Dick Montgomery

Well done! I'm a fan of the classic Revell Space models and also of Fantastic Plastic.

I have that same kit in my stash, and I'll use your excellent video as a reference tool. Thanks!

During the last Phoenix convention we took advantage of the opportunity to go see the D-Backs. It's within walking distance of the convention hotel and was a pleasant excursion. Definitely consider this as an option.

IPMS Alamo Squadron proudly hosts the Region 6 Convention/37th annual ModelFiesta in San Antonio, Tx. Feb 17th, 9am to 5pm. The convention will feature seminars and presentations, and over 100 vendor tables. 70 Categories! Visit www.alamosquadron.com/modelfiesta for the latest event updates, rules, categories, etc.

There are several components to the Journal to consider. First, it is a publication managed, assembled, and staffed by volunteers. Secondly, IPMS and the Journal have a small footprint, compared to other customers with which the printer and the USPS interact. The original post seems to have called out the staff for the tardiness of the Journal. In my time as an IPMS member I remember no instance in which the staff's actions, or inactions, caused the Journal to be late. I would think that during the 50+ year history of IPMS that this problem most certainly occurred due to some action, or inaction, of pertinent staff, but I am not aware of any specific issue of that nature. Mr. Labiche stated that he (paraphrasing) is surprised that since the printing process is automated, it should not be late. Automation and technology, unfortunately, do not equal "timely service". In some cases, bigger dogs than IPMS cause a backup at the printer's shop. In other cases, the equipment needs to be repaired. The printer sometimes makes errors (double pages or other issues) and needs to reset the system. Ask any company that bases its service on technology and automation and they will tell you that "it happens". The New York Subway averages delayed runs 67% of the time, and we've all seen how simple problems can back up airline services. I'd also suggest that sarcasm, irony, and in some cases, attempted humor, do not translate well on social media. It appears that Ron Bell's response was free of these often troublesome explanatory methods. His statement that the fault lay with the printer was succinct and, perhaps, accurate. I use the word, "Perhaps", to indicate that some or all of the fault may rest on the doorstep of the USPS. Bulk mail is handled in a different method than "regular" mail, and that, coupled with the season in which my local Post Office erected a tent in the parking lot to handle the increase in quantity of the mail being sent, received, sorted, and distributed, may also be at fault. It is unfortunate that some IPMS chapters will not have their event advertised as early as wished (my chapter is raising its hand) but that can't be helped by IPMS or the Journal Staff. Fortunately, the IPMS website offers an additional outlet for the listing of events. And before the suggestion is made (again) to distribute the Journal via a link on the website, one should consider the issues involved with that potential "fix". Some members want their Journal via mail in the traditional hardcopy form. Some members do not have email or internet access (yep.....there are a few who simply do not wish to ride the Technology Train), and even for the vast majority who do have access, there is still the problem of printing Journals for those who wish hard copies. That can get very expensive in both directions.............the price does not go down when fewer copes are printed. About the only action that IPMS can take is to offer an explanation as to the "cause", as Ron Bell put forward.

Feliz Navidad!

I've found supports, similar to those shown in the pictures, to be very useful for such assembly steps as 1. attachment of landing gear, assembly of bi-winged aircraft, and especially holding the WWI aircraft in a specific orientation when rigging.

A family is requesting simple repairs (antennas, some landing gear, pitot tubes, etc.) be made to models of deceased modeler. If you live in the Crockett, Texas area please PM me.

I have found that on a first visit to almost any website requires some searching to be done. As a 1st timer, I expect to spend a little time fishing for the information I'm seeking. After the initial visit, familiarity with the scheme and organization allows one to navigate easily.

Fwiw, I've used the Chapter Listing pages and maps frequently and l have a different opinion than expressed above. I've found this part of the website easy to find (perhaps that is due to frequent use) and easy to use. In my view, Eric's done an excellent job, laying out the entire website in a functional and understandable manner.

Just deleted my PB account which I've had since 2007.

Before going "nuclear" on a host for not making the Awards Ceremony open to non-ticket holders, consider the constraints under which the host operates. 1). The physical layout of the facility might allow for seating to be organized in an adjoining room, and at some point, an air wall might be pushed back so that those in the adjoining room can see, or at least hear, the Awards Ceremony. 2). The willingness of the facility to allow for such an arrangement as described in # 1. 3). The cost of stocking the adjoining room with chairs. 4). The availability of such a room, assuming some other organization isn't conducting a meeting of its own in said room. 5). The cost of "including" said room in the bid if such a room exists. 6). Transmission of the Awards Ceremony via TV or internet----it ain't free and the cost of including this in the bid varies from reasonable to staggering. 7). As mentioned in a previous post, the fire marshall frowns on filling isles between banquet tables with chairs. Standing observers can obstruct the isles just as well. (A side note- I attended a banquet in which the view of the podium and screen for seated banqueteers was blocked by non-banqueteers standing in the spaces between the tables. A few polite requests for clearing said spaces were ignored, and so were some not-so-polite requests. Clearly, some people lack even a minimum of courtesy and cooperation. Sooner or later, folks will live-stream the ceremony via their cell phones (don't tell anyone I mentioned it.....I'm sure the hotels would not be pleased with the loss of potential AV revenue). The easiest way to gain access to a chair and some decent food is to buy a banquet ticket. Speaking from personal experience, I've never had a bad meal at one of these banquets. Yes, it is expensive, but then I'm buying more than the food. I'm buying access to the Awards Ceremony.

