IPMS Nationals and Scale Models Expo

[Craig Sargent]

For those interested, Scale Models Wellington (IPMS Wellington) is hosting the next IPMS NZ Nationals and combining it with the Scale Models Expo from 12 - 13 May 2007 in the Lower Hutt War Memorial Hall.

[Bruce]

How do the National competitions work? I've never put any of my models on the competition circuit, but I'm just curious about how the competitions are judged, categories etc. Do you have to be a member of a local club? I'm sure others would be interested to know as well.

[Dave Homewood]

As I understand it you have to be a member of IPMS, and there isn't a chapter in the Waikato because when the local club looked at becoming a chapter, it was so expensive and so riddled with rules and politics, they opted to stay informal. So you'd have to join Auckland's chapter.

That is, as I say, as I understand it. However things may have changed since the mid-1990's when I was an active club member of the hamilton group.

[Craig Sargent]

A lot depends on the host club as to rules and classes. There is a move to create a National body to try and standardise things a bit.

Generally, judging should be/is done on finish - seams removed, smoothness of paint job, alignment of parts, no silvering of decals, no sanding or ejector pin marks, no glue marks, etc.

Accuracy is generally not judged too critically. But a Spitfire carrying Sidewinders would obviously get frowned upon. Weathering is not required and not judged, but realism of the build can also be another tie breaker too.

Resin/aftermarket/etched is taken as part of the overall build and additional detailing is usually looked at if there is no clear winner. Judging is a necessary part of any competition but unfortunately a minefield that is hard to please all competitors in.

As this is an aircraft forum, aircraft classes are generally broken into type and sometimes period. From what I have seen, the classes decided on by Wellington are:
A1 NZ Aircraft
Military Aircraft smaller than 1/48
A2 - prop, single engine
A3 - prop, multi engine
A4 - jet, 1 or 2 engine fighters and the like
A5 - jet, multi engined bombers and the like
Military Aircraft 1/48
A6 - prop, single engine
A7 - prop, multi engine
A8 - jet, 1 or 2 engine fighters and the like
A9 - jet, multi engined bombers and the like
A10 Military Aircraft larger than 1/48
A11 Helicopters
A12 Civil Aircraft
A13 Box Stock
A14 Scratchbuilt/ Vacforms

There are two competitions running this year, the Nationals, and Scale Models Expo. In the Nationals in Auckland last year, non-IPMS entries were allowed, but we charged a slightly higher entry fee. The Scale Models Expo is open to anyone and any entry that has not placed at the previous SME. Not sure about the IPMS competition in regards to non-IPMS members this year. I'm going down to enter, but I'm also a member of Auckland. Most clubs have out of town memberships for those who can't make it to the local club nights - I know Auckland and Wellington do.

[Craig Sargent]

Scale Models Wellington have announced that the first prize is a trip to Melbourne for the Model Competition in July (IIRC) and second prize is $500 worth of vouchers from ModelCrafts and Hobbies in Wellington, plus many other prizes. Definitely one that will be worth entering.

[Dave Homewood]

Wow, those are great prizes.

[cohiba]

Hi Dave,

Long time modeller but first time poster here.

Follow this link for an update on the Scale Models Expo and IPMS Nationals being held in Wellington on 12-13 May 2007.

groups.yahoo.com/group/ScaleModelsExpo/

And here's a link to a couple of photos from the last Scale Models Expo held in 2005, where we had over 1000 models entered in the competition and on display.

photos.kitmaker.net/showgallery.php/ppuser/24647/cat/500

This year looks like it'll be even better with the added attraction of the IPMS Nationals bringing in even more of the nations top modellers.

Cheers
Richard

[Dave Homewood]

Welcome Richard. It's always good to have more modellers and enthusiasts join up.

This looks like it'll be a good event for modellers. I hope we'll see some photos of entires up here on the forum when the time comes.

[phil]

So who is going? I'm making the trip to Lower Hutt for this on Saturday.

[Craig Sargent]

I'll be there. Trying to finish up a model at present. Few late nights this week..

[Dave Homewood]

Please take lots of photos for the forum

[Craig Sargent]

No worries there. Have the video/digicam with a 1GB card and 4GB DVD so plenty of room. Will also be taking a laptop to clear images each day if need be.

[mumbles]

I'll be there at some point. Pondering entering something just for kicks ;D. Very little of my output is worthy of public scrutiny.....

[Craig Sargent]

You'd be surprised how many times I have heard that and seen the person take home a trophy/ribbon/award/prize...

It's also not just about public scrutiny, having a talking point on the table is a good way to meet like-minded people, discuss techniques/interests/entries on the table too.

Nike!

[mumbles]

Thanks Talon, I will bring a few pieces down (literally, I live in the hills above the venue) and I just want to clarify a couple of things

The blurb mentioned an entry form, was that for IPMS nationals only?

I am not an IPMS member so was planning on rocking up between 9-11 to enter for the expo display, as detailed on one of the links.

[phil]

Ok, so I cant see this info anywhere, is there an door charge for the public?

Edit: Costs was $6. There were some really nice kits, but for what I thought was billed as a national competition/display it was a little disapointing. Although there were a lot of kits, many I had seen at previous year's shows. Possibly I was a little early, as I saw some kits still being set up while I was looking around, so those that came later might have had more to look at.

If you like ME109s there were some really fantastic examples in 1/48, also some very well made 1/72 Armour with an amazing amount of detail, given their tiny size, but I'm sure I'd seen most of them in '05.

There were quite a few NZ armoured vehicles, but not a lot of NZ aircraft, and those that were on display were scattered around the hall, obviously in thier respective catagories. I liked the idea of having an NZ themed display that I'm sure they used in '05, where I'm sure I remember all the NZ aircraft being displayed together. I'm sure Richard can confirm this.

And not a single Sea Harrier! I'll try and have my 1/24 scale SHAR finished for the '09 show. (that could be made into a tui ad... ;D).

There was a large display themed on RAF bombers that was well executed and had some unique models, like the Handley Page Heyford and the Valiant, along with the Victor and Vulcan..

I had a good look at the Airfix 1/48 Red Arrows hawk that was on display, and learnt that I will need to get a second kit so I can apply two layers of white decals, the kit ones are very thin and look pink with the red showing through

My favourite of the show was a 1/16 figure called Old Maori warrior. Very nice scratch built figure with a full moko mounted on a base complete with ferns.

[mumbles]

talon said:

You'd be surprised how many times I have heard that and seen the person take home a trophy/ribbon/award/prize...

It's also not just about public scrutiny, having a talking point on the table is a good way to meet like-minded people, discuss techniques/interests/entries on the table too.

Nike!

That was spookily prescient Talon



My scooters picked up second and third in category. Three out of
the five entrants were mine admittedly so I figure a third place was guaranteed in hindsight, but getting two placings was kinda cool for a first timer!

Thanks for the encouragement folks .

[phil]

Congratulations, I had a good look at both those A4s, and was really impressed. Well deserved!

[agalbraith]

Well done Mumbles, They look like a nice couple of Scooters there.

Wish I could have been there to see them myself and hopefully you too!

Congrats on a well deserved result.

Cheers

Anthony

[Dave Homewood]

Congrats Sam, well done indeed.