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The History of Video Workbench
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Video Workbench is a pioneering instructional series devoted to the art and craft of scale-model building. Originally created by Kevin Campbell and now owned and hosted by Jason C. Gares, the series has been inspiring hobbyists since the early 1990s. From assembling and detailing to painting, weathering, and diorama design, Video Workbench walks builders through every step of the process with clarity and enthusiasm. Spanning VHS, DVD, and today’s digital platforms, it remains a trusted resource for modelers of all skill levels — combining professional techniques, practical guidance, and a lifelong passion for the hobby.​​​
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Want to learn more about this series? Read the timeline below.
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1992 — The Beginning
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Video Workbench began in 1992, created by Wichita, KS filmmaker Kevin Campbell (IMDb). What started as a small independent project became one of the first complete instructional video series devoted entirely to the art of building and finishing plastic scale models.
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Produced and released through ControlTrack Productions, the series was filmed on analog video and distributed on VHS tapes to hobby shops and by mail order. Early ads appeared in publications such as FineScale Modeler and other hobbyist magazines, helping the series reach modelers across the U.S. well before the era of YouTube or digital streaming.
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1992–1994 — The Original VHS Series
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Between 1992 and 1994, eight individual volumes were produced, each covering a different aspect of the hobby — from automotive kits to military and science-fiction models. The tapes blended step-by-step demonstrations with interviews and product overviews, designed to teach beginners and inspire advanced builders alike.
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Confirmed titles from the original VHS run include:
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Basic Modeling (1992)
How to Build Jet Aircraft Models (1993)
How to Build WWII Aircraft (1993)
How to Build & Paint Figures (1993)
How to Build Car Models (1994)
Model Finishes & Painting Techniques (1994)
How to Build Science Fiction Models (1995)
How to Photograph Scale Models (1995)
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All were labeled under the ControlTrack Productions imprint and packaged with uniform box designs familiar to 1990s hobbyists.
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1994–1999 — The Mail-Order Years
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From 1994 through 1999, the original Video Workbench VHS tapes continued to sell steadily through hobby stores, trade shows, and direct mail order. Modelers frequently ordered by mail from the ControlTrack Productions address in Wichita, Kansas, or purchased copies at conventions and club meets.
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During this time, Video Workbench became a respected name among hobbyists who wanted clear, accessible modeling instruction long before the age of online tutorials.
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2010s — The Revival
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In 2011, Jason C. Gares (IMDb) became the new owner (© & PDF) and revived the Video Workbench brand for the digital age. Several of the original VHS titles were remastered and released on DVD and streaming platforms, introducing a new generation of hobbyists to the techniques and demonstrations that defined the series.
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Jason also expanded the concept with new projects such as:
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Tips, Tricks & Techniques for Model Kit Building (2015)
Weathering in 1 Hour (2016)
Airbrushing: Definitions, Maintenance & Basic Tips (2018)
Video Workbench: The Scale Model Show (2015-2017 | Not Available) — a web and streaming series that continued the educational tradition in a modern format.
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Today
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More than thirty years after its first release, Video Workbench remains a landmark in the history of scale-model instruction. What began as a 1990s VHS series has evolved into a multi-platform educational brand — one that continues to inspire model builders to pick up their hobby knives, paints, and airbrushes, and create something extraordinary.
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