this the excellent classes which we had on the basics of model-making.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-1588609\" src=\"http:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA1-811x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"811\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA1-811x1024.jpg 811w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA1-238x300.jpg 238w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA1-768x970.jpg 768w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA1-610x771.jpg 610w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA1.jpg 950w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 811px) 100vw, 811px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Wojtek Bu\u0142hak: <\/strong>We would meet at the \u201c\u015amigie\u0142ko\u201d [\u201cPropeller\u201d] club at the Youth Palace in Warsaw. The club itself was well known thanks to one of the instructors, Waldemar Salach, who in the 1970s wrote articles popularizing plastic model-making and had them published in various aviation and modelling magazines. Since I was interested in aviation, my parents signed me up for the classes. My first impression, however, was a disappointment, as plastic kits were unavailable and we made wooden flying models instead. This changed after two or so years, and the model-making classes were revived.<\/p>\n<p>The Youth Palace was an enormous building intended for extraschool activities, typical of Communist countries. There were programmes that you had to implement. Our programme covered training in modelling techniques and the history of aviation\/military science. In the 1990s, I worked there on a voluntary basis, while later, when W. Salach retired, I was appointed instructor and had my own classes. It was thanks to Mr. Salach\u2019s encouragement that in 1998 I took up a job with Mirage Hobby.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA0.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-1588606 alignnone\" src=\"http:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA0-836x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"836\" height=\"1024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA0-836x1024.jpg 836w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA0-245x300.jpg 245w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA0-768x940.jpg 768w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA0-610x747.jpg 610w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA0.jpg 980w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 836px) 100vw, 836px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6>How did you both come to work for Mirage Hobby, Adalbertus, and Attack Squadron? Could you tell us about your work experience at each company?<\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin:<\/strong> Wojtek started working for Mirage Hobby earlier. When I was in secondary school, I would occasionally write articles for the magazine which Mirage published. During the holidays before I went to university, I worked for Mirage on two model designs. I spent many hours observing how a friend from the office designed a plastic model. It was then that I \u201ccaught the bug\u201d and got to know the basics of 3D modelling. When I was studying industrial design, my interests developed still further.\u00a0 This coincided with the appearance of 3D printing. Meanwhile Wojtek had set up his own company, and we decided to try out this new technology under its aegis. That\u2019s how the Attack Squadron brand was born. We were encouraged by our initial attempts, and so in 2013 we established Arma Hobby. In the beginning, we planned to only make resin models and accessories, however the market drew us in and forced us to develop.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wojtek:<\/strong> While working at Mirage Hobby, I learned the basics of sales and model design. After a few years I left them to start my own company, Adalbertus, because I had grown fascinated with miniature figures. I produced toy soldiers and accessories for armoured models for a few years, with lesser or greater success. The breakthrough was the introduction of aviation models under the Attack Squadron brand. From there, everything just took off.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>After working for three companies, what motivated you two to create your own company, Arma Hobby? What is the origin story of Arma Hobby?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin: <\/strong>Arma Hobby brought about the formalization of processes which had been occurring within Adalbertus and Attack Squadron. The first resin models were an excellent experience, however we were left feeling unsatisfied. Resin is more suited to short production runs, but we were drawn to mainstream topics. This in any case explains our attempts with the Bearcat and Spitfire PR XI. Somewhere along the way we came to the conclusion that design work on resin models is similar to that on plastic models. Thus we decided to have a go with plastics. During the first stage, we were assisted by the doyen of the Polish model-making world, <a href=\"http:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/en\/blog\/author\/mars\/\">Mr Miros\u0142aw Miarka<\/a>, who has designed numerous Polish and European models. It was with his help that we got through our first project, the TS-11 Iskra. We had the moulds for the model made in China. Since we wanted to ensure better control over the process and at the same time give ourselves the opportunity of improving our technical knowledge, we finally decided to find a mould producer in Poland. This was an excellent decision, because it allowed us to learn and improve quality from project to project.