SoupDoctor

Be warned. The landing gear are a bit too long, so if you install them as provided in the kit, the nose of the airplane will sit too high. Subsequently, if you shorten the the landing gear, be warned that the angle at which the pre-flattened tires sit on the ground will be off.

Don't forget eBay, too. You can find practically anything there without the hoops that Chuck referred to. Steve

What a great idea! Best of luck. Steve

Will do, Ron. Thanks! Steve

Ron, although I like the idea of an “Ace of Aces” competition similar to what Gil suggested, I’d suggest keeping the concept simple to start, with just a non-competition display of prior best-of winners. That way there’s no effect on the contest and categories, and there's literally no risk to the organization (save for an empty table if no one brings their models). We could then talk to those modelers and see if they'd be interested in a more prestigious contest. Promoting the idea would require only an announcement in the Journal and via the web site, and maybe a mailing to prior years’ best-of winners who live near the Nats location. Steve

A few days ago a member of my club said this in an online conversation: “Lots of nationals winners are only seen once if they win an award.” Isn’t that shame? Think of all the outstanding models we’ve seen over the years at the Nats…seen only once. I wonder if the E-board can encourage the clubs that host the Nats to invite prior Best Of winners to display their models at future conventions. I suspect some members would be eager to share their models again, or might be enticed with a small token of the club’s appreciation (e.g., a year’s free membership, gift card to an online retailer, etc.). Is this a good idea? Would convention attendees like to see the best models from prior years’ conventions? Steve

I received my issue a few days ago. Kudos to the editor for putting a photo of the model that won Best Junior Model on the cover.

I agree with Ralph, too. If it were my convention I'd have the following on the banquet invitations: "Professional casual attire is greatly appreciated by not required." Steve

Rod, I don’t think this thread is negative at all, maybe just a bit realistic. Given the huge number of aftermarket companies and products on the market, and the many releases from mainstream manufacturers, I think the hobby is a long way off from dying. That’s my OPTIMISTIC view of our hobby! That said, you’re right about lip service being paid to recruiting young people — hell, anyone — into the hobby. The task of executing any of the ideas we’ve listed here rests on our local chapters. The best thing any of us can do is to take these ideas to our chapters and execute on them. Individually, any one of us could approach your neighborhood library and offer to host a model building class. Etc. I’m glad you started this thread. Steve

Recruiting children into the hobby is going to be an insurmountable task. I understand the desire given how many of us came into the hobby in our early years, but my gut tells me that the forces we’re fighting are much stronger than any outreach we can implement. (It’s shocking, if not disturbing, to see the level of addiction that kids have to video games and mobile devices these days.) There may be some hope if, and only if, we take a very targeted approach. Look at yourself and your modeling friends. What do you share beyond your interest in scale modeling? It’s probably a deeper interest in aviation, military history, cars, etc. Our chances for success might be improved if we target children and teens who are also interested in these areas. A few ideas: High school ROTC students Civil Air Patrol cadets Attendees at car shows Attendees at air shows Visitors at local nautical museums Vistors at small or regional military museums Attendees at re-enacting events These people (children and parents alike) are more likely to engage in the hobby than random kids at a mall or other public venue. On a side note, does IPMS track the average age of its members? Steve

So quickly compiled and posted! Thank you. Steve

Is this it? Victory and Contempt Steve

Thanks everyone for your interest in the virtual convention! My report is now online, with some insight into the idea and what the future may hold. Linkage Steve

Mark, you get the medal for most ambitious and most productive! Glad to see you indulged these last few days! Steve

Well done! Steve