As long as the clothes are clean, as is the wearer of said clothes, and as long as any language displayed on that apparel contains no profanity then I'm a happy attendee. Clearly there is a wide range of attire that is appropriate. Notice that I did not use the word, "acceptable" as that leads to some measure of judgement by a person or persons who sit in judgement of others. "Appropriate" allows the wearer to determine if their attire is satisfactory, and if their attire is so offensive as to draw attention to themselves then they, clearly, are trolls who wish to be offensive, who deliberately bring offense to others, and who deserve no attention or interest. Now, if their clothing contains nudity (not nose art.....its art) and language which is so reprehensible that its violates some code or rule of the facility, or some law of the metropolitan government, then there are ways to deal with that person. (I am thinking of a young man whom I saw in the fast-food joint the other day, the language and images were so graphic that I was thinking the shirt was a souvenir from his last visit to the House of the Rising Sun) Ron's description of the "unclean" describes the worst dressed, worst kept attendees I have seen, or smelled, but that's as bad as it gets. You want to wear shorts and a white undershirt to the banquet? (Think Simon Cowell on America's Got Talent). Go ahead, but you present yourself in an unfortunate manner. Stop it with the Dress Code nonsense. Be responsible for yourself. Be considerate of others.

Even the figure looks great!

Adaptation is a key to survivability. I had to adapt when I lost my quick and easy source to Gunze. I began transitioning away from MM so time ago when Testors first began to limit the supply in that line. It's all good.

I was thinking that the "weathering" job looked really nice and then saw your post about the process you used. Very interesting. Thanks for the "How To"

There will be a contingent from IPMS Alamo Squadron (San Antonio) there and looking forward to it!

Thanks to the Anchorage group for sharing the pics!

Scott's reply to your email is a positive sign. He offers that he and the Convention Staff are working on the issue and might have an answer in two weeks. That leaves plenty of time prior to the convention, about 3 months. Having looked at some shuttle companies and how they work with a group like IPMS, while one would think a shuttle service would be the best bet, sometimes Uber, Lyft, or taxi cabs will provide immediate response with no prior "reservations" required for a seat in the vehicle. Sometimes these shuttle services provide a vehicle with a capacity of 10 to 12 at a set price regardless of how many passengers are in the vehicle. Sometimes its a per person fee. During the 2016 Convention I found that the shuttle ride from the airport to the hotel was free, but there was no service provided on Sunday heading back to the airport. No problem, the Concierge called a cab for me and it was waiting when I popped downstairs to check out and depart. At any rate, sounds like Scott is "on it" and even if no shuttle service materializes you've got other options that are quick and simple. The real problem isn't getting to and from the convention.....it's how to get your purchases home without overloading your suitcase!

After a quick check of the official 2017 Convention Website, there doesn't appear to be any information about "transportation" to and from the airport. It was a quick scan so I may have missed the link. Since no one reading this thread has any specific information related to your request about transportation perhaps it would be wise to check with the Convention Staff through the "Contact Us" list on the Convention website. The link to that page is http://www.ipmsusa2017.com/index.cfm?mode=convention contacts. Scanning that list I saw no one who'se job title was specific to "transportation" so I'd start with the Chairman and work my way down the list. Go to the source, as it were. In the end, if no information is forthcoming you can always call the hotel and ask if there is a shuttle service to/from the airport.

A wise choice on your part. Keep the little woman happy. Trust the chemo won't knock you back too much, have three friends doing that treatment now. We had a Gundam category this year and had some really great entries.

Hi Dmitry. Welcome to the forum. I was in the Ukraine in the Vilnius area back in the early 90's. Really a beautiful city and country.

Yep. Mark's Sea Fury took Best AC and Best in Show. Fantastic work! From what I hear, though, it was not a slam dunk. The decision was difficult, caused by the very high level of quality from the other BoS candidates.

Dave, You can bypass the Login Screen by simply closing it. I think the "X" is in the traditional upper right corner location.

Use this link to view a pdf "Slideshow" from ModelFiesta 36, the annual event hosted by Alamo Squadron in San Antonio, Tx. The names of the winners, an image of the winning entry, and the "place" won will appear for all categories and special awards. It may take 20 to 30 seconds for the images to appear within the pdf so give it some time. There are a few "slides" for which there are no images. https://www.dropbox.com/home?preview=Rpt_Awards.pdf If you get stymied by the ever popular Login window, just look for the "Close It" "X" in the upper right and you'll be able to view the file. One of the local TV stations did a video tour of the entries and you can view that at http://www.kens5.com/mb/news/local/designers-show-off-their-miniature-skills-at-modelfiesta/409592485 One of my own entries made this video!