<\/p>\n<p>We cannot also help but mention the graphical design of our kits. Everything \u2013 the logo, boxes and colouring \u2013 is the work of my wife, Paulina, who is a professional graphical artist. People frequently tell us that are boxes are great, and that they find them appealing.\u00a0 You can read more about how our logo came into being and what the colours mean on our blog:<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"pfy3o6nKD6\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/blog\/2021\/04\/09\/jak-powstalo-logo-arma-hobby\/\">Jak Powsta\u0142o Logo Arma Hobby<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8222;Jak Powsta\u0142o Logo Arma Hobby&#8221; &#8212; Arma Hobby - blog firmowy\" src=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/blog\/2021\/04\/09\/jak-powstalo-logo-arma-hobby\/embed\/#?secret=XNF3rC6i2r#?secret=pfy3o6nKD6\" data-secret=\"pfy3o6nKD6\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>How big is your company? (Number of workers)<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin:<\/strong> If you count Wojtek and me, there are five of us, plus a few regular collaborators.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wojtek: <\/strong>Technically five people employed on a full time basis, two part-time, and a few collaborators.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Note:<\/strong> We expanded our team to nine empleyes since interview made.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>Could you introduce us to some other key members of Arma Hobby?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin: <\/strong>The most important is Micha\u0142 Paw\u0142owski, he\u2019s been with us since the beginning \u2013 in fact, he worked with Wojtek at the inception of Attack Squadron. He\u2019s in charge of the whole sales system.<\/p>\n<p>Zbyszek Malicki is responsible for graphics and \u2013 quite often \u2013 the documentation. He\u2019s a model-maker himself and a fan of Japanese aviation. I met Zbyszek on a model-making forum, and also at the IPMS club in Warsaw.<\/p>\n<p>Maciek Wro\u0144ski is our 3D designer. He worked with us for a while at Attack Squadron. He returned to us a year ago to design plastic models. We\u2019ve known Maciek since we were students at the faculty of industrial design.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wojtek: <\/strong>Two other colleagues are employed on a part-time basis: Grzegorz Mazurowski, who supports us as an editor, and Maciek Ruci\u0144ski, who handles orders and production. Some important people are supporting us from behind scene: Piotr Zalewski, our business advisor, Grzegorz Cieliszak, \u00a0Dominik S\u0119dziak both with research and Maciek Zakrzewski is our professional translator.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"AVqhKU8OJ1\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/blog\/2022\/03\/30\/ki-84-ta-robota-jest-ciekawa-wywiad-z-maciejem-wrona-wronskim-projektantem-3d-z-arma-hobby\/\">\u201eTa robota jest ciekawa\u201d \u2013 wywiad z Maciejem \u201eWron\u0105\u201d Wro\u0144skim, projektantem 3D z Arma Hobby<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8222;\u201eTa robota jest ciekawa\u201d \u2013 wywiad z Maciejem \u201eWron\u0105\u201d Wro\u0144skim, projektantem 3D z Arma Hobby&#8221; &#8212; Arma Hobby - blog firmowy\" src=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/blog\/2022\/03\/30\/ki-84-ta-robota-jest-ciekawa-wywiad-z-maciejem-wrona-wronskim-projektantem-3d-z-arma-hobby\/embed\/#?secret=s9gRX2sSYI#?secret=AVqhKU8OJ1\" data-secret=\"AVqhKU8OJ1\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"BqV5SrdSGi\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/blog\/2022\/04\/15\/malowania-japonskie-to-temat-dosc-trudny-wywiad-ze-zbyszkiem-malickim-grafikiem-z-arma-hobby\/\">\u201eMalowania japo\u0144skie to temat do\u015b\u0107 trudny\u201d &#8211; wywiad ze Zbyszkiem Malickim, grafikiem z Arma Hobby<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8222;\u201eMalowania japo\u0144skie to temat do\u015b\u0107 trudny\u201d &#8211; wywiad ze Zbyszkiem Malickim, grafikiem z Arma Hobby&#8221; &#8212; Arma Hobby - blog firmowy\" src=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/blog\/2022\/04\/15\/malowania-japonskie-to-temat-dosc-trudny-wywiad-ze-zbyszkiem-malickim-grafikiem-z-arma-hobby\/embed\/#?secret=u1lq9KxEMq#?secret=BqV5SrdSGi\" data-secret=\"BqV5SrdSGi\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>Why did you name your company \u201cArma Hobby\u201d?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Wojtek: <\/strong>We wanted a name that would conjoin a passion for military technology with hobbyism. Ideally, it was to be simple and easy to understand in different languages. Thus we adopted \u201cArma\u201d, which means \u201carms\u201d or \u201cweapon\u201d in Latin.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>While many model-kit companies outsource designing, moulding, and injecting abroad (mainly in Asia), Arma Hobby produces their kit 100% in Poland. Could you tell me the difficulties of doing everything yourself and why you chose this approach?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin: <\/strong>Maciek and I are fully responsible for design work. I just could not imagine outsourcing this stage. I love doing it. It\u2019s important that our designs are in line with how I approach modelling, reflecting both how I pursue the hobby and the experiences that I have gathered as a designer. That\u2019s why Maciek has fitted in so well into our team. He has a special type of mind, one which understands the functioning of solids in space and knows how mechanical devices work. Importantly, he is skilled not only at drawing in 3D, but also \u2013 and perhaps first and foremost \u2013 at designing products. I hope that his first design following his return will take your fancy.