Rusty White

I agree with Nick as well. For the last several years I have participated as a vendor. Photo of the con are great, but nothing compares to seeing models in person.

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. It would/should be judged just like any other model with the "construction" kept in mind if the entrant went out and bought it. I.e., if no skill was required to "build" the kit, then judges should judge it just like pre-cast, one piece figures and die cast cars. Currently, models or parts 3D printed are REAL expensive right now because to get really good parts, a VERY expensive printer must be used as well as expensive components to make the part. Having said that, constructing a 3D model in a computer is just (even more so) as difficult to "build" as any scratch built entry. It's just built and designed in virtual reality. So construction should definitely be considered if the modeler did everything in the way of design. Someone on Shapeways makes a spectacular 1/350 scale "Beehive" island for the Tamiya Enterprise kit. I understand it costs in the range of $75.00 (I am tempted) which will give you an idea of the expense involved in a full blown 3D made model. Also, the judges will need to know if the model is "one off" or a pre-production model which would not be allowed unless the model was available to the general public. Who knows? Some day we may see a "3D Printed" category at the Nats, and that would be just fine with me.

"You won't know if you don't ask." EXACTLY! And don't listen to the nay sayers on the Net. No one knows your city like you do.

"What do have against Twentynine Palms? I would venture, however, that there is an unstated, or even stated, rule that Nats must have some sort of family activity. And that is is weighed in during the selection process. So, a chapter, say, in Boise (which I would eagerly go to) or some other small to medium city, won't bid because they "know" they are not going to be competitive." I can tell you from personal experience this is NOT the case. I was told any number of times the same thing when we decided to bid OKC for the Nats. Mike Brickman (the second VP at the time) discussed with me exactly why we lost our first bid, which REALLY helped to prepare our next bid. Our bid was rejected because we divided our hotel room nights between too many hotels and that our primary hotel just didn't have as many rooms as our competitor, Dallas. Tours and stuff like that are considered secondary. We offered very little in the way of tours or outside attractions, and we still won the bid the second time around. We DID have our Bricktown entertainment district and a few smaller things which I am sure helped us. Having said that, like any competitive bid, the more you have to offer, the greater your chances of winning the bid. EVERYONE has a chance to host the Nats. I would suggest you speak to either Ron Bell or the new second VP and ask a LOT of questions. They will be happy to tell just what they are looking for in a successful bid. They will also send you some copies of previous winners bids which is quite helpful as well. In short, don't let any one tell you your city wouldn't be a good venue for the Nats. Present your bid with enthusiasm you feel for your town and that will go a LONG way to win the bid.

This is one major advantage of living in Oklahoma. We're pretty much in the center of the country, so the location of the convention isn't too much a concern.

"PS- it is actually some really good questions. And Rusty- I would go back to OKC in a minute" Thank you Dave. You otta see the place now! The entertainment district is almost twice the size it was in '03. They are currently constructing a huge white water rafting ride along the river to accompany the zip line across the river and plans for a new convention center are progressing!

As a former National Convention Chairman, I can say that the EB NEVER even discussed profit (if any) hoped for. In fact, the ONLY impression I got was that we break even. If the convention broke even and (almost) everyone who attended was happy, the convention was declared a success for everyone. Logic suggests that a minimal profit be allowed for to cover any additional, unforeseen expenses which I did. As Chairman, it was one of my duties presenting the bid, to include a written preliminary budget for the event showing a breakdown of proposed expenses and profits so the EB could see we had our ducks in a row. I guess the EB could choose a convention site by the bottom line, but as I said, it was NEVER even implied by the EB when submitting the OKC bid. FWIW.

Anyone who believes IPMS/USA is not a business hasn't Chaired a National Convention.

Isn't it difficult to paint the model fully assembled; or do you remove the tracks, road wheels etc. for painting separately? Just curious.

Yes, please do.

"Just witness the discussion when the convention is held later in August and the people who's kids have to start back to school start to speak up." That's nothin'. You want to start a flame war, just say the Nat's are being held over the fourth of July weekend. Oh, what colorful conversation we get then.

Interesting and unique way to show the model on the box art.

Nice! Just love it.

Great Tip Nick. Thanks much.

I see where this is going. Let's keep our discussion civil please.

I understand about OOB. My question is...Can you stand the temptation NOT to embellish the kit and KEEP it OOB?

Will this be an OOB entry?

Nick, I fail to understand why you replied in such a harsh manner to Brian's questions. If you will look at his numbers, he's new to the Society and has chosen to ask the same questions any new guy would about the biggest model show on Earth. I remember when I was new guy. I had the same questions, but no one chastised me for my ignorance of the process. You and I have been around for quite a while and we know how things work. I know you followed up your reply with a "Ha! Ha! You got me", but that still doesn't excuse the arrogance of your reply. I just hope Brian just has a thick skin and doesn't bail on the forum permanently. I had a guy treat me the same way when I first joined IPMS and I came VERY close to leaving altogether. So please (speaking as moderator now) think before you post in the future. You may run off a future leader of the Society.

If I am not mistaken, you can only claim "official" IPMS/USA membership in ONE club to keep the required number of members in a club. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Love the Starship Troopers stuff.

Use a wash to really pop out the details. It really helps. FWIW

Always remember that the color in the bottle is 1 to 1 scale and you are viewing the model at 1/350 scale. I always add Testor Camouflage Gray (an off white to colors when painting. How much? It's difficult to say, but I would suggest 1 part to three.

The distribution map is 46 years old. I respectfully disagree. I agree James. A LOT can change in 46 years. I would certainly like to see an up-to-date graphic map.

My grandmother gave me this kit as a gift for what I believe was my 4th birthday. That would have been in 1970. She and I built it together on the kitchen table. We were so clueless we even glued the decals on with tube cement. LOL I once put the stars and bars upside down on the fuselage of a 1/32 scale F-4J Phantom. That was soooo embarrassing (in good fun) when i showed off my treasure to the club. My model club to this day gets a laugh out of that one.

As an aside to my first post, the first vac-formed model I built was the star ship Reliant available years before the plastic kit was on the market. The first ship I built was the Tamiya 1/700 USS Hornet kit. I have been building them ever since because I loved the delicate , tiny parts that made ships (for me) really different from any other type of model. My first resin ship was an MB Models kit of the USS King(?) I believe (the Fletcher with the catapult midships).