dmorrissette

Noel: There are 1000's of ready made STL files that are complete models and parts. Check out thingverse.com amongst others. Most are very reasonable. I have see full figure kit files for $15. And for 1/350 ships, all sorts of parts to buy or print. Dave

Some food for thought. IPMS has about 4000 members down from a high of 7000 about 20 years ago. The general modeling population of US alone, based on numbers from Revell is about 50-60,000. So while we may talk about the rules and craftsmanship, we are a minority of the model builders in the US. If we want to grow, we need all parts- craftsman and fun builders. For me, I have seen people take out micrometers and measure the two wingtips of a plane and disqualify based on the fact they are a millimeter off. That does no one any good. In either case, IPMS supports all of it. 220 plus clubs with IPMS members and many not. Contests open to everyone except the Nats. It is all good Dave

And comments like this just reinforce their opinions. To each there own. I know plenty of modelers who think accuracy is overated and some who don't Dave

Thanks Eric. This is going to put a dent in my wallet but I want one! Dave

Beauty and I love Corsairs. Dave

That looks great. I always end up fighting the glass to get it to look right. Yours is perfect Dave

Grimy, muddy, dirty and winter camo...love it. Great work Dave

Congrats. Well deserved Dave

Never been super busy, just steady. Hopefully people are off building kits Dave

Beautiful racers. Love them Dave

Altin: Couple differences- primary one is AlClad is a lacquer and AK is enamel. AlClad requires a base coat (I use Tamiya Gloss black) for all colors while the enamel needs no base coat except for the high shine colors like chrome. For either, prep work on the plastic is critical. Both can produce great looking kits. I can say that AlClad, especially the Chrome and the like can be a little delicate for handling but I do not know if AK is the same Dave

Very sad. Always loved the conversations at the nationals and he was a true help to IPMS not only in Orange County but Nationally also. As you said, not unexpected but still very sad. Dave

I have one built by these guys: http://pacepaintbooths.com/pace/ They vent outside which I like And yes theya re expensive but mine has about 400 built models in 20 years and is still running like a champ so....not bad since I like lacquerrs Dave

John: Why not try going back to Gary. He is a modeler too so he may still replace them. Dave

John: Have you tried contacting them and letting them know? If you are not even giving them a chance to make it right, your statement is not really valid. My GT resin parts are perfect and I have them for the A-10, F-4 and F-105- all with no casting issues. Dave