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wojtek: <\/strong>Obviously, it costs more to make moulds and manufacture models in Poland than in China. It was important for us to learn the technology and assure quality. This was easiest to achieve through direct contacts with the contractor. In Poland, production is more resilient to international turbulences, and this is something that we understood years ago. While the world is now experiencing \u201csupply chain disruption\u201d, we are to a considerable extent immune to the problem. An important element is patriotism and supporting the national economy.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>If my understanding is correct, Arma Hobby started as an aftermarket parts company. It then led to F8F-1 and PZL P.1 (resin kits) and eventually injection-plastic kits. Could you briefly explain the history of Arma Hobby?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin: <\/strong>I\u2019ve already hinted at this previously, and so I\u2019ll now focus on plastic kit production. Our first plastic model \u2013 the Iskra (a Polish trainer jet) \u2013 was made in China. For me, the fact that we were unable to inspect the work performed by the engineer was a considerable problem. I just couldn\u2019t learn model manufacturing technology quickly enough! And so we decided to find a mould manufacturer in Poland. Our first Polish-produced model was the PZL P.7a. We weren\u2019t fully satisfied with it either, however we immediately knew what to correct and how. The Fokker was confirmation that our corrections were proceeding in the right direction. This gave us the opportunity of further developing our experience with the PZL P.11c, and then preparing for the Hurricane series. Each successive kit allowed us to overcome fresh challenges concerning a multitude of issues, such as a greater number of parts or a greater quantity of surface details. I use successive projects as test beds for new solutions, which I then introduce on a wider scale in other models.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"ut73nfiRwq\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/blog\/2020\/11\/24\/dawno-dawno-temu-w-odleglej-odlewni-poczatki-arma-hobby\/\">Dawno, dawno temu w odleg\u0142ej odlewni \u2013 pocz\u0105tki Arma Hobby<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8222;Dawno, dawno temu w odleg\u0142ej odlewni \u2013 pocz\u0105tki Arma Hobby&#8221; &#8212; Arma Hobby - blog firmowy\" src=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/blog\/2020\/11\/24\/dawno-dawno-temu-w-odleglej-odlewni-poczatki-arma-hobby\/embed\/#?secret=cndvDnL46q#?secret=ut73nfiRwq\" data-secret=\"ut73nfiRwq\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Arma Hobby kits<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>In your opinion, what makes Arma Hobby kits unique compared to other manufacturers&#8217; kits?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Wojtek: <\/strong>We strive to find a balance between the number of details and ease of model construction. Our guiding principle is to minimize problems relating to the building of models. The most important thing is to get the body of the aircraft right, then properly think out the division into parts, and finally ensure that the details are suited to the scale of the kit.<\/p>\n<p>We think that many companies are compromising on the model body and trying to make an impression with an excessive number of details, which may look grotesque \u2013 especially in small scale kits.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>Can you give us three reasons to be excited about the upcoming 1\/72 P-51B\/C Mustang kit?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin: <\/strong>Simple: the best reproduction of the shape of the body of the Mustang B\/C versions on any scale, inclusion of the majority of variants of the aircraft, and the best details.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wojtek: <\/strong>This is a very popular aeroplane. But there is no kit on the market developed in accordance with modern standards regarding the shape of the airframe and details. Straight out of the box, the model allows you to build a replica of any variant of the plane, without having to convert or use additional accessories. All you have to do is select a paint scheme from the kit or use one of your spare decal sets, which modellers usually have aplenty.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>CAD images of the 1\/72 P-51 are rich in detail. Would this be indicating a possible 1\/48 upscaled version of the Mustang?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin: <\/strong>I think this is a natural path. Personally, I would very much like to rescale not only the Mustang.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wojtek: <\/strong>I think this\u2019ll be unavoidable, although 1\/72 is our favourite scale. Modellers keep on inquiring about 1\/48.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>In recent years, Arma Hobby has released Yak-1, PZL P.11, Hurricane, and Wildcat. How do you usually select the subject of a new kit?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin: <\/strong>This all comes down to a number of factors. Polish builds, such as the Iskra and PZL, are an obvious choice for us, as they were ideal for learning the technology and readily accepted on the local market. Whereas the Wildcat \u2013 in addition to market-related aspects \u2013 is one of my favourite aircraft. The Yak-1B had an excellent body of documentation, and this greatly facilitated design work and thereby allowed us to quickly add another well-known fighter from the Second World War. The Hurricane series was an obvious choice due to weak market competition and the aeroplane\u2019s renown. Although the Fokker, Hurricane and Yak are all foreign aircraft, they were important for the history of Polish aviation.