bobmig

OK… here’s a thought. Would not the OOB category be a good opportunity to do a trial run of GSB judging? With a greater opportunity to come away with an award, plus the requirement to refrain from additional aftermarket parts (and the requisite expense and skills they entail) it may encourage more neophyte builders to enter their models. It would also be a good opportunity to see how the GSB system is received vs the 1-2-3 system. Bob

If I may come at this from another direction... how many entries are there in a typical Nats contest? And how long would it take to add judges' notes and critique to each model? Quite a lot! Perhaps a better approach would be to ensure the judges are well-labeled (with badges) as to the categories they judged, and let them know that they are expected to provide constructive feedback should anyone approach them after the contest is judged. Then a entrant who does want some input can find the appropriate persons to talk to about his/her model. I think leaving it up to the modeller to initiate contact would streamline the process, and might also give the judges cause to more conscientiously consider their decisions while judging. Just my 2 cents worth.

Ditto what Nick says. And I would also suggest that you also join the local chapter, where they can show you things hands-on, and answer all your questions much better.

Dick has 1/2 of an apple. Jane has 1/4 of the apple. Who has the bigger piece?

I guess I'm just odd, but I always considered that the shows and conventions were for the enjoyment of the modelers/members... not necessarily the small number of vendors who might engage in this practice. There are lots of avenues for ebay-type vendors to contact and solicit potential bulk sellers without doing it at a convention. But, as the number is really rather small, maybe we're making a mountain out of a molehill!

Another approach might be to require vendors - as part of the vendor agreement - to keep their table(s) open, stocked and manned for the duration of the show. This is not unlike requiring contest entrants to keep their models on the tables until after the awards are presented.

I agree that in the spirit of free enterprise people should be allowed to buy and sell as much as they want. Having said that it is unfortunate for vendors who wanted a table but couldn't get one - especially if someone sells theirs out before the vendor room even opens.

I think if a problem ever does arise it will be because it's technically possible to 3-D print an entire complete aircraft (or whatever) model. In such a case there would be no "construction" in the conventional sense. Don't know how you would judge that. Mind you, although it can be done it would require some real 3-D computer graphics skills and high-end printing equipment, and would be pretty expensive.

I understand what you're saying, Gil. That's just the point I was raising. Should the Nats be strictly a modeling convention? Or should it also be considered a family entertainment affair? For a strictly modeling event Jacksonville (e.g.) would make a fine location. I'm just saying that perhaps the Society should first define what it wants the convention to be.

Pete... I'm sure that with a bit of research there's interesting stuff to see and do in the middle of Nebraska! Maybe not modeling related, but interesting nevertheless. And I think we've stumbled upon an interesting point here. How important is it to have attractions aside from the convention itself, i.e. "family stuff"? Perhaps the whole approach should really begin with a discussion of what the event should be... a modeling convention, or a modeling convention/family holiday.

No shark mouths, but perhaps something here will interest you:

Dick, I'm not advocating going to the UK model. I would just like some more information on how it's run. I learned a bit being at Telford and talking to some of the IPMS UK exec members, but I'd like more information. I do know that they have a regular group or committee which deals with Scale Modelworld every year. I know that they contract with the venue for several years at a time. Forget about traveling times and distances... I think it would be useful to see who does what, and just how they go about organizing and financing it.

I think it would be interesting to get some input on just how the IPMS UK Scale Modelworld affair is organized, run, and funded. I know there are many differences between it and the Nats (e.g. duration, tours, seminars, etc.), but it's been running successfully for many years. It would be good to hear about their experiences.

As I see it, if you like to build for your own enjoyment and satisfaction and are happy with the models you produce... that's great! That's what I do. On the other hand, if you want to enter hard-core competitions, be prepared for nit-pickers and rivet counters. It would be the same at a horse show or a concours d'elegance. Having said that, it's still possible to compete in out-of-the-box categories, where you won't have to invest a pile of time and money detailing and fixing every little niggle.

Great looking combo! Now... here's your next challenge (extracted from IPMS Canada's e-newsletter - www.ipmscanada.com)