Jump to content

Mark Aldrich

IPMS/USA Member
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    4,796

  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    28

 Content Type 

Posts posted by Mark Aldrich

  1. Acrylic Paint Issue

    in Armor

    Posted

    Thanks Ron. Among other issues, I guess I am supposed to use gloss to seal the undercoat. It turned out decent for my first attempt. Think there is too much paint on things like the tools. Sure it will get better the next time I attempt it.

  2. Acrylic Paint Issue

    in Armor

    Posted

    OK Acrylic Warriors, what did I do wrong? I was attempting my first hair spray chipping technique. I used Model Master Italian Olive Green as the base. I then sealed it with three coats of Model Master clear flat. I then applied three coats of hairspray. This was followed with Model Master Acrylic Radome Tan and in numerous spots, the tan paint cracked. This might be a blessing as these will be obvious places to apply the technique, but I wanted to decide where they should be, Any ideas or thoughts on what I did wrong?

  3. What was your first model store like?

    in General Modeling

    Posted

    Most of the models I got growing up were from relatives. I can remember going into Kmart and drooling over how much my allowance and gift money would be able to buy me. My father took me into my first Model Shop. All I can remember was that there was nothing but models and Railroad items everywhere. I had just had my birthday and had about $50 in my pocket. I do not remember the store name other than it was somewhere in Boston. We had taken my Aunt in for some tests and we had about two hours to spend. I got about 6 models and I will never forget my Dad's comment that we would probably never go back as he believed it was a front for something. There was a least a 1/4 of dust on the models that were on the tops of the stacks. I remember him getting a 1/32 Radien and he ran his finger across the top of the box to show me.

  5. What Do a You Miss?

    in General Modeling

    Posted

    Not a thing! I miss my own ability to just built OOTB. I am currently working on a Dragon Operation Cobra and because of my knowledge and skills, I have so much that has to be added or changed. I could say the cost of kits, but that is nothing more than the inflation/COL so that will never change.

  10. Efforts toward a west coast Nats

    in About the IPMS/USA National Convention

    Posted

    Robert,

    Some good ideas, But like everything in life, there might be issues.

     

    1. Finding a venue that will hold a price for three years,

    2. I see no need to repeal this. Every club knows what is due and this keeps it (hopefully) from never having no club bid and no club has to jump through hoops to try and get one. I, for one, am real glad we have always had at least one bid so far....knock on wood.

    3, I don't think this will change anything either. you could call the West the Newbie region and it still wouldn't change the outcome.

    No matter where you have the convention, only so many people will be able to attend. If we actually had one in Seattle or Portland, then those that would normally drive would be upset. It is just a fact of life and those of us on this coast are used to it. I really don't think any changes to the current situation will allow more West Coast bids to be won. I think the only way would be to have a West Coast (I mean Coast) in an OFF Season month as this would bring down the overall costs of the bid. This however, would also create more problems with modeler's who travel with family members.

  13. U.S. Marine TOW Team

    in Dioramas

    Posted

    1. Yes, All the gear pictured was used by Soldiers in Desert Storm.

    2. Fort Erwin, CA.

    3. That firing position (IMHO) would only be fired from during training. There is no frontal or overhead cover.

    4. Yes, the butt stock of the weapon has to be positioned over the left shoulder.

    5. Same as above or on the ground within reach.

  15. Efforts toward a west coast Nats

    in About the IPMS/USA National Convention

    Posted

    I have often wondered about Vlad's point. To go through all the work and get a bid together, travel to the Nationals to present the bid, and then have it turned down. I can see how that plays on a club's mind set. Really shocked that OHMS put in two bids. While I enjoyed my first Nationals (Phoenix) I would have enjoyed the experience more so by only having to drive down to Portland!

  16. Efforts toward a west coast Nats

    in About the IPMS/USA National Convention

    Posted

    Steven,

    I am with the Green Dragons in Tacoma. We are a small group of about 12-20 (20 on a good month). There is no way we could do a NATS. Our Seattle Club and the OHMS club I know have entertained the possibility of hosting a NATS. Seattle did one in 1992 and I think the OHMS guys actually bid one several years ago. I know from talking to the Seattle folks it is a cost issue. The gray clouds cover us 9 months out of the year and the 3 months of sun puts an expensive spin on Hotel properties during that time as well as the convention offerings.

  19. Omaha?

    in About the IPMS/USA National Convention

    Posted

    Fred,

    That is not quite true. Obviously, two Chapters had the gumption (manpower and space) to put in bids. Which means they felt they could handle it. Regardless of the reasons, only one can be chosen. The point most of us have made is that Phoenix was closer to attend than Omaha. I personally keep hoping our Seattle club will eventually put in a bid or maybe one of the California clubs as well. However, unless they are the ONLY bid, they may not still be chosen. Nick, I think brought up the most important part. Not sure about CA but prices for venues and hotels has always been high when the Seattle club has mentioned the thought process to putting in a bid.

    • Like 1

  20. Omaha?

    in About the IPMS/USA National Convention

    Posted

    All this means is that IPMS/USA and AMPS have something else similar. Nationals that favor the East Coast. This is not meant to be accusatory: just a plain and simple fact. For me, either would have been six days (maybe four to Phoenix) travel and the show. Guess it will just be the local shows and maybe talk the wife into a Northern CA show for the next couple years. Omaha put on a great show when we were there and I am sure they will do so again. Congrats.

×
×
  • Create New...