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>Producing parts with fine and crisp details and achieving a good fit between parts is very difficult for many model-kit manufacturers. Even though Arma Hobby is a relatively new company, your kits are easy to build, with excellent surface detail. How were you able to achieve this so quickly?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin: <\/strong>I think that this stems from a number of factors. The first would certainly be the development path \u2013 outlined above \u2013 in which we opted for close co-operation with engineers in the tool shop. In consequence, my designs embody the lessons learned during the production of previous kits. Equally important is that I am both a modeller and a design engineer. And I always give due consideration to the fine details that modellers enjoy simply because modelling has been my hobby since childhood. Buildability and ideas for the division into parts follow from our experience of design engineering. I think that the greatest secret to success is that to date each and every project has passed through my hands \u2013 the hands of designer, modeller, and company proprietor.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\t\t<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 {\n\t\t\t\tmargin: auto;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-item {\n\t\t\t\tfloat: left;\n\t\t\t\tmargin-top: 10px;\n\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;\n\t\t\t\twidth: 50%;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 img {\n\t\t\t\tborder: 2px solid #cfcfcf;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t#gallery-1 .gallery-caption {\n\t\t\t\tmargin-left: 0;\n\t\t\t}\n\t\t\t\/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes\/media.php *\/\n\t\t<\/style>\n\t\t<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-1588633 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-medium'><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA1.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"238\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA1-238x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA1-238x300.jpg 238w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA1-811x1024.jpg 811w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA1-768x970.jpg 768w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA1-610x771.jpg 610w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA1.jpg 950w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 238px) 100vw, 238px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA4.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"238\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA4-238x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA4-238x300.jpg 238w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA4-811x1024.jpg 811w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA4-768x970.jpg 768w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA4-610x771.jpg 610w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA4.jpg 950w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 238px) 100vw, 238px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA3.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"238\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA3-238x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA3-238x300.jpg 238w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA3-811x1024.jpg 811w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA3-768x970.jpg 768w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA3-610x771.jpg 610w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA3.jpg 950w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 238px) 100vw, 238px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><dl class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<a href='https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA2.jpg'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"238\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA2-238x300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA2-238x300.jpg 238w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA2-811x1024.jpg 811w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA2-768x970.jpg 768w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA2-610x771.jpg 610w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/SA2.jpg 950w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 238px) 100vw, 238px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/dt><\/dl><br style=\"clear: both\" \/>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>What is the motto\/slogan of the company? What makes Arma Hobby stand out amongst other competing model-kit manufacturers?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Wojtek: <\/strong>We continue to work on verbalizing our concept of the model for modellers.