McGovernM

Oy, there's always one in every bushel... 😄

Here's another item to put on your agenda at the 2026 IPMS/USA National Convention!

Coming to Fort Wayne, Indiana for Nats? We're two and a half weeks away! If you are bringing a model to the contest, please pack it carefully and register it in advance using the model registration system. The seminar times are set, so it's time to check out what you might want to learn. And as we all start to pack our bags for Fort Wayne, just remember to leave space for all our fantastic vendors. For all details, visit: https://nats2026.ipmsusa.org/

You beat me to the punch, Bill. Many thanks!

Rato, Wow! You're a traveler who enjoys taking the scenic route, yes? The short answer is to use your computer to search for hobby shops in each city. Each of the places you name are very large so, including the suburbs, they'll have many stores to visit. I hope your phone is equipped with a GPS app to track them down. But of course, if you absolutely can't find any hobby shops - don't worry! Your destination will include the USA's largest hobby store for a couple days. Several of our vendors have been posting about themselves on our Facebook page. You might save some driving by checking them out: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ipmsusanationals/. See you in Fort Wayne!

Just a quick heads-up: a lot of the vendors who will be at the 2026 IPMS/USA National Convention in Fort Wayne, Indiana have begun posting information about themselves on our Facebook page. You might want to check them out, they're offering all kinds of cool stuff! https://www.facebook.com/groups/ipmsusanationals/

The main events, registration (for those who didn't register online), the model contest, most of the vendor rooms, and so on will be on the main floor. The rest of the vendors, the display-only Tiger Meet, and the seminars will be on the second floor. There will be maps included in the goody bag you'll get when you sign in. Most everything else you need to know can be found on our website: https://nats2026.ipmsusa.org/.

One thing every model contest needs is JUDGES!

Here's a preview of the aircraft models sheet that you'll receive at the 2026 IPMS National Convention in Fort Wayne, Indiana. A big thank you to Sprue Brothers for sponsoring this sheet! I will post pictures of the automotive sheet once I receive it.

Dear fellow modelers, I’m writing to thank you if you’ve already purchased a trophy package sponsorship to support the IPMS/USA 2026 National Convention in Fort Wayne, IN, and, if you haven’t, to ask you to consider purchasing a trophy package sponsorship. Contest trophies do more than recognize outstanding craftsmanship, they encourage participation, celebrate achievement, and inspire modelers of every age and skill level. Your sponsorship is a direct investment in the heart of our community and in the future of the hobby. A trophy package sponsorship gives your name, chapter, or organization visible recognition during the event. Sponsors are acknowledged on the category table signs, and the convention team is offering new, prominent, signage that makes each sponsor easy to see and appreciate. Packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Trophy Package Sponsorships can be purchased, for $90 each, at: Purchase Website Please consider helping us honor excellence in modeling while promoting your support for this premier event. Your contribution will make a meaningful difference and help ensure a memorable convention for all. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to IPMS/USA. Sincerely, John Figueroa IPMS/USA 2026 National Convention Chairman

Actually, it was a little of both. By and large, every contest, large or small, needs all the judges it can muster. The greater the number of judges, the more fair and faster the judging will go.-

For those planning to compete at the 2026 IPMS National Convention in Fort Wayne, Indiana, you have a couple more options if you're looking to snag a Special Award. Two more special categories have been added. We look forward to seeing what you bring! https://ipmsnationals.org/2026-special-categories

For those looking for a little more rustic, or at least a little cheaper, accommodations for the National Convention, there are some campgrounds in and around Fort Wayne. Be aware that the camping areas, especially those nearest the city, fill quickly so you will want to make reservations soon. There are two campgrounds inside the greater Fort Wayne area: Johnny Appleseed Campground and River Camp Fort Wayne. A little further out are Indian Springs Campground in Garrett and Chain O' Lakes State Park in Albion. [Johnny Appleseed](https://www.cityoffortwayne.in.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Johnny-Appleseed-Campground-48), part of the city park system, has 48 sites including two that are handicapped-accessible and several pull-through. All have electric with water nearby. (See photo.) [River Camp](https://rivercampfortwayne.com/index.html), located south of the city but within the suburban ring, is a smaller facility with seven tent sites, one RV site and a cabin. The RV site is limited to 16' campers. [Indian Springs](https://www.indianspringsoutdoors.com/), about 8 miles north of Fort Wayne, has more than 350 sites, including several pull-through. Some sites include electric and water and sewer. It also has eight cabins sleeping from four to eight people. Among the amenities is on-site laundry. [Chain O' Lakes](https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/chain-o-lakes-state-park/), about 20 miles north of Fort Wayne, has 331 sites with electric, 49 without and 33 primitive. The campground website doesn't indicate how water is provided, but it has an on-site dump station. For those willing to drive further, there are other campgrounds in the region. We look forward to seeing you in Fort Wayne this August and hope you find the accommodations that best fit your needs.

Have you thought about sponsoring a trophy package at the 2026 IPMS National Convention in Fort Wayne, Indiana, but didn't think anybody would notice? Well, take a look Steve Bacon's design! He says that the new Category cards will be 8"×11" with either the Sponsors name, logo or in "memory of" posted in the lower right corner (4"×4"). You can find out how to get your sponsorship package here: https://nats2026.ipmsusa.org/.../consider-sponsoring....

Did you see the post on the main IPMS/USA FB page? Hopefully it will give you ideas for what to build for 2026 Nationals this year! One of the special categories is The 60th Anniversary of Star Trek: Any vehicle, figure, or diorama from the entire Star Trek franchise. So bring all your non-cloaked builds to the show. And for a list of all the Special Contest Categories, visit https://ipmsnationals.org/2026-special-categories