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Rusty White

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Posts posted by Rusty White

  1. 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.

  2. "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.

  3. 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.

  4. HI, Rusty,

     

    It's out of many, many, many boxes. :smiley29: Scratchbuilding and aftermarket resin and PE, if used, will not permit entry into an OOB category, and it will be hard to avoid the temptation to go beyond what is provided in the boxes. Nice as they are, the model's cockpit and interior spaces beg for embelleshment.

     

    Ed

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

  5. 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.

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  6. As far as I know you can. I know of several people who do just this. As long as you are a dues paying member of the local and national, a club can "claim" you as a national member for charter purposes.

     

    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.

  7.  

    The below URL is the IPMS/USA Membership Map I made on a CalComp Plotter in 1969. I expect the membership is approximately the same today.

     

    http://i604.photobucket.com/albums/tt124/HappyRalph/IPMS_Membership_Map_1968.jpg

     

     

     

    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.

  8.  

    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.

  9. 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).

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