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>Could you give us a brief rundown of how a typical development process of a new kit proceeds? <\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Wojtek:<\/strong> In the main, our work together consists in talking. During these discussions we arrive at an idea of a model that is in demand and would be suitably complicated \u2013 in line with our current capabilities. Next we gather the documentation, preferably factory construction plans. An interesting source of inspiration is the Japanese website <a href=\"http:\/\/soyuyo.main.jp\/\">http:\/\/soyuyo.main.jp\/<\/a>. Marcin gathers hundreds of photographs, and these make it possible to capture the shape of the model body. Over the next few months, we painstakingly create a 3D model, in the meantime discussing versions and the division into parts, and selecting painting scheme variants. When the 3D model is ready, Marcin divides the parts into frames. We then pass on the design to the tool shop. The engineer programmes the machine tool, which takes two months. Next we proceed to electrodrilling and process the mould. The artist paints the box art, while Zbyszek makes the colour profiles, decal design, box and instruction. About a month before putting the model on the market, we start to promote it on our blog and on social media. At the same time we perform injection moulding tests and correct the mould. When everything is ready, we commence sales and shipment.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2><strong>Future of Arma Hobby<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>Do you have something exciting planned after the 1\/72 P-51 Mustang? If so, could you possibly give us some hints?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin: <\/strong>The spring will be a beautiful period for Japanese modellers. You can expect an aircraft with the Hinomaru very soon. Our next project will be a Hurricane Mk IIc on a scale of 1\/48, which is planned for June of this year.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>How do you feel about Japanese subjects? Is there any possibility of a Japanese Aircraft kit in the future?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Wojtek:<\/strong> We have already replied to this question in part. We are planning at least three Japanese projects over the next few years<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>Arma Hobby has proven to be an excellent scale model kit manufacturer. How do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years? What is your next goal in the upcoming decade as a model kit manufacturer? What kind of challenge would you like to tackle?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin: <\/strong>I think that the natural development will be successive models of single-engined aeroplanes on a scale of 1\/72.<\/p>\n<p>This will be followed by moving the projects to larger scales. What I consider to be the greatest challenge for the future is our potential involvement in more complex projects. For example multi-engined aircraft or jet aircraft.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wojtek: <\/strong>We want to manufacture world-class plastic models, and offer the majority of popular aeroplane types. Our challenge will be to maintain a high level of quality and keep up the tempo of putting new kits on the market.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"inR0IysFL7\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/blog\/2022\/03\/18\/nowy-model-arma-hobby-ki-84-hayate\/\">Nowy model Arma Hobby \u2013 Ki-84 Hayate<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8222;Nowy model Arma Hobby \u2013 Ki-84 Hayate&#8221; &#8212; Arma Hobby - blog firmowy\" src=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/blog\/2022\/03\/18\/nowy-model-arma-hobby-ki-84-hayate\/embed\/#?secret=s4YI3C6vcN#?secret=inR0IysFL7\" data-secret=\"inR0IysFL7\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Scale modelling in Poland<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>In our previous interview with Special Hobby, we heard very interesting stories about scale modelling culture in a Socialist country. Since Poland was in a similar situation under the PZPR until 1989, could you tell us some brief history of the plastic modelling hobby during the PRL era, and how it has changed since then?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin: <\/strong>My perspective is more focused on the 1990s. I was 7 years old when the decade began, and the majority of foreign models gradually became available. I think that contemporary Polish modelling circles quickly caught up with their Western counterparts. And the appearance of the internet only speeded things up. The hobby itself changed, however, from a popular hobby for kids to one for fully involved men in their thirties who knew exactly what they wanted. I think that letting go of the kids was an act of negligence. I myself went along the entire path, starting as a child, and I think that this hobby is an excellent way of developing manual, technical and intellectual skills.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wojtek:<\/strong> I recently wrote a post on our blog concerning inspiration during the period of Communism, describing how I waited for my dream model of the Mustang in the \u201ceconomy of shortages\u201d. Link:<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-embedded-content\" data-secret=\"5hnK0wGoqW\"><p><a href=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/blog\/2021\/12\/11\/zaczelo-sie-od-malej-ksiazeczki-moje-przygody-z-mustangiem\/\">Zacz\u0119\u0142o si\u0119 od ma\u0142ej ksi\u0105\u017ceczki\u2026 Moje przygody z Mustangiem<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" style=\"position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);\" title=\"&#8222;Zacz\u0119\u0142o si\u0119 od ma\u0142ej ksi\u0105\u017ceczki\u2026 Moje przygody z Mustangiem&#8221; &#8212; Arma Hobby - blog firmowy\" src=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/blog\/2021\/12\/11\/zaczelo-sie-od-malej-ksiazeczki-moje-przygody-z-mustangiem\/embed\/#?secret=cmhvIjFBqJ#?secret=5hnK0wGoqW\" data-secret=\"5hnK0wGoqW\" width=\"600\" height=\"338\" frameborder=\"0\" marginwidth=\"0\" marginheight=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<blockquote><p>The few kits that were available, mainly Polish, Czechoslovak and East German, inspired and awed young modellers. The problem was getting the proper tools and modelling paints. I remember how we bought Wilbra leather paints (for shoes) and used them to paint our models. The first harbinger of change was the appearance of Matchbox \u2013 and thereafter ESCI \u2013 kits in the second half of the 1980s. In the 1990s, supply improved, however the boom really started in the 2000s, specifically thanks to the internet.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>For unknown reasons, many Japanese people think that Polish people are very pro-Japanese. Is this true? If so, are Japanese aircraft subjects also popular amongst the Polish scale modelling community?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin: <\/strong>Yes, without a doubt. Because of its physical distance and exotic culture, we view Japan as exceptionally intriguing. And Polish modellers are definitely impressed by what Japanese modelling companies have achieved in the world. Further, Japan played an important part in the aviation history of the Second World War and the post-war period. I myself have a list of a dozen or so Japanese aircraft models to build.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wojtek: <\/strong>The history of Poland does not stretch as far back as that of Japan, even though it does span more than 1,000 years. Polish-Japanese relations started during the Meiji era. At the time, both countries were trying to shake off the yoke of foreign influence. Poland was divided between Russia, Prussia and Austria-Hungary. My great-great-grandfather took part in the Russo-Japanese War of 1905 as a doctor in the rank of Colonel in the Russian Army. After being taken prisoner, he was treated very well and allowed to live on the islands with a Japanese family. To this day we have in our possession the keepsakes that he brought back with him. The fathers of Polish independence, J\u00f3zef Pi\u0142sudski and Roman Dmowski, worked hard to establish diplomatic contacts in Japan at the time. Pi\u0142sudski\u2019s brother, Bronis\u0142aw, was a scholar of Ainu culture, and his descendants live in Japan to the present day.<\/p>\n<p>In 1926, a famous Polish pilot, Boles\u0142aw Orli\u0144ski, flew to Tokyo on a Breguet XIX. During the Second World War, the Polish commander of No. 303 Squadron RAF and an ace of the Battle of Britain, <a href=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/en\/blog\/2019\/01\/11\/hurricane-nine-victories-of-witold-urbanowicz-70020\/\">Witold Urbanowicz<\/a>, fought the Imperial Japanese Army while serving with the \u201cFlying Tigers\u201d. In German-occupied Poland, Japanese diplomats established cordial co-operation with the Polish underground state. During the period of Communism (1944\u20131989), contacts between our two countries were limited, however the achievements of the Japanese were keenly observed. In the 1970s, when I was a child, the Polish plan of industrialization was inspired by the economic development achieved by Japan. For all of us attaining the level of quality of Japanese products \u2013 including plastic models \u2013 is a significant goal.<\/p>\n<p>The music of the great Polish composer, Fryderyk Chopin, is popular in Japan, and many pianists from your country perform in Poland. They are always greeted with great warmth by audiences. Japanese history, cuisine, culture and pop culture have many aficionados in our country.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/foto-4.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-1588617\" src=\"http:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/foto-4-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/foto-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/foto-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/foto-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/foto-4-610x407.jpg 610w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/foto-4-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/foto-4.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Wojtek and Marcin in the Arma Hobby office<br \/>\n<\/em><\/p>\n<p>.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Others<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>Since Mr. Wojtek and Mr. Marcin has been working together for so long, I can&#8217;t help but assume that there is a special bond between the two. How would you describe each other, and how has he helped you through your life?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin: <\/strong>I have known Wojtek ever since I was 12. Initially, I looked to him as an authority because he was an instructor at the modelling club. Over time, our relationship evened out. Although we\u2019ve known each other for so long, I keep on being surprised by the depth of his historical knowledge, his excellent memory, and innate optimism and calmness. His character traits harmonize excellently with mine, and thus our co-operation generates an added value.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wojtek: <\/strong>We make an ideal match in terms of our temperaments and approaches to life. This allows us to remain fully focused on developing our offer.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>Roughly 10 years have passed since the founding of Arma Hobby. Could you list two biggest challenges\/obstacles you faced, and how you overcame them?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin: <\/strong>The greatest challenge was shifting from resin to plastic manufacture in 2017. At the time, we sold all our resin designs and laid off everyone except Micha\u0142. We decided that there was no other way. Years later, I\u2019m very happy with the decision.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wojtek: <\/strong>I think that the greatest challenge was and continues to be assuring the appropriate quality of designs and optimizing their implementation. We haven\u2019t cut any corners here by using a \u201cshort-run\u201d technology, instead jumping off at the deep end. And thus, as Marcin mentioned, we had the courage to give up anything that did not bring us near to our goal.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<h6><strong>Do you have anything you want to add? A message to the Japanese scale modelling community?<\/strong><\/h6>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<blockquote><p><strong>Marcin: <\/strong>As many of our compatriots, we are deeply impressed by Japanese model-making. I am referring here to both companies that manufacture very high quality kits and modellers who build their replicas with immense care, indeed turning them into works of art.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wojtek:<\/strong> I am very curious Japanese reception of Arma Hobby kits. Please visit our blog and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ArmaHobby\/\">Facebook<\/a>, and let us know your opinions and needs. We would be happy to post photos and articles with Arma Hobby kits built by you in our media.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div class='et-box et-bio'>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class='et-box-content'><h2>Jubilee Anniversary Promotion!<\/h2>\n<p>At the beginning of November, Arma Hobby celebrates its tenth anniversary! On this occasion, for modellers, we have prepared a special, jam-packed anniversary model kit &#8211; Hurricane IIC &#8220;Jubilee&#8221; in 1\/48 scale.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.armahobby.com\/40006-hurricane-mk-iic-jubilee.html?hash=4124d1af9a7ea1f5bece2c836dcc1e82\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1594584 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/big_40006-web.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"708\" srcset=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/big_40006-web.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/big_40006-web-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/big_40006-web-768x531.jpg 768w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/big_40006-web-610x422.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>This is a set with marking schemes from Operation &#8220;Jubilee&#8221; &#8211; the Allied Dieppe landing, with a box filled with a full set of 3D-printed resin accessories. This unique kit is released in a small, limited series for the 10th anniversary of Arma Hobby and will not be reissued!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.armahobby.com\/40006-hurricane-mk-iic-jubilee.html?hash=4124d1af9a7ea1f5bece2c836dcc1e82\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1594577 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/big_40006-3D.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" srcset=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/big_40006-3D.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/big_40006-3D-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/big_40006-3D-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/big_40006-3D-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Promotion lasts from 2nd to 15th November. Other Arma Hobby 1\/48 kits have special discounts during this period.<\/p>\n<p>We are preparing an anniversary offer for 1\/72 modellers from November 16, please be patient.<\/p>\n<p>Go to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.armahobby.com\/blog\/arma-hobby-anniversary-promotion?hash=4124d1af9a7ea1f5bece2c836dcc1e82\">Armahobby.com online store and check the Anniversary model kit:<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.armahobby.com\/40006-hurricane-mk-iic-jubilee.html?hash=4124d1af9a7ea1f5bece2c836dcc1e82\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1594573 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/big_40006-box-1200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1024\" height=\"791\" srcset=\"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/big_40006-box-1200.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/big_40006-box-1200-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/big_40006-box-1200-768x593.jpg 768w, https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/big_40006-box-1200-610x471.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I present an interview I made for the Japanese magazine Scale Aviation with the founders of Arma Hobby. The interview was published in issue 5\/22 of our magazine and is divided into five thematic groups.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":1588603,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1588633","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arma-hobby-kits","category-blog","et-has-post-format-content","et_post_format-et-post-format-standard"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1588633","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/37"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1588633"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1588633\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1594604,"href":"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1588633\/revisions\/1594604"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1588603"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1588633"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1588633"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/armahobbynews.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1588633"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}